Packing up.....

I never know that packing luggages can be such a tedious work. Threw away lots and lots of things in the apartment. The dustbin downstairs is full of our stuff.. and so Kenneth need to walk to another bin to continue our "donation" to the dump. We had already used up our 6 luggages. Think I need to throw some of the stuff away so that I can do my last minute shopping.

We will be shifting out of the apartment later and we are not done packing yet. Gosh... last minute again!! After shifting out, I won't have access to the internet anymore, at least not so easy. The next time I blog, will be... I am not sure when... Ha ha... Got lots of photos to upload but the HDD is not around anymore...

See you guys in Singapore!

BlogShop?

During my free time, I love to make accessories. I actually brought along everything (all the bits and pieces of materials) when I came here. Throughout these 2 years, I made a number of them, ear rings (danggling ones) and necklaces, and sent them back to Singapore as birthday presents. =D

This is one of the pieces.....

I am thinking of setting up a blogshop, to sell accessories. What do you guys think? Give me your comments, can either leave it here or email me at butterkiss88@hotmail.com.

24 Sept 2009

We walked down the "red carpet" on 24 Sept 2005. 4 years had passed since our customary wedding. It seems just like yesterday when he came to fetch me at my home. *LOL* Asked him what he wants to buy for me and he said he had already bought me many stuff these past few months. *LOL* But finally he said... "bag loh". -.-" He had bought me numerous bags over the past 2 years. And yet he can ask me, how many bags do I really need when he is the one always suggesting buying bags for me. *LOL* He asked me what I am giving him, I told him, I had already given him something priceless... his precious son. *LOL* He said we will go out to "celebrate" this Saturday. Oh well, it will be just another weekend.

We were so busy packing and cleaning these past few days. Finally... everything is OVER! Boxes were taken out on Tuesday and today (Thursday), the person had just came to inspect our apartments. Luckily we did not spend much effort in cleaning because she spent more time playing with Baby K than inspecting. She merely just walked through every section of the apartment and said everything is GOOD! We haven't even vaccum the floor and clean up the stove area. *LOL*

Fell asleep on his own after playing with the tag on his hanky... We were busy throwing rubbish.. up and down we went... countless times!

Sitting up on his own and Daddy calling him from the door. He is not allow to be on the floor area. *LOL* because his Daddy said it's very dirty....

I decided to use this pic for match making purpose for Baby K. Anyone wants him to be the son-in-law? *LOL*

Nice hair style!

Lastly, a big big smile plus the string of saliva... yucks...

My 2 Years Stay

It was a teary farewell at Singapore Changi Airport 2 years back on 23 September 2007. There were so much tears when I went into the departure gate. Tears from me, tears from my mum, tears from my relatives. The feeling was horrible then. It was as if I was being exiled out of Singapore and never able to go back to see them again. Prior to that, lots of tears had already been shed as I bade farewell to friends. The feeling of anxiety, not knowing what was going to happen when I left and I hate uncertainty. Back then, many people envy me. Envious that I am going to spend 2 years, being a tai-tai (as they claim) and not having to work. But to me, I just felt like 2 years of my life will be wasted, not accomplishing anything.

2 years later on 23 September 2009, I am preparing myself to go back to the place where I call HOME. And once again, the feeling of anxiety kicks in. Once again, I need to re-adjust, re-adapt. Gosh... I am very used to my slow and relaxed lifestyle and now, I need to go back to re-join the human rat race. I am very used to having the whole house to myself (ok lah, Kenneth is most of the time not in and Baby K... eh, he's just a baby) and now, I need to go back and stay with my in-laws for few months before Kenneth sells his flat and we get our own flat. I am very used to being alone with Baby K (most of the times), but going back, things will be different. I am very used to a lot of things here... which going back, it will be totally opposite.

These 2 years here, have make me achieve a lot of things. The following are not in order of preference / importance.

My 2 years stay has.....

1. Makes me a mother
Kenneth and I had our customary wedding in 2005. But after which, we still did not stay together. We tried staying together for a very short period of time in his flat but the journey for me to travel to work was really very tiring. And so, we decided that it was better for me to stay in my Mum's place and meet up only on weekends. His flat is very far north and my mum's place is very centrally located.

Many friends were concern over this issue. They asked, "isn't it weird not to stay together when you guys are already husband and wife?" Well, I guess we are not the very sticky type, we are not the kind that needs to see each other 24/7. We have our own life to led on weekdays and meeting up only on weekends made us treasure the time together more. It was just like the days when we were still dating. I never thought that I will become a mother.

I am very very scare of needles. I couldn't imagine the labour pain, etc. I was very satisfied with my life then. Outing with Shannon every weekend and after which, just return her back to her parents. Not much responsibility. *LOL* Alright, and so... if we never stay together, it will be very hard for me to conceive. And so, coming here has given us this opportunity...erm... for me to conceive and to have our little Kayden who is born on 25 Feb 2009, a date which holds a very significant meaning to Kenneth and I.

2. Makes me learn how to cook and do housework
I never know how to cook nor do housework when I was in Singapore. I didn't even know how to use the washing machine. Like I said in point 1, I stayed with my mum even after marriage. And she has been a SAHM for YEARS! So, she does everything. How I miss those days when I go back home, just switch on the laptop, not having to care about a thing in the world (in this case, housework). I was never much of a helper in the kitchen. My duty when I was young was very simple. STUDY. This was all she asked from us. She would shoo us all back into the room and made us study.

