Back in Ningbo

I seem to post on a monthly basis! Nothing much happens in our daily lives nowadays except that we are now back in Ningbo. It's been 2 miserable and wet weeks! I haven't been out at all except for 2 occasions because it is constantly raining or drizzling and it is rather cold to be out with Micah.

I think I am beginning to suffer from cabin fever! Let's hope our day trip to Shanghai tomorrow will lift my spirits. Retail therapy to the rescue? :)

The first week back was extremely tiring. Both David and I have lost weight. It's just down to the 2 of us caring for Micah and though we are enjoying our time together as a family, it is sometimes back breaking, literally. Micah is taking to the cold very well - he seems not at all bothered with the ice cold tiled floors and you don't see him refraining from crawling about. He's explored the apartment thoroughly and has now moved to opening cupboards and drawers to see what's behind those closed doors.

He is constantly on the move when not asleep or strapped into his stroller to watch TV. I know I am a terrible mother with no choice but to let the TV entertain him while I get some chores done or get some rest - it really can't be helped. I do spend time playing with him but he seems more interested in all other things except his toys! I read to him a lot and he likes that but he never has the patience to reach to the end of the story! I also thinks he is more attracted to visual entertainment - playing podcasts for him just doesn't cut it!

Changing him is a wrestling match nowadays. David and I have a few tricks up our sleeves - either we give him a toy to distract him (which doesn't work now), give him food (I know he might choke but he seems to have very good control of his throat) or when all else fails, just pin him down with our knees, feet or thighs! I felt a little proud when a friend commented that when we changed him, he lets us do it willingly - that was at 5mths! No one warned me that they start to move!

Still I should have no complains as he eats well. Too well sometimes - it scares me when I consider the amount he eats. Half a banana for breakfast with rice cereal, a whole apple eaten throughout the day (cut into bite size pieces and steamed), 2 rice bowls' full of porridge or pasta for lunch and dinner, and either biscuits, or toast with cream cheese for a snack! He's grown all of one tooth which is showing very clearly now. I wonder how he will eat when he gets more teeth!

His routine is quite consistent. Waking up at about 7am, he has his breakfast. David does the morning shift because he is an early riser. I get to sleep in! He has his bath after he 'moves his bowels' and then it is play time. By 9am, he is calmer and watching some TV. I am also up and about and David prepares to go to work. We know it is time for morning nap when he wants his milk - he lets us know by signing.

When he is asleep, it's rush hour for me! Rushing to get his food for the day prepared and also our food for dinner. If I am lucky, he sleeps longer and I get some computer time. Lunch is at 12 noon. I let him crawl all over the place so that he gets his 'exercise' and by 2pm, he will start yawning. His afternoon nap time gives me another breather.

Afternoons are the most tiring - when he wakes from his nap, it is playtime until dinner. There are some days that he refuses to nap and those are trying days.

Dinner is at 6pm. By the time Micah finishes, David would have come home and then he bathes Micah. While he does that, I would either be cooking or warming something which I've cooked earlier for dinner. Bedtime is 7pm and now that Micah is trained, he goes to bed without fuss. Once he's had his bottle, he turns to his side, suck his thumb and goes to sleep!

Finally we have time to ourselves. A peaceful dinner and then chill out watching a movie or some TV series.

I have to say that I've discovered a whole new person in my husband. He has done more than half of his share of chores, taking care of Micah as well as work to bring home the bacon! I could easily leave Micah in his care for a day and/or night and be worry free. I am thankful and blessed.