A Little Update Since Ashton
Hello everyone! It feels like I haven’t been writing anything for ages because whatever posts you’ve been reading so far were scheduled way ahead of time. So while you’ve been getting regular updates here, I’ve been slacking off somewhere else. LOL! It is a little weird to be typing away on my laptop at the moment, especially with the addition of the youngest family member. If you’ve been following me on any of the other social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), you’d probably already know what’s been going on, but if you haven’t, a little man popped out of my tummy a few weeks ago.
Little Ashton was a 3.62kg (8 pounds) newborn and he is my 3rd baby. It was the first time I took an epidural, and the birth process was literally stress free. I pushed less than 5 times, and he was out! I have to say the most uncomfortable part was the administering of the epidural. I didn’t mind the needle, but HATED it when they inserted the tube (or whatever you call it) into my spine. I was a little nauseated as the effects of the epidural wore off, but other than that, the recovery was pretty smooth. Oh wait, I had a problem taking my first pee after delivery but you know, I just couldn’t get over the fact that a few pairs of eyes were looking at me as I tried to pee. The nurses wouldn’t let me go alone, saying it was still too early for me to be walking on my own to the toilet. OKAY THEN. I was bleeding quite a bit, so I had to stay in the hospital for 2 days after delivery. Ashton had jaundice, but we were allowed home and he didn’t have to stay in the hospital for the UV treatment. Regular check ups were needed, but we were all thankful that everything was fine.
Many in my country go through a confinement period after delivery. Different cultures call for different ways, and for me, I basically had to sit at home for 28 days, eating confinement food that consist of lots of meat, greens and mild herbs. After the 12th day of delivery, I’d be introduced to Chinese vinegar, wines and potions, but I made sure they were cooked thoroughly so there were no traces of alcohol left. A confinement lady stays with me to cook and help with the baby but they’re usually plagued with the thinking that feeding formula is better for the baby. I had to be firm but polite to tell her to shut the hell up and let me breastfeed in peace, and supplement with formula when it was absolutely necessary. I am by no means a purist when it comes to breastfeeding and I allow flexibility, but I hated it when these confinement ladies try their best to sway me to feed formula. To be fair, these are older ladies who are not well informed but they do know how to cook a good meal and take care of the baby. *rant over*
I am a little emotional postpartum, but I learned to relax and let go else I might go into depression! My husband has been very supportive even when I sometimes throw tantrums like a little child, and when I calmed down, he was my voice of reason. For that, I am very thankful. Baby Ashton is safe and healthy, and so am I, and sometimes, that’s all that matters. Also, Ashton has dimples on both his cheeks and I caught the moment and showed you on my Instagram account already. He also loves to smile (even though it’s just his reflects) but every time he does it, he’s sucking on my boobies. While I love you all to bits and I want to show you his sweet smile, I’m not ready for that kind of intimacy yet Also, does that mean he’s a boobie man, or maybe he’s just high on milk? I dunno…
He will be one month old soon, and we will have a big celebration for him. Then, my confinement period will be over, and I will finally be able to do my own thing. Chloe and Ashlyn love their little brother, treating him like the most fragile and precious little thing ever. It’s so moving to see how gentle these girls can be, and how eager they want to help. So eager that they’d fight to help and start giving me headache. Every time Ashton cries, Ashlyn offers her nipple which made everyone laugh. LOL!
There are so many things to update you guys, but I have the tendency to go into details, and that would make this post a novel. I don’t think we want that. This is a beauty blog, not a baby / mommy blog. I get that
There are a few more scheduled posts running through to the end of the month, and then I’ll have to learn to blog with the baby around. I hope you’ve been enjoying the posts so far, mainly reviews I’ve been wanting to churn out – and when I’m back, I’ll try to put up something different. I don’t know if I’m capable, since I’ll still be zombified from lack of sleep, but we’ll see. Until then, you can still catch me on Instagram or Twitter – I’m less active on Facebook.
Stay well, stay beautiful and let’s prepare for year end and a brand new year!
xoxo Lily
