What? Can't bathe for 1 month?

Picture contributed by Ms teo. http://www.jesuslovesmeyesiknow.blogspot.com/


Caden’s arrival has brought us lots of joy. The most joyous people are none other than his grandparents. To us, the joy of meeting our son was soon superseded by frustrations of having to wake up late at night to change his diapers and feeding.

My heart aches when I see my tired wife, still recovering from a Cesarean operation, struggling with breast-feeding and post-natal blues. Oh yes, it’s all the husband’s fault. Anything that husband can help? Very little.

Changing nappies? Yes, I can.
Preparing instant formula? Yes, I can.
Carrying Caden? Yes, yes. Right hand out to support his neck first, then lift his buttock with my left hand and ta da da … he is in my arms.
Bathing Caden? Err… I can try not to break his bones. How much hot water to be added ah?
Breast-feeding? Aren’t you asking the obvious? No doubt, Caden turns his head towards my nipple when he feels hungry in my arms. But sorry, not the right one, Caden. The left one also cannot.

Oh yes, we are so lucky to have my wife’s mum to help us with the confinement. According to Chinese tradition (more like her tradition, I think. :-p), my wife is

Not suppose to bathe for 1 month!
Not suppose to go out visiting!
Not suppose to eat food that is considered ‘cooling’,
Suppose to eat lots of ginger … and sweat the ‘wind in the body’ away…

Oh my dear mum-in-law, eating food garnished with ginger for one or two days is alright, but for 1 month? And if my wife is not supposed to bathe for 1 month, can you imagine how stinky her hair will be? And I am sharing bed with her, you know?

Sometimes, communicating with mother-in-law is more stressful than taking care of Caden. It is not just about looking after a baby. It’s about how you ‘should be’ looking after the baby as detailed out by our overly friendly third-uncle, fourth-untie, second-brother, first sister and not-so-distant neighbours.

However, Caden’s smile will magically ward off all our stress and frustration. As if we are under some sort of spell, forgetting and forgiving those who may have unintentionally offended us with their remarks. We all have only one and good intention: to take care of Caden the best we can.

More of Caden

Bewarned: This posting shows lots of Caden's pictures. If you are a parent yourself, there will be an 'inner voice' in your head telling you to compare Caden with your own child. Who is cuter? Who is fairer? Who is taller? Who is chubbier? Caden might make you jealous. Caden will make you want to cuddle him.

Caden's Arrival

He came crying, as if he was telling us he had been through a lot before he arrived. His head was slightly elongated as a result of the process.

Bushy hair, triangular-shaped lips, tiny hands and legs. He looks like many other babies actually, as I had found out in the nursery where he cried together with many other baby friends. But to us, he looks cute and handsome no matter what. He is our boy, Chan Caden.

Oh yes, if you are a 4D fan and hope that Caden will bring you good luck, he is born on the 2nd of August, so buy 0208. His weight is 3.6kg, so buy 3600. His length is 53cm and head circumference is 36cm, so buy 5336. He stayed with his mother in room number 3161 in hospital. My car number plate is SGF863F, so buy 0863. Pick your choice. Sure strike one!

P/S: It is such a coincident that 3 and 6 appears so many times in front of us.