Baby's First Christmas

Our first famly photo with Santa

December 25, 2008 was our baby Brandon's first Christmas. It was an exciting and special time for us as well. We bought our little guy his Bumbo seat, wrapped it up, and left it by the fireplace until Christmas Day. It was snowing that day so it was a beautiful scene. Brandon was so excited to see the view and opening presents. Here are some photos we took:

He received candy, money, new clothes, stuffed penguin plushie, and a new chair.

Chinese Baby Banquet

In Chinese tradition, a baby banquet is held when the baby reaches one month old. This celebration is also known as "red egg and ginger" baby banquet. Our family had made reservations at the restaurant for 8 tables (so approximately 80 people). Being the first baby and because we had a boy, it was somewhat a big deal for the Yuen family. Our baby Brandon was the main attraction. He was sound asleep with his favorite blue blanket around him. Everyone gathered to wish congratulations and offering gifts & red envelopes.

Tummy Time

Brandon is over 2 weeks and 5 days old at this point. I introduced him to his new toy. It was his first time playing on the “Tummy Time” mat & cushion. I was surprised he was able to lift his head at this stage. It was the cutest thing ever when I put him on his tummy and decided to take a picture. I haven’t attached any toys that came with it as he hasn’t learned to grab things yet. So more tummy time will develop his neck muscles and prevent flat head.

Welcome Brandon to our World

My due date was September 29th, 2008, but something happened on the friday morning of September 26th. My water broke and I knew I was in labor. I could feel small contractions and I had to call my doctor so she could see me right away on how far along I was. My husband called in work to take his day off so he could be with me.

Brandon Jordan Yuen was born September 26, 2008. My husband and I were thrilled about being first time parents. I couldn't believe I am a mom now. It was the best thing ever when Brandon came into our world. Wow, I could not believe the pain I went through. I did not take any pain medication at all during labour as it was my choice to begin with. I only inhaled laughing gas they provided and that stuff just makes you dizzy. I did not yell out at all. I was just uncomfortable to even scream out how painful I was. The nurses told me what a trooper I was.

Details about him:

Born: September 26, 2008 @ 11:58pm
Weighed 6Lbs 15.8oz
Measured: 48cm

* Birthstone is Sapphire (Clear Thinking)
* Flower is Aster or Morning_Glory (Brown, Deep Blue)
* Astrological Sign is Libra
* Born in the Chinese Year of The Rat
* Will start kindergarten in 2014
* Be old enough to drive a car in 2024
* Will graduate High School with the Class of 2027

Photos from Day 2 (2-days old)
Hubby Patric's parents came visit us in the morning at the hospital and brought us some food. My family (mom, dad, sis, and Patrick Louie) came to visit us also in the afternoon.

Photos from Day 3 (3-days old , still at the hospital)
Baby had to be treated under phototherapy since he had some slight jaundice. Other than that, he was perfectly healthy.

October 2nd was the day we finally get to go home from the hospital. We waited and waited for the test results on his bilirubin. The doctors did a few blood tests taken from Brandon's heal a few times. Poor little guy.



It has been an entire week at the hospital and it was pretty boring for a while after we were moved from the bigger room to a crammed up room. It was nice that we got the "Preferred Accommodation" that was covered under Patric's company plan. We didn't really get much sleep as we were both uncomfortable.

Here is Brandon finally home in his comfortable crib:

Ultrasound

This is my ultrasound image at 17 weeks. Gender was unknown at that time. It is so amazing to see the clear profile of my baby.


At 26 weeks, I was just past the halfway point. I had booked an appointment in advance that we decided to get a 3D ultrasound. We chose the top package so we could keep every detail recorded. We get to keep a copy of the session on DVD with 2 hardcopy prints. We finally decide to find out the gender and we were going to have a baby boy. Actually, my Doctor had told me earlier when she asked, but thought I'd have another opinion and answer just to make sure.

3D Ultrasound at 26-weeks