Isabelle Sophia | Nine weeks

I think I have almost forgotten I have a blog! This is probably the longest silence and if you are still checking back frequently for updates, well done you and thank you! What a ride it has been! Life is all a big mish-mash of same-same-but-different every day. You know what I mean? My life now is divided into 3 hourly sessions of feeding, burping, changing nappies, cuddling, soothing a crying baby on repeat mode. And if by some miracle I can find time in between to do something for myself, then consider it a big win.

9 weeks old!

Yes we know, baby

Looking at this face does make my heart go aww

Say what?! Yes our munchkin is 9 weeks old. *fist pump* We survived. They said motherhood is tough but boy I had no idea what that phrase meant till now, especially for first time parents where we have to figure out what baby wants/ needs when she cries. It is a very steep learning curve. An on-the-job learning. Thankfully baby Isabelle has learnt how to smile now, so it feels like there is something in return for the relentless hard work and sleepless nights for the past 8 weeks. They also say the journey will get easier so yes people, we live in hope. Although I have to be realistic to say I don't expect this ease to be a linear graph! Honestly, yes it is definitely easier compared to her first two weeks where we simply had no clue what each cry meant (and there are countless cries in a day; some are loud and some louder). Today we still don't, but sometimes we do get it right :). Every day I seek to get small wins. Small wins such as having time to respond to that email, pop by the post office to send that parcel which I have been meaning to, or even blog (like now!). You gotta count small wins, otherwise it is very tough. And have no expectations for each day because that would make a happier you. I'm trying to put together a list of 'things that I've learnt in my motherhood journey so far' so look out for that, I imagine it to be a long list!

At Bella's birthday party

Admiring the snowfall yesterday

I thank God for putting well meaning and supportive friends here for me. In times like this, you do need friends to cheer for you when the going gets tough, or stand with you in prayers if you ever need some. I'm part of two WhatsApp chat groups- my prenatal course mates (us 4 moms) and a Hillsong church moms and bumps group. I've also been introduced to a lactation consultation Maria, who really is amazing as a person- she is so dedicated to the cause and runs many breastfeeding events and support groups voluntarily. Her heart is really to help moms and I do applaud her. Just today, through her, she introduced me to another group of moms who meet once a month at a church hall, just to talk, share their challenges on breastfeeding and simply just hang out. Pretty therapeutic and so nice to know I am not alone.

I love the phrase describing parenthood: The days are long but the years are short. Everyday I tell myself to enjoy the ride, whether smooth or bumpy. Hubby and I are also learning to find amusement while rolling with the punches. Already I'm feeling nostalgic at having to start putting away her newborn sized clothes. She is growing very well and is moving into her proper 'up to 3 months' clothing. Hubby K calls her affectionately his 'little rice sack' in Mandarin because she is now more than 5kg. Just like a small sack of rice. And a bit more.