Thursday, December 29, 2011
Home Alone
I hardly get to stay home with both kids by myself these days. AN goes to school so she's mostly at my mum's place after school ends.
Mr Liow is supposedly on leave today. He has taken the whole week off. Yeah! But he decided to go back to work today, just in case there's something that needed his attention. Mum had an appointment, so I decided to secretly keep both my kids with me. Didn't want to tell my parents because dad will surely bring me lunch and AN will likely remain at my parents' place with mum. They love me and want to lighten my load, but I really do love the load I'm carrying :)
I wanted to see if I could handle both kids on my own, so AN was allowed to skip a day of school because I am unlikely to be able to get much ready and finish feeding ER by 12.30pm (time to go fetch her).
By the grace of God, the day went by smooth! Lunch was prepared early, kids didn't hurt themselves while I was busy making lunch, both ate well (although AN started grumbling that she didn't like my cooking...). AN ended up finishing her lunch and asking for more....so much for "I like popo's porridge..mummy's porridge not nice..." (mum's porridge is sodium-free, like mine. At least I use stock! :p)
We did some drawing, practised AN's name in Chinese, played some games, learnt new words. It was fruitful and I enjoyed it although we were busy. AN was well behaved and cooperative! She's better behaved when she's with me, and only me (no one else in the same house, not even Mr Liow). She tries her luck when there's more than one person at home. And she was a great helper, helping me clear dishes, clean table, pack toys away and watch over ER.
Because she held ER very often today, he was encouraged to walk more (but he fell more too coz she held him at a wrong angle at times and he lost balance). He was also motivated to get to her and he walked a lot today. Very much more walking than any other days!
I enjoy being busy. I enjoy the kids. I love to watch them bond, squabble over toys and then start playing together, hug and fall over each other.
Love being a mum (despite the rantings at times)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Moments
AN
Mr Liow showed AN a box and she immediately announced: "Iphone!"
We wondered how she knew it was an Iphone inside and Mr Liow asked her: "how did you know?"
AN replied as a matter-of-factly: "because I have a brain in my head and I used it."
-_____-"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ER
Mr Liow and I were talking and Mr Liow held my hand. ER noticed, frowned, started whining and crawling towards us. We thought he was probably done playing by himself.
He got to us, squeezed himself into my laps and pryed Mr Liow's hands away from mine!
Was he that possessive?
We held hands again, just you see how he would react and he did it again, separating our hands while whining.
Oh my goodness. I had a sticky 3M AN (who's finally 85% independent), and now a possessive little tiger.
Mr Liow, we're going to have to elope soon, or wait till they slowly grow up...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Blow Wind Blow, again
Left room for an hour to catch a movie with Mr Liow and I return to an invaded sleeping space by the juniors...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Blessed Christmas
Happy birthday to our Lord Jesus, born to die so that we will be spared from eternal suffering.
Life after death, we have not earned. It has already been paid for.
May peace, love and joy be with you and family on this day as we remember the Baby who came 2000 years.
Blessed t'mas!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tiger Habits
My little tiger now:
1) chews on his nails
2) gives kisses freely
3) takes many steps on his own without support only when he feels like it
4) plays with the magnets on the fridge when I need to work on something in the kitchen
5) crawls out of the room after every nap/sleep to look for me
6) crawls away, giggling excitedly whenever I tell him: "I'm coming to catch you!"
7) signs "pain", "more", "eat", "biscuit", "cheese", "yoghurt", "milk", "quiet" (sshhh, with a finger to lips but he blows at the finger instead of "sshh"), shakes his head when he doesnt want something we offer to him.
8) speaks words, or what sound like "papa", "mama", "mem mem", "oohhhh!" (whenever something unexpected happens", "buja", "ahbooo" (some of those things he likes to chant) ...
9) holds things to his ears and start a conversation with "ah!"
10) offers me water after he takes a sip from his mag mag straw bottle
11) is learning to put toys back to where they belong.
12) cries when he sees his sister leave the house for school
13) hugs us and pulls up up if he wants us to stand up and points to wherever he wants us to go.
