Thursday, November 30, 2006
Breastfeeding and hives
I stopped breastfeeding Matthew in July (he was about 17 months old then) after we knew I was preggie. I actually planned to try tandem breastfeeding, but I was spotting, so the most logical thing to do was to stop.
Almost as soon as I stopped, Matthew started developing hives. We did not know what caused it, but we cut down his intake of soya milk, tofu, tow huay, all soy based products. He didn't seem to get any better.
Then in August, he came down with gastric flu that was accompanied by a high fever. We ended up in KKH because he had full blown hives, face all swollen after a dose of paracetamol and a dose of ibrufen 4 hrs later. The KKH doctors thought he might be allergic to ibrufen, so we were supposed to go for an allergy test that they would call me about, but never did.
The hives came on and off and got worse recently. Since we had eliminated all sorts of possible causes, we decided to change the bath gel. Matthew had been using Johnson Baby Bath for more than a year now. It seemed to be an unlikely cause, but we changed it anyway. Luckily I had earlier bought an aloe based liquid soap for the new baby, so we used it for Matthew instead. Immediately we saw an improvement in his condition. That was two weeks ago.
Last Saturday night, Matthew woke up in the middle of the night with a fever of 38.3oC. As he was not affected by it, I decided not to give him any medicine. An hour later, he woke me up saying "yang yang" (itchy in Mandarin). I felt his head and realised that he had hives. For the next 3 hours, I was massaging his body to soothe his itchiness.
He simply refused to take medicine. Other than the fever and the itchiness, he was ok. In the end, we got to force feed him to bring his temperature down. We also soaked some rolled oats in warm water for his bath. I have read somewhere on the internet that oat bath can help soothe the itchiness and it really did help. His fever and hives subsided on Sunday night.
We have heard him coughing the past few days and suspected that he caught a flu. That explained the reason for the fever. We have also checked with Dr Ong and it seems like fever was more likely a reason for the hives he developed last Saturday night and in August. Rather than second guessing his hives problem, we would be arranging for an allergy test soon.
I asked Dr Ong if Matthew's allergy or intolerance only surfaced because I stopped breastfeeding him. She said that breastfeeding could have kept his allergy at bay because breastmilk has antibodies etc, that was why it flared up as soon as breastfeeding stopped. I also asked if I should give Matthew breastmilk after our 2nd one is borned. She said no, because Matthew is already off breastmilk and is building up his immune system. Giving him breastmilk may have negative effect on building up his tolerance level.
Now thinking back, Matthew did develop hives once when he came down with fever and flu a year ago. We also didn't know what caused it. But that was one single episode then and he didn't have hives after that. So at that time, we did not look too much into it.
Here's an article from AskDrSears.com on HIVES.
Almost as soon as I stopped, Matthew started developing hives. We did not know what caused it, but we cut down his intake of soya milk, tofu, tow huay, all soy based products. He didn't seem to get any better.
Then in August, he came down with gastric flu that was accompanied by a high fever. We ended up in KKH because he had full blown hives, face all swollen after a dose of paracetamol and a dose of ibrufen 4 hrs later. The KKH doctors thought he might be allergic to ibrufen, so we were supposed to go for an allergy test that they would call me about, but never did.
The hives came on and off and got worse recently. Since we had eliminated all sorts of possible causes, we decided to change the bath gel. Matthew had been using Johnson Baby Bath for more than a year now. It seemed to be an unlikely cause, but we changed it anyway. Luckily I had earlier bought an aloe based liquid soap for the new baby, so we used it for Matthew instead. Immediately we saw an improvement in his condition. That was two weeks ago.
Last Saturday night, Matthew woke up in the middle of the night with a fever of 38.3oC. As he was not affected by it, I decided not to give him any medicine. An hour later, he woke me up saying "yang yang" (itchy in Mandarin). I felt his head and realised that he had hives. For the next 3 hours, I was massaging his body to soothe his itchiness.
He simply refused to take medicine. Other than the fever and the itchiness, he was ok. In the end, we got to force feed him to bring his temperature down. We also soaked some rolled oats in warm water for his bath. I have read somewhere on the internet that oat bath can help soothe the itchiness and it really did help. His fever and hives subsided on Sunday night.
We have heard him coughing the past few days and suspected that he caught a flu. That explained the reason for the fever. We have also checked with Dr Ong and it seems like fever was more likely a reason for the hives he developed last Saturday night and in August. Rather than second guessing his hives problem, we would be arranging for an allergy test soon.
I asked Dr Ong if Matthew's allergy or intolerance only surfaced because I stopped breastfeeding him. She said that breastfeeding could have kept his allergy at bay because breastmilk has antibodies etc, that was why it flared up as soon as breastfeeding stopped. I also asked if I should give Matthew breastmilk after our 2nd one is borned. She said no, because Matthew is already off breastmilk and is building up his immune system. Giving him breastmilk may have negative effect on building up his tolerance level.