3. Makes me realise that I can stay in solitary
Prior to coming here, I had been warned by a friend that, not to trust people easily and open my eyes big big before I make friends with anyone. And so, I decided to lead a solitary life. I was not close to anyone. I was very careful with the things that I said. But still, from the "info" I last received, I was still being talked about by some people behind my back. *LOL* Oh well.... I also heard that they talked about almost EVERYONE! So..... I think it is just normal / common for me to become one of the topic. I was only close to 2 wives and both had already went back. One went back last June and one went back this March. They are much older and I learnt a lot from them. And recently, I become very good friends with some younger wives! *LOL* And yes, though they are younger, I see things in another POV through their eyes and also learn from them. =) Girls, I hope we will still stay in touch after my return and still meet up when you girls come back to our homeland. =)

For those who knows me well, they would know that I am very much a "friend" person. I am those type who loves to be with people and can talk the night through type. Coming here, has make me realise that I am fine being alone. Ok, I still chat with my friends on MSN though. Maybe not so much as being alone. =p

4. Makes me realise that I can don't talk to anyone for days
When Kenneth went for his detachment when we first reached, I was home alone for days. I did not have anyone to talk to, nor did I have a pet for me to grumble to. My mouth was not open for days. I did not see a single human for days. *LOL*

5. Makes me realise that I can don't go out
Having our own transport is very crucial over here. Unlike in Singapore, the public transportation system is not that well developed. So when Kenneth goes to work on weekdays, I do not step my foot out of the door for days. We normally only go out on weekends. Back in Singapore, I am someone who needs to go out EVERYDAY after work. Still, I love to go out... please do not hesistate to ask me out when I am back! *LOL*

6. Makes me realise that I can spend my days doing nothing
I had been leading a very busy life ever since I graduated from Poly. I took up Part time Degree. I went to work and attended night classes (2 to 3 times a week). I also gave tuition. Teaching has always been my passion. My Father-in-law once told my Brother-in-law to learn from me. *LOL* Well to me, I just don't like to waste time doing nothing. That was why when I first reached, I was VERY LOST. It was like... suddenly, I am sooo free!!

Come to think of it, I also not sure how I coped. And, I think it is rather unfair because my brother went to local University and took a full-time degree course. My sister went to overseas University and took a full-time degree course. And when it came to my turn, my mum didn't want to let me go overseas and so, I took a degree course with an overseas University locally, a combination of my brother's and sister's... but it was part-time! Geez..... Oh ya, I self-funded my degree course because my mum knows that if they are to pay for me, I will not put my heart and soul into studying and might waste their money. Still, I failed a few modules lah. *LOL*

7. Makes me more independent
If I never come here, I think I will be still a "mummy's girl". And no, I don't listen to what she says anymore (most of the times) but rather, I will ask her to do this or that when I am at home. *LOL* Last time, I don't even wash my own mug! And this happens too at Kenneth's house. My in-laws will do everything for us. Ok lah, I really miss this type of life. *LOL*

8. Makes me understand Kenneth better thus becoming a better wife
It is very true that you can only understand a person better after staying together. I strongly encourage people to co-habit before signing on the dotted line. =p Coming to 2 years of seeing him almost everyday, I know what he is thinking and I know how he is feeling, even when he did not say a thing. Actually he is a very easy to understand person, just like an open book, which I feel is not very good when it comes to work. *LOL*

9. Makes me a more calm and peaceful person (and maybe Kenneth also)
I used to be implusive. I say whatever that comes to my mind, without processing or thinking. The stay here has make me grow up (maybe?) and more mature (ok lah, maybe also coz old already). Our quarrels had minimize drastically. We quarrelled before I conceived. We quarrelled when I was very pregnant. Don't ask me what we quarrelled about because I cannot remember. *LOL* It was all those nitty gritty stuff. But after our burden of joy was born, there had been no quarrels at all. This is so amazing. We have been quarrel-free for the pass 6 over months! What a record! *LOL* Sometimes, when we realise that a fight is about to start, we will just walk away. But most of the times, he will just give in. Girls... we have PMS. It's all the hormones' fault! *LOL*

10. Given me the opportunity to stay in another Continent
It is another kind of experience to leave our little sunny island and stay in another part of the work. The culture is totally different here. I would had still continue to be "the frog in the well" if I had chosen to stay put in Singapore 2 years back. Before coming, spoke to a colleague and he strongly encouraged me to come. He had studied in States for couple of years. He said, it is good to come and see another part of the world. Indeed... he is right!

11. Makes me gain something that money can never buy
I lost some and I gain lots during these 2 years. The gains are definitely something that money cannot buy. As for my loss, I will try to make up for it when I am back.

12. Makes me watch a lot of dramas / tv programmes
I spent my days watching HK dramas when I was pregnant. And I also love the tv programmes over here. Those very very interesting reality shows. So going to miss them.

13. Makes me drive with confidence on the road
I gotten my driving license back in 1999 and I never have the courage to drive. After Kenneth passed his Class 3A, he bought a small car - Honda Fit, for my sake, hoping that I can drive too. But, I disappointed him... I only dare to drive at those ulu hours and at ulu places. Even so, I can't park! Ha ha... I always need to get down so that he can do the parking. Over here, things are different. When he went for his 1st detachment in January 2008, I plucked up the courage and drove to the nearby supermarket. And ever since then, driving is not much of a problem. Hopefully when I go back to Singapore, I will dare to drive!

