21 days - 3 Weeks!

Hello Friends,
3 weeks. So much has happened.

1. the baby is healthy
2. Mom is healthy
3. Baby had trouble latching on to the breast, but she got it.
4. Baby had some diarrhea, but its wasnt serious and not linked to breastmilk.
5. Baby knows how to smile, parents dont know how to make baby smile, but it is a deliberate act on Eleanor's part. (REALLY!)
6. Baby went thru ~120 diapers since the first day. 20 free ones from hospital, 96 first purchase, and 96 another box purchased (but not used up yet.)

Diaper note, if we track how many diapers eleanor used, and we line them up end to end, i wonder if we could go to the moon with that distance? hmm.. diapers across america?
7. Baby will no longer be referred to as baby, but first name basis. Helps with self esteem.
8. Eleanor no longer uses pacifiers. Saves me like 1.84 cents plus tax. but still deserves a number.
9. Eleanor is drinking about 125 ML now, almost 4 oz.
10. Breast Milk factory (Momma Chon-Kang) is producing about 150 ML total per pumping. A little over capacity.
11. Daddy Sam has yet to discover what breast milk tastes like. I really dont want to know, when i do know what it tastes like... i will have a seperate blog post about that. OK?
12. Eleanor has neck strength.
13. Eleanor has leg strength
14. Eleanor cannot combine #12, and #13 to flip over yet. (the attempts are quite cute though. To see Eleanor struggle like she does to accomplish a physical challenge is just amazing.)
15. Eleanor is sleeping in 4 hour bursts. 4+4 = 8 hrs. Not bad eh?
16. I thank God that he did not intend for Man to breastfeed. Every 4 hours! Thank you LORD.
17. Eleanor's umbilical cord remainder fell off. and she has an innie.
18. Eleanor spit up milk onto me. I will let you know when the cuteness of that routine wears off.
19. Eleanor keeps on getting cuter and cuter as each moment passes.
20. In 21 days, i think I changed about 10 of those 120 diapers. hehehehehehe. (this will surely change over time...) but for now, my evil plan is working.

So many more and amazing things than 20 bullet points have happened to us.

Being a father really has changed me. I feel the magnitude of the responsibility of being a parent, Father, provider. I've also come to understand a little more about my nutty parents.

It is surely my privelige to raise this little being : Eleanor. I hope i can allow her to respect people and elders, without quenching her desire for life. She will know the balance between what is right for people , and what is right by her dreams and visions.

Poppa Sam.

IT IS CRAZY HOT TODAY.

The Big C

Hi,
the dreaded C Word. I found out recently that my mother has cancer. For a first time grandmother really just beginning to enjoy her retirement, the news is definitely not the best.

The good news is that she is very in tune with her body, so when things were not going well, she went into the doctor right away. They found a tumor in her stomach. Tomorrow August 1st, she will be having surgery to remove the tumor.

There is a new blog started to track/share/vent about the road to recovery

www.cancervictory.org
It has brought my family closer together.

I really dont know much about assisting with the recovery process for cancer. But i've gotten some good resources together from the internet. I know the site is just a small way for me to cope with things, but i hope it can help others as well.

We are taking the baby over to visit Grandma Chon later today, to give my mom a little boost before she goes into surgery.

Sam

Baby Whisperer

Hi,
I had purchased a good book as the recommendation of a good friend: Susan. She has 2 of her own kiddies, and said its a great read.



My wife started digging into the book mainly because we want to know the secret language of the hominus babius Poopius. (Infant newborn)

One tip that the wifie recommended to me was to refer to the baby with her name rather than "Fruit of my Loins" I thought fruit was quite endearing, but i will go with the book.

So, starting from this morning, i spoke to the baby by her name rather than anything else.

Baby whisperer, when you first hear that title, sounds a little, spooky. There was a movie horse whisperer, but a whole different thing.

Ok friends, its going to be a hectic week. Hazy, Hot, Humid and Hectic. 4 H's

Sam
"Eleanor's Dad and Sora's Husband"
I am the fruit of someone else's loins too, but i wont get into that.

osnap.com redo

hey
osnap.com went thru some design changes.

the photo album was redone.
New pics added for 07-30

Sam

A first for Daddy Sam...

You know, when i was burping Eleanor, I always though, Hm, i just hear burping, but i've never been spitted up on. And on TV and sitcoms you always see the baby spitting up on some guy, with an armani suit or something on. So i just thought, thats a hollywood scenario.

Well if a picture is worth a thousand words... here's 3000 words...

Its cute the first time it happens.
Plus i got that shirt at the Haggar Outlet. No Biggie.


Everything she does is cute.

So, we were prepping eleanor for a bath just now. She dropped a deuce on the carpet. We have just the solution for such problems. We used Nature's Miracle. Poop or Urine stains out in a jiffy. Highly recommened.



Proud Papa Sam.

Day 20

Day 20
Yesterday the baby had some diarrhea again. But it went away. And the baby was still urinating so we didnt have to worry about dehydration.
A basic google search continued to say that breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed.
She took down 120 ML of pre pumped breast milk and slept like a champ.

The baby stayed with us last night since we could sleep in before church. The baby seemed to be resistant to direct breast milk rather than from a bottle pre pumped. Somehow she was into a pattern, but after realizing that she wasnt going to get what she wants, she took the nourishment from the source.

We shot a lot of video yesterday.

My mother in law wanted to see how the baby did flipped over on her chest. We have video, and i am figuring out how to share this clip, because it is really cute. You see the baby struggling arms and legs flailing away trying to flip over. She hasnt figured it out yet, but it was soo cute.