He's a funny boy.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Foot in Face
The risk of suffocation when sleeping beside baby is real! He tried to suffocate my eyes!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Dinosaur Live
Nursery 2 - 2011
AN took her class photo. So cute!
She must have refused to smile and I'm surprised she actually posed. She came home demonstrating these poses that day after the shoot. hehe.
She must have refused to smile and I'm surprised she actually posed. She came home demonstrating these poses that day after the shoot. hehe.
Her class of 2011, Nursery 2
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Forever a baby
One day, AN asked me: "Mummy, do you know why I behave like a baby sometimes?"
(She likes to imitate babies, walking wobbly with legs wide opened, blabbering baby language, looking blankly at me when I talk to her etc )
I told her I guessed she probably likes me to pamper her like I used to when she was younger.
She said I was wrong and told me her reason: "Because I will not make you angry so much if I am a baby."
She had been listening to me even though she appears to be daydreaming sometimes. I once told her that I missed her baby days and I'm getting more often upset now because she doesn't obey as much as before. There are more struggles now because she knows what she wants, but we can't always let yet have it her way. I casually commented once that I wish she stays a baby forever.
And she, in her childlike innocence, tried to fulfill this impossible wish her way: by behaving like one.
Then I'm reminded again, that not every 'naughty' behavior happens because she's bad. AN, a 4 year old, just have different perceptions from us, adults, about how things work.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
WE Are 7!
This day 7 years ago, we got married.
Sparks flew in 1997. He likes to remind me that I was the one who showed interest first. That is true. "Which girl doesn't like Yongjie?", like Miss Teo said when I told her I had a crush on the charming 'A' boys' captain.
What followed was a loooooong story and I think only ahgirl has the full picture because that was her bedtime story whenever she stayed over with me when she was very little. She got the latest updates.
Mr Liow and I broke off once, and had another cooling period of weeks. We are very different, thus the many conflicts. Only as years go by, I slowly grasp what "complimenting each other" means.
He may not agree with me sometimes, but he allows me to believe he does all the time. He tries his best at giving me surprises (like pretending he's stuck at office when he's already outside the home). I can often read his mind and it's fun to see the shocked look on his face when he asks: "How do you know?"
I like how we say the same things at the same time, feel the same emotions at the same time, and get so tired we fall asleep at the same time while the 2 monkeys are still packed with energy. I like how we can complete each other's sentences and how we can look at each other and communicate without a word being said.
I appreciate how he gives me the support to do things I like, trusts me as a wife and mother to our juniors. I appreciate his affirmation that I'm doing well with the kids whenever the kids do better than expected (whether behavioral, physically or academically). Never once had he blamed me when they behave under the weather. Instead, he points me to good days and encourages me. He helps me with things he notices I need help with, and more!
I like looking forward to finally some quiet moments to ourselves after the kids fall asleep. I like watching him clown around just to make me laugh.
I appreciate how he takes such good care of me whenever I fall sick, despite having to watch over our offsprings. I appreciate him attempting to do things with them, even if that was his first try (sit in with AN during music, handle ER for 4 hrs while I worked, attend PTM on my behalf). I like how he's protective over me and takes over when he feels the need to.
I like his assurances that I'm the prettiest mummy of two he's ever seen, even though I know he says that because he loves me. Hehe.
I appreciate him and am thankful for him. I lose faith sometimes but he doesn't let me stay doubtful for long.
Our biggest regret is having to let Baileys and Maen go. They were not only symbolic in our marriage, they were alsoour first kids. This year, we do not have them.
Dear, I enjoyed today with you. It was nothing fancy, just a regular Sunday. But I'm blessed because you are limited edition and you are mine. Thanks for always taking us into consideration whenever you plan for anything.
I loved you 14 years ago, I loved you when I said "I do", I love you still.
Sparks flew in 1997. He likes to remind me that I was the one who showed interest first. That is true. "Which girl doesn't like Yongjie?", like Miss Teo said when I told her I had a crush on the charming 'A' boys' captain.
