LillyPost Box

Hey there, this blog is a short one & it's all about reviewing my recent experience with Lillypost Box. I got to know about this concept on Instagram. It just popped up one day! But before lillypost, there were a lot of similar concepts I had tried to subscribe but none had worked in my favour.

Concept basically works like this. They have three varieties for you to choose.
* 4 board books
* 3 picture books
* a mix of both, from a month to month all the way up to one year subscription.
Subscription info is on their Insta stories on their Instagram page & ofcourse on their website. That’ll help you understand everything perfect.

Moving on to my experience, I received 4 Board books. This was of course to pull Soorya into reading. I know it’s too early, but I’ll be happy even if he looks at the book or stare at me while I read for him :)
I had subscribed for 4 board books for 3 months. I paid $65.
$50 for the books & $15 for the shipping. The total amount for the books I received is $30. Yayyy!
Among the 4 books, 3 suits Soorya for his age. Hugs & kisses, little chick & the secret of sleep, Puppy dog puppy dog, how are you?

The other one, Little Owl’s colours may be after 6 months because it’s all about colours!
I’m happy with the books I've received. Definitely worth subscribing.
I would definitely recommend all the mothers to go ahead & try Lillypost Box. Especially all first time mommies :) You can look for the promo codes before subscribing.
You also have the ease to cancel your subscription at any point of time.
Happy reading mommies! All the best :)

                                                                                         - KS

Introducing Solids to your lil bunny!

Hey All! This blog is all about my experience introducing solids for my baby Soorya! It may or may not work for you. Listening to other mom's experience might probably give you ideas to see what best works for you & your baby.
I read a lot of blogs even before I decided to start giving solids to Soorya. There are a few things to consider before you start! With Soorya, he started to stare at me & showed interest when I was having my food. This happened when he was 4 & half months. I decided to start when he becomes 5 months.

We have a ritual to follow while giving solids to the baby. Soorya had rice(boiled & mashed), milk & ghee mixed together in a mashed form. I for sure knew he wouldn't spit & I was right as always! Just like any other parents, we didn't miss to capture the beautiful moment. This recipe was just for that day. For all the later recipes I had made notes for myself.

Try 1 - Single Grain Rice Cereal
I thought he might like it. Unfortunately Soorya didn't liked it. He made faces. He also acted as if he's going to puke :( sadly I figured out it wouldn't work for him right now.
later I tried mixing the cereal with the purees I made, yes! that worked like wonder. He really likes the thick consistency of the puree when mixed with the cereal.
Yay! that was a success!

Try 2 - Banana
I always Loved eating Bananas when I had Soorya in my tummy. I guessed he might like it. I mashed the banana with breast milk to get the right consistency. I fed him, he loved it & started asking for more. The only thing with the banana is the babies might get constipated. I don't give him more of this.

Try 3 - Avocado
aaah, who doesn't like Avocado? In our home, we all are big fans. Soorya did not prove he was different from us. Soorya didn't like it in the first 2 spoons, later he liked it.

Note - I shouldn't have given him the fruit right away. It's always good to start giving veggies first because babies have tendency to like sweets by nature. They might not like veggies later if they get addicted to fruits. However, my experience was different.

Try 4 - Carrot, peas
Omg! My bunny loved his Carrot puree. He finished his bowl so fast.

Try 5 - Carrot, Beans & Potato
The consistency of this recipe was way to good. Potatoes did its job! It was a thick puree, Soorya could chew, bite or swallow. from this recipe, Soorya increased his intake. He definitely liked it. Potatoes also make the baby feeL full or heavy pretty fast. Thumbs Up!

Try 6 - Carrot & Potato
I blended everything well. he liked it. He's my bunny, he likes carrots. I've made a habit of adding carrots for all the purees I make.

Try 7- Sweet Potatoes
Soorya liked Sweet potatoes just like the way he liked the regular potatoes.