Equipment:
Thanks to brother in law james kang: We are using a Canon Elura 100 Mini DV Cam. I am pretty happy with it. The firewire connection to the Sony Vaio PC at home makes capturing to Hard drive, then mastering the DVD quite simple.
The Canon Elura 100 has a digital still mode if you use an SD card. So the above picture is taken with the still feature. The resolution is EH, but ok to capture a moment if you need.

Like all cameras, still or digital, its all about light.

The larger resolution images are mostly generated from an Olympus Stylus Verve. The pics are OK. But not the best. Good to toss in your pocket and whip on when you need to take quick pics. Also great for vacationing. I am thinking of upgrading to a 6 MP, Canon or Sony. I've always been happy with Canon. But my sister's Sony has also taken some great shots.

My Sister in law has a pretty good canon as well, but i havent see any pictures from her camera (HINT!)

I will be going to church in the PM with my mother in law, but i think we will be leaving Sora at home with the baby. The baby is growing and getting bigger, but i think Sora still needs to take her recovery 1 day at a time.

For every culture the waiting time is different. Sora is not your typical korean woman either.
ok friends ttyl
Sam

Day 19

I have never posted pictures of the baby is distress. She is crying. but only for like 5 seconds. But with the shutter delay and junk from the digicam, it was lucky to get this photo.




Wanna know how baby poop smells?

Just kidding, i was just making this action shot, it kind of reminds me of lion king. But i didnt want to do that exact scene mainly because eleanors neck is not strong enough to be held that way.

1. I did not make the baby cry on purpose for the sake of blog-journalism. They do that on their own.
2. The baby is actually not that close to the ceiling fan. it wasnt turned on anyway. Its all about perspective.


I gotta go to work.
Sam

New Photos

Hi
new photos posted at www.osnap.com/eleanor

the folders have dates on them.
Sam

Day 18

Hi

this is from the morning. The baby didnt take formula or breast milk last night. Just some water. mainly because of the diarrhea problem. Have you ever heard of baby water? Currently we are using poland spring water. I am going to have to reasearch and see if another water is better.

Sora had some insight about a product we purchased. Machine Washable nursing pads. Dont buy them. The disposable paper-like ones are thinner and better. The Washable nursing pads seem better for the environment, but a little too thick and dont form to the shape very well. Imagine hockey pucks in your bra. And its apparent that theres some extra padding in there when other people check out that area. (not that people should be checking out that area of my wife!) That just not good. Its not a total waste, the also can be very fashionable coasters. We wont tell people what the original purpose was.

So go with the disposable ones. They conform better inside the bra, protecting for leakage, and diginity to the nursing mom. Paper technology is also advanced, very absorbant. The quicker picker upper for breast milk leakage. Sora seems to be very partial to the Medela Brand. Funny how that works, I think its just strength from their brand extension as one of the better breast pumps. We usually look for medela brand first.

Have you seen baby food coma. This is eleanor after she was done with feeding. haha. Eat, Sleep, Poop, Wakeup, Repeat.

She is also using the swaddle me baby wrap. I bought one on a whim at babiesrus. Its got soft velcro and a leg hatch so you can check the diaper.

I like the item very much. And eleanor seems to like it.

Buying on a whim, for first time Dad very difficult to resist. I try to give in 1 time a week. This week, no whim has caught my eye. Maybe the baby needs a new 60 in plasma tv! She can see shapes in 1080p, Hi def? Maybe its a reach.

You ever wonder why a baby smells so good? Is it the detergent? Powder? They just smell so good.

Whenever i hold eleanor in the morning or afternoon, i wonder. Can she smell me? Can she recognize me? When i put her in the shoulder burp position its so cute! She turns he head to the side. Like she knows who it is. Daddy. So i will relax and just enjoy daddy pounding on my back trying to make the air bubbles come out. (i dont pound, but most new people are too gentle)

I try to speak to the baby everyday too. We will be starting supply and demand lessons anytime now. After i tackle multivariate analysis. (I only got a B in that dumb class at CMU ) actually sadly enough i never got an A in 1 math class at CMU. My differential equations B was the best B i ever goy. I took it in the summer with Sam Cho, Yasu Oba, if it wasnt for them, i would have gotten a C or worse. Thanks guys! Engineering geeks helping a cool business student make his way. Hahahaha

eleanor is doing great and its time for me to go to work!

Sam

Day 17 photos

Day 17 Photo

The baby did not sleep much today. She also kind of had bad diarrhea. My wife still seems to think it could be passed thru her breastmilk. But i am not convinced.

I hope she wakes up, then i can spend some time with here before she sleeps for the night.

Flashback to Day 16. They gave the baby a bath while i was at work. She really enjoyed being in the water. What a cutie.

Me and Sora were talking today, all things considered, if the first 17 days is a sign of how things will be going forward, then everything will be all right! haha.

So, the doctor said to show the baby a lot of shapes and stuff to develop the brain and vision. Anyone have ideas on how we should do that? Books? Mobile? Shapes cut out of paper?

here is a cool product, i am thinking of buying for the baby's room. its a Twilight Turtle that displays the constellation on the ceiling. and in different colors. No product review yet, maybe you bought one and want to tell me its a waste of money.

I tried to setup a venue for parents in all stages of parenting to share, ask more questions, post product info, talk about cool discounts etc. See the link below the photo album.

Ok friends, i think i will be preparing myself for sleep.

