The Bub in the Belly

Last Sunday (24 May) we went to try out Gymboree. We took a trial of their Play & Learn class (Level 1). There were lots of action songs and exercises to stimulate the senses and increase awareness of oneself and the surrounding environment. It was quite nice, very sweet and soothing. However, Ryan seemed a little bored. I think it is because I do similar exercises with him at home so he has already advanced past this level. I asked the instructor and she said that it could be that he is just distracted by his new surroundings. I don't really agree, but I'm willing to try out her theory by bringing Ryan in for another session.

We also signed up for a trial at Kindermusik, which we attended today. At just over four months, Ryan was the youngest in the class. I think he is probably too young to fully benefit from all the activities they did, especially "playing" the instruments. Also, as I often sing to Ryan, I feel that there is not a lot of additional value that the class can add at this stage. Still, it was enjoyable and I did pick up a few new songs. Perhaps we will try it again when Ryan is older. For now, he’s got "Mummymusik".

Today we went to see Dr William Yip again (teetooteetoo! teetooteetoo!). As usual, the show was over in less than five minutes. Ryan is 7.3 kg and is 63.5 cm.

After that, we went for lunch at House at Dempsey Hill.

Last week (16 May), Ryan had his second visit with Dr Pauline Cheong, the paediatric eye specialist. As Ryan was still manageable (read: could still be bullied), he didn't have to be sedated and Richard could still hold him in a swaddle while Dr Cheong checked his eyes. This time, I waited outside the room, although I could still hear Ryan crying from the discomfort. The moment they were done and came out from the room, I rushed over to hold Ryan and comfort him, although, by that time, Ryan wasn’t crying anymore, so I guess holding him was more a comfort for me than it was for him. Anyway, the important news is that everything is all right. The next check-up will be in August.

10 May 2009 - Breakfast at Red Star


12 May 2009 - Dinner at Fish & Co

We drove up to KL again for the long weekend for some family time and for an early Mother's Day celebration. Ryan gives us reason to go to KL more often as we feel that it is good for Ryan to be able to spend time with his extended family.

Ryan's Paternal Grandfather


Ryan's Paternal Grandmother


Ryan's Uncle Jimmy and Aunty Margaret


Ryan's Aunty Mary


Ryan's Uncle Kenneth

Ryan had his first swimming experience today. We took him to a shop at Harbourfront Centre where they have tubs for babies to kick about, wearing nothing but neck floats.

Ryan didn't need much encouragement, he took to the water quickly and was happily kicking about within minutes. He was a delight to watch and the staff were surprised that this was his first time. As he enjoyed it so much, we signed him up for a package of 10 sessions.

Whenever I am in the queue at the PD’s clinic waiting for Ryan’s turn, I always wonder why other patients take so long. Ryan’s check-up today was over in five minutes. Maybe I should think of some questions to ask the PD at our next appointment.

Today's consultation was with Dr William Yip as Dr Ngiam is away. Dr William Yip is quite an amusing fellow. He called Ryan, "My darling" and made lots of lovely sounds to entertain Ryan (Teeteetortor! Teeteetortor!). He said Ryan is a big baby and, as Ryan is digesting his milk well, we need not and should not rush to start him on solids otherwise he will be overweight. Ryan measured 6.8 kg and 61 cm.

In other news, Ryan has started flipping over to lie on his tummy. Also, he loves to suck his fingers and fists now, which makes me kind of jealous - when I see him sucking his fists, I will stop him and put him on the breast instead. On my end, my wrist pain has suddenly disappeared - I didn't have to see the orthopaedic surgeon for a jab after all, so I'm very happy about that.

When we were out with the Fams for Ryan's mini full month celebration, Sheri mentioned that she had used an online site to advertise for a child minder and that she'd got some good responses. She suggested that we advertise there for a nanny. We thought that it was a great suggestion so Richard put up an advert on the site and we managed to find a wonderful lady, Mrs Chok, who lives somewhere in between our house and our offices.

We had checked out a few infant care centres and had more or less decided on one but we never got around to registering Ryan, perhaps because we were not totally convinced it was the right choice for us. The present arrangement with Mrs Chok is perfect for us and we are very happy about the way things have turned out.

Here's a shot taken when we were bringing Ryan to his nanny's place this morning. Over the weekend, we had already deposited stuff like diapers, baby wipes, Ryan's toiletries, towel, bedsheet, mattress, bottles and clothes with her so this morning I only had to bring my expressed breast milk. And Ryan, of course.