Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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 :)





Friday, December 3, 2010

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!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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?

Monday, November 29, 2010

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.


Friday, November 26, 2010

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!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

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

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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 :)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

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

Friday, November 19, 2010

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 :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sprained ankle

I fell and sprained my ankle. Sigh.
Swollen and bruised.


Went for acupuncture and TCM recommended by Charmaine. It hurt like hell but no pain, no gain??


I ought to get an X-ray done, soon.
Such luck when I'm free for these 2 weeks and had all fun activities lined up for Kai and us. Sigh.

Pre-Pop party cum Meena's belated Birthday gathering









Finally we managed to make it today for our forever-postponed gathering. Phew!
Kai was very happy with the "mao mao" (cat) and "niao niao" (birds) that Chris has. I think she has a mini pet farm at home! plus all the toys, inflatable children pool..... Nat is one lucky girl!

I think the next time we have another get-together will be after Chris pops Noah out of her oven :)

Monday, November 15, 2010

Tory Burch flats



New shoes with my dirty ol' bag :P
I still love the smoochy creamy leather of my Bal-bag though. And the color - a perfect shade of blue to brighten up any outfit.
Balenciaga is my new diaper bag, since I dont have to lug around the whole nursery when I'm out with my 18-mth old anymore.

Found these Tory Burch's while we were in HK. Unfortunately, I cant find them in SG.
Really soft and comfy. We walked for miles while in HK and these flats really served my feet well.

I love wearing flats especially when I need to chase after Kai, and drive.

The Pencil and the Eraser

Hubby sent this to me the other day. Author unknown.

Pencil: I'm sorry
Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.
Pencil: I'm sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.
Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational. Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way, they get hurt, and become smaller / older, and eventually pass on. Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad.

All my life, I've been the pencil. And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day. For I know that one day, all that I'm left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have.

This is to all the parents out there. Be nice, because your kids choose which nursing home you go to!



As a parent, there are ups and downs in parenting, as with everything else in life. It's not all a bed of roses, but at the end of the day, we still love our children more than our hearts can muster.
My friends comment that obviously Kai must be a good child, otherwise how can I take him on holidays and do everything with him and still not complain. But sometimes, it's not what I dont feel, it's what I dont show. I choose to be optimistic and not sweat the small stuff.
What my friends dont see is my cynical Mom, who has always taken a different stand on child-rearing, "diagnosing" my son with Autism, ADHD, and how she says she'll use the cane on him if she's his caregiver because she thinks Kai cannot sit still for even one minute. Hubby & I, on the other hand, do not practice corporal punishment because we believe that there must be a better way to nurture your own child other than to instill fear.
But to begin with, I have never been that close to my Mom because since young, my Grandma and Aunty LY took care of me & my brothers, and now, Aunty LY is continuing to take care of Kai whenever she can. But I digress. This post is not about my own life story.

What other people do not see are my struggles as a parent, disciplining is just one of them.
However, with good faith and love, we are thankful for getting by each and every day.
Hubby is the stronger of us both.
He reminds me to believe in our son and he is one man who truly sees the beauty in parenthood, accepting all the bad as well as the good. For that, I thank God for letting me marry such a good man.

I look at our son everyday and thank God for blessing us with a healthy and beautiful child. I wish nothing more than for him to grow into a beautiful person, both inside and out.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Belgian waffles for Brekkie



I made these for breakfast the other day - Belgian waffles with butter, drizzled with maple syrup and fresh banana slices.
Ok I cheated - I bought the waffles, and only heated them in the toaster. HAHA. But that's only because I dont have a waffle press - yet.

So anyway, Kai loved it so much he polished off 1 and a half waffles!
More piping hot waffles please!

Tommy Hilfiger comes to town




Was shopping for my son's clothes at Takashimaya today and saw a new kid on the designer tods' tog block - TOMMY HILFIGER.
Quite frankly, Taka baby section is getting rather stale with the usual players being Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Armani Junior.

Maybe it is because of his wife, Dee's birth of their son that inspired him to design kids' clothes.

photo from Google

Whatever it is, I'm definitely welcoming this new selection!