(note: i am trying out this affiliate thing on amazon. you do not have to click on the links if you dont want to. its like a proof of concept thing on weblogs and stuff)

Sam

where does the time go?

it's hard to blog when you're feeding the baby every 2-4 hours. it's hard work.
trying to get food in between for strength and little naps for energy. but it's well worth it!

having my mom here has been such a blessing, i don't know what i'd do without her! she takes the baby at night and feeds her while i sleep. i am so blessed!

oh, about the bugaboo stroller...it would be nice to have, but not necessary. my brother has given us everything we really need, the stroller, car seat, etc. it was really cool, though. :)

but what happens when we have baby number 2? do we need a double stroller? another car seat? am i thinking too far ahead?

sam and i are planning on having around 4 kids. so we'll probably have a toddler when we have another child. maybe i need to slow down...

cherish these moments with eleanor. she's so adorable! i can't help it, every face she makes brings so much joy...so this is what it means to be a mommy.

sora

Day 17

Wow, its been over 2 weeks now.

We went out with the baby yesterday after work to fill some prescriptions and visit Eleanor's Grandmother and Grandmother in NJ.
We also went to target to print out some more pictures of the baby.

I've been taking pictures for 17 days straight. I dont know if i can keep it up for 365. Thats going to make a good scrapbook.

I dont know if you saw the picture of the baby from the previous post, at the end of the entry, but its so cool how she looks a lot like Sora's baby pictures there. When i see the baby, i see myself. I see Sora and its just so cool.

She is drinking over 4 oz of pumped milk, or when she feeds direct from the source, both breasts. Also she is latching on more and more without the nipple shield. Note to parents, who may use the nipple shield, the baby latching on with the nipple shield on, will not create enough stimulation to let the body know to continue making more milk. So in between feedings, it is important to pump. Then your body will continue to have the wheels of industry rolling. We still have the hospital rental machine with us.

We rented the Medala Lactina Select. Froogled it: 769 buckaroos. This is a heavy duty machine with a tool box like case. Not for discreet feedings. Large and consicuous

Because Eleanor is drinking more, she is getting a little belly. i think its ok. She is also sleeping much better now. We have been experimenting with different nipples, shapes, flow etc.
Eleanor seems to like the Gerber NUK stage 1 the best.
Evenflow stage 1 was way too slow.

Sora saw another parent in babiesrus with a Bugaboo Chameleon. She wants one. Froogled it: 879 for the chameleon. DAANG. So i am going to see if the notion sticks with her for a little longer.

I found out the payoff amount on my 4 Runner. I got that car while i was dating Sora. I can pay off in a couple more payments. The car-lust was kind of setting in and stuff, but I am going to resist. That car still looks brand new. Smells Semi New. If you hear me talking a new car, reprimand me. Even if its better for the environment.

She is going to use it more, since its safer for baby transport etc.

I will be driving the honda accord more. Its great on gas mileage.

So one less payment, will be nicer for the budget.

She wants a GPS for the car too. She gets lost sometimes.

Ok, back to work.
ttyl
Sam

Aunt or ANT?

look closely at this photo. Eleanor is clearly in some personal distress. I think the social services phone number should be on speed dial...]

First of all. Aunts. Goh mohs, Eee Mohs.
How do you pronounce it? Aunt like british people? or ANT like the bug?

Everyone wants to be an Aunt. Come in from out of town. Touch the baby in the face to exacerbate baby acne, kiss the baby with lipstick on, hold the baby whenever she whines a little. Then go home as soon as the baby has a poopie diaper, or whenever the baby wants to feed at 2:30 in the AM? Sure...

Aunts do serve a purpose. They are family. They usually spend some of their own money to buy the baby things that the parents would not want to. Uncles, non relatives you have the green light to follow these patterns as well. PLEASE...

Aunts are also the people the baby will usually think fondly of. Wondering when that Auntie will visit again.

And when we need to take a 2 weeker to Aruba... we will definitely cash in some auntie points. So its all fun and games until the baby poop isnt so cute anymore.

Its my prayer that both aunt's pictured above will be able to procreate and experience the complete joy and wonderment of being a parent. I hope trying to squeeze a baby out for 9.5 hrs. will bring you closer to the creator of the universe, because you will be crying out to him.

Not that life is complete, because it wont be until well, when my baby gets a diploma, married and has a baby of her own. Oh yeah, when they bring back betamax, then life will be complete.

I appreciate both aunts. Just be on notice that the gifts and stuff should really never end.
I updated the Babiesrus.com registry. Big ticket items too! hahaha

More relative updates as i feel neccessary
Sam
Here's another picture, since the cord fell off, she was able to receive a real bath. well in an 18 qt dish pan. Don't tell the baby.

Day 16

Mother in Law.

Hi, this is the mother is Law, she has been at our house since June 30th. If she had not come to the house, i dont know where we would be. She cooks, cleans, sets up stuff, bathes the baby, and just so many things.

It has been such a blessing to have her with us, that i have offered her a full time invitation to stay at the house. RENT FREE!

This is the first baby from her own blood in a sense, and i think the bond between Sora and her has really grown as well.

One of the things i love about my mother in law is that when she sees the baby for the first time in the day, or just from being in another room, she has delight like its the first time she's seen the baby in her whole life. Sometimes I wonder if she is on E or something, but she loves the baby.

Baby Update

Purchased another box of Pampers Swaddlers Size N. 96 ct.

So since day 1, the baby has used up ~120 diapers. /15 days = 8 diapers a day. I hear it slows down a bit.

Sleep: baby slept in mother in law's room last night. She slept from 11 pm to 3:30 pm. Had pre pumped milk, then slept until 5:30 am.

Now she is sleeping downstairs.

Also she is drinking about 120 ML at a time if its pre pumped.

Sora has been trying to wean the baby off the nipple shield as well. The baby latches on, because its like when she does Sora goes "WHoa, she's on" Kind of like fishing right? BABY ON!

The photo album link is fixed and new photos have been uploaded.