Try 8 - Ragi Sari
I fed this to Soorya when we were in India. This is a home made powder. Actually You can google to know it better. The way I make this will turn out to be very liquid types, so I add some single grain cereal to make it thick. Soorya from day 1 has been liking it. I sometime add some left over puree to this, Soorya has liked it!

Try 9 - Beets & Spinach
I always dreamt of giving Soorya the spinach since it's super healthy. I gave the beets to him from the ready purees. I once combined beets & spinach, Soorya just loved them. Not to forget, the color was super amazing!

You can always mix & match the veggies. You can add breastmilk, formula or bottle water(I prefer boiled) for thinner consistency & Single Grain Rice Cereal or the Oatmeal Cereal is a good way to add it in the pure to make it thick.

Summary - After trying out few recipes, you'll eventually figure out what best you can do for your baby. Whenever you start giving one food for the baby, it's ideal to give the same thing for 4-7 days. Incase if baby is allergic to it, you'll know. It's always good to read the blogs before you decide on anything for the baby.(Pinterest is the best) also, you can ask the other mommies for their experience.

You can consider these items for your babies during the first 5-6 weeks.
* Fruits - Apples, Bananas, Mangoes, Papayas, Pears, Pumpkin, Avocados, Apricots, Plums & Prunes.
* Veggies - Peas, Carrots, Beans, Sweet Potato, Potato.
* Grains - Rice, Oatmeal & Barley

I also give Soorya some ready purees/packet purees. Some of the brands he liked was
* Earth's Best Organic
* Gerber
* Similac
* Beech-Nut
* Plum Organics

                                                                                                                                      -KS

"Fabfitfun" Summer box 2018!

Before I begin to review my box, I want to tell you all something. This month, I wanted to cancel my subscription & I’m glad I did not! According to me, this is one of the best boxes I’ve ever received from fabfitfun. I literally had no clue about the products inside the box because I didn’t make an effort to see or to know what was in!
Alright, let’s see what is inside my box!

Product 1 - Yumi Kim Makeup Train Case

I really liked the way this lil case is designed. It has got too much room to keep things with lot of compartment.

I will rate this product 10 on 10. Not to forget, my mum loved it & yes! She’s keeping it :)

Product 2 - Tarte Pro to go Palette & Liquid liner

Well, I'm not a makeup person. Even if I put on makeup, it'll not be like too much shimmer or things like that. I like to keep it simple & nice! Talking about this product, the palette has got 4 eye shadows & 2 iridescent lustres. They’ve got really cool colours. Liquid liner is something I love wearing. Yes, I love this product :)

I will rate this palette 9 on 10, liquid liner 10 on 10.

Product 3 - Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

This product looks so promising! It's a rinse off peel made with all natural ingredients. My mom tried this on & she loved it. The best part is the aroma. You feel so natural. 

I will rate this product 10 on 10 for the natural ingredients it has got!

Product 4 - Minor History Postscript Wallet

This is a very cute wallet. It has got enough room to keep things like credit card, key, cash, other cards & ID. Also it has a cute wrist strap. i liked it's colour too! Not to forget mentioning the lock system of this purse, it is super safe. 

I will rate this product 10 on 10.

Product 5 - Jaboneria Marianella Hawaiian Black Lava Body Caviar

This product has also got all natural ingredients. My favourite Charcoal is present in this product. This body treatment crème needs to be applied on the body & not the face when wet. I really can't wait to start using this product. It's totally my types :)

I will rate this product 9 on 10 for all the natural stuffs it has got.

FABFITFUN Exclusive Launch

This means the below 3 products were launched here or you'll be the first few people to use them. These 3 products will be present in all the boxes Fabfitfun sends. How lucky!

Product 6 - COOLA Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea Moisturizer

I feel this product is perfect for any summer box! It’s got SPF 50 & that sounds promising to me. It acts both as Sunscreen & Moisturizer, how exciting!

Also the description suggests to go splash, swim & soak up the sun, worry free because its water resistant. Interesting!
I will rate this product 9 on 10.

