Happy week 1 Annika

Today marks Annika's first week!

1 week ago I was still heavily pregnant, experiencing contractions and then having the C section.
Now it seems like an eternity away, and boy, am I glad I documented the experience: I can barely remember the pain already! No wonder people repeatedly subject themselves to the pain and rigours of childbearing.

Annika is cute. No doubt about that. Plus her full head of jet black hair that nobody can resist commenting on. I think I feel more confident and relaxed this time round so I am enjoying her more than Madison at the same stage. I still get a little anxious about her feeding times etc but overall it's better.

Since her bilirubin levels have stabilised, and I am starting to feel a little more on top of things, we've been going out with Annika.

So far, we've been to Starbucks Coffee at United Square for breakfast ( day 4) together with Madison, and to the Botanic Gardens twice. Once after seeing the paediatrician, and the second time yesterday. It was raining as well, and so was nice to be out sitting in Casa Verde, sipping drinks and flipping through magazines. I got to try out the newly refurbished parents' room at the Visitor Centre too, and I must say I am duly impressed. There are 2 individual rooms with a diaper change station and a breastfeeding chair each. The rooms have glass windows that look out to the greenery, and have natural ventilation as well as an electric fan. Nice change from the ones at malls which are enclosed rooms.

I am still trying to get my head around creating some sort of a routine with the 2 kids so that it is easier to manage on a daily basis. Especially when Chris goes back to work and I have to look after them both. I have to somehow give Annika her first feed before Madison wakes, then give Madison her breakfast. Initially probably safer to have Warni come over earlier to help me as well. Then ferry Madison to Bibinogs on Monday,Wednesday and Friday mornings by 9 am. I haven't decided yet as to whether to take Annika along. Maybe not?

At the moment, after Madison finishes class, we pick her up and then send Warni to take her to lunch with Elizabeth at Geok's house. The 2 of them used to eat together at my place but then Elizabeth is rather noisy and screams too much, so I thought it would be safer for them to make a ruckus at Geok's place. After their lunch, we then ferry everyone over to Novena, and then all the kids go down for their naps.

The only thing that doesn't quite fit into the puzzle at the moment is work. I think in that situation we'd probably stay put at Papillon so that I can come home to feed Annika. I know that I could pump but then it would still take time and I'm not sure Warni can cope looking after 2 by herself.

Annika has the funniest facial gestures! She would stop in the middle of feeding to smile, and sometimes even laugh. She does that in her sleep as well, and it startles me. Then there's the pout and the frown.

So... happy first week birthday my darling baby...