Also i have uploaded pics to ofoto.

if you want to see those pics, or print your own pics from them, please email me

sambo1108 at yahoo.com the only reason i dont use the @ is because the spamming spiders. They read webpages and take email address off it.

Off to work!

Sam

Blogger Error

Hi
Blogger is not cooperating with me and images.
so i cannot upload a new picture of the day.

UPDATE: the cord fell off. Do you save it?
give it to her future husband as a wedding gift or something? hahaha

Sorry. more Cuteness tomorrow.
Sam

Daddy's Responsibility

So, day 15.
2 weeks has passed. The pediatrician gave us some good information
The cord is almost about to fall off.

Do you save that little shriveled thing? I dunno.

Oh yeah, Cord Blood. We decided against it. There were a lot of companies who pushed that the cord blood could be used later in case one of the future children have some problem or may need a transplant or something. We asked around, and decided it seemed like an overpriced insurance policy. Thats just for the Chon Family.

Photo album link seems to be down, so i've take measures to use kodakphotoshare gallery to share photos.

As the daddy, the poppa, what is my job/role/task?
1. Lots of things, i try my best to put food on the table. And with my mother in law in the house, very good food on the table.
2. I Drive around a lot. I could never really get into the wife drives and i ride shotgun. Maybe I am too type A, but i like to drive. Only when we come back late from somewhere. Sora is the night person, i am the early riser.
3. New jobs for me? Well, i try to tell Eleanor "I love you, and I will always love you, nothing you do or say cannot change that. So you just do your best to become the best Eleanor Chon you can be, without guilt trips, manipulation, or obligation to the person who will pay for a $450,000 private education, unless you can get a scholarship." Ok, some abbreviated form of that. I hope and pray that Eleanor will have the supreme confidence that she has my approval. That she is always my daughter, always making me proud. If i can do that, i know she will be a risk taking, initiative taking, force driving, five foot seven (at least), passionate woman of God who lives out her calling to the fullest.

I wonder that even today sometimes, am I a good son today, am I bad son today? Some days, i know i am a punk to my parents still, and I apologize to them for my actions and words. honestly, i just want to be a Son. Good or bad, the judgement may fluctuate, but I've got a lot of life to live, and worrying about my "Son-Ly approval rating" is just a waste of time. I know that the arrival of Eleanor 4G Chon , (4G = 4th Generation) has softened my Dad and Mom a lot. I know that she will teach them things, that I could have never taught them in a million years. So am thankful for that she has the power to do things I cant.

What does she get from the Momma. Lots of the same, and at least 125 CCs of pure breast milk. You know the pediatrician told us, actually breast milk does not have vitamin D or something. So if Eleanor is exclusively breast fed, that we have to get an over the counter vitamin dropper to supplement. I have suspicions about this, but I will trust her on this.

Day 15.
I held eleanor on my shoulder this morning before I left and prayed for her. (honestly, i have prayed more for my food, than I did for the baby) So, today was the first step in a 21 day program to have prayer for my child as a daily habit that wont ever stop.

Its a wonder how a baby can change you. If you allow it to.

Daddy Sam
(sounds weird right?) haha

First Pediatrician Visit

Hi

So we took the baby to the Pediatrician for the first appointment.
They weighed Eleanor first. They stripped her down to the pamper, but we needed to change the baby, so they weighed Eleanor commando style. Anyhow after the weigh in she pee pee’d all over the place. Hahaha

Was kind of funny.

New weight after 2 weeks. 7 lbs, 8 oz. The doctor said that some babies lose weight initially in the first 2 weeks. She seemed unimpressed by my baby tracker 2006. She told me I didn’t need to document everything to such detail unless we started to see abnormalities. Data is all we have!

But I will back off.

She asked us questions about feeding, and normal stuff.

Eleanor has received Hepatitis Vaccine , the first shot anyhow already. So we have to schedule a follow up visit.

Insurance wise, when a new baby is born she is covered under mother’s policy for the first 30 days. I have submitted paperwork for enrollment as herself, but don’t worry about the coverage.

We asked doctor questions about feeding, sterilization etc.
All in all, it was a good visit.
Sora had to do an emergency feeding because the left breast was getting a little engorged.

Also I found the pediatricians office to be quite cold, maybe because of the summer and climate control. So bring extra blankets.

PS: Sora jumped out 125 ML of breast milk. She was very proud.

Sam

Million dollar Baby

Hi,
so we had a great time at church today. My sister really planned a celebration worthy of sixty years of life. She decorated, flowers, stamped each napkin and did a really great slideshow with microsoft movie maker.

As i was just enjoying the day, i found it nice to have produced a 4th generation for the family. My mom being a first time grandmother kept saying eleanor is the best gift this year. A million dollar gift.

She is just a baby in reality, but somehow she represents so much for everyone.

Hope for the next generation
I hope and my Dad hopes that we can both improve as father and grandfather. If each generation can learn from the mistakes and get better, then i think there is hope.
For my wife, it makes her a mother. A caretaker, and source of love for this little being. Everything my daughter knows about kindness , compassion, and other good stuff, she will learn from her.

i can tell things are changing inside of me. But the motivation is like conviction. Once it hits you gotta act. Or you know what, the motivation will wear off and dull.

Anyhow if she is a million dollar baby, great. I want to know who the beneficiary is.

Have a good week.

Sam

Going to Church!

Well, today, we will all be going to church as a family. It is my mother's 60th birthday celebration.

I dont know how much time it will take to prepare the baby and what outfit she will wear, but i'm pretty sure getting the baby ready isnt a five minute thing.

