Cheeks to Cheeks

Cowboy movie on TV tonight…

Mommy to Daddy: What show is this?
Belle: This is a guy show.

Belle sure says the darndest thing.

and that isn’t what I’m doing. 

What am I doing now?

Trying to stop Cass from stripping. Oh yea, I have a stripper apprentice here. Thank goodness she hasn’t discover the diaper. Right now, please excuse me while I try to tackle this girl from pulling off her shirt.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, my second weaning experience was more difficult than my first. I believe it has to do with the situation we are in–that is being in close proximity to the baby. A few things I have gathered from being home full time with Cass are the convenience of direct feeding from the breasts, no bottle sterilizing and saving a few pennies from the utility bills ( i.e.: no bottle washing and sterilizing = less water and electric consumption).

I’m not in the position to say that my weaning process are foul-proof as each baby responds differently. I am a strong advocate of breastfeeding but when it comes to being subjected as a momifier, I had to put an end to my babe’s bad behavior. Oh believe me, I have tried everything, from bottle feeding to the cry-out method. At times I can’t help but to feel jealous of parents who have babies who can gulp down every drop of milk and wanting more. If you have a child who has no problem drinking from the bottle and have you just nursing him/her at night (without using you as a momifier), by all means, continue this precious bonding moment.

Cass, oh, what can I say, if a milk spitter when comes to drinking from the bottle. We could never get her pass the 3oz mark for each feeding. It was a lot worse when I had to be the one feeding her. I can understand why. I wouldn’t want to drink from a hard, cold plastic nipple when I have a warm, custom fitted nipple right where I need it to be. A tough baby will need a tougher regimen. The key to my success is perseverence. Below are the steps I took:

1) Baby steps: You can expect the baby to accept the bottle overnight. For my case, we tried the bottle to sippy cup to direct feeding from the cup. I did not spoon-feed Cass as I find it a slow and tedious task to begin with. One day (about 3-4 weeks ago) I miraculously found my successful tool: STRAW. I started her off with regular whole milk 2oz for each feeding. I kept introducing the milk and straw every 2-3 hours interval. Whenever I felt engorged (my milk level was already dwindling), I would direct breastfeed her. For those who are diligent in pumping, good for you! I am lazy and nursing is faster than pumping. I didn’t go with the formula milk ’cos Cass would not finish her milk most of the time. Formula milk is expensive and regular whole milk isn’t. If I do have to dump away the unconsumed portion I don’t feel the pinch.

Step #2 will be revealed tomorrow ‘cos my princess has awaken from her nap. After all, she is still my priority #1.

Today marks the first day of Cass being 100% weaned from the breast and breastmilk. The weaning process was tougher than my previous experience with Belle. It’s funny that there are plenty of books and help on latching and breastfeeding but not many in regards to weaning.

Having said that, I have a few frozen bags of bm. Any takers?

And yes, hello, indeed.

On the day I found out I wouldn’t be working full time I told myself, “Hey, I can be a stay at home mom! I can multi-task. I am good a good planner. This is gonna be a piece of cake!” If I had known I would be getting myself in a rough roller coaster ride, I would stuff my big fat mouth.

I was like a headless chicken during the first few months. I could not get Cassie’s schedule right. She was clingy and I had her on me (literally) the entire day. Did I cry? No. Was I tired? You betcha!

Today, I’ve the courage to say, I have graduated. Now, that’s only for “Class of 1 kid.” I am not brave to handle two kids yet. Belle is still in preschool and Hallelujah for that! As for Cassie, I have figured out her schedule, her likes and dislikes. I went through a lot of trials and errors. This girl was one tough cookie but her Mommy is tougher.

As I get to stay home during the day with Cass, I could sense Belle needed me more than ever. I tried to have 1-on-1 time with her by reading to her before bedtime (when I get the chance) and do “homework” with her. She loves working on the workbooks we got from M’sia and Shanghai. I guess “doing homework” is when we could talk and do things together.

The big question now is, Would I want to continue being a SAHM? I would if money isn’t the issue. We like to live comfortably and not worry to spend a little more. Right now things are bearable and believe me, working full time is WAAAAY easier than staying home full time. I love my girls but I love the freedom to do my own stuff too…like blogging. LOL!

Anyway, now that I have figured out my monyet’s schedule, I think I will be able to blog more often. That said, I’m sure Daddy will push me even harder to look for jobs–not that I am not doing.

And yes, I know some of you have been asking for our trips photos. Sorry la, still too busy to do that. I will get around to it soon.

Cassie: *mumble mumble* (trying to get me pull her up)
Cassie: *grumble* Mama…
Mom: Huh? (plopped Cass on the knees) Call Mama.
Cassie: Papa!
Mom: *slaps forehead*

(Daddy laughed hysterically in the background)

Few minutes later…

Cassie: *grumble mumble* (wanting me to pull her up again)
Cassie: Mama…mamamama…
Mom: Call mama.
Cassie: Papa-papapa…