Posts
Ok my creation, please don't laugh!
When it first begun ...
The final product!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
See the amazing disappearing trick!
Performed by none other than the famous Miss Vanessa!
Psst: The "cookie" is bigger and thicker than the Singapore 50 cent coin!
Friday, March 28, 2008
We've got an Orange Vampire!
She's not 1 yet, but I decided to let her try some oranges the other day, since sweet oranges are hard to come by.
See how much she enjoys her orange!
See the poor orange with all the life juices sucked out of it!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Photos ...
Just to clarify, the photos displayed in the last 2 post were taken by Mary Ann from Studio Loft. Their website is www.thestudioloft.com.sg.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Expressions!
No, not the slimming centre :P
But a collection of my gal's various facial expressions!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
prelude to the long weekend
I forgot, our weekend actually started on Thursday afternoon. We took the afternoon off to take some pics, and I was quite pleased with the photos, although I wish I am MUCH slimmer.
I picked some of my fav shots to share, so here they are!
Pensive
I picked some of my fav shots to share, so here they are!
Pensive 
Energetic
Mesmerised
Cheeky
An exhausting weekend
What did we do over the weekend?
Friday - we went to the zoo. Reached there about 930am and there was a crowd at the entrance. Full of parents with their kids and well, it was rather a breeze to get in once I collected my membership card (thanks to a mummy, we managed to get our membership with a 10% discount). The zoo has really changed quite a fair bit since I last went with my nephew (about 4 years ago). We did the usual meandering around the various exhibits, before it got way too hot at 11am, and we took the tram. The only highlight, which my girl missed as she was fast asleep, was when we sat outside the orang utan exhibit and had our own breakfast (our cheap version of breakfast with the animals). From our view, we saw one orang utan dragged a heap of leaves on top of its head, while it snuggled into a crevice. Brilliant camouflage! Another decided to do some exercise, which included crossing it arms above its head and slapping itself. The same one used some leaves to wipe its backside and pee in front of us. Decided to head for the "Ampang Yong Tau Foo" for lunch, but the place was so packed (no parking lots at all!) so we headed to Casuarina curry instead. Had a quick lunch before proceeding home when I had to bake a cake for my Wilton Cake Decorating Class on Saturday.
Found out at dinner (after slaving over the damn tempura and trying to fry the stuff) that my helper was not feeling well. Think she ate something wrong during lunch and she had the vomitting, the stomachache and headaches. So had our dinner, got the hubby to send the helper to see the doctor, and I went to bed to Vanessa (who was already fast asleep). By the time they came home, I was too tired to make the icing for the cake, so I went to bed and set my alarm clock at 6am.
Saturday - woke up at 6am! Then I washed up the dishes from last night to clear some workspace in the kitchen. Started fixing the icing at 630am, and I am glad none of my neighbours complained cuz my Kenwood mixer makes one hell of a ruckus. By the time I was done sifting the icing sugar, I was staring at the clock in despair, wondering if I was going to make it! Anyway, I just did what I had to do, and I finally managed to finish icing the cake by 10am. Had a quick shower after I started cooking porridge in the rice cooker and it was off to the class. At the class, the other 2 classmates said my cake was nice and I was quite incredulous until I saw theirs. Well, it wasn't the same since I slather on a THICK layer of icing to hide all the defects (too numerous to name here). The class was fun, learnt some of the piping stuff, and tried to pipe roses but it was difficult. I am supposed to practise for the next class, so let's see how it goes :P
Came back, played with Vanessa a little, and I promptly conked out by 4pm. We had tempura leftovers and we cleared up all the porridge (with some help from Vanessa). Watched a little TV and went back to bed.
Sunday - woke up at 6am and headed for the Chinese doctor to get a queue number. My hands are feeling numb again and decided to check it out. When we came back, Vanessa just woke up, so we went out for breakfast at Bukit Timah Hawker Centre. Took a short nap then headed out to the Chinese doctor, waited for 1 hour before it was my turn. Usual tension at the shoulders, causing the nerves to bunch up. Wanted to do the "gua sha" but had to wait again, so I probably will return another day to get it done. Headed for to my mum's place with the cake that I decorated in class, with some cupcakes and leftover icing bags. The kids were having a ball of time hunting for Easter eggs in the garden, and as usual, some were unhappy that they had collected less eggs, didn't get the eggs they designed (they decorated the eggs earlier), but all ended well once we headed back in for the CHOCOLATE eggs. My gal collected her first Easter eggs! I think she enjoyed it although she doesn't have a clue what was happening! As a treat for the kids, who squabbled over the colour of jelly beans, I took out the cupcakes and let them decorate. They had fun, but guess who will end up eating the cakes - the adults or the bin I bet!
Now, my back is killing me and I am wondering if I should bake another cake. Promised my colleague to bake a cake for her so let see how "motivated" I am after dinner.
Back to the grind tomorrow, but it was a fun, although exhausting one, LOOOONNNGGGG weekend I will have in a while. There's another one coming up in May, but I have to work on that Saturday, so I am really looking forward to a nice long break (just 3 days, that's all I am asking for!) after all the weekends and deadlines I have to deal with till end of June, before the vicious cycle starts again in July.
