I have a secret, one that I'm a bit embarrassed to divulge: I'm hooked on 'Hannah Montana'. I've got the theme song stuck in my head. It's been there for the past week. When you don't have satellite TV (should think about getting that fixed), your viewing options include CCTV 1-infinity, International Channel Shanghai, and that is pretty much it. CCTV 9 and ICS are the only channels with shows in English. Other channels may have western movies and programs, but dubbed into Chinese, most memorably, 'Growing Pains'.
One thing that I really love about 'Hannah Montana' is the hostess who introduces the show as a way of learning English and western culture. She highlights certain phrases like 'selling out', 'cheerleading', and 'sick as a dog'. It's interesting to think how this show may color a Chinese person's idea of America.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Life with Baby
I have been really fortunate here with the friends I've found. The core group first met through the American Women's Club and one of the women suggested we refer to ourselves as the 'Mei Meis', which is Chinese for 'little (younger) sister'. Lincoln is the first, and currently, only Mei Mei baby. The next little one is due in November and I can't wait to meet him.
It's sometimes difficult being the only person in a group with a child and it's then that I'm happy to have found another great group of women who have babies Lincoln's age. The core group met through a prenatal class and we have accumulated more women as time goes on. We try to meet at least once per month at someone's place. The latest was just last week. We put our babies together on the floor. One baby was still asleep in his car seat and wasn't in the group picture. Of course it would be my baby with the frown.
I don't know why, but Lincoln's frown-face makes me laugh. He has a way of pulling his entire face into a spectacular frown and for some reason, I find it to be cute. I can't help myself.
From left to right we have Felix (b. April 25), Kaia (b. May 6), Lincoln (b. May 31), and Mila (b. May 27). Not pictured is William (b. June 20), who's asleep in his car seat. Little Lia (b. June 20) and her mom couldn't come to this mom's group. We're all first-time moms and it's good to have people to commiserate about things like breast feeding and sleep issues. And since we're all new moms, we can talk nonstop about our babies with each other and not worry about inflicting too much baby bother as can happen when talking to people without kids.
I was amazed at how fat Felix had gotten since I last saw him. Lincoln, too, has changed quite a bit. I was looking through my pictures and he was so scrawny with skinny little bird legs when he was first born. He's put on about a kilogram since then and now weighs 4.55 kg (about 10 lb). I can certainly feel the extra weight when I carry him around, especially when he's in his sling. I remember (and it hasn't been that long ago -- he's only 2 months old) when the baby sling swallowed him up. I'd put a blanket in the bottom to keep from losing him. Now, he really fills it up and his head is actually starting to poke out now. He likes to sit up in the sling like a kangaroo and look around, though I still need to support his head. I'm borrowing a Baby Bjorn from a friend and he isn't as happy when all he can look at is me. I think we'll both enjoy it when his neck is stronger and I can put him face-forward.
Rain is in the forecast. If it doesn't rain, we may go out and buy a few things for Lincoln's wardrobe and perhaps another nursing top for me. I managed to accidentally dye a bunch of things pink when I put a pink item in with some whites. It was mostly baby towels. Thankfully I didn't have any of Eric's dress shirts in the wash.
Again, it's nearly 7. I've been up since 5. 5 is my magic number. It's when I can be assured that the baby is asleep and I can have a decent shower without interruptions. I can eat my bowl of oatmeal hot and with both hands. I can sit with my laptop and blog and read the news. Surprising what becomes luxuries once you have a baby.
It's sometimes difficult being the only person in a group with a child and it's then that I'm happy to have found another great group of women who have babies Lincoln's age. The core group met through a prenatal class and we have accumulated more women as time goes on. We try to meet at least once per month at someone's place. The latest was just last week. We put our babies together on the floor. One baby was still asleep in his car seat and wasn't in the group picture. Of course it would be my baby with the frown.
I don't know why, but Lincoln's frown-face makes me laugh. He has a way of pulling his entire face into a spectacular frown and for some reason, I find it to be cute. I can't help myself.