Product 7 - Pier 1 Imports Marble Ring Dish

This is a darling product in the box! It's super cute & the best part is it's made of marble. I love it. It's a perfect catch for all amazing things like keys, rings, loose change. It can be used for deco as well. I'm definitely rating this 10 on 10.

Product 8 - Foreo Luna fofo

I'm so excited to talk about this smarty! All you have to do to get started is to download foreo app. It's amazing to see how it works. With the help of the app, you can start & stop the machine. After using it, my skin feels extremely soft. I'm looking forward to continue using it whenever necessary. I don't want to talk or describe too much about this product because i want you all to try! Hands down 10 on 10.

                                                                                    - KS

:)

I never thought I would be a mother one day however I wanted to! When I held Soorya in my arms for the first time which was on the 3 January 2018, I could not believe that he was the one who had been with me for those 9 months. I wonder, how did Soorya managed to adjust in my tummy :)
Soorya was very good to me during my pregnancy! I’m glad, he didn’t change a bit when he came out!
I'm happy to share few of my experiences as new mommy if it can be of any help :)

Soorya was born at 35 weeks 6 days. He was 4 lbs 15 oz & 18.5 inches tall. I want to share my experience especially because people around you will make you feel either 100% secure & comfortable or discourage you to the core.

One of such incidents happened to me when my parents visited us from India. The very moment they saw Soorya, they told “oh he looks so thin/weak”. They started looking at my baby like an alien! In fact my mom told me once that he’s so different from other babies. These things to me as a new mother was very painful, especially when these things came from my very own parents. As family, one needs to comfort the other especially when things aren’t in good shape. The only fact people(so called 'Loved ones') could not take was Soorya coming to this world a little early. Now, Soorya is their favourite guy in the world! :) 

If I have to talk about my lil champion, though he came 4 weeks early, my baby passed all the tests at the hospital. Even after coming home, doctor told he needs to put on weight fast and he did it. You name something, my baby will get it done! :)
As a mother, these 2 months i've gone through a lot of mixed emotions. sometimes it's overwhelming, painful, cranky, happy, sad & challenging. I have tried to enjoy every moment possible with Soorya. First few days were challenging yet memorable. I'm happy that I'm getting to experience these new things in life :)

First 2 days at the hospital-

At the hospital, they check the baby 100 times sucking the blood out. For blood sugar, hearing test, temperature check, car seat test & what not? During all these times when Soorya used to cry, I always had tears just by listening to him. I didn’t wanted my baby to get hurt like any mother would think!
I always believed that I’m strong in and out. People around me call me unique, looking at the things I do differently. I never felt I was one. After having Soorya, multi-tasking and getting things done on time have made me feel I’m a super woman :) The confidence I’ve gained about myself is immeasurable. First few days were definitely not easy. Having a complete stranger at home was different. Understanding his signs took time. During all these time I kept telling myself “This too shall pass” & I swear it works!


Initial Challenges-
Having Soorya is one of the best things happened to us! Though we thought we were ready to become parents, it took us a week to get adjusted to him! I didn’t understand his language for some time. All I used to do is cry when he’s crying! He was such a lazy bum for a week! We used to wake him up every 2 hrs to feed him! This little munchkin used to have milk in his sleep :)
Genuinely, Sarpa helped me feed him first few days!

When I had to do all by myself, it was difficult & scary because I never liked forcing Soorya or make him feel uncomfortable. I remember the day when Soorya was 7 days old, Sarpa had to go pick my parents from the airport. I stayed with Soorya all by myself for the first time! When I had to feed him I was not waking him right and of course he wasn’t awake. I broke down so badly & asked myself if I did anything wrong by having a new life in our lives. It was very emotional as things were not working my way. Whenever I imagined Sarpa going office leaving us together, I used to get so scared thinking how challenging it would be. Again all these time, one thing I kept telling myself is “This too shall pass”.