Friday - we went to the zoo. Reached there about 930am and there was a crowd at the entrance. Full of parents with their kids and well, it was rather a breeze to get in once I collected my membership card (thanks to a mummy, we managed to get our membership with a 10% discount). The zoo has really changed quite a fair bit since I last went with my nephew (about 4 years ago). We did the usual meandering around the various exhibits, before it got way too hot at 11am, and we took the tram. The only highlight, which my girl missed as she was fast asleep, was when we sat outside the orang utan exhibit and had our own breakfast (our cheap version of breakfast with the animals). From our view, we saw one orang utan dragged a heap of leaves on top of its head, while it snuggled into a crevice. Brilliant camouflage! Another decided to do some exercise, which included crossing it arms above its head and slapping itself. The same one used some leaves to wipe its backside and pee in front of us. Decided to head for the "Ampang Yong Tau Foo" for lunch, but the place was so packed (no parking lots at all!) so we headed to Casuarina curry instead. Had a quick lunch before proceeding home when I had to bake a cake for my Wilton Cake Decorating Class on Saturday.
Found out at dinner (after slaving over the damn tempura and trying to fry the stuff) that my helper was not feeling well. Think she ate something wrong during lunch and she had the vomitting, the stomachache and headaches. So had our dinner, got the hubby to send the helper to see the doctor, and I went to bed to Vanessa (who was already fast asleep). By the time they came home, I was too tired to make the icing for the cake, so I went to bed and set my alarm clock at 6am.
Saturday - woke up at 6am! Then I washed up the dishes from last night to clear some workspace in the kitchen. Started fixing the icing at 630am, and I am glad none of my neighbours complained cuz my Kenwood mixer makes one hell of a ruckus. By the time I was done sifting the icing sugar, I was staring at the clock in despair, wondering if I was going to make it! Anyway, I just did what I had to do, and I finally managed to finish icing the cake by 10am. Had a quick shower after I started cooking porridge in the rice cooker and it was off to the class. At the class, the other 2 classmates said my cake was nice and I was quite incredulous until I saw theirs. Well, it wasn't the same since I slather on a THICK layer of icing to hide all the defects (too numerous to name here). The class was fun, learnt some of the piping stuff, and tried to pipe roses but it was difficult. I am supposed to practise for the next class, so let's see how it goes :P
Came back, played with Vanessa a little, and I promptly conked out by 4pm. We had tempura leftovers and we cleared up all the porridge (with some help from Vanessa). Watched a little TV and went back to bed.
Sunday - woke up at 6am and headed for the Chinese doctor to get a queue number. My hands are feeling numb again and decided to check it out. When we came back, Vanessa just woke up, so we went out for breakfast at Bukit Timah Hawker Centre. Took a short nap then headed out to the Chinese doctor, waited for 1 hour before it was my turn. Usual tension at the shoulders, causing the nerves to bunch up. Wanted to do the "gua sha" but had to wait again, so I probably will return another day to get it done. Headed for to my mum's place with the cake that I decorated in class, with some cupcakes and leftover icing bags. The kids were having a ball of time hunting for Easter eggs in the garden, and as usual, some were unhappy that they had collected less eggs, didn't get the eggs they designed (they decorated the eggs earlier), but all ended well once we headed back in for the CHOCOLATE eggs. My gal collected her first Easter eggs! I think she enjoyed it although she doesn't have a clue what was happening! As a treat for the kids, who squabbled over the colour of jelly beans, I took out the cupcakes and let them decorate. They had fun, but guess who will end up eating the cakes - the adults or the bin I bet!
Now, my back is killing me and I am wondering if I should bake another cake. Promised my colleague to bake a cake for her so let see how "motivated" I am after dinner.
Back to the grind tomorrow, but it was a fun, although exhausting one, LOOOONNNGGGG weekend I will have in a while. There's another one coming up in May, but I have to work on that Saturday, so I am really looking forward to a nice long break (just 3 days, that's all I am asking for!) after all the weekends and deadlines I have to deal with till end of June, before the vicious cycle starts again in July.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Meet the Tarzaness!
My girl is not a michellin baby yet for her height, she's considered as a semi heavyweight.
As each week progresses, I find that she's straining my muscles, and I struggle to carry her with 1 arm for more than 3 minutes.
Then, I realise why she seems a little heavy for her size. See what she does for her daily exercise!
As each week progresses, I find that she's straining my muscles, and I struggle to carry her with 1 arm for more than 3 minutes.
Then, I realise why she seems a little heavy for her size. See what she does for her daily exercise!
Psst: Remember that muscles are heavier than fats!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Am I Gifted?
Yes, I believe my girl is gifted - her skills in recognising what is food is amazing!
Today Vanessa attended a trial class at Growing Up Gifted, it's a playschool, not so much as a "intensive course" to make genius out of my girl. It's supposed to help them to explore their senses and improve their motor skills.
Anyway I had to work this morning, so the hubby brought her there with the helper. I managed to get off work early as my colleague very sweetly came earlier to cover my duty. I rushed there and thankfully I made it on time. Anyway I decided I was too hungry and tired to go through the first session of the class, so the hubby did the session with her. I peeked through the window and she seem to be having fun, listening to whatever was being said and staring at the other babies.
