Dinner at IRODORI Jap Buffet

with my girls, and our expanding family!
We started out as four crazy girls in Sec school, nicknamed the Funkiest Four hahahaha! That was more than a decade ago. Come to think of it, we did some really absurd things back then!
Now, we have recruited more members by means of linking up with more sec school girls, dating, marriage and children. But our friendship remains unchanged :)


Missing in action is Huiwen, who is currently pregnant in her last trimester and ordered bed rest by her doctor.

Jarrett kor kor kept wanting to kiss my bochup Adam di di. So cuteeee!!
Siew Wei recently just gave birth to another boy, Princeton. Our girlies outings are increasingly stinking of testosterone!

After dinner we hung out at Angeline & Sean's pad...
Adam and Latte became fast friends and sidekicks.
See? Do everything also must caught in action together :D


The aunties and uncle very serious in mahjong. The uncle still can multi-task on iPad...

We always try to organise an outing but because of the large group our gang has become, it is near impossible to fit everyone's schedule.
Like Carol says, our plan is to have a plan!

Robinsons Closed door sale

My dearest sale guru Meena asked me along to the Robinsons closed door sale yesterday.
I went to fetch Vetrin & her and we all happily headed out to Centrepoint together.

At Aunty's house:

The 2 munkies and their munky business!


At the closed door sale...
So there we were, 2 aunties, with 2 boys, our prams, diaper bags, and an appetite to sniff out good buys. So many people, so long Queue!

I finally, finally bought our Nespresso Citiz & Milk. It was heavy, but also very discounted, so I happily lugged it home because I know how much Andy wants it (well, he's the birthday boy... tee hee..). Thankfully, my brother already said he wants our Martello coffee machine before this so the equation kinda worked out for us (otherwise I can't imagine what to do with two coffee machines).




As for Meena, she bought Foogos thermos food jar, cooking utensils, and lots of toys/ fabric books for her lucky boy Vetrin. Very discounted as well. *nods head in agreement*
Happy Mommies rule :D
.
.
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Before I forget, we're packing up and heading to Bali next week to celebrate Andy's birthday, get some much-needed respite, and have a family celebration of Christmas - Andy, Kai and me.


Here's wishing everyone a merry merry Christmas~~ :)


With much love,
V.

A weekend with family & friends

Exams
My exams' results are finally out - I PASSED! Yay~ I passed and scored even higher than in my 1st sem! I'm soooooo happpppyyyyy. So now Sem 2 is officially over. Time to cough up the school fees and get ready for Year 2 - Semesters 3 and 4.


Cousins playdate
Some random photos from a random noon at my Aunt's place - with my cousins' kids. The four of em munkies again. This was before both Bryan & Chloe broke out in measles. I thought it is compulsory to vaccinate babies with MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) in SG but apparently they still got it??!!? Poor kids. Poor cousins. Hope they recover soon.

together with Aunt LY, we brought Kai to another aunt's house for playdate.

Friends got married
Arjun & Deepa tied the knot after 12.5yrs of dating. All weddings are unique and special in their own ways just like every couple is unique, but this wedding was different - it was exceptionally happy. There were a lot of wine, laughter, music and dancing.
Luke & his awesome band performed live. The bride & groom danced. Their parents danced. Even the grandparents danced. Needless to say, Andy & I danced. As did everyone else.
As I quote Deepa's mom - "when children find true love, parents find true happiness".

Cousin's daughter turned 1yr old
Crystal's (Andy's cousin) daughter Adrina turns one. That's a major milestone, and we were happy to celebrate with her. Demure and pretty little princess :)

Found the answer.

Not very long ago, I pondered about what is the best Xmas present for our son?
Friends & family bought toys and clothes already, neatly wrapped up and sitting in our living room. But we, as his parents, surely needed to give him something more substantial?

I pondered, and then I did the wise thing - to consult the Husband.
Without thinking, Andy replied me "Love hon. Why do you ask?"
My husband is my greatest source of support, I knew I could count on him.
Thank you Hubby.


The best gift we can give to any child is to make that child feel WANTED, LOVED, and CARED FOR because that child is the greatest gift of God.