14. Makes me understand someone who is dear to me better
I guess we tend to communicate better through the web. Face to face talk is not for us. *LOL* I guess it's never too late... =)

15. Makes me feel at ease when spending HIS money
I have always been financially independent. I earned and spent my own money before coming here. Of course, when we went out on weekends, all expenses were paid by Kenneth. Sometimes, he would pay for my shopping and for every occasions, he would buy me gifts, not forgetting flowers on Valentine's Day. But most of the times, my shopping was paid through my own pockets.

Coming here, things changed. Suddenly, I no longer have the very comfortable amount that I received from my company every month, instead, reduced to a miserable amount. No choice... need to spend his money. Initially, I was not very used to it. I am a very "ego" person. *LOL* But after spending for 2 years, it's such a JOY! I wonder if I can continue to spend his money when we go back to Singapore (even though I will be working). *LOL*

16. Makes me accept the title as "Your Wife"
His colleagues like to refer to others wives as "your wife". Even those that I know quite well, when they talk to Kenneth about me, they refer me as "your wife". At first, I mind a lot (but I never say out) because in my heart I was thinking, I have a NAME! I was referred as Jean (most of the times) or the buyer/purchaser (when comes to work) last time. Hearing "your wife" kind of put me off.... Again, it was my "ego". *LOL* But after hearing people refer me as "your wife" for 2 years, I am very used to it now.

17. Makes me realised that I had always taken my mum for granted
Over here, have to do everything myself. Gosh... now then I understand my mum's "agony" because once we are here, I am kind of like being in her position. Last time, my mum would tell me "if you don't want to wash the bowls/cups after eating, it's alright... but at least, put it at the sink and soak it with water... very hard to wash off, you know?" It is my turn to say this over here. My mum would ask "what do you want to eat tomorrow?" and the answer is always "anything loh" and she will say, "anything... very hard to cook, you know!" Over here, I am the one being in her shoes. *LOL*

18. Given me the time to re-charge and plan for the future
2 years break is very long. It has given me ample time to re-charge so as to re-join the workforce once back in Singapore. I hope I will be able to start work asap. Keeping fingers cross. =)

19. Makes me love the blue sky and white clouds... a lot
I love to stare at the beautiful sky and day dream... So going to miss it...

20. Makes me realise that my friends are still around and waiting for me
Though I am seldom in contact with some of them, but I am happy to hear that they are waiting for me back in Singapore, to re-join their activities. These 2 years, nothing much has changed between our friendship. But of course, some bestie like Shirley, I constantly see her on MSN. *LOL* And is very very up to date with her life. *wink* She's still the same... Shirley, what about me? Do you think I have changed (in terms of thinking) after being "stuck" at home for 2 years?

I must say that I "achieved" a lot in these 2 years and most of which are "invisible", except for my dear son, who is priceless. =p So, 2 years have pass... what have you achieve in life? =)

Finally!!

The boxes are finally being taken out from our apartment this morning!! The whole house was very messy and crampy. It was a very last minute packing. We were still packing early this morning. -.-" I don't know why are we always so last minute. I was like this also during exams time. *LOL* Always burning the midnight oil and started to panic. For Kenneth, the past few weeks, when asked him to start packing... he would say... "I will do it TOMORROW!" and the tomorrow never comes. *LOL*

He came back very early last night. Started work at 4pm and came home at 9pm. Because we have some "odd size" stuff to pack and he heard that the movers will just wrap these things up in papers and he got very kan cheong. All these "odd size" stuff belongs to his darling son. *LOL* The baby crib + the baby bath tub. So, he applied for an off day and came back. We started packing at 10.30pm. Took 1 over hour to bubble wrap all these stuff. Not easy.

Took a rest at 12.30am because I need to attend to this very urgent conference call at home. Thank god the web cam works well. So, while I was busy making the call, he went to take a rest. Oh, and thank god that Baby K slept early yesterday. He went to bed at 6pm+ and thank god (again) he did not wake up when we were packing (it was very noisy due to the scotch tape).

Went in to wake him up at 2am+. He told me we would continue in the morning and so, we woke up early today and continue. Luckily we were able to finish up everything before the movers came. *phew* And because the packing was so last minute, there are a lot of things that I wasn't able to buy and pack on time. *sad*

Boxes lying everywhere in the living room. And yes, that is my open concept kitchen. So love it. Can cook and watch TV at the same time *LOL*

More stuff beside the dining area.

Living room also... more boxes....

All of Baby K's "sitting / lying aid" are gone... packed into the boxes and I can't be carrying him in my arms all the times... and so... put him in the car seat which he doesn't really like. *LOL*

Kenneth will have "headache" again when the boxes reach Singapore. He said he will unpack alone. Thank god... he claimed that I can go out every weekend as he will be very busy. *LOL* Boxes, we will see you guys in Singapore!!!

The 2nd Last Weekend in Arizona

This is our 2nd last weekend in Arizona. It was a busy weekend (nothing new). I don't understand... why do we have so much to buy? And... why is it so last minute? Sigh...