Then when I was my turn, I was a bit apprehensive because I was worried she would be cranky. Lo and behold, out came the bubbles and she clambered quickly to catch them! When they were long gone, she would still look up towards the ceiling waiting for more bubbles! Whenever they brought out a box of toys, she would clamber over quickly with the rest of the babies. She very much enjoyed herself, I must say...
I've bought some bubbles solution too, so maybe on Friday we can blow some bubbles for her to play!
No pics as no pics allowed in the classroom!
Today Vanessa attended a trial class at Growing Up Gifted, it's a playschool, not so much as a "intensive course" to make genius out of my girl. It's supposed to help them to explore their senses and improve their motor skills.
Anyway I had to work this morning, so the hubby brought her there with the helper. I managed to get off work early as my colleague very sweetly came earlier to cover my duty. I rushed there and thankfully I made it on time. Anyway I decided I was too hungry and tired to go through the first session of the class, so the hubby did the session with her. I peeked through the window and she seem to be having fun, listening to whatever was being said and staring at the other babies.
Then when I was my turn, I was a bit apprehensive because I was worried she would be cranky. Lo and behold, out came the bubbles and she clambered quickly to catch them! When they were long gone, she would still look up towards the ceiling waiting for more bubbles! Whenever they brought out a box of toys, she would clamber over quickly with the rest of the babies. She very much enjoyed herself, I must say...
I've bought some bubbles solution too, so maybe on Friday we can blow some bubbles for her to play!
No pics as no pics allowed in the classroom!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Pee Collection
The PD called over the weekend and wanted us to submit another sample of her urine, as a certain bacteria has a very high count. As they can't be sure it's due to contamination (we collected the pee at home) so they just wanted to be sure and to treat it if necessary.
So I dutifully took the morning off yesterday and waited for the pee to be collected. I had reminded the helper to clean the area with soap before attaching the bag, so as to reduce the risk of contamination. *sigh* We failed 3 times! The first time she pooped, so everything went into the dustbin. The second time, the bag leaked, so we collected nothing. That was the last bag we had, so we had to drive down to the clinic and asked for more. Then we waited for the third time and she fell asleep on the bed. Unsuccessful again since the position was had to be somewhat upright for the collection. So I gave up and went to work.
Today we tried again, the first bag again leaked and the second round I was watching her like a hawk. I kept asking the helper and she kept saying no pee. Then I carried her for a little while, and I noticed her diapers were wet! So I yelled out and we quickly stripped her and thankfully, despite the bag having fallen off, we still had some pee left! So we transferred to the bottle, zoom down to the clinic and handed over. I am just crossing my fingers that the test will be OK, as I am paying about $70 for each test!
So I dutifully took the morning off yesterday and waited for the pee to be collected. I had reminded the helper to clean the area with soap before attaching the bag, so as to reduce the risk of contamination. *sigh* We failed 3 times! The first time she pooped, so everything went into the dustbin. The second time, the bag leaked, so we collected nothing. That was the last bag we had, so we had to drive down to the clinic and asked for more. Then we waited for the third time and she fell asleep on the bed. Unsuccessful again since the position was had to be somewhat upright for the collection. So I gave up and went to work.
Today we tried again, the first bag again leaked and the second round I was watching her like a hawk. I kept asking the helper and she kept saying no pee. Then I carried her for a little while, and I noticed her diapers were wet! So I yelled out and we quickly stripped her and thankfully, despite the bag having fallen off, we still had some pee left! So we transferred to the bottle, zoom down to the clinic and handed over. I am just crossing my fingers that the test will be OK, as I am paying about $70 for each test!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
half tub full and more
Today the helper's offday, so I checked the last milk feed and amount before she went off.
I cooked instant porridge (the nestle ikan porridge) and added a small slice of threadfin. My gal loved it (I didn't - I thought the porridge tasted mushroomy) and finished 3/4 of the bowl. We had breakfast downstairs again, next to the BBQ pit. It's a nice cool breezy morning so we enjoyed it without any buzzing mosquitoes. The dogs were envious though, they were whining at the balcony (they have a direct view)! I think they got a little upset when we waved at them. *rofl*
We brought Vanessa to United Square today - wanted to bring her for a haircut at the Junior's League (I think) and she was quite good - will post a pic when I get it from the hubby. I also saw a ex-client and I got a shock. He used to be a crew cut-ed no nonsense uncle (check shirt and working pants) and now he has blond CURLS and wearing a tight tee with tight jeans (with a belt that has a huge buckle too!). I was too shocked to think "mid life crisis!" - I went straight in and asked, "what happened to you!!!!" Anyway apparently now he enjoys a healthy lifestyle because he had to go in for an operation, so he started working out. He looks good, so does his wife *thumbs up* Oh yes, as usual my girl charmed them with her coy giggles and smiles.