From left to right we have Felix (b. April 25), Kaia (b. May 6), Lincoln (b. May 31), and Mila (b. May 27). Not pictured is William (b. June 20), who's asleep in his car seat. Little Lia (b. June 20) and her mom couldn't come to this mom's group. We're all first-time moms and it's good to have people to commiserate about things like breast feeding and sleep issues. And since we're all new moms, we can talk nonstop about our babies with each other and not worry about inflicting too much baby bother as can happen when talking to people without kids.
I was amazed at how fat Felix had gotten since I last saw him. Lincoln, too, has changed quite a bit. I was looking through my pictures and he was so scrawny with skinny little bird legs when he was first born. He's put on about a kilogram since then and now weighs 4.55 kg (about 10 lb). I can certainly feel the extra weight when I carry him around, especially when he's in his sling. I remember (and it hasn't been that long ago -- he's only 2 months old) when the baby sling swallowed him up. I'd put a blanket in the bottom to keep from losing him. Now, he really fills it up and his head is actually starting to poke out now. He likes to sit up in the sling like a kangaroo and look around, though I still need to support his head. I'm borrowing a Baby Bjorn from a friend and he isn't as happy when all he can look at is me. I think we'll both enjoy it when his neck is stronger and I can put him face-forward.
Rain is in the forecast. If it doesn't rain, we may go out and buy a few things for Lincoln's wardrobe and perhaps another nursing top for me. I managed to accidentally dye a bunch of things pink when I put a pink item in with some whites. It was mostly baby towels. Thankfully I didn't have any of Eric's dress shirts in the wash.
Again, it's nearly 7. I've been up since 5. 5 is my magic number. It's when I can be assured that the baby is asleep and I can have a decent shower without interruptions. I can eat my bowl of oatmeal hot and with both hands. I can sit with my laptop and blog and read the news. Surprising what becomes luxuries once you have a baby.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Nearly 8 Weeks
The baby is nearly 8 weeks old now. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. Quite honestly, the first 4 weeks are a blur. I don't remember much during that time except that this new creature seemed to be constantly hungry and never slept. This second 4 weeks has been a revelation. Breast feeding has finally gotten easier. The baby takes actual naps and sleeps for much of the night. When he's awake, he's alert and interactive. He's starting to 'talk' and is better able to focus on objects and faces. I'm reading the 'Baby Book' by Dr. Sears and am avidly charting Lincoln's progress with the month milestones described in the book.
Right now, he's been awake in his crib for over half an hour. I can hear him sucking loudly on his fist, likely clenching the blanket while doing so. It was a mysterious noise at first, one I thought could possibly be the cat. It's 7:00, time for our day to begin.
Right now, he's been awake in his crib for over half an hour. I can hear him sucking loudly on his fist, likely clenching the blanket while doing so. It was a mysterious noise at first, one I thought could possibly be the cat. It's 7:00, time for our day to begin.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Calm Before the Storm
It's nearly 7 am, about when Lincoln wakes up. I'm enjoying a few minutes of quiet. It's interesting how certain commonplace things can become such a luxury for a new parent. Time alone, a hot cup of tea, a meal eaten with both hands. We have passed the 1 month mark and now are near the half-point of month 2.
I once asked a friend if she ever missed her daughter's baby days. She replied no, that each progressive stage just got better and more enjoyable. It made sense but I never really understood it until now. It just keeps getting better. He's changed so much in this short time. He is able to stay awake longer and is much more aware of his surroundings. I put him on his playmat and he likes to look around, coo, and kick.
It's fun to watch him grow. His neck is stronger and his head doesn't flop as much as it once did. He's able to hold his head up a bit when on his tummy and he's learning to smile.