Went to Arizona Mills on Saturday. Speed shop. Like crazy. Just walked around the mall and only going into those shops that I need, went in only, started to grab stuff. Kenneth and Baby K just waited outside. Sitting down at the bench, waiting. Shop for 3 hours there. Then proceeded to Arrowhead Mall. Speed shop again. Went to Coach. Bought more gifts for relatives. Then went to New York to do a return. No time to go other places. Kenneth said will go back there again next weekend. Reason why we need to do everything so hurriedly was because we had a makan session with his trade people during evening time, at 7pm. We reached home at 6pm. Rest a while, fed Baby K his solid, and off we went to Golden Corral. I didn't eat much, just the bread (so yummy, fresh from oven) coz was feeding Baby K. *LOL* Came home at 9pm+, started packing... went to bed at 11pm+. Very tired. [haven't got my black working heels... =(]

Sunday. Didn't go anywhere far. Kenneth woke up, feeling sick. Sore throat and body aching. He said feel like fever coming. Had lunch at King Egg Roll, saw many people there. Seems like it is a place where Singaporeans like to gather. *LOL* Then went to BX @ Base. Bought all the stuff that we need to pack into boxes. Speed shop again. =( Not shiok at all. He said we will go back again next weekend and let me shop slowly for those facial stuff. =D Came back, continue our packing...

Managed to capture Baby K's little tooth. The other one is coming out soon... =) These days, he will laugh when I said "ohaiyo"... he will also laugh when I said "threeeeeeee" and showing 3 fingers. =D
Not sure what pose is this. ha ha...

A shot with me at the yoghurt shop inside Arizona Mills. He was happy coz he just had his milk and I was happy coz I just ate yoghurt!

A very tired baby when we made our way from AZ Mills to Arrowhead Mall.... Sleeping with the open mouth. =p

And we reached Golden Corral! With BB Skyler and Mummy Joanna.... Happy 1 yr old, BB Skyler!

With gor gor Deli... our very very good and close friends over here...

Then we "borrowed" BB Amelia and took a "quan jia fu" picture (thank you Mummy Wendy). Ha ha... I wish loh... to have such a pretty and cute BB GIRL!!! Kenneth wanted to carry both babies by himself initially... but tough! And I was surprise when he suggested carrying BB Amelia...

Baby K also took pic with the Ong family, I "loaned" Baby K to them for the "quan jia fu" pic. But not going to post the pic up... else Mrs Ong might come after me. *LOL* It was a good gathering, although I only spoke to that few people, like always. *LOL* Just no time to talk to everyone coz we were all busy chowing down our food! Quite disappointed that BB Samuel didn't turn up, was so looking forward to seeing him and Mummy Dawn. Hope the flight was okie for BB Samuel. We will see them this coming Friday!!

This is the way I.....

Baby K: This is the way I nap or sleep everyday. I love to hug the bumper. And somehow or rather, I will find my way to the top left corner of the crib. Daddy puts Lamaze the Inchworm on top of the crib so that I won't bump my head against the railing. Mummy said I waste money coz I am suppose to hug the worm (like a bolster), but I prefer the bumper. *LOL* I still nap a lot everyday and every nap is at least 1 hour. I always get tired after jumping in the Jumperoo and then I will K.O. I also love to nap after eating. SHIOK! *LOL*

Random

Been rather lazy to blog lately. The buying and packing seems to be endless. There are still a lot of things to buy and so that means a lot of packing still undone, on top of those that are still lying around in our apartment. And this weekend is the last weekend before the boxes get shipped away. This is also the last weekend to shop. Due to work (audit week), Kenneth had been coming back home very late everyday and after eating, he will head to bed. I wonder why he never put on weight... eat and sleep... very fattening. *LOL*

Baby K has been jumping more and more in his Jumperoo. He can jump inside for the longest time and once in a while, when he looks over at me, I will praise him, leading him to jumping even more vigorously. Jump more Baby, doubt you will want to jump anymore when the Jumperoo reaches Singapore weeks after we reach.

These days, I will pat him to sleep during his afternoon naps. I know that the days for me to pass him over to someone else to care of is coming soon and I will miss patting him. *LOL* Even if he is not sleeping, we will just lie on the bed and he will be rolling round and round, kicking me along the way. I am so going to miss these days when only me and him are at home, when I am his only attention. =p Going back, I need to "share" him with many others. *LOL*

♥

Called my mum and she said time flies... it seems just like yesterday that she came over to visit me but in fact, it was 1 year back. She said it was the most enjoyable trip she ever had. To me, it was very rush. It was just as if we were joining those tour groups. Went to bed late (and sometimes couldn't sleep due to some "noise pollution") and had to wake up very very early to get to the next destination. I am so glad that she enjoyed herself during the 2weeks plus road trip. (Never waste my money. *LOL*) She loves the never ending sky... the white fluffy clouds... and the mountainous views... something that cannot rarely be seen in Singapore. I am so going to miss all these when I go back.

♥

Was chatting to a friend (who used to be here) yesterday and she said what I told her some time back was indeed very true. Her daughter used to have stranger anxiety, crying and crying whenever strangers were near her. We need not even talk to her... she would start crying. My friend was very worried. But I told her, her daughter will be ok once she gets older. Indeed!! She told me when they went back to Singapore and her friends went to visit them, her daughter went to play with them automatically! She said what I had told her back then made her very optismistic and she was so looking forward to the day when her girl will not cry when facing strangers. Oh well, I have a live example at home. Shannon used to cry whenever strangers talked to her when she was small. Things took a change when she turned 3yrs old. I am glad what I had told this friend had given her hope. She was so worried back then.