After her haircut (sporting pink highlights and hair glitter) we went to my mum's place for lunch - had to give the GUG trial class a miss as there was a birthday celebration scheduled today. Anyway my gal was THRILLED - so many things to play with, what's more the pinata were full of goodies. She was actually whining as her plastic was empty (she put her hand in to prove her point) when her cousins were busy filling up theirs. In the end, she got what she wanted, when they were all assessing their loot. She held to 2 gold coins tightly and refused to give it up. In the end, I brought her to wash her hands (and feet) before she was willing to let go of her coins.
Why the title then? A lesson learnt. I always assumed that baby should have more water to splash in the tub, and that I shouldn't deprive her of that. Today, the tub was 5/6 full, and she had difficulty in balancing in the tub. In fact, she lost her balance a few times (even with me holding her) and the last time, she must have swallowed some water and she cried. She's fine, but still - a lesson learnt in child safety. Half tub should be just nice for her to keep her balance and yet enjoy herself.
Dinner for her was porridge (finally decided to grind the remaining tub of brown rice) cooked with chicken stock, threadfin, and some "xiao bai cai". Yummy! Next week would be "stocking" time - will be trying out my new 7 litre stockpot!
I cooked instant porridge (the nestle ikan porridge) and added a small slice of threadfin. My gal loved it (I didn't - I thought the porridge tasted mushroomy) and finished 3/4 of the bowl. We had breakfast downstairs again, next to the BBQ pit. It's a nice cool breezy morning so we enjoyed it without any buzzing mosquitoes. The dogs were envious though, they were whining at the balcony (they have a direct view)! I think they got a little upset when we waved at them. *rofl*
We brought Vanessa to United Square today - wanted to bring her for a haircut at the Junior's League (I think) and she was quite good - will post a pic when I get it from the hubby. I also saw a ex-client and I got a shock. He used to be a crew cut-ed no nonsense uncle (check shirt and working pants) and now he has blond CURLS and wearing a tight tee with tight jeans (with a belt that has a huge buckle too!). I was too shocked to think "mid life crisis!" - I went straight in and asked, "what happened to you!!!!" Anyway apparently now he enjoys a healthy lifestyle because he had to go in for an operation, so he started working out. He looks good, so does his wife *thumbs up* Oh yes, as usual my girl charmed them with her coy giggles and smiles.
After her haircut (sporting pink highlights and hair glitter) we went to my mum's place for lunch - had to give the GUG trial class a miss as there was a birthday celebration scheduled today. Anyway my gal was THRILLED - so many things to play with, what's more the pinata were full of goodies. She was actually whining as her plastic was empty (she put her hand in to prove her point) when her cousins were busy filling up theirs. In the end, she got what she wanted, when they were all assessing their loot. She held to 2 gold coins tightly and refused to give it up. In the end, I brought her to wash her hands (and feet) before she was willing to let go of her coins.
Why the title then? A lesson learnt. I always assumed that baby should have more water to splash in the tub, and that I shouldn't deprive her of that. Today, the tub was 5/6 full, and she had difficulty in balancing in the tub. In fact, she lost her balance a few times (even with me holding her) and the last time, she must have swallowed some water and she cried. She's fine, but still - a lesson learnt in child safety. Half tub should be just nice for her to keep her balance and yet enjoy herself.
Dinner for her was porridge (finally decided to grind the remaining tub of brown rice) cooked with chicken stock, threadfin, and some "xiao bai cai". Yummy! Next week would be "stocking" time - will be trying out my new 7 litre stockpot!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A real teaser ...
I did mention my girl is a real cheeky monkey right?
Now that we have turned her car seat to front facing (she has surpassed the 9kg mark) it's easier for her to see me when I turned to the back.
She has this habit of teasing me. She will be happily sucking on her pacifier, and then she would call out to get my attention (the helper usually sits with her at the back). She would then take the pacifier out and then hand it to me. So I'll take it away and pretend to suck on it when I turned to the front. She would then make noises and demand for her pacifier back by stretching her hand out. I would then pass it back to her and face to the front again. She would then call out to me again, hold out the pacifier to me and then return the pacificer back to her mouth when I stretched out my hand. Again I turn to the front, she calls out to me, and .... you get the idea anyway. Annoyed that she's teasing me? Not when she's grinning away and occasionally snorting when giggling.
Oh, and my helper told me that baby signalled to her for milk today. So I am right, that particular version of hers is a sign for milk!
Mummy's Mood: Strutting like a peacock.
Now that we have turned her car seat to front facing (she has surpassed the 9kg mark) it's easier for her to see me when I turned to the back.
She has this habit of teasing me. She will be happily sucking on her pacifier, and then she would call out to get my attention (the helper usually sits with her at the back). She would then take the pacifier out and then hand it to me. So I'll take it away and pretend to suck on it when I turned to the front. She would then make noises and demand for her pacifier back by stretching her hand out. I would then pass it back to her and face to the front again. She would then call out to me again, hold out the pacifier to me and then return the pacificer back to her mouth when I stretched out my hand. Again I turn to the front, she calls out to me, and .... you get the idea anyway. Annoyed that she's teasing me? Not when she's grinning away and occasionally snorting when giggling.
Oh, and my helper told me that baby signalled to her for milk today. So I am right, that particular version of hers is a sign for milk!
Mummy's Mood: Strutting like a peacock.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Just one night ...
