Sleeping pose

Ever wonder what is your sleeping pose when you are in deep slumber? I believe it could be something like Ilis’ pose below. Hmm… she must be having a well rested beauty sleep…

First month celebration

It was a simple celebration for Ilis as she turns one month old. Ipapa and I invited our immediate family members and some of our friends to attend the party. The celebration was held at the outdoor garden at level 6 and we were glad to have made this decision. The kids who came to the party had fun at the playground. Though the food wasn't great, what matters most was the company of our loved ones to share in the joy.

Who is who?

As part of the Chinese tradition, we shaved Ilis’ head this morning. Her shaven look reminds us of Iden when his head was shaved too when he turned one month old. Both of them look so alike! Don’t believe? Compare the pictures below. Are you able to guess who is Iden and who is Ilis?

Separation process

Take a look at this.

Do you know what it is?

Well, it is Ilis' umbilical cord stump. It came off just now. Took about 23 days for it to be separated from the umbilicus. From my understanding, the separation process usually takes about 2 weeks. Ilis' cord stump decided to take a while more.

Eyes wide open

Finally, I manage to capture a shot of Ilis with her eyes wide open!

Ipapa said she has big eyes. Do you think so too?

A big hug for ipapa!

31 July 2006 is a HAPPENING day for the IT family and a tiring day for ipapa.

1) Ilis decided to come out on that day. Ipapa had to send me to Thomson Medical Centre at 8 am so that Dr Ang could check on me.

2) Iden’s fever decided to re-surface after the weekend. He woke up with a temperature and feeling lethargic. Ipapa had to call his mum to come to our house to help to take care of Iden while he sent me to the hospital. Later in the afternoon, ipapa had to bring Iden for a medical review with his paediatrician.

3) Our new contract cleaner was supposed to come today to do the household chores. However, as both ipapa and I need to be in the hospital, no one would be at home to guide the new cleaner on what to do. Hence, we decided to postpone her coming. As the house had not been cleaned for one week, ipapa had to do the chores at night, after settling Iden at his parents’ place.

4) After the chores, ipapa had to bring Iden home and tuck him to bed. Before that, he had to ensure that Iden had his medication and milk.

By the time things were done, it was pretty late at night and ipapa was so tired. Just this day alone can speak so much about ipapa and how he is able to manage the house without my help.

Here's a big HUG for you, ipapa! With you around, I could concentrate on the birth and Ilis. You have proved me wrong.

Ich liebe dich, ipapa!

Chinese name and Water element

We got a Master to come up with some Chinese names for Ilis based on the birth dates and times of Ilis, ipapa and I. After much thoughts, we selected 陈玟心 as Ilis’ Chinese name.

The Master also told us that of the Five Elements, Ilis lacks Water. Well, we do not know what it means exactly. A search on the internet tells us the following:

“Water is what give life on our planet. Without it, we would not exist. Our bodies are mostly water.”

“Water has always been synonymous with power. Water has been used as an elemental solution by the emperors in the form of moats and by placing their palaces near bodies of Water. If you look at most capital cities today, they are either located near the water or have large lakes or rivers nearby. Most ocean-side and lake-side homes are sought after and usually more expensive.”

“Water can be represented by the colors blue or black.”

“WATER brings the elements full circle. It gives us adaptability and will-power. It is the element of winter, giving us time to pause and gather strength. It is the seedbed of all life.”

“The kidney and urinary bladder are the organs that belong to the Water element within us.”

“Abundant reserves within give us courage and strength of will. Lacking these reserves, we manifest the emotion that the Chinese for over 5000 years have associated with the Water element: fear. Fear in appropriate amounts is, of course, essential; due care and caution in recognizing our limitations preserves life: we’d neither run in front of an oncoming bus nor challenge Mike Tyson to a fight! More commonly, the emotion of a distressed Water element is fear of not having enough of what it takes to meet the challenge that lies ahead: fear of being unable to complete what we’ve envisioned, fear of being inadequately prepared for what we might have to face. It’s as if we don’t have enough stored away to survive the winter.”

Hmm… from these descriptions, I still could not figure out what are the implications for a lack of Water. Perhaps we should take good care of Ilis’ kidney and urinary bladder? Or perhaps we should let her wear more black and blue?

Whatever the case, let’s not be too bothered by this now. Most importantly, we should concentrate on nurturing Ilis into a healthy girl.