Sweet Little Updates

Hello. Zachary is taking a late afternoon nap and so I thought I'd type just a bit before he wakes.  Thought I'd share some little updates regarding Zachary's development. 

Rice Cereal

We just recently started Zachary on solids.  Rice cereal was our first very exciting venture out into the world of solids.  At first Zachary was a bit upset to find that his BPA-free munchkin spoon does not provide a free flow of milk like mommy or his nightly bottle.  He was sure to express this frustration Shaun and I.  After a a couple of more days he has become much better as accepting his rice cereal as an additional component to his breakfast and lunch. 

Not looking too happy here

Looking a little happier here

Daddy's turn

Yum yum!

Second time around! Forget the bib! We're using a towel!

"Sleep Training"

Sigh..now here's something to talk about!?  Or maybe not!!  About a week or two ago we started to encourage Zachary to go down to sleep without having to be held or soothed.  Tears were indeed shed!  Both Zachary and I cried.  But after a couple of days we could see the fruit of our labor.  He now (for the most part) goes down very easily and calmly!  Hooray!!!! 

Sleeping Through the Night

Zachary is starting to sleep through the night! Yay!!!!  After a rough two weeks of 1am-4am play time due to him being jet lagged from the 14 hour difference in Singapore, he now sleeps at about 8ish and wakes at about 6ish!  He does wake up in between in which we at times respond with a comforting "pat-pat-pat" on his bottom in addition to a "shh-shh-shh".  Other times we wait just a minute to respond and back to sleep he goes.  Amazing!!!

Shrieking & Squealing

Zachary has finally discovered that he has a voice box!  He shrieks & squeals when he's happy and when he's mad.  At times he sounds like a little baby kitten outside our window looking for his mommy. 

Rolling Over

 Zachary can now roll over onto his tummy & back!  This is exciting and yet a little scary.  I'm constantly keeping an eye on him as he sleeps to make sure he's able to breath okay.  Even when I attempt to turn him back on his back he seems to turn himself back on to his side or tummy. 

Swaddle Free

No more swaddling for our little Houdini!  He is now able to sleep without being swaddled!!!

Here are a few other sweet moments...

Sporting his U of M winter wear on a chilly night

Daddy & Zachary reading "Brown Bear"

The End

Due for an explosive diaper anytime now! 
On his way to our neighbors apt while mommy goes to the dentist.

3am and 5 days later

Well, I guess 3am is better than 1am!  Yesterday was a hard & long day for baby & I.  Zachary is not happy about being put down and out of mommy & daddy's arms.  Not good! Singapore was full of open arms embracing Zachary morning, day and night.  Not so back home.  As much as I'd love to hold my darling little baby all day long it's just not possible nor is it healthy for him.  So Zachary as a result is no longer being rocked to sleep nor sleeping in mommy or daddy's arms.  This is definitely a hard transition for us.  In the mean time we take it moment by moment and continue to reassure our sweet little baby that we love him dearly.  Sigh...

This morning he woke at 3am and wanting to play.  Considering we're all still a bit jet lagged it's only fair to let Zachary play a bit.  After all, mommy's been getting up at all crazy hours of the night to play.  Daddy on the other hand has been sleeping well.  Argh!?  :)

3am Moments



1am and 4 Days Later

It's 2am and 4 days later and my sweet little Zachary has not fully recovered from his jet lag.  Who can blame the little guy!? Shaun and I are still struggling to adjust as well.  I've convinced myself to endure for a week.  The same occurred in Singapore. After a week he was back on schedule.  Unfortunately,  two weeks later we packed our back and headed back home.  Now we're back at square one. As I finish up this little post type Zachary is laying next to me swinging his feet in the air while being mesmerized by the lights on our little Christmas tree.  Yes, our Christmas tree is still up and running! 

Bitter Sweet

Our three weeks have finally come to an end.  Both bitter and sweet it is to leave Singapore and return back to the states.  Each time we leave I can't help but feel sad about Shaun leaving his loved ones and his homeland.   Airport good byes are always a teary one for me when we leave his family.  Though we're sad to leave, we are also eager to head back home and begin the New Year with our little family of three.  With all the visiting and food craze there's not been very much time to reflect on the past year and anticipate what's to come this year.  This will also be the start of my season with Zachary with out family around to help.  My mom as well as Shaun's mum have been around to support us for the last 3 1/2 months.  So graciously and selflessly they served our new little family.  I'm positive it will be a definite challenge attempting to juggle house chores, caring for Zachary, and much more but I eager and excitingly accept the challenge! 

Below are some pictures during our last week here in Singapore. 

New Year's Eve Steam Boat.  Every has their own little pot where they can fish for yummy
foods like fish, seafood, chicken, beef, veggies, etc.  Very cool idea!

Shaun's godson and his daddy opening Christmas present from godpa.  This gift took up half a suit case!?

Great grandma

Great grandma feeding Zachary

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

Daddy & Zachary play a game on the ipod

Sweet Baby Zachary

On the MRT/train.  Talk about invasion of my personal space!?

To the front...

...to the back.

Love this!!!

Out with our friends Wendy & Nino

Yummy shaved ice for dessert!

What a sight to behold.  Shaun and I returned from our little outing to find our sweet
 Zachary holding on tight to my rolled up shirt!

Laksa! Love this! It's a noodle soup with seafood & poultry in a coconut curry sauce broth.

Chicken Rice!

On the bus

Need I say more?

Zachary still in modeling mode

Out and about

Zachary enjoying tummy time Asian style.  Neat little tummy plat form that spins.

Can't wait to see Zachary standing on his own

At a house church service-HMCC. Shaun's church from
Michigan started a church in Singapore





Zachary's hang out place while mommy puts her make up on

Auntie Candy feeding Zachary



Poor daddy.  About to embark on a shopping trip



Zachary at the end of our shopping trip

Fish head curry.  Very spicy!!!

One of Shaun's fav ice creams treats

Yum yum!



Only in Asia



Interesting bus stop

Steam boat again!

Lou Hei-means to mix & to raise. Chinese New Year custom.

So yummy

Everyone ready???

Mix & raise!

and now to EAT!!!

Auntie Josephine feeding Zachary

Great grandma singing Zachary to sleep.  Priceless!

Grandpa Tan feeding handsome Zachary