Now thinking back, Matthew did develop hives once when he came down with fever and flu a year ago. We also didn't know what caused it. But that was one single episode then and he didn't have hives after that. So at that time, we did not look too much into it.
Here's an article from AskDrSears.com on HIVES.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Cable Car!
Last Sunday, we decided to bring Matthew for a ride in the sky, so we made our way to Sentosa early in the morning. From our trips to Caribbean and HarbourFront Centre, Matthew already knew what the cable car was. He had always enjoyed watching the little cabins moving in the sky. This was going to be his first time riding in one.
Mike and I signed up the Individual Islander memberships which would allow us to enjoy free entries into the island; we only needed to pay for the car entry as Matthew is under 3, so his entries into the island and the various attractions would be FOC. With the trains from Vivocity coming into service next January, it might be worthwhile to leave the car at Vivocity or HarbourFront Centre and take the train in (which is FOC too for Islander members).
First stop - Cable Car Plaza at Imbiah Lookout
We bought tickets for a round trip to Mt Faber Jewel Box. Would I need to say more? Matthew absolutely definitely enjoyed himself! He watched the cable car cabins that were coming and passing us, exclaiming the colour of the lan3 che1 (cable car in Mandarin). He also told us to be careful and to sit properly and not to stand up! Mike tried to get him to stand up for a better view, but our little friend quickly sat down and said, "bu4 ke2 yi zhan4 qi3 lai2!" (cannot stand up in Mandarin).
>> Matthew and Mama on the way to Mt Faber
>> A stop at Mt Faber to take a break and enjoy the view
>> Cheeky Matthew on our way back to Sentosa
Second stop - Carlsberg Sky Tower
We were back at Imbiah Lookout. Our next adventure was the Carlsberg Sky Tower. All I could really remember of Matthew's excitement in the rotating and ascending cabin was "lan3 che1"!!! Hahaha!
>> Mike and Matthew before going into the cabin
Imbiah Lookout was a new name for an old attraction; newly upgraded with quite a few F&B outlets, such as Subway and CBTL, one of my fav coffee chains. We enjoyed a Chai Latte al fresco and had egg-cheese sandwiches which we had brought along for our lunch. Matthew had an egg-cheese sandwich and a glass of milk for lunch.
After lunch, we made our way to the bus-stop to take a bus to the Underwater World.
Third Stop - Underwater World
Matthew settled down for his nap while we were waiting for our bus to the Underwater World. We were lucky. A school holiday promotion of 30% discount was ongoing. Mike bought the tickets and we made our way in and found a quiet spot for our napping toddler. Although it was a short nap, Matthew was happy when he woke up to find himself "surrounded" by water! He watched the stingrays in their new ray pool near the entrance and was quite fascinated with the crabs in the new crab section.
>> The new ray pool
>> What were Matthew and Mike looking at?
>> Rainbow crabs
>> Giant Spider Crab from Japan - I was totally fascinated by these crabs. There were about 8 of them and they were really active, despite their size. They were simply HUGE!
>> Mike and Matthew in the underwater tunnel - Matthew wasn't too keen on this tunnel or the fishes that were swimming above. He was more interested in the moving travellator, kept stepping on and off.
>> Here's the section that had his attention most - Jelly section - showcasing different jellyfish species. He had a great memory. When we were watching an Animal Planet show 2 nights ago, he could recognise the jellyfish that was being featured.
We finally managed to pry him away from the jelly section. We had to pass through the shop before the exit. Matthew loved fridge magnets, so we got him to choose one. He chose the octopus magnet, but instead of taking one, one by one he removed all the similar pieces on display (abt 10 of them) and gave them to me to pay at the cashier! Of course, we bought only one. :p
The dark rain clouds threatened to open and pour out its watery content. We abandoned our plans to go to Siloso beach, so we took a bus back to Imbiah Lookout where we had parked our car to make our way home... BUT....
This was not before Matthew kicked a big fuss outside the car. This was what he told us, "Bu4 yao4 chou4 Toyota hui2 jia1, yao4 chou4 lan3 che1 hui2 jia1" (don't want to go home in the Toyota (our car make), want to go home in the cable car).... What more can we say to that!?!?!
Mike and I signed up the Individual Islander memberships which would allow us to enjoy free entries into the island; we only needed to pay for the car entry as Matthew is under 3, so his entries into the island and the various attractions would be FOC. With the trains from Vivocity coming into service next January, it might be worthwhile to leave the car at Vivocity or HarbourFront Centre and take the train in (which is FOC too for Islander members).