♥

I will be home in 2 weeks' time. I wonder if they can wait for me. What a wrong timing! Can I go back earlier? Or... will they be nice enough to wait? Only time can tell....

♥

Reaching Singapore earlier coz not going to Hawaii means I can go back to my Mum's place to celebrate Mid Autumn Festival with them. Besties they all are also meeting up that night. We always celebrate Mid Autumn together when I was in Singapore. I wonder if I can make it. Everything depends on Baby K. I hope he will not be cranky and we can make a "special appearance". Only 2 of the girls know that we might be showing up. Praying hard.... I so miss the girls...

Lots of people to meet (and call) and lots of things to be done once we touch down. I guess everything needs to be done slowly... Life is not the same as before now that there is this little Baby evolving around us. =)

♥

Something eerie happened yesterday morning... and I think I will blog about it after I shift out of my apartment next Sunday. Scary.... Is 7th month over already? *LOL*

The 3rd Last Weekend in Arizona

Weekends is over again. Today is the start of a working day and to me, there is no difference. I had quite an enjoyable weekend, although didn't do much on Saturday.

We went to the bank, lunch at Great Wall and Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket with Deli on Saturday. After which, as expected, when we reached home, my "boss" said he was tired and needed a rest. He took a very long nap and upon waking up, told me he had a headache and went to bed very early. We didn't go out to continue with our shopping, neither did we pack anything. -.-"

Sunday was slightly better. After having lunch at home, we went to Old Navy, bought some polo tees and then Best Buy to buy some electronic stuff. Then we proceeded to Babies R Us to stock up on Baby K's pampers, toys, etc. People must have thought war is coming or what. *LOL* Really bought A LOT!!! Luckily we were able to squeeze all these stuff into our car. The my "boss" said he was hungry at 3pm (we had lunch at 12pm) and we went to eat at Red Lobster. Spent USD80+, just on eating. -.-" My heart is soooo pain! But to "boss", he will never ever feel the pinch when it comes to food. He believes in eating good. Started telling me long long story when I stopped him from ordering. ha ha...

Came back home and I suggested bring Baby K for a dip in the pool. Lucky my "boss" didn't say he was tired and wanted to sleep. I guess, he didn't dare to say it. *LOL* Because I nag and nag at him (a lot) due to what happened on Saturday. Told him we wasted one day by not doing anything. And so, to the pool we went!! As usual, I think Baby K was not very happy to be in the pool... but... he did not have a choice. *LOL* Going to the pool will not be so convenient when we are back in Singapore. It will no longer be a "just a few minutes walk away" type of distant! And after the swim, came home to bathe. Baby K was so tired that he fell asleep immediately! His last feed was 3.30pm and he slept all the way till 1.30am!! Gave him some milk and he went back to lala land again.

Chilling on the sofa. These days, he love to sit beside me and watch me typing away on the laptop. And his hands will attempt to touch the notebook.

Inside his Jumperoo... which is going in to the box soon. Sometimes, he has bigger eyes, like this pic. And super look like Kenneth. And, look at those pointed chin! Received so much compliments on it. Hee hee...

See... he really doesn't look very happy. Grumpy face. *LOL*

Kenneth trying to tell him how to hold on to the 2 handles underneath the float. Oh, and he loves to put his legs in front.. like doing back float! and even when he kicks, the legs are in front!

The happy baby... who never fail to smile for me or the camera!

I love this type of weekends. Just the 3 of us. Going back, it's gonna be totally opposite... but still, I will love it. =) And oh, we are not going to Hawaii anymore because there are no more air tickets available on the date that we want to depart. And so, we are going back to Singapore earlier! We are going home to celebrate Mid Autumn Festival with our loved ones!! The moon will be bigger, rounder and brighter in our homeland. I will be seeing the same moon as you guys who are in Singapore. Very very looking forward to 3rd Oct 2009!!

September 11

Today is September 11 2009. 8 years ago, I was woken up by a phone call at 3am+. It was my sister, who called me from London and started telling me the Twin Towers at NYC had crashed. I was like... "huh??? What's going on?" (So amazing that she actually remembered when he was due for his business trip when she was enjoying herself at Europe.) Then she asked me to stop my brother from going to the airport because he was suppose to fly to Mexico for business trip. My parents then called my brother and told him not to go. My brother, insisted on going (to him, work is VERY IMPORTANT). And so, the 2 old folks went to the airport to stop him!!! (sound very drama) Luckily, all flights were being cancelled.

8 years later, I am sitting inside the comfort of my Coldwater Springs Apartment, enjoying the peace (my boy has long gone to lala land) and aircon, typing out this entry. Let's take a moment of silent together for those who perished on this very date, September 11 2001.

Mashed Banana + Oat Cereals

The bananas are finally ripe!! We bought them on Sunday and today (Friday), they are finally ready for Baby K's cereals! Thanks to Sam (my very old time friend), she told me that I can mash the banana and mix some oat cereals in and let Baby K eat them as a meal.