Visits to paediatrician-Since Soorya was an early baby, Doctor had told the possible problems. One of that was bilirubin & jaundice. Initial 4 visits were not successful. As always, they drew blood & the check-up was done. They undress him every time we go. Check on his weight, seal the hot pack & draw blood.
Bilirubin got into the track after 4 visits. Jaundice never reached Soorya :) Next challenge was his weight gain. My baby lost 5% of his original weight after birth. later between 2-4 weeks he gained 6 ounces, between 4-6 weeks, he gained 1 kg. At his 2 months visit, Soorya was 9 lbs 5 oz. His Doctor is surprised & happy to see his progress towards weight gain.


Car Seat Experience-
I was very sure I would be very strict with Soorya using car seat and crib. Car seat of course is mandatory but I’d seen my friend’s kids not using them. Soorya had to go through car seat challenge at the hospital where they’ll put him in the seat and monitor him for 2 hours. He passed that.

While we were coming home from the hospital, Soorya sat in his car seat alone but started making sounds(may be he was uncomfortable, also nobody was with him), the first experience wasn’t very pleasant. Second time was when we went to Doctors, he was extremely comfortable & I sensed he liked it. From then, we’ve not had an issue him sitting in his seat. This pushed me assemble his bouncer as he liked sleep sitting :)

Latching-

This topic really amazes me! I have lot of my friends sharing experiences about their babies latch! Initially when I used to listen to those I thought, I never knew the concept “baby not latching”.

When Soorya was born, the very first day I started producing breast milk. Colostrum was given to him through syringe tube and he was having formula for first 2 days(10 ml). After 2 days

I started producing good amount of milk. Soorya hadn’t latched! I genuinely didn’t want to force him hence didn’t try the right way. Later I visited lactation consultant just to make sure if things were right. She checked how Soorya’s sucking ability was and she said he was doing great. Also she latched him on to me and I was on cloud9! But after coming home, when I tried, it didn’t work! I was heartbroken. I wasn’t desperate for first few days, but when he did it right I thought I should try. I kept telling myself, be patient and keep trying. It wasn’t easy. When Soorya was 13 days, I made up my mind to try just last one time and guess what, it worked! All I did was waited for him to get hungry and gave my breast to him and it was quick, he latched! But he latched on to my right boob first and he wasn’t comfortable with my left one. When he was 20 days he completely latched, he started to feed on both my breasts! I try to nurse him at least twice every day and bottle feed breast milk for the rest of his meals. If I run out of breast milk, I give him formula. Latching your little one might not be this easy for all. If the baby latched on to you in front of lactation consultant, then the baby is all ready for it. All you’ve to do is to be patient and keep trying. I know it sounds easy, but it works. The babies sense your anxiety very well! You got to keep yourself calm and composed when you’re nursing the baby. That’s the reason, most of the time they don’t latch.

Feeding-
Soorya has been a good feeder. He doesn’t leave the nipple until he’s full. He makes all sorts of noise to convey his food is yum! His expression while having milk is always cute. My husband and mom tell me, Soorya acts totally like me when it comes to drinking milk :) When Soorya was 10 days, he started to wake us up to feed him. We no more make a note of time. He gets up and starts crying. He also starts acting as if we’ve not fed him for years together! :(

First 2 days after his birth, he used to have 10 ml formula every meal with the available Colostrum. Later for few days it was 30 ml, and then it became 40 ml, later 50-60 ml. After 16 days he’s started having anywhere between 80-90 ml every meal & it kept increasing. At 8 weeks around 120-160 ml.  Nothing of it was decided by us. He’s setting his own standard for his meal plan for which I’m very proud of.

No poop-
Soorya after turning one month, his pooping interval got reduced. He started pooping just once a day. That one day, he didn’t poop for 24 hrs. I almost had a heart attack. He started acting weird may be he was feeling very uncomfortable. He got cranky, he cried for no reason, he wanted someone to carry him all time and at night he gave us hard time! 

