Magic Moments

One big happy family ...

First flying kiss

Wrapped up and ready for delivery

Cutting the ties to the tummy

Poll result

This was a really close poll, but couple more people thought I'd be a boy. Well, you all now know I am lovely little princess and not a prince. But keeping it a surprise till the end had its fun. Not much damage though - except for a few blue coloured clothes I probably have to wear over the next few weeks.

Full Growth Chart

Month	Weight	Height
Birth Date	3.24 kg	49 cm
December 09	4.06 kg	53.3 cm
January 10	4.90 kg	55.0 cm
February 10	6.40 kg	60.0 cm
March 10	6.90 kg	62.0 cm
April 10	7.40 kg	63.0 cm
May 10	8.50 kg	65.0 cm
June 10	8.90 kg	66.0 cm

Aliyah's Height Chart

Aliyah's Weight Chart

I'm home

Today was my first day out in the sunshine. We left the hospital for home. It was a hot day for that. But life in the hospital was getting quite stressful for all of us. Firstly, my sister couldn't be with us most of the day. She was only able to spend 3-4 hours a day with me and mommy without heavily interrupting her own day. Secondly, mommy was getting stressed unable to simply relax and unwind in her favourite couch, eating her favourite desert.

If mommy had her way, we would have left yesterday. My paediatrician gave me all clear. Mommy got hers from her obstetrician. Only thing remained was some final practice rounds of breastfeeding under the guidance of the lactation consultant. So we extended it by a day. Before I start getting into too much details on leaving the hospital, let me give you guys a summary of how it all went in the beginning.

As you know, it was a planned delivery on 24th with an estimated arrival time of 8 am. Mommy and daddy turned up in the hospital pretty much on schedule. But it looked like the ops prior to ours were running late. When it finally finished, mommy started to get ready. Just about the time she was to be administered with the anaesthesia, an emergency case rushed into the theatre, pushing us further back. You know what it means, I had to wait longer.

Finally at about 11 am, mommy got into the theatre and I arrived at 11.10 am. Well, my gender was a surprise - that's how my parents planned it. As the doctor pulled me out of my mommy's tummy, my dad noticed first - he's got another little princess. Mommy was too sedated by the pain-killer. But as soon as that started to wear off, she joined with daddy in appreciating the sweetness of the moment. They were both so excited to see me.

Mommy had gestational diabetes. Which meant for the first 24-hours I had to be kept under the close observation of the special care nursery. But that was just formalities. As soon as I had my first feed within the first hour, my sugar level jumped up to right where it needed to be and continued to improve throughout the day. By day 2, I was back in my mommy's room sleeping right next to her.

So, apart from my beautiful look, what else were my parents impressed with me? Well, I am possibly the gentlest newborn ever. Apart from making them know I am hungry periodically, I pretty much sleep through the rest of the time. Sleeping is a no-fuss event as well. I love being swaddled (unlike my sister) and so my sleeping ritual is as simple as being swaddled and be in the cot.

I had quite a few visitors in the hospital; and lots of beautiful flowers and gifts delivered. My sister is quite excited being with me too. She knows I am a 'baby' and she always showers me with cuddles, kisses and occasional taps on me to put me to sleep. She is less interested in her toy 'baby' now - since I have arrived. She even calls in mom or dad if she sees me crying. I am looking forward to starting to play with her.

So back to coming back home - now that I am in a far relaxed environment, I am loving every moment of it. And you know how I express my love - I sleep through it. I am getting plenty of sleep. I had a bit of yellow shade on my skin - most newborns have that. But it started to go off as I get exposed to more light.

So, an exciting chapter of my life has began. What can me more exciting than the beginning? Keep coming back and I will keep you posted how it all goes.

Hi, I am here

I have arrived. I am a girl. At 11.10 am today, I stepped out of my mom's tummy and took a deep breath. A little bit of crying followed - after that, I opened my eyes big and started to savour every inch of my surroundings. I want to say so much - but I have got a few things to do before that. There's lot to learn - I just figured out how to have my meal. That's only the beginning. Until I speak to you soon, here are some pictures of me. And also some quick stats: at birth I weighed 3.25 kg and 49 cm in length.

What's your guess?

When my mom was pregnant with my sister, they decided to know her gender before she was born. That way, they were ready with the shopping and pick the right colours. This time, they have decided not to do that. Firstly, to add to the excitement of having a new baby. And secondly, logistically this time it is less challenging.

So this means, no one knows if I am a boy or a girl. Do you think you do? Then have your say in the poll. You will find out in couple of weeks time if you were right or wrong.

And oh, if you had a cool way to work out my gender, don't forget to tell us how you do that by leaving a comment below.

Countdown has began

Firstly, I have to say - my mom and dad has been guilty of not offering me enough time to say what's been going on around me. Yes, they were busy they say. But reality is, their time management was poor. Ok, so they had a toddler to deal with. As if that is the hardest thing on earth. Then daddy uses his 'real' work as an excuse. I say, what's real? Hello, it's me here that's real. And you have not much time left in your hand - my old man! That's it - that would get him moving. And mommy - she's finally started her maternity leave. Carrying me around isn't that difficult as you make out to be. Don't start blaming me even before I am born!

I feel better now.

There hasn't been a post on this blog for such a long time. You now know who to blame.

Done with my rants. Phew, I really feel better now!

You know what, it's only matter of days now. That's if I didn't decide to come out early. Mommy has been going to the obstetrician almost weekly now. And thanks to her gestational diabetes, she also has to get a full scan of me done every week or two. That means they get to see me often. Daddy had to travel again (yes, yet again) and was back Friday morning just in time for the scan. As the sonographer turned on the scanner and focused on my face, guess what did I do? I turned and winked at them. You bet I winked. Too bad there wasn't any recording done. You see, I am big enough now to open my eyes. And I know how to wink too.

This weekend, the preparation for my arrival has truly began. Mommy started packing her maternity bag. They fixed up my sister's car seat to switch back to infant mode (lucky her - she gets promoted to toddler booster seat). Daddy also did some shopping for me while he was travelling. There's been lot of talk at home how we will arrange for our sleeping. But its yet to be finalised. But mommy can really feel it's close; very close.

The date has been set (remember it all changes if I decide to come out early). The stage is ready. People are waiting - the spotlight is on. Only a grand entry remains. Hope to speak to you all soon ... from outside of my mommy's tummy.