What followed was a loooooong story and I think only ahgirl has the full picture because that was her bedtime story whenever she stayed over with me when she was very little. She got the latest updates.
Mr Liow and I broke off once, and had another cooling period of weeks. We are very different, thus the many conflicts. Only as years go by, I slowly grasp what "complimenting each other" means.
He may not agree with me sometimes, but he allows me to believe he does all the time. He tries his best at giving me surprises (like pretending he's stuck at office when he's already outside the home). I can often read his mind and it's fun to see the shocked look on his face when he asks: "How do you know?"
I like how we say the same things at the same time, feel the same emotions at the same time, and get so tired we fall asleep at the same time while the 2 monkeys are still packed with energy. I like how we can complete each other's sentences and how we can look at each other and communicate without a word being said.
I appreciate how he gives me the support to do things I like, trusts me as a wife and mother to our juniors. I appreciate his affirmation that I'm doing well with the kids whenever the kids do better than expected (whether behavioral, physically or academically). Never once had he blamed me when they behave under the weather. Instead, he points me to good days and encourages me. He helps me with things he notices I need help with, and more!
I like looking forward to finally some quiet moments to ourselves after the kids fall asleep. I like watching him clown around just to make me laugh.
I appreciate how he takes such good care of me whenever I fall sick, despite having to watch over our offsprings. I appreciate him attempting to do things with them, even if that was his first try (sit in with AN during music, handle ER for 4 hrs while I worked, attend PTM on my behalf). I like how he's protective over me and takes over when he feels the need to.
I like his assurances that I'm the prettiest mummy of two he's ever seen, even though I know he says that because he loves me. Hehe.
I appreciate him and am thankful for him. I lose faith sometimes but he doesn't let me stay doubtful for long.
Our biggest regret is having to let Baileys and Maen go. They were not only symbolic in our marriage, they were alsoour first kids. This year, we do not have them.
Dear, I enjoyed today with you. It was nothing fancy, just a regular Sunday. But I'm blessed because you are limited edition and you are mine. Thanks for always taking us into consideration whenever you plan for anything.
I loved you 14 years ago, I loved you when I said "I do", I love you still.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
More Conversations
Last week...
Me: "I'm always forgetting things. Please remind me to get milk later."
AN: "ok."
Seconds later...
AN: "Mummy, remember to buy milk later."
-_____-"
Today.....
AN: "Mummy, I can't find the CD. It's not in your bag."
Me: "Oh no...don't tell me Ethan took it out and dropped it in the bus!"
AN with that cheeky smile: "Ethan took it out and dropped it in the bus!"
-_____-"
Delphin Down
Grrrr......
I did my last vacuuming last week and thought there was some unusual plasticky smell coming out of the machine. Thinking nothing of it, I continued and nothing happened.
It was time for the weekly 'overhaul' again but this time,the machine powered on, got stuck after a couple of seconds and went silent. I tried switching it off, and then on again but it remained silent.
...................
Machines these days tend to have shorter lifespans than their ancestors..u really can NOT pin too much hope on them.
Our Irobot was one: the higher end robot kept dying. I returned it, bought one model lower and it lived on till before we packed it. Havent used it since so I don't know if it's still alive.
Then laptops: Mr Liow's lappie had quite a long life, till it wasn't good enough (specs started losing out). In 2008, he got me one I didn't hv to share with him. In 2009, my lappie became blind (display showed nothing) although it was still functioning..i loved my lappie. It was pretty and responsive. And I had every bit of info inside, including pictures. The one old Mr Liow had in contrast, was still working, slowly but steadily.
And TV. My old TV in my room at my parents place is still very healthy. She's now 10 years old and looks like she can still go a long way. But the TV we bought when we got married in 2004 died last year. -______-"
Cellphones too. My old ones from ancient days still power on, but the newer ones from recent years either crank up after a year, or self-euthanize before they turn 2 years old...
Sob...
