Caleb's first few weeks was spent sleeping during the day and waking up most hours during the dawn. I had to sleep with him so that I could catch on my own snooze mode. It was definitely an adjustment period not just for me but for Oliver as well. He can no longer sleep with all the lights closed since Caleb's around already. I need a source of light during periods of feeding which was approximately every two to three hours. Plus, he had to bear our baby's cries during the dawn as he slept. He wanted complete silence during sleeping periods and Caleb's cries woke him up every time. On my end, besides the erratic sleeping schedule, Caleb was not comfortable nursing while he laid on our bed, I had to pick him up and place him on my lap for him to feed properly meaning I had to get up a couple of times for his feeding. It didn't help that my operation hurt on certain occasions especially when it gets cold. Nonetheless, I tried being the best hands-on mom that I could be.
Oliver and I stayed at his other place in Novaliches since it was a mere bungalow. I could move about freely without the constriction of stairs. It still hurt when I climb steps. Only, it was literally away from everything--we had no internet, no cable and not even pizza hut delivery. Although we had every opportunity to rest, I didn't get enough due to Caleb's ever changing and shifting sleeping schedule. I guess he was adjusting too. He cried a lot more during the dawn. There was this one time that I got so frustrated I cried with him as I rocked him to sleep. Good thing Oliver was still on leave. He took over as I slept an hour or two.
On the brighter side of things, we guided him on all his first experiences as he slowly discovered his own little world. We were there during his first sunshine, which was a priority because he was already yellow from jaundice. We were there during his first bath at home, feeling water upon his skin, which made him cry a bit, We were there during his first feeding c/o my breast milk. He sucked like a pro. We were there when he first smiled and it lit up our lives.
On the brighter side of things, we guided him on all his first experiences as he slowly discovered his own little world. We were there during his first sunshine, which was a priority because he was already yellow from jaundice. We were there during his first bath at home, feeling water upon his skin, which made him cry a bit, We were there during his first feeding c/o my breast milk. He sucked like a pro. We were there when he first smiled and it lit up our lives.
After two weeks we were back in Binondo. I was a lot better. I could climb stairs without pain. This time, it was Caleb's turn to feel unwell. He developed a cold which later translated to pneumonia. We had to move to Fairview at my parent's place, for Caleb's house confinement. My sister, his pedia, looked after him. He has to receive four painful shots everyday for seven days to make him better. He looked fragile and helpless as he received injection after injection. It took him almost two weeks to get well. His medication was extended because his white blood cells didn't increase in the level that it should. Poor little fellow.
He was quite cranky especially during the dawn. Good thing I discovered white noise, it calmed him during periods of turbulence.
Below are a couple of pictures during his first few weeks with us.
Below are a couple of pictures during his first few weeks with us.