First stop - Cable Car Plaza at Imbiah Lookout
We bought tickets for a round trip to Mt Faber Jewel Box. Would I need to say more? Matthew absolutely definitely enjoyed himself! He watched the cable car cabins that were coming and passing us, exclaiming the colour of the lan3 che1 (cable car in Mandarin). He also told us to be careful and to sit properly and not to stand up! Mike tried to get him to stand up for a better view, but our little friend quickly sat down and said, "bu4 ke2 yi zhan4 qi3 lai2!" (cannot stand up in Mandarin).
>> Matthew and Mama on the way to Mt Faber
>> A stop at Mt Faber to take a break and enjoy the view
>> Cheeky Matthew on our way back to Sentosa
Second stop - Carlsberg Sky Tower
We were back at Imbiah Lookout. Our next adventure was the Carlsberg Sky Tower. All I could really remember of Matthew's excitement in the rotating and ascending cabin was "lan3 che1"!!! Hahaha!
>> Mike and Matthew before going into the cabin
Imbiah Lookout was a new name for an old attraction; newly upgraded with quite a few F&B outlets, such as Subway and CBTL, one of my fav coffee chains. We enjoyed a Chai Latte al fresco and had egg-cheese sandwiches which we had brought along for our lunch. Matthew had an egg-cheese sandwich and a glass of milk for lunch.
After lunch, we made our way to the bus-stop to take a bus to the Underwater World.
Third Stop - Underwater World
Matthew settled down for his nap while we were waiting for our bus to the Underwater World. We were lucky. A school holiday promotion of 30% discount was ongoing. Mike bought the tickets and we made our way in and found a quiet spot for our napping toddler. Although it was a short nap, Matthew was happy when he woke up to find himself "surrounded" by water! He watched the stingrays in their new ray pool near the entrance and was quite fascinated with the crabs in the new crab section.
>> The new ray pool
>> What were Matthew and Mike looking at?
>> Rainbow crabs
>> Giant Spider Crab from Japan - I was totally fascinated by these crabs. There were about 8 of them and they were really active, despite their size. They were simply HUGE!
>> Mike and Matthew in the underwater tunnel - Matthew wasn't too keen on this tunnel or the fishes that were swimming above. He was more interested in the moving travellator, kept stepping on and off.
>> Here's the section that had his attention most - Jelly section - showcasing different jellyfish species. He had a great memory. When we were watching an Animal Planet show 2 nights ago, he could recognise the jellyfish that was being featured.
We finally managed to pry him away from the jelly section. We had to pass through the shop before the exit. Matthew loved fridge magnets, so we got him to choose one. He chose the octopus magnet, but instead of taking one, one by one he removed all the similar pieces on display (abt 10 of them) and gave them to me to pay at the cashier! Of course, we bought only one. :p
The dark rain clouds threatened to open and pour out its watery content. We abandoned our plans to go to Siloso beach, so we took a bus back to Imbiah Lookout where we had parked our car to make our way home... BUT....
This was not before Matthew kicked a big fuss outside the car. This was what he told us, "Bu4 yao4 chou4 Toyota hui2 jia1, yao4 chou4 lan3 che1 hui2 jia1" (don't want to go home in the Toyota (our car make), want to go home in the cable car).... What more can we say to that!?!?!
Labels: sunday
Monday, November 20, 2006
Table and Chair
We went to Paragon on 12/11/06 and Matthew had some fun at the Giordano outlet:
and so last Monday, after my gynae visit, we went down to Ikea and bought this:
and so last Monday, after my gynae visit, we went down to Ikea and bought this:
Monday, November 06, 2006
Mommy's last cycling adventure?
We went to East Coast Park last Saturday morning. Matthew did not want to be on the bike, so we decided to stroll and found a nice shady spot to put out our picnic mat.
We haven't really brought Matthew to play in the sand before and this time, I also forgot to bring the sand play set (must keep in mind to leave it in the car boot). While I rested and read the papers, Mike brought Matthew for a stroll along the beach. Matthew simply refused to walk on the sand! Mike got to carry Matthew. They walked around, looking out into the sea, watching people fish.
We moved on because there was a couple smoking away near us. We decided to go to the bike shop and see if Matthew was keen. Once he got into the child seat, no way we could really get him out. He even wanted to choose the bike. We rented a tandem bike with a child seat, so that I could ride too! I know I'm 5.5 months pregnant and I shouldn't be on a bike, but this was probably my last cycling adventure and with Mike controlling the bike, we thought it would be ok.
So off on my last cycling adventure! Hooray! It was FUN! Woah! The last time we took Matthew on a bike was in April. He fell asleep then and we didn't go back since then. With my unstable 1st trimester, I didn't even cycle at work.