I called up Doc & she said it’s okay at this age for him to not poop for 4-5 days. But With Soorya, his acts made me get worried. My mom told rectal temperature check might ease/stimulate his poop. It worked. Sarpa did that and Soorya pooped that entire 24hrs quota :) 

It happened the 2nd day too. Now I got worried because I don’t want to stimulate it every single time. I started to give Soorya, Woodward’s Gripe water! I call it life saver. Ever since I started to give him that first thing in the morning along with his D drop, things have fallen in place. Soorya loves the taste of it! :)

Crib Experience-
As I told, I wanted him to sleep in his crib from day 1. First 2 days it was on and off. He slept during the day and night once or twice he used to cranky, we put him between us and he was fine. From day 3, I got serious because if this becomes a habit, he’ll not make an effort to sleep in the crib alone & it worked! Sometime all he needs is a hug. His crib is right next to our bed so we can give hugs to him whenever needed :)

He sometime gets little fussy during early mornings (Sarpa puts him next to me & he’ll be all fine), sometime during the night he just doesn’t stop acting weird (when he’s on our bed, he’ll be fine), during the day I’ll put him on his bouncer for some time (as its cosy he likes it). Whenever he acts fussy/cranky, I’ll make an effort to calm him down how many ever times possible & when I don’t succeed that’s when he’ll sleep with us. All these scenarios was only till he turned 30 days. It’s not like the moment he starts crying he’ll be with us. We’ve not spent an entire night sleeping with him. I can’t wait Soorya to have his own room :)

Losing Control over things-

When Soorya was 14 days, I was feeding him & lost my temper on him which even today I’m ashamed of. He was cranky for something and was not acting my way. Of course, he’s a baby and I failed to understand that. It happened twice on the same day. All I told myself was “before expecting him to act human, you become one”.
I know it was stupid of me to have lost control, but after all I’m a human being! I have emotions too. Ever since that, I told myself that I’m not raising my voice against him for silly reasons. He’s new to this world and he’s trying his best to adjust!
This isn’t the end of the story. I still lose patience but not for silly reasons anymore :) I try to control myself as much as I can.

Things bought for fashion but were useful-

Most of the things I put on baby registry was for fashion or I would say others had it for their kids so I wanted them too.

But as days went I realized how useful they were and I was glad for adding them to the registry!

* Changing table- The one I selected had pretty good space to keep things so I added it but never thought I would change Soorya’s diaper there from day 1!

* Bouncer- I thought I’ll start using it for Soorya after 2 months but since he liked his car seat, bouncer for him was a boon!

* Old clothes- When our friends gave their kids clothes to us, I liked those cute little things & got them home. Shopping clothes was one thing I had kept for last moment. since Soorya came early, it just saved us.

* Diaper pile- Total boon :)
* Bathing tub- Soorya thinks he's in a spa when i put him in his tub. he likes to rest on his waterbed. It's easy for me to handle him when he's in the tub :)

Soorya's Drama-
Soorya has been such a king in drama. He started his acts when he was a week old. He cries for no reason. He makes cute sounds to convey he's hungry. He cries to see if anyone is around him & the moment we talk to him he'll stop crying. When he needs a hug, he'll cry to get one :)Staring at everybody has become his hobby these days. Scratching his Amma is something he enjoys.

Emotions-
* The very moment when we got Soorya home, I was very emotional to welcome him home.
* The first bath I took at home after Soorya’s arrival was very emotional. To accept the fact that he’s not inside me anymore was painful.
* I feel bad when I think of starting my morning routine, a walk because all these days I had him inside me. I always told myself “let’s go walk”
* When I had all yum yum food, I looked at him because all these days he somehow used to eat what I ate :)
The above statements might sound very light/funny/weird, but they were my true feelings.

All these things are extremely new to us but being Soorya's parents has been a joy.

                                                                                               -KS

Pregnancy Blog

Pregnancy blog!

I don’t think there’s another best moment to enjoy than getting to know that you’re pregnant or Mommy to be :) After my wedding, this is one of the best moments. I’m happy to share my pregnancy experience with you if it could be of any help.