I prepared them this morning. Not sure how much banana to give, I mashed up half of it and ate the other half (haha) and I mix in 2 tablespoon of oat cereals. Before feeding, I was thinking to myself "jia lat... guess he is going to start fussing again because the texture is the same as those of the porridge's... thick!!" But to my surprise, he LOVES them!! Kept opening his mouth and wanted more and if I am too slow in feeding, he will make noise!! Wah... this is the first time that this little baby is so impatient when I am slow in feeding. After he finished his mashed banana + oat cereals, I think he is still hungry and fed him some bread. He ate almost the whole slice. -.-" I have no idea if he was full or not because he kept opening his mouth. But I stopped feeding him food after the bread. For his next feed, which was 3 hours later, he finished his 180ml of milk and still continued to suck! *LOL* Normally, he will only drink 140ml. So, I think I didn't give enough mash banana + oat cereals.

Actually I was planning to feed him the same thing again during evening (because the bananas are going to be very "lan" soon) but Kenneth said "NO. Half a banana is already too much for a 6 months old". So, I guess Baby K needs to wait till tomorrow for his mashed banana + oat cereals feast. *LOL*

Xie xie ni, Mrs Keck!! Do you have anymore easy to prepare recipe? *LOL*

Random

Seeing Baby K has no more fever today (actually fever already stopped since yesterday), I continue the 2 solid feeds per day. Didn't prepare porridge because very busy with packing and no time to cook the "just right" style so that my little prince will eat.

And so, this morning I took out the bib after preparing the rice cereals. Upon seeing the bib, he started to whimper. -.-" I guess that really reminds him of the porridge saga. *LOL* But I continued the morning feed of rice cereals mix with milk.

As expected, he started whimpering. And opened his mouth a bit to sample the food. -.-" When he realised it wasn't porridge, he stopped whimpering and ate up all the stuff.

During the evening solid feed, I mixed the sweet potato puree + FM with oat cereals and he super love it! I guess he loves sweet potato puree. No problem feeding him these cereals at all. Hopefully he will love porridge this much when I try giving him again!

One fine night when we went out for A&W... and he ate plain sandwich.

The very yummy pork tenderloin burger... and he ate LJS... boring. *LOL*

Tuesday Night FEVER!

Oppss... Spoke a bit too soon in my previous entry that Baby K did not have a fever after his jabs. I was wrong. The fever came during evening, at 6pm+. Took his temperature and he was having slight fever. Called Kenneth as he was working afternoon shift and he asked me to monitor and he will call me back again at 10pm+. By 10pm+, Baby K's temperature had risen to 38.06 degree celsius. Kenneth came back home and we brought Baby K to Good Night Pediatrics to see PD.

The quiet and peaceful clinic....

Waiting for the PD to come...

Still waiting... can see that he is a bit restless...
Cry cry cry when the PD was checking. We realised, he prefers GIRLS. When the nurse was taking his weight and temperature, he did not cry at all. But when the PD came (a handsome young chap), checked him only, he started crying. *LOL*

Still crying! He seldom have this type of "big cry". But yesterday, he had it 3 times. *LOL* Ok lah, practise his lungs. *LOL*

PD said it is common to develop a fever after babies have their jabs (ya, we know, we just want to make sure Baby K is ok so brought him to see YOU). He asked us to continue to give him baby tylenol when we go home and monitor his temperature.

Thank god, the fever was gone when we woke up this morning. We even brought him out to shop for a while. *LOL*

6 Months Vaccine Shots + Oral

Woke up early in the morning and brought Baby K for his 6 months vaccine shots + oral. This trip to the PD is also for the follow up on his eczema. Reached the place 10 minutes before 8am (our appointment was at 8am). And like always, we went to have his height and weight taken first. At the waiting area of the PD's office

He loves to put his thumb into the back of the soothie and sucking his thumb well sucking the soothie.
Then soothie will be stuck to his thumb.

Over the past 2 weeks, he had gained another 150g and he is now 6.6kg. Kenneth concluded that the low weight gain previously must be due to our intensive road trips in August. Baby K did not have proper feeds most of the times. He just can't seems to concentrate in drinking when we are out. Then comes the height (the issue that Kenneth is most worried about). He is now standing at 67.5cm, a 2.5cm growth since the last visit. Well, actually I knew he had grown taller, judging from the Jumperoo coz his feet are able to touch the floor now.

The inquisitive baby looking at the nurse as she was talking to us.

Putting the pamper back on after having his weight taken.

Saw the PD (actually don't need to go back for followup also can coz he basically repeated the same thing to me again).

Still smiling and cherry before the PD came in... Things changed once he saw the uniformed man...

Crying...

More Crying....

Still crying... *LOL*

We are not sure why he cried so hard when he saw the doctor, before he even touched him. During the last few trips to the PD, he was well-behaved. The PD did a quick checkup, we chatted a bit and then went to the next building for the shots! As usual, crying and wailing were unavoidable. But luckily there were 2 nurses administering the shots (4) thus the whole process was quite fast.



There is this guy, a photographer, snapping away while Baby K was having his shots. Then he asked for Baby K's name as well as Kenneth's. He said the photos will be put up at some magazines. Gosh... pictures of Baby K crying. *LOL* So ugly!

Some friends saw the video clip when Baby K went for his 4th month shots and they told me, "can you don't like him cry like this??" Eh... how? If he wants to cry, think there is nothing I can do. Even at home, sometimes we just let him cry and this happen ever since he was weeks old. He knows very well that no one will go to him immediately when he starts crying (and maybe that's why he's seldom cranky).

