Day 28 - Dec 28

A sunny and bright day today, and at 49 deg F (10 deg C), it's just awesome to go out for a walk.

So the daddy used the baby carrier for the first time today, and we took Shane down to Rittenhouse Square, and along Walnut Street. Even stopped by at Starbucks for my cup of coffee (haven't had one since Shane came along!)

Photo of the Day

Day 27 - Dec 27

The milk blisters on Shane lips are almost falling off.  When he firstngot them we were a lil concern with his hydration. It's one of those things where no one tells you not to panic if you see it happen to your baby. So qafter googling, this was what we read: 

Lip blisters are caused by vigorous sucking associated with breastfeeding. The repetitive movement of sucking, which newborns can do for hours a day, can cause these blisters or calluses on the baby's top lips.

Thankfully the last callous is almost about to fall off today.

So Shane stayed home with daddy and grandpa this afternoon whilst mummy ran out to run errands. Probably missed mum and refused to sleep. So daddy had to carry him all afternoon.

Photo of the Day

Day 26 - Dec 26

Grandpa, Grandma and Aunty Sue took a break from routine to go to New York City. So we stayed in and chilled out.

Shane took his first bath today because he pooped all over himself (yes it's always daddy's fault for letting him do so).

All wrapped up after his bath.

Day 25 - Dec 25

To all reading this today... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In the morning we took Aunty Sue for a tour around UPenn. It was a 45 minutes walk in 33 deg F (which is like 0.5 deg C) from home to UPenn. We got Shane all suited up in his bear suit and took the long walk, crossing our fingers that he'll just sleep through.

So we left at 1130am in the morning… The neighborhood was sooo dead. I haven't seen such life-less streets. We hardly saw any cars on the roads.

The Philly Skyline

And so… we decided to take Shane out of his pram for a little photo. (Yes in the freezing weather).
I guess it was too cold for him and he started crying quite loudly!

So we walked everywhere trying to find somewhere to keep warm, sit and feed the baby. But.. The whole city seem to be in shut down mode on Christmas. Even Starbucks (that was opened on Thanksgiving) was closed. And Huntsman Hall (Wharton) was shut. Security refused to let us in. Just as we were about to walk to the Children's Hospital (where I'm sure there is a cafeteria at least), we chanced upon this chinese restaurant (Beijing something) that was opened for lunch (yes it had quite a lot of people in there). So yea, at least we got to feed the baby and our growling stomach.

Day 24 - Dec 24

It's Christmas eve!! We spent the morning applying for a passport photo for Shane. Made a quick dash to City hall to catch the Christmas eve working hours. All Done. Oh, and Aunty Sue passed her Bugaboo drivers license! 

Aunty Sue needs the P sign no more!

So well, it seems that everyone has got the passport photo blues look. Even babies can't escape. It took us quite a while for us to get a photo of him on a white background with his head looking straight at the camera, eyes open, hands not in the way. It's only after we downloaded the photos that we realized we should not have dressed him in white on a white background. Oh well...

Shane's first passport photo

Our little boy is now an American. He's got the passport, social security, etc.

Meanwhile Grandma stayed home to prepare an awesome Christmas eve dinner… and Aunty Sue & the Daddy went to the supermarket to grab last minute groceries. Grandpa and Mummy was home taking photos!

Dinner was… Milk for Shane, and for the rest of us, pumpkin soup, a huge roast 3-4 kg chicken, lamb chops and sides. It's been a while since I had non-confinement food.

Grandma's Xmas Dinner Spread

The best part (of our family tradition) was the opening of our presents after xmas eve dinner! This year, the little one has got the most presents. 

Presents for Shane's First Christmas

Photo of the Day

Day 23 - Dec 23

Our first outing to the outlet mall to do some last minute christmas shopping!! (in the pouring rain no less)…
We spent almost close to 4+ hours at Franklin Mills with everyone, and also had an awesome buffet dinner - all with the baby in tow.

Enjoying his car ride with Sophie

Daddy Duties at the Mall

Day 22 - Dec 22

Today Gong Gong arrives from Singapore and Aunty Sue arrives from Melbourne. A long journey from Australia - 14 hours from MEL - DXB, 3 hr transit, 13 hours from DXB - JFK, 3 hr car ride from JFK - Philadelphia. I would be tired! But the grandpa did not get his chance to carry Shane or play with him because they both took turns sleeping!

After 3 weeks into the human world, Shane has developed some reaction to his surroundings. Previously he just stares into space and does not really respond to any noise or callings. Let's see over the next few days if his responses were just coincidental or not!

Photo of the Day

J's way of swaddling