I’m 11 weeks now. Getting pregnant was not very easy or difficult. It was basically god’s choice/ his blessing. We tried getting pregnant from January 2017, before that I wanted to get pregnant but was not really serious. In march we thought we would visit doctor just to make sure everything was right with us, that is when I got to know I had hypothyroid( which is pretty common these days, basically mom & grandma had it) of course I was sad. I spoke to one of my Doctor friends, she told me not to worry at all & she also told me things would fall right in place after 45 days of taking medicine. It just came true. I got pregnant literally after 45 days. 

First Trimester-

On June 6, I took pregnancy test at home & I swear that month I didn’t expect to get pregnant as we were on holiday, also didn’t give our 100 percent :) I was 5 weeks pregnant when I checked, I was overwhelmed & told Sarpa(my Husband) regarding the same, and in fact I checked twice with 2 different branded pregnancy strips, positive was the answer! happy me :)
We were extremely happy like any other parents. We visited Doctor after a week, when I was 6 weeks and I had to go through ultrasound. Saw that little munchkin for the very first time & the baby looked really very small. I had tears to believe, it was my own baby. That moment was truly priceless.

The second ultrasound was when I was 8 weeks; I could see a lot of changes in my baby’s growth though it was just 2 weeks later. It was again good experience as we saw that tiny movements of the baby. Well, I really have no idea about the baby’s gender. Sarpa has a feeling that we'll have a princess but I’m not really sure on anything right now. Family, cousins & friends are wishing us to have a healthy baby.

When I was 9 weeks, we moved to Falls Church, VA because of Sarpa’s work. I used to go to Midsouth OB/GYN in Memphis. It was one of the best hospitals (I did have a good experience). After coming to VA we had to find a new OB/GYN for me & came across RHJN, Falls Church. They are good too. 

My next ultrasound was at 12 weeks. This was exactly when my baby looked like a baby. I saw Puttu (nick name) playing peek-a-boo like crazy number of times. Closing eyes with her/his tiny hands. Doctor wanted to get a particular reading but the baby was just not changing its position. Puttu was active being in one position. So they asked me to come the following week but I was happy seeing my Puttu playing inside me having a good ‘me time’.

This ultrasound was when I was 13 weeks. Puttu had grown a little more. Doctor collected all the information which was required. Puttu was as usual playing inside me. Doctor noted down all the information required. Baby was doing good is what she said. I'm excited as I will be entering second trimester.

Tantrums, Food Cravings & Food Phobia-

I’m blessed to have a smooth first trimester. Morning Sickness was on & off but no Nausea at all.  I had seen a lot of my friends go through vomiting, I was really scared but now very happy as I didn’t had to go through any of it during my first trimester.

Tantrums-
* No to light - Early mornings I used to feel so sick when the light used to be on. I couldn't take brightness at once.
* Interest in cooking has started to decrease as I couldn’t take aroma of it.
* Constipation - never had this problem, but during pregnancy as doctors say this is a very common. Just need to drink a lot of water.
* Bad breath - again, I never had it, sometimes I myself couldn’t bare it. In fact I started brushing my teeth like 4-5 times a day.
* Acne - started getting pimples, not too many. But this was something new again.
* Decreased interest in Exercise but I’m trying hard to get out of home at least thrice or four times a week. Stopped running or jogging.
 Food cravings-
* Sugar cravings - I don’t like sweets but started liking pastries, cakes, home-made sweets, chocolates, Rasmalai etc.
* Addiction to tea (masala chai)
* Addiction to cereals both morning & night.
* Pani puri - I wanted to have this every day, every meal if I had a chance
* Bassaru - traditional country food back in India (Karnataka). I made this so many times without getting bored.
* Butter milk
* Milk - I’m a Complan girl :)

Food Phobia-
* Eggs - this was one thing which surprised me. I wasn’t able to eat boiled eggs or omelette throughout my first trimester.
* Spinach - I know it’s a healthy option for vegetarians like me. But this was hard to consume.
* Rice - I know this is a huge surprise yet true.