A lot of people were over the house yesterday, and it seems that the baby had trouble sleeping.
I dont think she is antisocial by any means.

eleanor has gotten a little baby acne, i think its from people touching her face and kissing her too much. So i am a little more cautious about people washing their hands and not having lipstick on.

Our baby registry is kind of messed up, mainly we forgot the password to make changes to it... So we'll have to go to the store and directly request new passwords.

UPDATE: New photos added to the photo album - see 721-723 - a new folder in the main index.

Enjoy your sunday!
Sam

How do you weigh a baby?

Learned this from a UPS trick
Zero scale
Step on scale yourself - note weight
Step on scale with baby - note weight

do math.

Baby came out 6 lbs 13 oz
Now she is about 7 lbs something. my scale doesnt do ounces.

Anyhow, she slept well last night. 10 pm sleep. 2 pm wake up nurse
4:50 am wake up, nurse, sleep

she was in our room last night.
Not that bad.

Sam

Day 12

Oh Baby. Well, lots of relatives are in town now

1. My Sister - baby's Goh Moh
2. Sora's Sister - Baby's Eee-Moh
3. Sora's Big Brother - Sam Choon or Kuhn Sam Choon - meaning big uncle
4. Sora's Dad - Hah-LRah-Buh-Gee (English doesnt have all the sounds for that)
5. Sora's Older Middle Brother - Sam Choon
6. Sora's Sister in law Married to Number 5 - Soong Moh
7. Sora's Neice - Eleanor's New Cousin - Uhn Nee
8. Sora's Nephew - Eleanors New Cousin - Oh Pah.

All korean terms are in relation to eleanor.

I suspect that because most korean families were extended and at many times living in the same place... Just uncle, brother, cousin was not specific enough. Also as with many foreign languages, account for Gender.

The family tree can get quite crazy, and to the people who are classically korean, they know all the vocabulary words for each person.

Brother of sister in law married to my sister or something like that.

I am thinking of making a numbering and lettering system.
Like " YO, G4Alpha6 (Brother in law) YOU sunk my battleship!"
doesnt that seem simpler?

We went to go see my grandmother yesterday, but without the baby. She had lasik surgery done whil e they did some cataract work, so her vision is impeccable for a 94 year old. She is a great grandmother.

First Generation = Grandma
2nd = My Dad's line
3 = My line
4. Eleanors Generation.

4th generation Chon in the USA. She will marry and give up Chon, but still.
She will always be Ms. chon to me.

Sam

Baby Tracker

So here is a screen shot of the Baby Tracker 2006.
Column A: Date
B: When feeding of pumping started
C: Circle Left Breast, Right Breast of Formula
d: Write in How many ML, or OZs
e: end time: when the feeding ended
f: diaper change notes, circle BM for poopie, U for pee pee, or both for a combo
g: extra space for diarrhea notes, or hiccups etc.

If you want a copy of the baby tracker speadsheet let me know
Sam

Day 11

So, the grandmother requested to take the baby at night again. Eleanor is drinking almost 95 ml of breast milk now. Sora has to pump one side, and feed with the other.

We are still using the breast shield. Not we, she.

anyhow. people have been sending cool gifts.
Also my sister is making baby annoucements.

Sam

Look at that Smile

Sora took this picture. it is just way too cute. Doctors say babies can smiled, they just dont know that they are doing it.

Well, whatever it is she knows or doesnt know, this is just one of my most favorite pictures of Eleanor.

Did you ever hear that Dads are supposed to give their kids the first bath? I kind of missed on that one, but a friend asked me about that.

Anyhow. being a daddy is not easy. but rewarding

sam

Anonymous Comments are now Allowed

Hi,
anonymous comments have been activated so you dont need a blogger account to post comments.

Sam

Feeding Time

Hi,

so the baby slept in grandmas room last night. Sora felt like she needed to get more sleep while she was here. It is important for the new mother to stay healthy as well.

So i fed eleanor the pumped breastmilk. She still tries to gulp things down too fast.

I had to get stage1 nipples. With a very slow flow. The hospital freebie nipples were too fast.

Sora is up to like 90 ML combined on production. She had a ton on seaweed soup and a couple pigs feet to help with the milk production.

pigs feet? i dont know why but koreans say its good to eat during breast feeding.

Ok, so i got about 7 hrs of sleep last night, so i am pretty chipper.

Pediatrician visit scheduled for next week monday. Day 14 for her.

ttyl

Sam

FDA Sez...

So...
Today the wife had Diarrhea. Bad kine. Violent run to bathroom push people out of the way kine.

Then the baby had a mooshy one too... so we thought it was from the breast milk

but the FDA.gov website clearly states that diarrhea cannot be passed thru breastmilk.

Quote: "Most common illnesses, such as colds, flu, skin infections, or diarrhea, cannot be passed through breast milk. In fact, if a mother has an illness, her breast milk will contain antibodies to it that will help protect her baby from those same illnesses."

My wife was going to throw away 90 ML of perfectly good breast milk. I wasnt going to have it with my AM cheerios either... Good thing for google. And google spell check

who really knows how to spell Diarrhea. Why 2 R's?

Anyhow we didnt throw it away. But making sure everything that the baby touches is sanitized.

The medela quick steam microwave bags seem like a good idea, but not used yet. Be careful steam can burn.

Top reasons why to breastfeed.
1. Its cost effective. Breast milk is free. Kind of free. the food you give to the momma is not free, but she was going to eat anyhow.
2. Breastmilk passes antibodies that will help protect her baby from those illnesses. Less allergies as well.
3. Dont need to heat the breast milk up. think about the natural gas or electric used to heat formula to room temperature. Saving the environment.
4. Creates a bond between baby and mother. So instead of one person in the house conspriring against you have 2 or more.
5. During breastfeeding, the body naturally contracts the stomach muscles, leading to usually quicker return to pre maternity figure and form. Maybe even pre wedding figure and form...?

