6 More Days: Snippets of the Kids' Interaction

Incident 1

ER spoke firmly to AN: "Adrielle, Sleep", and pointed to her pillow.

AN laughed at his funny expression and ER started counting: "1....2....3! I bite you!"

And then both started laughing at each other.

Lol!

Incident 2

ER and AN were watching something on the ipad while I was washing some dishes. ER was on his highchair and refused to get off.

Then I heard something scary:

"Ethan, you want to get off? Come, Jie Jie help you."

No! Jie Jie is too short to carry him out!

I hurriedly washed my hands hoping ER doesn't crush his petite sister. I heard AN giving instructions. I have to be quick!

When I came out, ER was on our regular chair. He was out of the high chair, and AN wasn't carrying him.

AN smiled at me when I asked her what they both did to get him out.

She said: "I told him to get out of the highchair, climb onto the dining table, then step off the table onto the dining chair. And then he can get off safely."

Very impressive teamwork.

Lol!

Countdown: 6 days

Sunday

MIL came over to help with the kids while I arranged to keep mum company and help find her a cheongsam.

Andy was around and he kept us company the whole day. In fact he fetched us to and from Thomson Plaza for AN's lesson. He also volunteered to take AN to school every morning till Mr Liow comes home.

Coincidentally, my dad was home on Sunday afternoon and he agreed to go with us shopping. Andy wants to get him a shirt too.

I can't remember the last time we went out as a family. It must be at least 20 years ago!

Mum got a gorgeous cheongsam which is in the process of being amended to her measurement now. Wasn't something she thought she would like. Dad didn't think much of it too. Was glad I insisted she try (it was a layer of cotton lace over the satin material inside).

When she did, the other dresses paled in comparison.

Dad got himself a shirt too. Shirts all look the same to me but he does look good in this one.

Am grateful for MIL's help. Won't have achieved this much with the kids (mainly the 2year old) around.

Monday

I got my hair coloured (after 9 months), finally. And a cheongsam too.

Wanted to get a short gown but realised that I probably won't ever wear it again. I can still wear a cheongsam for Chinese New Year, or to dinners (whichever type of dinner that requires me to dress up).

It's bright green. Like my evening gown 8 years ago was. Green is my colour. I love green eye shadows too. It's not my favourite colour but they somehow make me look nicer.

We're left with Mr Liow's outfit and the kids'.

And then my parents have one thing less to worry about after this. No more major celebrations to hold, till their grandchildren get married in at least 20 years.

Today

ER is having runny nose now.

The moment I sniffed the burnt odour in the air upon stepping out of the mall yesterday, I had a feeling ER's airway will start to protest.

And ER started sniffing last night.

He's not coughing yet. So it's not terrible news yet. I gave him his daily Flixotide as I normally do, and ventolin. Just in case he starts panting again. The inflammation happens faster than a rocket! I hope to prevent that from happening by obeying Dr Lee's instructions. Hehe.

Praying that little tiger's body is strong enough by now, to overcome this little provocation with extra help other than the 'tools' we already have.

Countdown: 9 Days

I'm enjoying the kids more than I expected. There are common struggles here and there but it's easier to manage my emotions when I have the freedom to do so. Plus the kids generally behave better when I have them to myself. In this clip, ER was eating AFTER he already had dinner. He didn't have much to eat and side he was so interested in AN and my dinner, I let him feed himself. And he ate a little more! It's been busy today, more to clear up, more mess, more work, but surprisingly more joy! I love being busy. I love it when AN asked for more of the noodles I made (in chicken and anchovies stock that I made this morning). I love it when she finally managed to get a music piece right after struggling with it for the whole week. I love it when ER watched AN build with Lego and didn't snatch (although he does snatch most times). I love how AN entertains him. I love how they.fight and then make up. Strangely, I only get to enjoy them including their tantrums when I get zero help. Enough about that, here's one of the kids eating. Dear, I'm sure this will make your day at least a little.

Countdown Starts Now

Countdown: 9 days

Mr Liow just left for the airport. He'll reach Phoenix at 7 plus in the evening (Phoenix time), which is about 10am Singapore time. That's about 24 hours, shorter than the usual 30 odd hours. He'll arrive Singapore at 0200hrs on 15th October. Don't like the separation but it's only one week. It'll be over soon.

So Stupid

Mr Liow gave me 2 $50 notes to get groceries.

I walked into Cold Storage with the notes and my phone. I think I put the money into my pocket but I was not paying attention so I wasn't totally sure. Did it drop out as I took my hand out? Or did I not even slip them in?

The next thing I knew when I think I was done, the money gone. Wasn't in the basket, not in pockets. I asked around, almost sure no one will tell me they found the money even if they did.

So so stupid. I can't even handle 2 pieces of paper. So useless...

$100...that can pay a third of AN's music fees.

Mr Liow helped me search and went to park the car while I unload the groceries into ther fridge.

I wondered how he was going to react when he got home. Would he continue questioning me on where I thought I dropped the money? Would he be pissed?

Another part of me told me he'll come back telling me he found the money.

He had a rough day yesterday and will be flying off tomorrow. Not a very clever way of making him happy.

Then he came home telling me he found the money on the car the moment he stepped in. I burst into tears when he said that.

I knew he didn't find the money. He said that just to make me feel better.

But it's a fact that I'm stupid.

Thanks for bearing with me even though that's what I am dear.

Angel

Was going to be an aunt and the thought of having a newborn excites all in our family to no end.

We even thought of where to hold the first month baby bash in May/June next year.

We have clothes to pass down, cot and cot mobile, rocker and much so much love to spare.

It must be hard for the mother. Technically, it was just a little dot but to a mum, she lost a child.

The wedding dinner is 3 weeks away. What is to be a celebration of the couple's first wedding anniversary with their little precious one will not be the same without his/her presence.

You, our little angel existed. Before we get to meet you, you had to leave. You know you have been loved. You will always be part of our family.

Funny Adrielle

Part 1

Was teaching AN chinese: "球 (ball) sounds like 求 (plead/beg) even without the 边 (side).

Like 我求求你 is chinese for I'm begging you although it also sounds like....."

She continued my sentence "......I ball ball you."

Part 2

Mr Liow was trying to get his credit card back from ER. Sweet AN hurriedly took her own wallet out of her drawer and dug into it informing ER: "Here Ethan, jie jie give you something."

I told her it has to be something that she's prepared he'll spoil (he just 'unskinned' a credit card!).

Without second thought, she replied: "yes, mum. I'm prepared to let him spoil this."

We looked: It's a passport photo of infant ER she kept in her wallet for the past 2 years.

No wonder. Lol!