Increase in Sex Drive. This was extremely surprising to me :(

  Second trimester-

As I told, my first trimester wasn’t bad at all, but second one was even better.
I was back to form 80%, I tried keeping myself active. I had my doctor’s visit when I was 16 weeks. When they checked the heart rate of the baby, it was 148 (anywhere between 140-160 is said to be baby girl. Let’s see) as days passed, I started feeling popcorn spluttering in my stomach especially when I lie down.
I stopped sleeping in the afternoons completely. All my tantrums got reduced during this time. Sleeping habits got better.
I was all excited to have my baby bump. I introduced myself to pregnancy massage which was one of the best decisions I made (groupon helped me find the best deals). 150 minutes of walk every week is necessary for pregnant women. We don’t have to do much. I kept this going. Being active throughout the day helps you get the best sleep. I tried dancing twice which actually went wrong, I started getting hip & abdominal pain didn’t have guts to continue.

Tantrums, Food Cravings & Food Phobia-

Tantrums-
* Moods swings at its best!
* Body Rash
* Decreased sex drive
* Bad breath (initial stages of my second trimester)
* Constipation (still better than first trimester)
* Acne
* abdominal pain (similar to cramps, nothing serious)
Food Cravings-
* Masala Chai
* Filter Coffee
* Eggs
* Spicy food
* Rice
* Chaat
* Hotel food, anything cooked by others :)
Food Phobia-
* Upma
* Pizza (I know its weird)

Gender Reveal -

I had my next ultrasound at 20^th week. To be more specific it was 20 weeks, 4 days. I was all excited for the day. When the process was taking place, doctor was concentrating on specific reading of the baby which was as usual. I was not getting a chance to see my baby as a whole (was looking into head once, hands once, legs, spinal cord, heart, stomach etc.) also I told the doctor to reveal the baby’s gender in an envelope as I wanted to throw a surprise to Sarpa! We got done with an amazing ultrasound where my baby was super active playing with his or her hands & legs. Doctor looking at the ultrasound told us baby was doing well. There was nothing to worry. Ultimately that’s what I wanted to hear from her.
In my doctor’s appointment after the ultrasound I cleared few doubts on exercise, food habits, and blood results.
I opened the envelope on our way back home, went to the nearby Safeway to pick a card, cake & a gift. Once we reached home, I assembled everything together & revealed the gender to Sarpa. Yeah, it’s a baby boy, our little sunshine “Soorya”. I was okay with anything but just before the ultrasound Sarpa told me he’s guessing it to be a little dude, which ultimately turned out to be true :)

My Babe’s first kick!I don’t remember the date of his first kick but it was somewhere in between 19-20 weeks. I feel baby’s movements every day. Looks like he’s getting active & bigger.

I’m feeling lot more positive, blessed. Excited for the future :)
As days went his kicks started getting intense. Initially I started feeling it in the night. Then I used to feel his movements when I used to drink anything cold (water or juice). Next was after having food. Later whenever he wanted to kick me he started doing it without any limitations :)
it’s one of the best feelings. I feel very heavy for like 5 seconds probably when he changes his position. Sometimes he kicks me for like 3-4 times at once. I had a very strong kick when I was 24 weeks, strong literally.
Once in a week after 23 weeks, he gets fussy and gets really active in the night. Though I’ll be very tired, he’ll not let me sleep. I knew this would happen in the third trimester but looks like Soorya is preparing Amma 5 weeks early.

Doctor’s visit at 24 weeks. Heart rate of the baby was 135, 25 cm long. Soorya was doing all good. Looking forward for the future development.
Also I changed my hospital from RHJN to Capital Women's Care, Fairfax.