We have Lincoln on a routine now, so our days now have a structure. The early days were a bit difficult adjusting to each other and getting acquainted. Especially challenging was learning to breastfeed. Natural it may be, but it certainly isn't necessarily intuitive. I fed Lincoln on demand the first month because I was so anxious about him gaining weight. Now that the scale has told me that he is gaining fine, I feel more relaxed about letting him go 3 hours between feedings.
I think my moment of quiet is coming to a close. I can hear snuffling from the next room. And so another day begins.
I once asked a friend if she ever missed her daughter's baby days. She replied no, that each progressive stage just got better and more enjoyable. It made sense but I never really understood it until now. It just keeps getting better. He's changed so much in this short time. He is able to stay awake longer and is much more aware of his surroundings. I put him on his playmat and he likes to look around, coo, and kick.
It's fun to watch him grow. His neck is stronger and his head doesn't flop as much as it once did. He's able to hold his head up a bit when on his tummy and he's learning to smile.
We have Lincoln on a routine now, so our days now have a structure. The early days were a bit difficult adjusting to each other and getting acquainted. Especially challenging was learning to breastfeed. Natural it may be, but it certainly isn't necessarily intuitive. I fed Lincoln on demand the first month because I was so anxious about him gaining weight. Now that the scale has told me that he is gaining fine, I feel more relaxed about letting him go 3 hours between feedings.
I think my moment of quiet is coming to a close. I can hear snuffling from the next room. And so another day begins.
Monday, June 23, 2008
3 Weeks!
Hmmm. Lincoln is making faces here. I set him in his basket and tried to snap a few photos for his passport. In theory, easy-peasy. Set baby in a basket with white sheets and wait for him to open his eyes. In reality, a bit of a challenge. Who knew babies were so wiggly.
Lincoln is 3 weeks old, nearly 1 month old. I can't believe how quickly the time went. I marvel at how much life has changed in such a short time. Not only do I now have the joy that is a new baby, but I also have the joy of having my ankles back. No more compression socks! My fingers don't look like sausages and I saw my feet without a mirror. I just need my waist back and a night of uninterrupted sleep for life to be complete.
We have Lincoln's 1-month check-up coming soon and then we'll see how weight he's gained and how many centimeters he's grown. As far as I can see, Lincoln is growing lengthwise more than widthwise.
His umbilical cord fell off yesterday and I swear I saw a ghost of a real smile today.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Moment of Peace
It's been about a week and half since we became parents. Right now, I am savoring a moment of quiet when the baby is settled and I can enjoy a hot cup of tea while it is still hot. I'm not deluding myself; the baby is likely to wake at any moment. In fact, I'm surprised that he sleeps at all since the sound of car horns and construction noise is unceasing. Really, he is a good baby overall. He feeds about every 2 hours, though he'll sleep 3-4 (even once 5!) hours after his last nightly feeding at around 11p. He is fairly easy to settle when he cries. Generally he cries because of he is hungry or he is wet. Once those issues are addressed, he quiets down quickly.
In this week and a half, Lincoln was born, went home and met the cat, had a 2-day follow up doctor's visit (heel stick for PKU test -- parents should never watch their children have blood drawn), and went to the U.S. consulate to start the paperwork for his Consulate Report of Birth Abroad and his passport. I took a picture of Lincoln in his moses basket, which has white sheets. Like most passport pictures, this one wasn't very flattering. It made him look odd with a big moon face. The person at the consulate said that his papers should be ready in about a week.
It's strange to think how new this person is; that 2 weeks ago, he was still in my belly; that a year ago, he was only a distant thought. Now I wonder what he will be like in 2 weeks, when he is 1 month old; what he will be like in a year.
Right now, I am looking forward to his first smile and first laugh. He has such a serious demeanor that I have a hard time imagining what that smile would look like. The other day he pulled a spectacular frown on ayi when she was gently teasing him.
Mugsy isn't quite sure what to think of this little squalling bundle. If I sit in the big leather chair with the baby, Mugs is sure to sit on what remains of my lap. Lincoln still isn't aware of kitty. It'll be interesting when he starts to notice.