Turbojam DVDs are waiting to be used by me and sora. You ever notice how people in workout video seem like they are on speed or something? They are just too darn cheery and peppy.

I think i gained 10 lbs thru the pregnancy , cleaning up sora's leftovers, when she had a craving for something, but only needed a taste. Couldnt let that food go to waste.

I think the baby is going to sleep in grandmas' room tonight and feed off the pumped milk. We'll see.

I shot some video footage too. of the breast pump machine. a documentary. nothing R rated.

ok friends, ttyl

Day 10 tomorrow!

Sam

finally have some time

it's been a hectic and tiring week...but well worth it! i finally got to email friends and family on the news

it's truly amazing how this little baby was created in my womb! God truly is a master at what He does! you spend hours trying to imagine what your baby's going to look like, and when you see her for the first time...she's perfect!

motherhood is challenging and fulfilling...i love being a mommy. can't wait to take her out and show her the world!

sam's been a great support and father. as you can see by this blog, he's involved in every step of parenthood. i've been so blessed! i couldn't ask for anything more...well, more kids...that's for later. :)

well gotta go check Eleanor.

Sora

Day nine

So, Day 9.

The baby is doing good. Her Aunt-my Sister (Goh-Moh in Korean) flew in this morning. It is actually my mother's 60th birthday this weekend, so its kind of a big deal for her. For koreans it used to be a big deal.

I am happy that my mother achieved grandmother class before her 60th birthday. Apparently in her peer group she was getting flack for not being a grandmother yet. I wasnt going to speed things up with my wife so i could help her get over the peer pressure.

Anyhow, it should be a good weekend for everyone. I hope.

Other relatives are coming in as well.

I will let you know who gave us the cheapest gift. hahaha

And eleanor will know.

i am going to stop by target and print some more pictures

i also need a haircut. its starting to get a little chia-petty.

Sam

Here is another pic of the new family

The chair

Here is it.
nice chair - this is a sample pic from website.
It has a lock on the side. So you can get up safely
Sam

Day 8

So,
Day eight. I have a confession. I slept in another room last night.
Too much work to do at the warehouse. in 100 degree temps. The baby wasnt the only one who needed desitin...

Baby is latching on.

My mother in law is making Naeng Myun. Cold buckwheat noodles in broth.
very good indeed

ttyl
gotta spend time with the Baby.

Sam

Sponge Bath

So,
the baby didnt smell like B.O. or anything, but it was time to give baby eleanor a sponge bath.

Why? Well sometimes babies born after their due date can go thru a rapid exfoliation process. Dont be alarmed if the baby gets all flaky and peels. Thats normal.

So we needed to get this "DDae" off the babie. MAN! She is only 19 1/4 inches, but that whole 19 and 1/4 inches was exfoliating, Save the face area.

We had to watch out for the belly button area of course. I think they gave her an "innie" we'll see.

My Mother in Law and Wife tortured my little angel with warm water and washcloths. It was pretty grody. When i exfoliate in the bathtub, by the end you have like a haze floating on the water.

Well the baby tub had the same haze. She truly is the product of my seed. My progeny.
She has yet to master optimal flatulation volume and depth, the diaper hampers the volume, but she has potential. In due time.

Ok , bathing her was toturous, but still cute.
One of the digicams at home has the shot of her being dried off.

So we got most of the flaking skin off, and dried her off. new diaper, and bam, she was happy.

So if your baby flakes up, dont be alarmed, dont lather her up with lotion. Just know the baby is regulating herself.
also, they said no soap of any kind on the face yet.

Just lots of kisses from Mommy and Daddy.

First Time Father: Sam Chon reporting.

Sam

Doo-TaL-Yay

If you speak french, then maybe that word makes sense.

Actually french canadian. They have this rocker/glider specifically marketed towards new parents who want to have a better chair seat to nurse/feed their babies.

I did some initial internet froogling, to find that these puppies are premium good.
You can select model, wood color, reclining, swivel base, fabric color, padding style etc etc.

With an 8 week lead time, you'll have the perfect chair for your babies happiness.

Well, I'll take the floor model. Babies R us - did not want to sell a desperate house-husband one off the floor. USA-Baby to the rescue. A smaller store, not so much baby clothes, more furniture and high ticket baby items. I called ahead, at that is when i ask "Do you carry Dutailier Gliders. With the Dutailer pronounced like i was from the Nextel Nascar Fanbase. The fine associate proceeded to say you mean "Doo-TaL-Yay".

Whatever chump!

So for all new and current parents who dont "Parlez Francais" You wont have to embarrass yourself. together with me: "Doo-TaL-Yay". Say that ninety times fast.

I chose the floor model, and was quite happy. Wife was happy
Baby was happy.

wife says she wants 4 kids. so i guess we will get a lot of miles out of it.

BTW: I am also planning to buy a used one from www.craigslist.com also. a little cheaper, but mildly used. We'll see. the seller called me 2x. so i think the balance of power is to me.

i looked at the cheaper models at babies r us, and the handles wiggled, and just didnt seem to have the same quality as our French Canadian Brothers from the north could ensure.

Some things buy good stuff, unless you plan to have 1 child.

I took french in high school too.

Well, i think i will go get a GYRO for lunch. or is it GHiro (with that loogie ghutteral noise). WHO CARES! Lamb in a pita with that fantastic cucumber yogurt. (which is the only yogurt i will eat). some places use those imposter Sahara Pitas, and some places use that middle eastern flatbread that you can never find in the real store.
Comment on that friends: where i can find real middle eastern flat bread. Not Sahara imposter pitas.