I’m 26 weeks now. My baby bump was soft (like tummy fat) all these days  but now it’s got hardened like the typical baby bump :)
                                        
       Third trimester-

Tantrums, Food Cravings & Food Phobia-
I'm back to normal. I hardly have anything to complain :)

I’m 28 weeks today. I visited doctor today and the good news is that I entered 3^rd trimester finally :) As I told, my baby’s movements are getting intense! He rolls, dances & kicks me till he’s tired. Doctor checked his heart rate and it was 156. She told everything looked good, hence happy me!
My sleep these days is getting disturbed a lot. Whenever I wake up, I’m wide awake and Soorya will be playing be it whatever time.

I'm 30 weeks today. Experiences have been the same as 28 weeks. Visiting washroom has increased as usual. Visiting Doctor every 2 weeks once during third trimester has started. Everything looks great as per the Doctor.

I'm 32 weeks today! Getting closer to the due date. I'm feeling very positive. Doctor Visit was great. Baby is doing well. Blood test was done to check few things. Waiting for some positive results!

I'm 34 weeks now. I’m very much nearing my due date. I’m anxious, excited, nervous & happy!
This week Doctors visit was Okay. The heart rate of the baby was 145, measured 34 cm. I'm asked to do a sonogram during my 36th week, keeping fingers crossed & hoping for baby's good health. Sonogram is to check on his growth.
My baby bump has now started to show up, finally :)

Labor Experience-
I'm 35 weeks 6 days. Tomorrow I would be 36 weeks :) but guess what; Soorya has decided to see his Amma & Appa. On 2 January, I started feeling uncomfortable from morning. I actually thought I’ve put on weight & that's the reason why my body is feeling that. Since it was extremely cold outside, I decided to do yoga. In fact I did a new prenatal yoga which was kind of difficult that day. Later I felt good but started having light cramps. Sarpa had gone to Boston that day & he returned that night. By the time he was home, I was totally tired & stressed out. Meanwhile I called doctor thinking it was false contraction. Doctor told me to go to the hospital if it gets worse. We had our dinner & slept, within 30 minutes I started having intense contractions. I visited washroom to set myself free but nothing worked. Luckily I had prepared hospital bags :) 

baby crib & baby changing table was set, Car seat & stroller had arrived.
We went to the hospital at 3am, 3 January. Nurse was confident it was false contractions! They put me on some fluids which didn't work. Doctor came in & checked me! Sonogram was done to check on the baby & I was 3 cm dilated! yayyy!
Till 7am I had to go through the pain. They also put me on some antibiotics which also did not work. Finally now I’m officially getting into labour :) I was so happy & didn't think it was early for Soorya to come out. I was ready and excited to welcome my bundle of joy. My Doctor came in & checked me in the morning when I was 4cm dilated! She decided to break my water & that moment was so nice because I knew for the fact that I’ll be meeting Soorya for the very first time in my life!
I decided to take epidural once I was 5 cm dilated & this was one of the best decisions I made. It helped me calm down, also to get some good rest before the main part! 
Doctor kept visiting me & at 1.45 pm when she came in, I had dilated 10 cm & she felt baby's head. They decided to break the bed and get started with the final phase. I was kind of nervous, excited, happy, scared, everything at once. 2pm is when I started to push on the count of 10. Sarpa held one leg of mine & the other was held by the nurse JJ. Dr Kiszkiel was the one who did my delivery. 

Initially I could hold till the count 7, but tried hard to keep it going till 10.

At 2.09pm, my Soorya popped out to say hi to the world. Sarpa & I were very happy to see our "mini us" :) I felt so complete that day!
We managed everything ourselves is what makes us feel so proud. Sarpa stood by me completely for those 11 hours. I can't thank him enough! All I can thank him is for letting his sperm inside me :)
I'm very much looking forward to experience mommyhood!
Soorya has been so kind to me health wise. I don't have a single thing to complain about. Pregnancy was so smooth. Till my 33 week, nobody could sense I was pregnant. I put on very less weight during pregnancy, I stayed active as much as I could, I could eat everything by third trimester, I danced so much during my third trimester, I didn't buy a single maternity clothes for myself, Labour was so nice & fast. What else I can ask for? I hope & try to be a good mother for Soorya.

Thanks for reading my blog.

                                                                                                                      -KS