Baby Annika

"Clever Girl-la."
That was the first thing the nurse told us when she discovered our little Annika was scheduled to be induced later that morning. Our clever little girl decided she wanted to come into the world on her own terms, 12 days later than her due date, but still 2 hours before our scheduled time to arrive at the hospital for induction.
The whole experience giving birth here in Singapore was fantastic, minus the 10 minute cab ride (from heck) to the hospital and the fact that once there, we had to climb two flights of stairs to the delivery room.
Here's our story, in brief:
After spending the whole day on Friday walking the city (apparently in labor), I woke up at midnight with contractions. Mild. But within 45 minutes, they became more intense. By 2:30, we were on our way out the door.
Our little Annika was born at 6:03 a.m. The most noticeable thing, not only to her parents, but to the hospital staff, was how big she was. I remember holding her in shock. Her legs were chunky. Not scrawny like our Olivia when she was born. Chunky. Chunky. Chunky. Mmmm. Got to love that baby chub.
Troy came in from the hall when they weighed her to announce how big: 9 lbs, 15 oz. It was notable for a few reasons. One being the fact the doctor had been concerned about her size and how it would affect delivery. Two, because she became known as the hospital's "big baby" during her stay.
Guess that explains why I got so many comments about looking like I was going to have twins while pregnant.
Otherwise, in comparison to our experience delivering a baby in Utah, our experience in Singapore was remarkably similar. The doctor and staff were more formal and serious, and we struggled sometimes with the language barrier with nurses, but that's about it.
Some quirky differences included the following:
1. New moms aren't allowed to drink cold water. Only hot. Stupid hot water.
2. I ended up with an epidural. The anesthesiologist looked like a woman on her way out from the club. Young. Beautiful. In a revealing dress. She did a good job, though.
3. Apparently papaya-fish soup is good for breastfeeding. And the nurses have no qualms pulling your shirt down to "help" you feed your baby.
4. No matter how many times you tell them you don't want coffee, tea, or milo, they still bring it twice a day.

One week old

We took the opportunity while Niki's mom was here a week ago to take some family photos. One nice thing about Singapore is that the outdoors make a nice newborn studio. It's so hot and muggy.

More baby pics

Hard to believe I was that huge! So grateful for our little girlie, though. 

Exercise and Millipedes

Something funny about Singapore is the fact they have all these random outdoor exercise tools. I've rarely seen people use them. Our condo has an outdoor fitness area and it works great for us as a playground. Think Livvy got some good exercise this day. 

 We have a bunch of crazy millipedes on the grounds of our complex. Livvy likes to stop and look at them and pet them. Sometimes she'll pick them up and comment how she needs to feed them and how they're her buddies. Notice her ponytail in this picture? That's about the only way she'll let me do her hair without screaming.

Random pictures from November

Still trying to get caught up. Here are a few favorite pictures from November:

First is from a playgroup excursion to the Singapore Zoo. We were supposed to go play in the splash area there, but it was closed. We managed to sneak into the water for a bit, though!

 Second and third are "hanging out" while in her room. Olivia loves the story of the "Three Little Pigs," so in the above picture, she's putting her little piggy babies to bed. Notice the collection of batteries from my camera bag. The picture below is her putting on a "dress" and pretending to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

 The next two pictures are during a Friday preschool we attend. Love all the cute kiddos here.

 Breakfast time with daddy is the best!

I didn't teach her this

Troy and I think our little girl is training to be "America's Next Top Model." You can't see, but she has a little purse in her hand, too. Love the pouty face. 

Thoughts on pregnancy and "massive" babies

So, my due date is officially in three days. No baby yet! But I'm enjoying these last few special days. There has been such an outpouring of support and love from friends and family.

 For those who have asked, here are a few thoughts on being pregnant in Singapore as compared to the United States, where our first baby was born.

1. It's hot here. Humid hot. Sticky hot. And when you have no car and walk everywhere, it makes the last month of pregnancy more than a little uncomfortable. Especially when you're forced to carry a sleeping toddler up the hill to your apartment from the train station.

2. Still on the hot topic, my husband has learned to sleep with several blankets because I keep the air-con so high. Sorry sweetheart, but I'm hot!

3. I'm having a second girl.You'd be surprised how many people are "disappointed" for us because we're not having a boy. For the record, we couldn't be more thrilled to be having another girl.

4. I never thought I was a "big" pregnant woman until I moved to Asia. Can't tell you how many comments I've received about the size of my belly. Today, in fact, my doctor told me he's concerned about the size of our baby because the ultrasound said she's measuring over 8 pounds (at full-term). He wants to induce because of a "big baby" and said it would make labor "very difficult" if we waited.

Funny, considering my last baby was nearly 8 pounds (at full term) and came out just fine. Plus, my family also has a history of large kiddos. I told him we were fine waiting a bit to have our "massive" little girl! :)