To figure out if we could manage my girl alone if we decided to go away on a trip, we thought that a night stay at one of the local hotel would be a good tryout.
We had the perfect excuse, to celebrate the hubby's birthday. I found a family package and so we decided to try it out. Well, the hotel stay was 1 thing - the service expectations were not met. But most importantly, we did have a nice room/ tiolet. The bed, it was so ultra springy that when my hubby turned on his side, I was awoken up by his movement. Thankfully my gal slept through it all.
It didn't start well. She was initially ok with the room, and we had some toys to distract her. However, the moment we drew the blackout curtains so that the darkness would lull her to sleep, she started crying - NONSTOP, for 30 minutes. Nothing could stop her and she cling on to me like a koala bear. Even a visit to the loo had her slinged against me.
In the end, we decided to go out - had to use the build-a-bear vouchers than came with the package anyway. So off we went, the pram only worked for a little while and she was mostly in the sling or carried by the hubby. The first stop was of course build-a-bear shop and she finally showed some interest in a blue bear (all of them had the same tags, but she only showed interest in that blue bear's tag) but eventually we choise a brown bear which was made of velvety's material. Wanted it soft and squishy, but it was still a little hard to my liking. We choose a ballerina outfit that came complete with the shoes and a "ear" piece - with a decent price tag (I had a little heartattack when I saw the price tags). We will probably go back again when she's older to appreciate the bear and does the dress me up dress me down thingy.
Went for a light dinner (since we already had tea at the hotel - she was bouncing to the live music!) after wandering in ToyRus and started to head back to the hotel - with lots of aprehension. I asked the hubby if we should send her back to my mum's place where our helper was staying for the night. He shrugged and said to adopt a wait and see approach. I decided a quick stop to give her some milk, hoping she would fall asleep on the way back to the hotel - but it didn't work. However, I was pleasantly surprised that she had her own version of signing "milk" which I tried signing to her.
She was wide awake when we reach the room and she was ready to cry the moment I sat on the bed (she was still in the sling!). I was dreading the possiblity of sending her back, since my family would brand me a failure! I went over to the couch and pointed out the traffic on Sheares Bridge to her. She was amused enough to warm up quickly and I could bring her over to the bed. She rolled around a little and I was quite pleased that she was finally OK with the room. I was thinking if I should changed her diaper since that might arouse her from her sleepy state, when she suddenly sat up, and stared at me with a shocked expression. I guessed correctly she pooped and did the necessary things. She was quite contented for me to rub her tummy and to clean her up. I also managed to change her into her jammies, which on hindsight was a bit warm for the room. The material is only slightly thicker than her other rompers and we had set the aircon to 10 degrees and on fan speed 3. I'm not killing Earth, it's just that the air circulation of the room is so bad, the cold spot is the couch area!
She continued to roll on the bed for a while more, giggling, SNORTING and smiling, then she suddenly stopped. We peered at her (we were lying on her sides and just watching her roll about) and she was fast asleep. I looked at the clock and it was WAY past her bedtime of 8pm - 11:22pm! I couldn't washed up her bottles since she was still not in deep sleep yet. She screamed in her sleep a couple of times, but was quickly soothed and back to sleep. She was OK for the rest of the night except when we reduce the fan speed to 1, and it got too warm for her (even the hubby kicked off the blanket - he was earlier clothed in his clothes and bathrobe, before huddling under the blanket).
Her breakfast? Wow, seafood porridge (fish and prawns I believe), rice with tofu and miso soup, mashed banana with yoghurt, glutinous rice and some bread. She was happily chomping down everything, and burping out loud TWICE inbetween the food.
I then took a bath with her (it was horrible on the first day, she refused to have her bath, so we quickly just splashed her and then dressed her) and she enjoyed it so much that she didn't want to get out! She cried a little when the hubby took over the dressing bit while I showered. We had a little accident before her naptime - I accidentally clipped her finger when I was putting the cover back on the milk bottle. It must had been very painful, cuz her cry came out like 10 seconds after her face went red and all scrunched up! I patted her to sooth her and she promptly fell asleep. She slept for 1.5 hours while we watched Bourne Ultimatum (part of the package - 1movie!) - ya, through all the sounds from the TV. She woked up 5 minutes after the movie ended, so it was just nice as we had also finished packing.
It was a good experience - I had my fair share of doubts that I could make it, and she clinged to me like a koala and eventually having a good time before sleeping made me believe that I can take care of my girl (sorry for the clipped finger). It was not to say, I did it all on my own. The hubby helped too, even though my gal was screaming her head off whenever he tried to carry her. It must had been hard for him too, but he did a great job! He could manage her better than I can - the crying really gets me, and he has more faith in us as parents that I do.
Oh, Happy birthday dearie! I think we could try a 2 night stay sometime soon *hint hint: my birthday is coming soon!*
We had the perfect excuse, to celebrate the hubby's birthday. I found a family package and so we decided to try it out. Well, the hotel stay was 1 thing - the service expectations were not met. But most importantly, we did have a nice room/ tiolet. The bed, it was so ultra springy that when my hubby turned on his side, I was awoken up by his movement. Thankfully my gal slept through it all.
