chinese superstition of the day - No 1 : bubbles

The superstition :
Every time a baby blows a bubble the mother loses some hair.

Huh...



Please explain to the Ang Moh.

the awakening

Hugh's waking hours are conveniently located between 3am and 5am. This is rare footage of him awake during the day and dancing (it's probably wind)

asian hulk bumitis

Now if you're Chinese or Filipino you've probably heard of this phenomenon but to us "big noses" the fact that our babies' bums could end up blue green is a bit of a surprise.

"Does Hugh have a green bum?" asked Robert.

"What do you mean green bum?" We asked.

Apparently this greenish birth mark is seen in up to 90% of SE Asian children.

Usually they are described as blue / blue grey and mistaken for bruises by some Doctors.

Since Robert Long is Irish bums are considered green in the Long household and I'm sure will get trotted out on St Paddy's day.

Hugh has a spot free bum at the moment hence no photo , we'll let you know if there are any developments in this area....

bubflex of the day- No 1: fencer's reflex

First in a series.

The Fencers reflex.

Place baby on back.

One arm goes up, head turns towards one side and the other arm straight on in "en guard" position.

Hugh has a real sword just out of picture ...he's that advanced...

the only way is up

Hugh started life very small. Being 5 weeks premie nothing really fitted him

O-3 months clothing literally swamped his skinny limbs.

But this week something changed and he is about to actually outgrow a piece of clothing.

Admittedly it's only a "premie" sized jump suit with the word "Raccoon" emblazoned across his Kwashiorkor like belly but he's at the starting line.

Note Hugh is not officially sponsored by Addidas but will consider any offers

it's an ill wind

Hugh likes a bottle of milk as much as the next baby, but he has a drinking problem.

He swallows way too much air, turns all manners of colours, and bellows like a harpooned humpback.

Burping him is easier said then done as he refuses to let go of his gas without a fight.

You need to rotate him through 360 degrees and pat his back for an hour.

When he finally does burp he is happy and hungry again.

Repeat this process until he decides he's well fed and goes to sleep which is usually 3 am.

Any tips? Or rather...HELP!!!!!

scrawny hey?

Man, Hugh was still very thin at 2 weeks and also pretty "yellow". He had to visit the hospital every 3-4 days to measure his bilirubin.

delicate feeding

Here's Daddy carrying out his fatherly duty and being very careful with the fragile-looking fella.

home sweet home

Hugh was finally discharged after 5 days and looked so peaceful in his cot which he perhaps occupied only 15% of its area.

birth mark?

Most babies are born with spots or some form of marks or discolorations on their skin. Hugh had one about 2cm long on his forehead above his left eye. The majority of these marks are temporary, fading or disappearing after a period of time. His faded gradually and completely vanished after about 2 weeks.

blue hugh...boo!

Mummy was eager to get discharged from AL Wasl hospital but Baby developed jaundice and had to undergo photo-therapy. What a pitiful sight :(

By the way, check out his hairy back!

our beautiful baby

This is our little angel sleeping so soundly... our hearts would melt just by looking at him...



...and when he opened his eyes...ahhhhhhhhhh

He weighed 2.67kg and was 44cm long and had the cutest little frown :)

what's in a name?

Hugh Nanxing Love

Born 3rd September 11:58 pm
Being called Love is not an easy thing through childhood as Andy recalls, be ready to be teased all through School.
The Chinese name Nanxing means "Southern Star". We chose it because you come from Australian stock.
Nanxing can also be written in Chinese as Difficult Gorilla which Daddy thinks you'll like when you're older (Mummy disagrees and regrets ever telling Daddy)
Gorillas are good talismans, as they are strong and gentle , which is an admirable thing to be.
We are also having some problems with Hugh as no-one can pronounce it here in Dubai.
"Woooooo" (Hugh) "La" (Love) announces the nurse over the P.A. when you went to have your Bilirubin checked at the hospital. He's also been called "Huge" and "Hug"!
However Hugh means 'bright in mind and spirit' and that is what we hope you will be when you grow up.
Lastly as the Beatles said : "All you need is love"


Hugh Nanxing Love ; Welcome to the world and please don't blame Daddy and Mummy too much about your name.