Pic of baby's 8th day to come.

Sam

New Feature

Hi
new link to a photo album hosted off site.
Sam

Day seven

I cannot believe its been one week already
Lots of learning
Lots of growing
Lots of joy

I took baby pics and the delivery room dvd for my parents
I hope thay can enjoy them

I am using target photo center
Very fast service. just plug in the memory card
18 cents for 4x6

Don't forget to unplug the memory card though, when you are done.

The baby is starting to learn not to fear the breast but that food and nourishment come from that place

We haven't opted for the supplemental nursing system. Mainly because I can't find it in the store

The baby is adapting

And for the new daddy not to pick her up everytime she cries is not easy, but i know is the best thing for her.

Sora is trying to learn when a cry is a "I am hungry" cr" and "I got pee pee in the pampers" cry.

I don't get to feed her anymore because I am not producing milk (I dont think i would ever want to do this) Jack Burns from meet the Fockers... i dont know... But I still love holding her staring wondering what she is thinking.

"Daddy, you have morning breath" or "Daddy, you need to get a haircut" I wish i could know.

I know why people with babies are late

It takes forever to get ready

I made a baby tracker spreadsheet this morning
To track feedings, left or right breast, duration, and diaper changes pee or poop or both
So we can answer the pediatrician better

Baby poop is not smelly yet
I hear it gets way more pungent when she moves to real food

Ok friends

I have to go to work

sam

Day 6

Hi
She is sleeping
After some conversations with friends who are also caring for infants. We knew we needed to get our baby onto the real nipple

Sora is now producing a decent amount of milk

Since I don't have work today we decided we would wean eleanor off the formula and exclusively onto mommas milk and from straight from the source

It went better than expected

We had to use a nipple shield which is essentially a silicone pastie with holes
It makes the nipple large enough for the baby to latch on

Somewhat of a success

But we know this is the path for us

Day 6
Whatever crying she dishes out we can take it

I wonder if the neighbors can hear it

Who cares

sam

July 15th

Another night

The baby slept pretty well last night

3 to 4 hour bursts is not bad in the first week.

I'll take it.

I think she's gained a little weight in the face, but i'm not sure, since i see her everyday.

The baby is eating almost 80 ML now over 2 oz. Which is great.

She is sucking that bottle down, i try to slow her down and give her breaks for burping etc.

Researching Baby Monitors

Looking at AngelCare monitor plus movement sensor

also the BebeSounds 2.4 MHZ Night Vision Baby monitor.

Dunno yet... we'll see

Sam

Test Results

Hi

the bilirubin test was fine.

So, eleanor has a tinge of yellow. Which comes from genetics, not jaundice.

Other news.
I get a chirp on my nextel speakerphone

"Honey! my milk is coming in!"

People around me staring... yeah, its like that.
but i was very happy since my wife was feeling discouraged.

She produced about 23 ML a little less than an ounce this morning.

Slowly but surely.

Now we have to get the baby more used to the live nipple.
any suggestions?

Sam

My first trip

Hi
This is the first time we are venturing out with the baby

Billirubin test

Special thanks to Will and Julie Chun for the cute dress.

sam

New Grandparents

Hi

its Day 4.

We have a jaundice checkup in the morning

 

So my parents came by the house last night.

 

My parents are new grandparents.  I think its strange for my Dad, but he is very happy.  He has pictures on his laptop and computer desktop already.

 

He held her for a little bit, and was a little scared, but he will be ok.

 

My Mom is a pro at handling babies.

 

but i found older generation his some different views and techniques for taking care of the baby.

 

Some things are old wives tales

some things are truth.

 

Every baby is different, and every situation is different

 

Sleep:

 

Feeding 10 pm - 50 ML

1:30 AM - Woke up: 3.5 hrs not bad! - Feeding 50 ML - Urine in diaper no poop

4:45 AM woke up: 3.25 hrs - Feeding 50 ML

5:30 never went to sleep, stayed up with us, and I got ready for work.  Another 10 ML.

Poopie diaper.

 

I know the baby will grow every day

and develop in her brain everyday.

 

When i can get her to understand supply and demand, and compounding interest, THEN, my work will be done.

Also, look both ways before you cross the street is a key lesson.

 

Right now, eye movement, and seeing if she sees things in her peripheral vision and moves over is a good sign.

 

ttyl

Sam

 

This is the Momma

first time actually checking email.

things have been overwhelming and exciting!
i still can't believe i have a beautiful daughter at times...

recovery from the delivery is slow and tiring, but my mom's here and being a great help :)
sam's really great, too! :0

can't wait to show her off to the world!

sora

The first 12 hours in the house

They Baby slept in our room last night. here's a little snapshot of what happened.
Baby was fed at about 9 pm. About 35 ML
Baby woke up at 12 Midnight. hungry and with wet poopie diaper. Poop is almost black color.
Baby gave some attempts at breastfeeding, and was getting better. After we put her to the bottle. She ate about 39 ML.

5 AM baby Woke up with my alarm
Wet diaper, no poop.
ate 45 ML. (~ 1 oz)

Then i went to work.

Why track?
It is important to track the BMs and PPs because you want to make sure the baby is growing, and also not dehydrated.

The breast feeding consultant (Sounds like a dream job eh? ) hahaha
Encouraged us to keep the baby on a regular schedule
Every 2 hrs in the day
And 3 hrs at night.

So i get about 6 hrs of sleep. in 3 hr bursts.

The baby can sleep thru the snoring.

My mother in law will watch the baby some and lisa may get some sleep.

I found walgreens to be pretty good for baby supplies.