In this week and a half, Lincoln was born, went home and met the cat, had a 2-day follow up doctor's visit (heel stick for PKU test -- parents should never watch their children have blood drawn), and went to the U.S. consulate to start the paperwork for his Consulate Report of Birth Abroad and his passport. I took a picture of Lincoln in his moses basket, which has white sheets. Like most passport pictures, this one wasn't very flattering. It made him look odd with a big moon face. The person at the consulate said that his papers should be ready in about a week.
It's strange to think how new this person is; that 2 weeks ago, he was still in my belly; that a year ago, he was only a distant thought. Now I wonder what he will be like in 2 weeks, when he is 1 month old; what he will be like in a year.
Right now, I am looking forward to his first smile and first laugh. He has such a serious demeanor that I have a hard time imagining what that smile would look like. The other day he pulled a spectacular frown on ayi when she was gently teasing him.
Mugsy isn't quite sure what to think of this little squalling bundle. If I sit in the big leather chair with the baby, Mugs is sure to sit on what remains of my lap. Lincoln still isn't aware of kitty. It'll be interesting when he starts to notice.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Run
I got up early this morning to watch the Olympic torch run through Shanghai. Part of the torch run route was through Xintiandi and People's Square. One of my girl friends lives in the Xintiandi part of the city and her apartment management was keeping her updated on the torch route. The torch was originally supposed to come to Shanghai on the 20th, but was delayed for a 3-day period of mourning for the earthquake victims.
I got a text message saying the torch was coming at around 8 am, so I managed to get myself up and dressed and in Xintiandi by 7:30. Eric opted to stay in bed. I figured that since the torch was so close to me that I should make the effort to go see it. Streets were barricaded and lined with police officers. The pedestrian area of Xintiandi was cordoned off and the Starbucks on the corner had bike locks on the doors.
There was a general sense of excitement and anticipation with people lining the streets waving Olympic flags.
We found a spot to stand and wait for the torch to pass through. From what we had been told, the torch and torch bearer would be driven to one end of the street. They would get out, light the torch, and run down the street. We saw sponsorship vehicles for Samsung, Coca-cola, and Lenovo; buses of seemingly important people; emergency vehicles; and motorcycles. We continued to wait until the crowds started to disperse and the police started to take down the rope barricades. We were left baffled and hugely disappointed.
I got up early for this? It seemed that the people most disappointed were foreigners. I've heard similar stories of disappointment from people waiting at different locations in Shanghai. No one could tell us exactly what happened or when and where we could actually see the torch.
There does seem to be one person who managed to see the torch and has photographic evidence (link goes to Shanghai dear Edward's flickr photo stream). I'm glad someone got to see the torch.
I got a text message saying the torch was coming at around 8 am, so I managed to get myself up and dressed and in Xintiandi by 7:30. Eric opted to stay in bed. I figured that since the torch was so close to me that I should make the effort to go see it. Streets were barricaded and lined with police officers. The pedestrian area of Xintiandi was cordoned off and the Starbucks on the corner had bike locks on the doors.
There was a general sense of excitement and anticipation with people lining the streets waving Olympic flags.
We found a spot to stand and wait for the torch to pass through. From what we had been told, the torch and torch bearer would be driven to one end of the street. They would get out, light the torch, and run down the street. We saw sponsorship vehicles for Samsung, Coca-cola, and Lenovo; buses of seemingly important people; emergency vehicles; and motorcycles. We continued to wait until the crowds started to disperse and the police started to take down the rope barricades. We were left baffled and hugely disappointed.
I got up early for this? It seemed that the people most disappointed were foreigners. I've heard similar stories of disappointment from people waiting at different locations in Shanghai. No one could tell us exactly what happened or when and where we could actually see the torch.
There does seem to be one person who managed to see the torch and has photographic evidence (link goes to Shanghai dear Edward's flickr photo stream). I'm glad someone got to see the torch.
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