We headed for Bedok Jetty and found the area to the east of the food centre cordoned off for the Osim Corporate Triathlon, so we stopped for half hour at the food centre for some refreshment.
Ice Kachang! I'm not a fan of ice kachang, because I'm not very tolerant of ice cold stuff. But Matthew had his first taste and wanted more and more! He even told us he wanted the green part! He also had cheese sandwich and some roti john.
Then we made our way back to the bike shop, stopping by at a jetty.
Matthew refused to go back into the child seat. Mike cycled back, while Matthew and I took our time to walk back.
We went to Parkway Parade for lunch, where Matthew fed himself chicken rice. Well, he fed himself quite a bit and we fed him too. We went home after that and our dear friend or xiao peng you napped in the car.
We haven't really brought Matthew to play in the sand before and this time, I also forgot to bring the sand play set (must keep in mind to leave it in the car boot). While I rested and read the papers, Mike brought Matthew for a stroll along the beach. Matthew simply refused to walk on the sand! Mike got to carry Matthew. They walked around, looking out into the sea, watching people fish.
We moved on because there was a couple smoking away near us. We decided to go to the bike shop and see if Matthew was keen. Once he got into the child seat, no way we could really get him out. He even wanted to choose the bike. We rented a tandem bike with a child seat, so that I could ride too! I know I'm 5.5 months pregnant and I shouldn't be on a bike, but this was probably my last cycling adventure and with Mike controlling the bike, we thought it would be ok.
So off on my last cycling adventure! Hooray! It was FUN! Woah! The last time we took Matthew on a bike was in April. He fell asleep then and we didn't go back since then. With my unstable 1st trimester, I didn't even cycle at work.
We headed for Bedok Jetty and found the area to the east of the food centre cordoned off for the Osim Corporate Triathlon, so we stopped for half hour at the food centre for some refreshment.
Ice Kachang! I'm not a fan of ice kachang, because I'm not very tolerant of ice cold stuff. But Matthew had his first taste and wanted more and more! He even told us he wanted the green part! He also had cheese sandwich and some roti john.
Then we made our way back to the bike shop, stopping by at a jetty.
Matthew refused to go back into the child seat. Mike cycled back, while Matthew and I took our time to walk back.
We went to Parkway Parade for lunch, where Matthew fed himself chicken rice. Well, he fed himself quite a bit and we fed him too. We went home after that and our dear friend or xiao peng you napped in the car.
Labels: cycling
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Anything Everything TRAIN
Boys and their machines!
Matthew is totally fascinated with trains. Anything, everything can be a train. During meals, it would be a spoon or fork and he would push it round the table, along the edge of the placemat or table. It's the same with a straw. During bathtime, he would run his bath toy or empty bottle along the top of the tub and declare that that's a train.
Matthew has these bead toys, which I bought for $2 from Daiso. He would push the beads along the hard wire and keep repeating, "di4 tie3 dao4 le (MRT train, our local mass rapid transit rail, has arrived, in Mandarin)" and "di4 tie3 zhou3 le (MRT train has left)"....
So great is his imagination!
Matthew is totally fascinated with trains. Anything, everything can be a train. During meals, it would be a spoon or fork and he would push it round the table, along the edge of the placemat or table. It's the same with a straw. During bathtime, he would run his bath toy or empty bottle along the top of the tub and declare that that's a train.
Matthew has these bead toys, which I bought for $2 from Daiso. He would push the beads along the hard wire and keep repeating, "di4 tie3 dao4 le (MRT train, our local mass rapid transit rail, has arrived, in Mandarin)" and "di4 tie3 zhou3 le (MRT train has left)"....
So great is his imagination!
My Crocs
I bought a pair of Butter (a paler shade of yellow) Beach Crocs recently in one of the SM forum spree. I love it and wear it quite often. Matthew loves to look at the colours of Crocs on display whenever we walk past any of those stores selling them.
The latest URBAN (a lifestyle paper that comes free with our local papers on Thursdays) had Crocs shoes on its front page. My sis KS was flipping it. Matthew saw the cover page and declared that it was "Mommy's xue2 zhi3 (shoes in Mandarin)" on the front page. He even pointed out the yellow pair, even though it was not the exact shade.
It's amazing how he continues to amuse and amaze us everyday...
The latest URBAN (a lifestyle paper that comes free with our local papers on Thursdays) had Crocs shoes on its front page. My sis KS was flipping it. Matthew saw the cover page and declared that it was "Mommy's xue2 zhi3 (shoes in Mandarin)" on the front page. He even pointed out the yellow pair, even though it was not the exact shade.
It's amazing how he continues to amuse and amaze us everyday...