Baby K was very tired after all the crying. He slept for 1hour plus in the car seat while we went to shop around at BX and then breakfast at Burger King. When we reached home, he slept for another 2 hours plus. Kenneth got very worried and went into the room to wake him up. *LOL*

Then took his temperature, lucky, he did not have fever. Still, can tell he is very tired and restless. But at least he is smiling to us and as usual, refusing to eat his solids.

After being woken up from his nap.

Baby K's Teething!

A friend was asking me yesterday whether or not Baby K has started teething because her little boy seems to be starting, biting on stuff frequently. Well, Baby K had long long ago started to drool (a lot) and bite on whatever things he can lay his hands on but not a single little white cap sprouted out.

Few weeks back, I put a finger into his mouth and felt his lower gum. There was kind of like a bump at the front lower bottom of his gum where the incisors are suppose to be. Never thought of anything and very patiently, I waited for him to have his fever when he is teething. *LOL* No fever, nothing. So, I was thinking, maybe he will teeth later and hopefully he won't start teething (and develop fever) when we go to Hawaii. *LOL*

Few days back, Kenneth noticed (using his eye power because he said his fingers have bacteria, cannot put them into his son's mouth -.-") that there is some white white thingy appearing on Baby K's lower gum. I told him, cannot be teething because he did not have fever. *LOL* And we never talked about this anymore.

Today, after I came out from shower, I sat down beside Baby K who was sitting in his bouncer day dreaming. Played with him a bit and I don't know why, I suddenly poked my finger into his mouth and touched his lower gum. I felt it!! A very pointed feeling! Just like the corner of our teeth, that type of "pointed-ness"! Oh my, my little baby is teething... and he did not have any fever! Ha ha... And silly me all this while was waiting for the fever to come. *LOL*

Come to think of it, I guess that was why he refused to eat his rice cereals last week, milk intake also dropped. Could it be also due to teething, that's why he rejected the porridge? Whatever it is, I am just so glad that he did not give me much trouble (in fact, didn't give me any other trouble at all beside the refusing to eat and drink) when the teeth were forcing their way out.

I guess, he is really a very happy baby that requires the "minimum handling". *LOL* I am so blessed to have such an easy baby, if not, I don't know how I will survive having to take care of him ALONE for 7 mths plus before going back to Singapore. Guess his 2 little pearlies will be out fully in the months to come. =) Time to start brushing your teeth, my little baby. =)

Forcing him to open his mouth. Not sure if can see, but there is this little white white thingy at the bottom.

His expression (as well as the right hand) is so funny. I think 1st time I took his face so upclose. See the white white thingy?

He kept putting his tongue out when I tried to pull down his lip. No choice, "tricked" him by giving him the Gerber Puff. Can see 2 little white white thingy on the bottom...

The Last Long Weekend in USA

We had a very busy weekend. In fact, this is our last long weekend over here. It's Labor Day today, on Monday, 7 Sept 09. Having a Public Holiday also means that most places will have SALE! So we braved the rain on Saturday and went to Anthem Outlet with KK. Bought a lot of stuff. The list of things to buy is like never ending. Still have a lot of gifts not bought yet. Geez... never know we have this many relatives!

Spent a long long time inside Carters (what's new) and KK was amazed when he saw the amount of clothing I bought for Baby K. Opppsss..... Kenneth told him, I can spend the whole day inside the shop. Actually I feel like I am a retailer, just went to the wholesale place to get my "stock". Maybe I can open up a shop at home when I go back to Singapore. Ha ha... Walking pass Osh Kosh, KK asked if I want to go in to take a look... well, I didn't coz pai say to make him wait again.

Went to Nike, spent a very long time inside again. Came out with 2 pairs of track shoes and KK was actually dozing on the bench outside. -.-" He is lucky that the weather that day was cooling... if not, I don't think he will want to nap during a Summer afternoon at a non air-con place!

Also bought 2 Samsonite luggages. One big, one small. Kenneth said the small one is exclusive for Baby K to use ONLY! It will contain all his clothing, toys, etc. Well, I guess Baby K is one lucky boy!

Also went to Polo Ralph and Levi's. Bought clothing. Seeing that KK was a bit tired (he is seriously becoming one swollen eyes panda bear), we left the place and went to Best Buy (for the guys) and I went to Ross. The shopping continued.... We ended the day at Wild Flower and had our dinner there.

A family shot at Wildflower. Baby K super love to look at KK (the panda bear) that day. But when he saw Ong CC at Anthem, he started screaming and crying. Weird baby...

The next day was Sunday and we didn't go out to shop. Spent few hours packing our boxes. Packed half way, my "boss" decided to join our dear son for a nap because he said he is very sianz to see the house in a mess. -.-" And I continued the packing alone. They woke up after their 2hrs+ of nap and "boss" said he was hungry and so we went to Great Wall to have dinner.

The 3 of us had a very nice dinner. I said 3 of us because Baby K joined us too! He was fussing when he saw us eating. Prior to that, he just had his milk at home. I asked Kenneth to give him some fish (we washed away the taste) and surprisingly, he loves it! We even gave him some rice to go with the fish and boy, this baby really can eat! I am thankful to the Gerber Puffs coz eating that had taught Baby K how to chew. He was chewing so well when he ate the fish and rice. Maybe I shouldn't cook porridge afterall. I should just steam fish and feed him rice! Ha ha...