It didn't start well. She was initially ok with the room, and we had some toys to distract her. However, the moment we drew the blackout curtains so that the darkness would lull her to sleep, she started crying - NONSTOP, for 30 minutes. Nothing could stop her and she cling on to me like a koala bear. Even a visit to the loo had her slinged against me.
In the end, we decided to go out - had to use the build-a-bear vouchers than came with the package anyway. So off we went, the pram only worked for a little while and she was mostly in the sling or carried by the hubby. The first stop was of course build-a-bear shop and she finally showed some interest in a blue bear (all of them had the same tags, but she only showed interest in that blue bear's tag) but eventually we choise a brown bear which was made of velvety's material. Wanted it soft and squishy, but it was still a little hard to my liking. We choose a ballerina outfit that came complete with the shoes and a "ear" piece - with a decent price tag (I had a little heartattack when I saw the price tags). We will probably go back again when she's older to appreciate the bear and does the dress me up dress me down thingy.
Went for a light dinner (since we already had tea at the hotel - she was bouncing to the live music!) after wandering in ToyRus and started to head back to the hotel - with lots of aprehension. I asked the hubby if we should send her back to my mum's place where our helper was staying for the night. He shrugged and said to adopt a wait and see approach. I decided a quick stop to give her some milk, hoping she would fall asleep on the way back to the hotel - but it didn't work. However, I was pleasantly surprised that she had her own version of signing "milk" which I tried signing to her.
She was wide awake when we reach the room and she was ready to cry the moment I sat on the bed (she was still in the sling!). I was dreading the possiblity of sending her back, since my family would brand me a failure! I went over to the couch and pointed out the traffic on Sheares Bridge to her. She was amused enough to warm up quickly and I could bring her over to the bed. She rolled around a little and I was quite pleased that she was finally OK with the room. I was thinking if I should changed her diaper since that might arouse her from her sleepy state, when she suddenly sat up, and stared at me with a shocked expression. I guessed correctly she pooped and did the necessary things. She was quite contented for me to rub her tummy and to clean her up. I also managed to change her into her jammies, which on hindsight was a bit warm for the room. The material is only slightly thicker than her other rompers and we had set the aircon to 10 degrees and on fan speed 3. I'm not killing Earth, it's just that the air circulation of the room is so bad, the cold spot is the couch area!
She continued to roll on the bed for a while more, giggling, SNORTING and smiling, then she suddenly stopped. We peered at her (we were lying on her sides and just watching her roll about) and she was fast asleep. I looked at the clock and it was WAY past her bedtime of 8pm - 11:22pm! I couldn't washed up her bottles since she was still not in deep sleep yet. She screamed in her sleep a couple of times, but was quickly soothed and back to sleep. She was OK for the rest of the night except when we reduce the fan speed to 1, and it got too warm for her (even the hubby kicked off the blanket - he was earlier clothed in his clothes and bathrobe, before huddling under the blanket).
Her breakfast? Wow, seafood porridge (fish and prawns I believe), rice with tofu and miso soup, mashed banana with yoghurt, glutinous rice and some bread. She was happily chomping down everything, and burping out loud TWICE inbetween the food.
I then took a bath with her (it was horrible on the first day, she refused to have her bath, so we quickly just splashed her and then dressed her) and she enjoyed it so much that she didn't want to get out! She cried a little when the hubby took over the dressing bit while I showered. We had a little accident before her naptime - I accidentally clipped her finger when I was putting the cover back on the milk bottle. It must had been very painful, cuz her cry came out like 10 seconds after her face went red and all scrunched up! I patted her to sooth her and she promptly fell asleep. She slept for 1.5 hours while we watched Bourne Ultimatum (part of the package - 1movie!) - ya, through all the sounds from the TV. She woked up 5 minutes after the movie ended, so it was just nice as we had also finished packing.
It was a good experience - I had my fair share of doubts that I could make it, and she clinged to me like a koala and eventually having a good time before sleeping made me believe that I can take care of my girl (sorry for the clipped finger). It was not to say, I did it all on my own. The hubby helped too, even though my gal was screaming her head off whenever he tried to carry her. It must had been hard for him too, but he did a great job! He could manage her better than I can - the crying really gets me, and he has more faith in us as parents that I do.
Oh, Happy birthday dearie! I think we could try a 2 night stay sometime soon *hint hint: my birthday is coming soon!*
Friday, February 15, 2008
The first straw ...
My girl officially can drink from a straw! She's now happily sipping from her Pigeon bottle. The only problem is, she forgets to close her lips before attempting to swallow, so we gets splashes of water from time to time. Otherwise, she's doing a brilliant job!
The cleaning fervour ...
Perhaps my girl has been watcing my helper cleaning the place once too often ...
After she got past her initial fixation of eating tissue paper, she will now take a piece from the tissue box or the wet wipes pack, and then happily start to wipe the table (if she's supporting herself on it) or the floor, as she merrily zips across the floor on all fours (well 3, since her hand is busy cleaning the floor at the same time).
I hope she grows up to like housework - cuz I don't ;P It means I can cook, bake and dirty the kitchen and she can clean the kitchen after me and more!