- Mother Teresa

The year-end wrap-up

November and, as you'd expect, December, are really busy months. As if everyone was letting the entire year get by in half-steam and then suddenly realise it's end of year already???! so you better hurry the hell up with yer unfinished business.
As 2010 is drawing to a close, I would like to first of all, heave a huge sigh of relief.
It has been a super duper hectic year for me. But an overall happy one.



work. I've been slogging like a horse for this past year. An entire year, since I went back from Maternity leave in Nov 2009. Nobody said being a working mum is ever gonna be easy. My current company, though not very eventful, has nonetheless been paying my bills and hefty shopping. You'd think my Hubby so good buy everything for me, but hey I pay for my own shopping too, you know. :P
As both Hubby & I are busy working, Kai is busy growing up. Which is mainly why I might decide to be a SHM next year. It's gonna be a whole new perspective, I'm soooooooo NERVOUS, but I'll talk about that later.



school. Lectures, exams, datelines. The usual stuff been responsible for my many sleepless nights, and I still cant believe I made it past the first semester, still awaiting results for my 2nd paper for 2nd sem; I passed my 1st paper WHOOPPEEEE! Next year I'll be doing Sems 3 (1st half of year) & 4 (2nd half of year). Dear God please please give me all the strength and knowledge I need to pull through. Fingers doubly crossed.


travel. With my impossible schedules, coupled with the nature of Hubby's job, we didn't travel as much as we liked to. But we did. Somehow, we managed to plan, execute, and even enjoy trips to Melbourne, KL, and Hong Kong this year (planning a secret getaway for Hubs birthday in Dec shhhh HEEEE). We even lugged the baby along. Diapers and baby gear included.
I can't be sure about next year though, it's gonna be the final year of my BSc and I really wish to give it my best shot. Therefore, all plans on hold till further notice.


family & friends. Same old, some new. Babies are popping out everywhere around us, be it family or friends. Or both. We're all really happy for the new parents & grandparents. Yes they poo, cry, scream and make a mess, but no matter what others say, children DO brighten up your lives by infinite megawatts. A new life is always cause for celebration. Agree?
My apologies if I do not have enough time to pass around, or have been missing out, especially with friends, but please know that I DO love and cherish my friends all the same, if not more!



So now that 2010 is coming to an end, what's not to like??
New year, new goals.
I envisage 2011 to fill me with the same academic buzz.
Most importantly, I also aim to take a year-long break from work, to evaluate my future career plans, if any at all. Mainly, I just want to be there for Kai as much as possible, because Hubby has been busy with the business and we are not spending as much time with our son as we should. I figure, at least one parent should be around for him, right?

Before you brand me a Tai-tai, I would like to highlight the truth that - being a SHM is about as glamorous as .... a piece of stale bread. A piece of stale bread in frumpy t-shirts and shorts, with hardly any time to shit in the loo. Not that she needs to shit in the loo anyway, since she wont even have time to eat enough for anything to be digested! It's really, really more fun to be working and having an income I tell you.
But I'm not a fan of having a totally unrelated person, ie. domestic helper, "mother" my child, the same logic as you wouldnt want someone else to "wife" your husband. And I'm sooooo hands-on I wanna do everything with Adam!

Then again, I have to grapple with the issues of unemployment. With an income, I could buy whatever I fancy at a whim. Chanel? Sure. Balenciaga? Get it. Now, I have to come to terms with issues of budgeting and the sort, which frankly I have to admit I'm not good at! I can be many things but thrifty isn't one of them. I have ALOT to learn from my bestie Meena and other SAHMs.


Okie dokie, so enough of grousing already.
We'll cross the bridge when we reach it.
That about sums up my 2010. Bring on 2011!

Xmas present from DBS Treasures

I was gonna keep it with his other presents for the special occasion, but *somebody* couldn't wait to play with it :))

Here he is reading a book on vehicles so he thought the Tractor and "driver" very synonomous with the red truck and the driver in the book!

Cookie Monster family tees!

Hubs & I found these while having dinner at the airport. For wearing on Adam's 2nd Birthday party. Happiness! ^_^

His party planning can be found on this page: Look Who's Two?

Adam attends a wedding dinner

Well, because the wedding is hosted by my MIL's relatives, 90% of the people I didn't really recognise. At the reception, people just came smiling/greeting and talking to Adam. I guess having a baby kinda did the trick for me so I can just keep quiet. Heh heh.

My little date, looking kinda shocked by all the aunties & uncles asking him to do tricks! (Flying-kiss, Wave bye bye, shake hand, where's your Daddy, where's your ah-gong/ah-ma)


They have a Hello Kitty to entertain the young guests. Cool!

The entire night Adam just sat in his high chair sharing our food and entertaining himself with his cutlery. Sooooo proud of my man!


My lil man.