Questions:
Any suggestions for scrapbooking?
We have all the stuff the hospital gave us, and i took an extra foot printing pad so i can do my own project.

If you are thinking of having a baby, i hope you are already in a serious loving monogamous relationship. Because the baby needs 2 people.

When we were leaving a 16 yr old girl was sharing the recovery room with us. I dont know she could go at this alone.

If you are thinking of having premarital sex, imagine having a baby with this person you dont even know, then seeing his/her face everytime you see the baby.

Note:

as the doctors were stitching up the baby, i hear Lisa tell the doctor,
"Yeah, i want to have 3 more kids"

JEEZ! She just went thru. 6 and a half hours of labor. Nine months of carrying this parasite (i mean parasite in the most loving way) around with her, and the next thing is Lets have 3 more? The Doctor said the rest will be easier.

Thats love. Way more love than I've got. And i love my wife and child.

So, now I am a Daddy.
I can say "Who's your Daddy" and get an answer.

I can terrorize future suitors to my daughter and not feel guilty. I know GPS tracking technology will up to snuff by the time the baby is ready to date.

Sam

Feeding time

Well

Its feeding time.

During the time when the breasts are changing over from Colostrum (Early Breast Nutrition) to good old regular milk, some nursing mothers will still have to use formula.

There are many many benefits to breast feeding, so we are going with that option.

It may take up to 7 full business days to have the breast milk come in fully.

It may be a little discouraging for the mommy, but just be supportive, and give her lots of fluids.

Sam

Home sweet home

She is sleeping in the basinet next to us

Update on how many actual hours sleep tommorow

sam

Time to go home

Time to go home

More updates from the house

sam

discharge

We are just waiting for the discharge

Prescriptions and some other stuff

Remember bring your baby carrier or they won't let you leave the hospital

What else
Don't bother with retail breast pumps
Hospital has heavy duty breast pump

I will ttyl
sam

The bracelet

The magic bracelet

When admitted to the hospital for a baby
You get a bracelet saying you are father of baby

You wave this magical thing and doors open

I was getting dinner and I forgot my wallet

I told waittress I will be back
Showed her bracelet and said my wife just had baby

She smiled and said I trust you

I went back and paid

I was in drive thru at popeyes
I was paying with the hand the bracelet was on
Bam
Better service

I may never take it off

It is waterproof

Anyhow
Contemplating a new tattoo to comemorate the baby

Something maybe with forceps and the babys name and birthday so I don't forget

Any suggestions

If we have 4 kids that's a lot of ink

sam

Ok ok now she is sleeping

Ok
Now she sleeps

See time stamp
21:50

Army time for way too stinkin late

Energy drinks and turbo ice here we come

sam

30 hrs

3 wet poopie diapers
Lots of crying

30 hrs baby is fine and sleeping (not yet since her eyes are open)

I can't tell who she looks like yet. I have gotten that she looks like Sora, some people say she looks like me. I will always see my wife when i look at her.

I know I love her though

She looks at me

I say I am her daddy

sam

First day

Ok
First day over
Everyone is tired

Baby is tired from just visitors and nursing

Mommy is still recovering

She is taking perkaset for pain but doesn't seem to be working

If you want to visit

Pennsylvania hospital
8th and spruce
5th floor

Ask for lisa kang

Lisa chon does not legally exist yet due to delay in name change

After I gave that woman a baby now I think she will be ready to take chon is her name

Don't want to confuse the baby

She isn't just my babys momma
Shes my wife
And partner

Shes done great having motherly instincts come thru

Baby products review forthcoming

sam

Day 1

Ok
Sora is doing well
The doctor had to do epesiotomy
So she is still pretty sore

Baby is well

She is a crybaby
Hence the origin of the word

But doing well

Lisa has breastfeeding class at 10:30 today
Honestly I don't worry that a child of mine needs training on how to suck the breast
Hahaha

But I guess lactating is not automatic

It is still sinking in
And the euphoria of the baby will most likely wear off when eleanor says the magic words

"daddy , I need some money"

So 529 plan
Here we come

sam

Mother and child

Ok
Official weigh in
6 lbs 13 oz

Mother and child are both fine

sam

Eleanor chon

Eleanor chon
5:05 pm
July 10th 2006

Don't know weight
sam

Started pushing at 330

Baby is ready
Push like you got a bm
sam

Bladder empty

The bladder has been emptied
We can see just the tip of the head
The baby has black hair

The catheter setup is good
I wish I had one for long drives

sam

Complete dialation

Time to push
sam

130 pm status

Dialation 6 cm
90 %
Minus 1 station

A couple more hours to go

While doc was checking sora she let some gas fly
Hahaha

I guess grosser stuff may happen

sam

waiting

Ok
So I didn't expect this much waiting.
What to know

Bring books
Bring things to do

I brought a little foam cooler. Water and apple juice for lisa

Monster khaos energy drink for me

I am also filming video . Will edit out all the curse words and burn to dvd

sam

relief

Now she is happy

Don't you wish you had a button that you could press whenever you wanted to escape pain?

Still waiting
sam

Epidural?

I don't know the spelling
But my wife opted for epidural

She doesn't really feel the contractions much now

1 minute apart now

Soon the heir to the korman empire joins the world
Unless she brings home some loser and tells me she loves him

I can't wait for that day

Lets just past her delivery first

1045 am

We moved to delivery suite
Doctor broke water for us

A little meconium
If you don't know google it

We will know more in an hour
sam

Status 1022 am

Ok
3 to 4 cm
80 percent on cervix
Zero station

We will deliver sometime today

sam

The baby is coming

Wife is in the hospital
I will try to blog as we progress
sam