Muahahaha
After she got past her initial fixation of eating tissue paper, she will now take a piece from the tissue box or the wet wipes pack, and then happily start to wipe the table (if she's supporting herself on it) or the floor, as she merrily zips across the floor on all fours (well 3, since her hand is busy cleaning the floor at the same time).
I hope she grows up to like housework - cuz I don't ;P It means I can cook, bake and dirty the kitchen and she can clean the kitchen after me and more!
Muahahaha
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
To market, to market with a piglet ...
Well, since my girl was born in the year of the Pig, technically she's a piglet!
Anyway, I had been meaning to post this for some time, but it kept slipping my mind (the last case of serious forgetfulness, I FORGOT TO ATTEND MY COOKIES DECORATING CLASS! *SOB* and the fees were paid for already!).
I usually bring Vanessa to the wet market when I do my marketing and my hubby always wondered why - it's noisy, wet and I would be just buying things right?
This particular day that I brought her along, it was the Saturday before the CNY. The fishmonger in this market for some reason starts late, about 830am or so. So by the time I had finished shopping for the veggies, pork and chicken, I went over the fishmonger. We were waiting around his stall as they were still unloading his goods. Since I was carrying my girl, she had the same level of view of the action as me.
As the crowd begins to grow, some aunties started to crowd in front of us. It blocked her view and she did not hesitate to gently "beat" the person in front to show her displeasure. I was like "OH!!! BABY YOU CANNOT BEAT PEOPLE!!!" So as it went, I started moving further towards the back of crowd. The ironical thing was that I wanted the prawns which were already on display. The aunties were just waiting for the fish and in order to grab the good ones, they nudge their way to the front and park themselves there.
In my desperation (I really only wanted the prawns!), I yelled from the back "1kg of prawns! $12!" Unfortunately the fishmonger was busy discussing with the folks upfront about the stock he had for the day. So I tried again and this aunty in front of me went, "Aiyoh, so poor thing, marketing with the baby! Ok I help you!" She barged to the front, got the attention of the fishmonger, got the 1 kg of prawns for me, and collected the money on the fishmonger's behalf. I thanked her (I was so grateful!) and then we gather the rest of our purchase and headed home.
So bringing baby to the market isn't such a bad thing afterall!
Anyway, I had been meaning to post this for some time, but it kept slipping my mind (the last case of serious forgetfulness, I FORGOT TO ATTEND MY COOKIES DECORATING CLASS! *SOB* and the fees were paid for already!).
I usually bring Vanessa to the wet market when I do my marketing and my hubby always wondered why - it's noisy, wet and I would be just buying things right?
This particular day that I brought her along, it was the Saturday before the CNY. The fishmonger in this market for some reason starts late, about 830am or so. So by the time I had finished shopping for the veggies, pork and chicken, I went over the fishmonger. We were waiting around his stall as they were still unloading his goods. Since I was carrying my girl, she had the same level of view of the action as me.
As the crowd begins to grow, some aunties started to crowd in front of us. It blocked her view and she did not hesitate to gently "beat" the person in front to show her displeasure. I was like "OH!!! BABY YOU CANNOT BEAT PEOPLE!!!" So as it went, I started moving further towards the back of crowd. The ironical thing was that I wanted the prawns which were already on display. The aunties were just waiting for the fish and in order to grab the good ones, they nudge their way to the front and park themselves there.
In my desperation (I really only wanted the prawns!), I yelled from the back "1kg of prawns! $12!" Unfortunately the fishmonger was busy discussing with the folks upfront about the stock he had for the day. So I tried again and this aunty in front of me went, "Aiyoh, so poor thing, marketing with the baby! Ok I help you!" She barged to the front, got the attention of the fishmonger, got the 1 kg of prawns for me, and collected the money on the fishmonger's behalf. I thanked her (I was so grateful!) and then we gather the rest of our purchase and headed home.
So bringing baby to the market isn't such a bad thing afterall!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Gong xi gong xi!
Update 1: The PD called the next day and said her kidneys looked good - no sign of scarring from the previous episode of UTI! *Yipee!*
Update 2: She now has 8 teeth! and from the looks of it, likely to be 12 teeth soon!
Update 3: My girl had a few first - 1) Her first ever buffet (samplings included the baked red snapper and mango ice cream) 2) Of course, her first ever Chinese New Year! She was relatively good - happiest when she was waving byebye to the relatives. She did a mega poop when I went to visit my aunt, so I hurried into the house and told them I'll do the kums later, gotta clear this pile of gold first! She wasn't very cooperative, twisting and turning. In the process, her socks got gold plated as well, so a whole lot went into my wet bag, which was inverted inside out since it was used as a diaper changing mat!
Pics? *sigh* We didn't get really good ones, but it's OK. I'll take some again soon. Meanwhile, enjoy this few pics!
I don't want to photographed!
Please please let me off, I promise to be good.
Fine! Take all pictures you want! *sulk*
Monday, January 28, 2008
The tears and the smiles
My girl was thankfully very cooperative with her mealtimes today, so we could max her feed for her solids and milk before she had to abstain from all food and liquid.