New pad is ready!

Received a letter from Sim Lian informing us that our new pad will T.O.P. in Feb 2011.
Key collection will be in March 2011. YAYNESS!

This must be the best piece of news I heard all year! *beams from ear to ear* :D



I've got a list of household purchases already:
The 1st on my list is our Nespresso.



and a water feature plus outdoor furniture would be terrific :D


Home designing and shopping is fun max!

Thank you for your love this festive season :)

Luckily for our darling son, presents have started pouring in. Exactly ONE MONTH in advance!
Thank you friends for keeping us in your thoughts, and for sending your love.

When our new pad is ready, you can be sure we will throw a party to host all you wonderful people that God planted in our lives for great reasons :)

Love,
Andy, Veron & Adam

Back to the basics

Bought this Organic whole milk for Adam to try. Something different from his Bellamy and Meiji fresh milk.

And that loaf of multi-grain bread? It's also fresh from the bakery, free from preservatives and lesser additives compared to the commercial bread.
I know, I'm a sucker for things in their purest, most natural state, but the wellbeing of my child and family tell me I'm doing the right thing.

Melissa & Doug magnets

photos all courtesy of Google Images

Aren't these the cutest magnets? Made of top quality, child-safe wood and paint, Melissa & Doug wooden magnetic toys make the perfect gift for your nephew/niece/friend's child/your own child. Best of all, they are not expensive, priced at about SGD$14.90 - $26.90.

They are so cute that I couldn't resist buying them for my own tod! and I'm also buying the Princess set for a cousin's daughter's 1st Birthday ^__^
I have a fussy toddler who doesn't really like toys so I put a lot of thought into the things I buy for him. Thankfully, he enjoys playing with these. It keeps him occupied in the kitchen while I'm busy with whatever I'm doing.
I've also come to learn an important lesson the hard way - expensive doesn't necessarily mean good.

The dress-up magnets allow you & your child to narrate a different story each time and encourages creativity & imagination.
And because they are magnets, you can stick them onto your refrigerator or easel and they are mess-free! Now isn't that brilliant?

Your friends will thank you for this thoughtful Christmas gift :)

Xmas 2010

It's this period of the year that's fast approaching, and as with any parent, I'm already racking my brains on what present to get my 18-mth-old toddler.
Last year, he received his Bugaboo Cameleon.

But this year, what shall we get him?
Toys? My son doesn't like playing with toys, except for the initial 3 minutes perhaps. Our house is strewn with toys that he doesn't even take a second look at.
More books and Elmo DVDs/ Crayola/ Drawing materials? I buy them all the time and they won't seem like a very specially-for-Xmas present.


What do you give a boy who has everything?

Whada SPLASH!

The weather was fantastic today - Bright, sunny yet not too hot so Andy & I jumped at the chance to bring Kai for his much-loved swim.
I bought a new vest float for him similar to the one Tristan-mummy bought for Tristan but Kai doesn't like it. Boo... wasted my money.

Nonetheless, we had loads of splashing fun as usual, and year-end weather in SG is mostly rainy so when the sun comes out you know it's a great time to slap on sunblock and bring your cherubs out for some good clean fun!

PS. Meena faster get Vetrin his thermal swim suit so we can all go swimming together! :D

Bathtime Bubs

You are my pride & joy. My heart swells with love for you.
You are a real pleasure to have.

I love you, Adam,

Mummy.

My busy toddler

With my sprained ankle, we're pretty much home-bound.
Being at home with Adam these 2 days has really been an eye-opener for me.
I didnt know my son is such a busy person, even at home!

He plays with his vehicle...


entertains himself by role-playing on some cardboard...

does his coloring on his favourite Mickey Mouse coloring book...
just don't ask me why they are all green.

and watches his favourite collection of Elmo's World DVDs with his favourite character, Dorothy the goldfish...



He also reads his board books and I do flash cards with him.

Here, he is reading Maisy's train and identifies Thomas the Train. It's pretty obvious he's into trains at the moment :)

Other times, he's often caught climbing on Mavy when the unsuspecting dog is napping, poor Mavy jumps up and growls at Adam to tell him off, I scold both of them, they break up and stare at me with huge, guilty puppy eyes and their heads hung low.
You know how kids are - the more you tell them to stop, the more they do it, and a Border Collie is faster than you can blink.
When one of them is sleeping, the other wants to play, but when they play, they fight. -_____-
I dont know whether to laugh or be angry.


I guess these are the joys of a SHM :)