Dinner was fabulous! Ordered lots of dishes coz "boss" was very hungry (slept too much, used up a lot of energy). We had Seafood Soup, Roast duck (1/2), Seafood Hotpot and Deep Fried Cod Fish! The total bill plus tip was only USD50! I think it's pretty cheap because eating at Crystal Jade will be around this price too. And, the cod fish was one whole big piece!!

Guess what is this?

Half way through dinner, "boss" said want to buy mooncake (the restaurant carries Hong Kong brand of mooncake - Mei Xin). -.-" I told him, we are going back to Singapore NEXT MONTH, he can eats all he wants once we are back. It's so expensive here!!! He started sulking... oh well...

Although we didn't physically went out to shop, but I shopped online. =p Ordered some stuff from Polo Ralph (stuff that outlet do not carry), my all time favourite MAC cosmestics, Kate Spade and TOYS!! Finally.... Gonna continue to online shop later... and going out to Target + Babies R Us... If time permits, we are going to Sam's Club this evening. Lots more things to buy but time seems to be running out... =(

A happy baby playing peek-a-boo with Daddy after his yummy dinner (fish + rice) at Great Wall.

I have Finally Decided to....

I have finally decided to stop my breast milk supply. This is not an easy decision because I so can't bear to say goodbye to them. But Baby K doesn't know how to latch on and taking the long flight back to Singapore is no joke to me... where do I go to express out the milk? Actually Kenneth had long long ago (when Baby K was just few weeks old) asked me to give up on giving Baby K my breast milk. I was so frustrated and upset back then because this silly boy just refused to open his mouth big big and latch! I guess the reason why he didn't know how to latch is due to the fact that during the initial 2 weeks of his life, he was totally on bottle feeding. I was busy doing my own confinement and Kenneth was solely and fully in charge of the baby.

When Baby K didn't want (or didn't know how) to latch on, I spoke to numerous people, read up many information over the internet. Also spoke to the latching consultant over at the PD Office. She said it was too late (Baby K was 10 weeks old then) and that I should had gone to her earlier. -.-" But when I read about how persistent Mummy Amulet was when her darling daughter refused to latch on, it motivated me... for a while. (Amulet, you are good!!)

Thinking back, I wonder how I struggled through. Having to cook when the wounds was so painful is really no joke. But then again, I really have to thank my mum for not coming over because I feel that, having the chance to do the confinement myself is an once in a lifetime opportunity. This will definitely not happen if I am in Singapore. At least this is an experience that money cannot buy. =)

Friends asked me this question after I delivered, which I find it very amusing. "Do you still cook now that you need to look after your baby?" Eh... our daily life doesn't stop just like this. Everything is as per normal, just that we have an extra member now and he is the top priority. I still cook and I still do housework. They asked me, "how do you cope?" Seriously and honestly, I am not sure too... hahaha... maybe God knows I have no one to help me (Kenneth only helps with the BB, and at times, a bit of housework), so gave me quite a well-behaved baby. =) Let's hope he will not be mischievous when he grows up (because boys tend to be more naughty than girls).

Alright, going back to the breast milk supply... I am so thankful that he accepts formula milk well. I read that some babies tend to fuss when they are given FM. But then again, maybe because we had been giving him since birth. We were actually already starting to prepare him for the switch from BM to FM 6 months back. *LOL*

I had been very diligently expressing out the BM every 3-4 hours ever since we came back from the hospital. This had been going on for 6 months already. I never had a thorough sleep throughout the night. I was so afraid that I would miss the time that I do not dare to fall deep into slumberland. Thank got I am not working!! I wonder how those working mummies cope, having to wake up at least once every night is no joke. When many of you are deep in your sleep at 3-4am, I was up... expressing at the "pumping station", with my eyes half opened. By the time I was done, I was wide awake. And when the time comes for me to fall back to sleep, I need to wake up. I do not have the habit of having afternoon naps. I am thankful that I do not look like a panda bear now. *LOL*

Right now, I am only expressing 3 times a day. Slowly will cut it down to twice a day, then once a day. And hopefully, the BM will stop its supply soon. Still have lots of "reserves" in the fridge. Gonna start clearing them. And need to stock up on Baby K's FM, for fear that he is not used to the type in Singapore. Kenneth is funny though, he said buy lots and lots of FM back, enough to last Baby K till 1 year old. Ha ha... I only heard of people bringing FM over from Singapore (coz cheaper), never heard of the other way round!! But to him, this is his "xin gan bao bei", money is not an issue. -.-" (I think he will definitely spoil Baby K rotten next time... not to mention my in-laws too. Then I will have a hard time. *sigh*)

Playing with his bottle when I gave him water after his "breakfast" (bread dipped in milk + oat cereals mix with banana puree)
Very engross... but doesn't know how to put it inside his mouth...
It's the everyday "sitting" exercise. He looks like Kenneth if he doesn't smile (I think)... the stern look...

Smiling a bit...
Doing sit and reach...

Laughing non stop... I also don't know what's so funny... -.-"

Getting lazy... going to slide his way down...

Still trying... wriggling his way through...

ta-dah... finally succeeded! And the poor pillow at his feet became the "victim" of his power kicks.

After this, he was so tired and is now napping soundly on our bed.