The first week

Looking back at the first week I learned a lot of new things and have a lot of other things to reflect upon and improve. I got better at changing diapers and have another funny story to tell friends. There are still some other things I don't get, like how to play with Jasmine. I'm talking to her in my own weird way. I think she gets it but Mommy rolls her eyes at me.

Happy first week Jasmine! Mommy is getting better very fast and Jasmine is sleeping like a baby. Jasmine is also looking at me more now. I can't wait until you get better neck strength so we can play more. In a few more weeks we'll go out and have lots of fun!

The next 5 days

Day 1

Happy birthday Jasmine! Everyone is excited, scared, exhausted and sleepy. Jasmine occasionally wakes up for feeding, and quiet most of the time. The hospital is colder than I thought it would be, for newborns at least.

I spent the night in the room with mommy and baby while mother in law was home getting rest and preparing some food. The sleep on the convertible chair was good but I was on alert for baby or Mommy's cry for help.

I did manage to get enough sleep to drive out the next morning to pick up mom from home.

The first day.

Day 2

Mommy's breastfeeding class starts at 9:30 and we're a bit late due to a slight issue with mobility. Baby seems to like the rumbling of the bassinet cart at the hospital - slept throughout the journey.

After class we had an opportunity for a short photoshoot at the hospital. Mom joined baby and me but didn't pose for photos. Unfortunately, Mommy was in a lot of pain and couldn't join. The photographer loved working with Jasmine - she slept through this too. In the end we paid for all the photos (almost double what others normally get) and the slideshow.

Finally Jasmine goes through one of the most difficult screening blood tests. The nurse needed blood and had to draw it from her heel. Jasmine did not enjoy it but it eventually got done. The tests show she is healthy!

Our first ride home was quick and safe. Jasmine seemed to be comfortable with her home - she lived there for 9 months already! I had the chance to perform my first diaper change. The feedback was not great - I need to talk and keep Jasmine interested.

Later that night she had her first visitors. I had announced Jasmine's birth earlier to our cottage group from last year and they were excited. Grace, Julie and Hang came bearing gifts. After chatting for a bit they went home. Unfortunately mommy could not come up to visit.

The second day.

Day 3

Jasmine was probably overexcited by the first visit and was wide awake from 1am. She's slowly getting the hang of feeding and eventually fell asleep in mommy's arms. I also fell asleep around this time.

The daytime was mostly quiet. I had the chance to go out to pick up some groceries and other pharmacy items. No visitors today, just some quiet time with the family.
Jasmine seems to cry fairly suddenly and I haven't really figured out what it is. Sometimes if it's just after feeding I'll try burping. Usually she keeps crying though - she might be too hot. It's been hot outside and she's wrapped up.
The third day.

Day 4

We were supposed to go to the family doctor today but forgot that Wednesday is his regular day off. Jasmine is getting more accustomed to the world. It's been very hot the last few days. Every time I carry her for burping or playing I end up drenched in sweat. I'm not even exercising, it's just hot. Carrying her around increased the temperature so much. It must be because she's so cute.

The fourth day.

Day 5

We went to visit the family doctor as soon as he opened in the morning. As you might have expected, the morning is a very busy time for the doctor as there are other patients that also want to beat the rush of the day. Luckily it was not too busy and we were graciously allowed to see the doctor sooner so that we could get home. The doctor was very impressed with Jasmine. He said that she has very active eyes and a very healthy weight. After a few quick tests he sent us on our way.

My family visited us later that afternoon. Everyone was very happy to see Jasmine and Mommy. Grandma brought some snacks for Mom and we sat around to have a chat. Mommy was feeling a bit better but still not very keen on moving around more than needed.

Later that afternoon again another friend Ai Lien dropped by with her son and mother. I brought Jasmine up to visit them and Ai Lien absolutely enjoyed carrying the little girl. Her son is quite big now and it gets tiring very quickly carrying him. She later carried Jasmine down to visit with Mommy for a more private chat about motherhood. Meanwhile upstairs with her mother and Mom, we played with Aiden for a while. He had fun taking out all his bottles from his diaper bags (he had two fully stuffed). After a while longer they needed to head out and we bid them farewell. 

That was a very long day but Jasmine took it just like any other day. Her poop started becoming more of a yellowish-brown colour. This is a good change from the black poop of the first few days. There's nothing quite like ending an entry talking about poop.

The fifth day.

Welcome baby!

We went to the hospital overnight a few hours after receiving a gel to help ripen the cervix. We had a scheduled induction the next day since baby was overdue.

Looks like the induction wasn't needed after all. Water broke and labor began while I was asleep. Wife woke me up and after a few groggy moments we packed up some final items and set out.

As a family member watching labour, it was one of the most helpless feelings I've ever had. I have no idea about the pain and even the nurses say every labour is different.

I don't think I have the words to describe everything that went through my mind throughout the process. A baby being born is amazing and it's overwhelming when it's your own.

Expect delays ahead

On our last visit, the doctor told us that baby will most likely be arriving late. The doctor's examination found that baby was still floating comfortably inside. Supposedly first babies tend to arrive late, but there's no telling when they will arrive for sure unless you are having labour induced or delivering by C-section.

In any case we're mostly ready for baby's arrival.

Here's a roundup of items that we've purchased so far:

• Uppababy Vista stroller - comes with bassinet and the seller included other accessories. Very sturdy frame with a nice weight to it. It's going to be bulky on a bus and lifting into a trunk but luckily that's only happening once in a while.
• Skip Hop diaper bag - lots of pockets and good reviews. It's tall so it fits larger items easily. If there are a lot of small items they can get lost in the bottom of the bag.
• Lillebaby Complete Airflow - a 6-in-1 baby carrier that we got using Aeroplan points. It's as heavy as the reviews say it is but very functional. I tried it on yesterday in hot weather. The waist support foam is thick but didn't make things any more hot than it already was. Of course there was no baby in the seat yet.

Items that we've acquired:

• Britax B-safe car seat - bright red. The base installed in the car easily. There's no adapter for the stroller so we will (I will) have to carry the bucket around on short trips.
• Fisher Price swing - It swings and plays music. Batteries are low so the music is freaky. It still has plastic wrapping on the legs - very Asian.
• Play mat
• Random toys
• Bathing tub

Items that were gifts:

• Lots of blankets and clothes
• My Brest Friend nursing pillow

Any day now

Over the last few months I've been trying to post about some of the things I've been researching and some of the thoughts and feelings about the journey. The last few days of wife's pregnancy are approaching and I've been getting things prepared as much as I can.

I'll say this much - anyone that says they are 100% ready for parenthood is probably saying it to make people stop asking. There's always the feeling that something is missing but we've got all the essentials (I think!). Just in case, I've started a list of things to grab on the way out the door.

Everyone will definitely learn along the way. For now I'm comfortable knowing that baby will at least be able to get home and won't be naked. Thanks again to all the gifts and especially to Vu, Anka, and Nathan for the hand-me-downs.