The clinic people had the same problem as the people at the hospital, they said it was hard to find the veins on her pudgy hands. *sigh* But anyway, let just say they did it, and it was very traumatic for me - I was crying and wringing my hands to her symphony of wails (my hubby was assisting the doctor). Towards the end, I went in to carry her so that they could finish taping up the temporary splint. We brought her to "shopping" at the minimart and she soon stop crying. Later we had a "very hot"walk to Botanica Gardens, and she went back to the clinic in good spirits. She was so smiley that even the technician was asking "Why are you so happy, baby? My reply was "that's because she doesn't know what you are going to do to her next!"
To cut it short, it went OK, and we are now waiting for the results to be sent to her PD. Once that is done, we will wait for her PD to let us know if her kidneys has been scarred or not *cross fingers*
It's been a very traumatic day for me - so much so that I am tired, but my mind is wide awake. I wish I could do more to help my girl, but I am proud that she's such a strong girl. Much much stronger than her mummy, because after she woke up, she seem to have forgotten what she went through today and was her usual sunshine self. That is something I have to learn from her - to move on.
The clinic people had the same problem as the people at the hospital, they said it was hard to find the veins on her pudgy hands. *sigh* But anyway, let just say they did it, and it was very traumatic for me - I was crying and wringing my hands to her symphony of wails (my hubby was assisting the doctor). Towards the end, I went in to carry her so that they could finish taping up the temporary splint. We brought her to "shopping" at the minimart and she soon stop crying. Later we had a "very hot"walk to Botanica Gardens, and she went back to the clinic in good spirits. She was so smiley that even the technician was asking "Why are you so happy, baby? My reply was "that's because she doesn't know what you are going to do to her next!"
To cut it short, it went OK, and we are now waiting for the results to be sent to her PD. Once that is done, we will wait for her PD to let us know if her kidneys has been scarred or not *cross fingers*
It's been a very traumatic day for me - so much so that I am tired, but my mind is wide awake. I wish I could do more to help my girl, but I am proud that she's such a strong girl. Much much stronger than her mummy, because after she woke up, she seem to have forgotten what she went through today and was her usual sunshine self. That is something I have to learn from her - to move on.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
the coming DMSA scan
My girl will be going for her DMSA scan tomorrow (for more information on DMSA scan, please refer to here). I'm a bit apprehensive and I'm starting to get butterflies in my tummy.
The mere thought of them having to insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into her little hand is making me cringe in horror and discomfort. I think my helper will be doubly traumatised since she was alone with her in the hospital when they had to do the same thing (we were home packing up things necessary for the admission). I can already imagine her wails, and the 2 hour seperation from the time they insert and the time they sedate and do the scan - that would probably be the worst as since she will be trying to rip if off and crying in discomfort.
All the worst scenarios keep flitting through my head (I shall not mention them) and it's not a pleasant thing to have to go through such things when she's so young. I'm a PESSIMIST, so I guess it makes it doubly worse for me - I can hardly think any happy thoughts.
Perhaps, as my ever optimist hubby says, I worry too much.
The mere thought of them having to insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into her little hand is making me cringe in horror and discomfort. I think my helper will be doubly traumatised since she was alone with her in the hospital when they had to do the same thing (we were home packing up things necessary for the admission). I can already imagine her wails, and the 2 hour seperation from the time they insert and the time they sedate and do the scan - that would probably be the worst as since she will be trying to rip if off and crying in discomfort.
All the worst scenarios keep flitting through my head (I shall not mention them) and it's not a pleasant thing to have to go through such things when she's so young. I'm a PESSIMIST, so I guess it makes it doubly worse for me - I can hardly think any happy thoughts.
Perhaps, as my ever optimist hubby says, I worry too much.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Just one of those little things others do ...
to make me happy!
I had emailed previously to this famous crystal company, asking if they would consider having baby gift memberships, that the membership could be dated to the birth or the month of the birth of the baby.
Within 2 days, they replied, saying that they would consider it and asked for my girl's membership details. After I replied, I forgot about it as I was very busy at work.
Then today, I checked my email and they replied me that they had dated my girl's membership to her DOB!
Ecstatic? Ya! Why? Because such a famous big crystal company is willing to cater to requests from one of their millions of members. It made me really happy the way they responded - because I didn't asked for my girl's membership to be backdated, but for in case, if I decided to have another kid. So for Vanessa's membership to be dated her DOB, it is a bonus to me.
It sure feels good, I'm going to print out that email and save it for her 21st birthday!
I had emailed previously to this famous crystal company, asking if they would consider having baby gift memberships, that the membership could be dated to the birth or the month of the birth of the baby.
Within 2 days, they replied, saying that they would consider it and asked for my girl's membership details. After I replied, I forgot about it as I was very busy at work.
Then today, I checked my email and they replied me that they had dated my girl's membership to her DOB!
Ecstatic? Ya! Why? Because such a famous big crystal company is willing to cater to requests from one of their millions of members. It made me really happy the way they responded - because I didn't asked for my girl's membership to be backdated, but for in case, if I decided to have another kid. So for Vanessa's membership to be dated her DOB, it is a bonus to me.
It sure feels good, I'm going to print out that email and save it for her 21st birthday!
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