Back to Delphin, Customer service got me an appointment, technical staff will come tomorrow to see my machine and bring it back if necessary. I hope Delphin need not stay away for too long... I had been sneezing a lot more lately...something tells me it's dusty... :(
Delphin, I need you. Please come back to life...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Right, and Wrong
2 friends (A & B) went traveling and a common friend of theirs (C) who resides in the country they were touring, offered to give them a dinner treat.
A and B arranged to meet C (the host) at the restaurant at a certain time but them being unfamiliar with the area, arrived more than an hour late. It was after 8pm by then.
C's family started dinner without them because their daughter was hungry. Daughter is in her early teens.
A was very offended the host started dinner first and showed it. But the host who waited for more than an hour did not complain. A was so upset that when C apologized for starting dinner first, giving the reason for doing so and asked the visitors to order what they want, A didn't want to eat anymore, and was visibly displeased.
A insisted C was rude to have gone ahead with dinner, that she should have waited because she was the host and hosts wait for guests. In her words, C did not teach her daughter right. She thought C's daughter was old enough to curb her hunger till the guests arrived, regardless of how late that may be. It's manners, in C's opinion (I wonder if being late is considered good manners then?)
I took it that A was just ranting to release the frustration but she's starting to use that as an example of a badly brought up child of a mum who's inconsiderate.
I'm neither A, B, nor C. I'm just wondering why some people find ZERO fault with themselves, even though no one's pointing fingers except herself, and even though it's quite plain for all to see who's the root cause of her own frustration.
Hmm...what's my point in writing this? Just another case of some unreasonable expectation that gets on my nerve and it's interesting to note there ARE people who expect perfection from others but little from themselves.
A and B arranged to meet C (the host) at the restaurant at a certain time but them being unfamiliar with the area, arrived more than an hour late. It was after 8pm by then.
C's family started dinner without them because their daughter was hungry. Daughter is in her early teens.
A was very offended the host started dinner first and showed it. But the host who waited for more than an hour did not complain. A was so upset that when C apologized for starting dinner first, giving the reason for doing so and asked the visitors to order what they want, A didn't want to eat anymore, and was visibly displeased.
A insisted C was rude to have gone ahead with dinner, that she should have waited because she was the host and hosts wait for guests. In her words, C did not teach her daughter right. She thought C's daughter was old enough to curb her hunger till the guests arrived, regardless of how late that may be. It's manners, in C's opinion (I wonder if being late is considered good manners then?)
I took it that A was just ranting to release the frustration but she's starting to use that as an example of a badly brought up child of a mum who's inconsiderate.
I'm neither A, B, nor C. I'm just wondering why some people find ZERO fault with themselves, even though no one's pointing fingers except herself, and even though it's quite plain for all to see who's the root cause of her own frustration.
Hmm...what's my point in writing this? Just another case of some unreasonable expectation that gets on my nerve and it's interesting to note there ARE people who expect perfection from others but little from themselves.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Well Done Adrielle
A 'proud mummy' moment that I just have to remember:
AN was at her music class this afternoon as usual. The kids played in a group and attempted a piece (Happy Day) that was relatively new: today is the second time they played it in class. Ms Lim thought it sounded quite messy with some making mistakes, some not following the tempo and such.
I was surprised when she singled AN out and said: "Adrielle played very well. Can we get her to play and we listen to her?" I could hear AN didn't make mistakes because I was watching her but I was surprised Miss Lim could hear too.
My heart started racing as if I was the one about to perform. I was worried AN would fumble, and that would be embarrassing. I was worried AN's confidence would suffer if she fumbled and she wouldn't play out loud again.
But when AN played, she was so steady! No pressure, pure enjoyment. When everyone clapped for her at the end, she turned to smile at me. The moment was precious. She enjoyed the attention and I think her confidence soared after that. That was better encouragement than my usual "well done" and "good job".
She didn't play well for the next piece after that (See you tomorrow). It was my fault coz I taught her to practice using the wrong hands for the wrong parts. She caught up after Ms Lim got them to replay the piece a few times. With the earlier acknowledgment by her idol (she adores Ms Lim), she didn't feel too discouraged when she was not up to standard for the following piece when she would usually frown.
Got to practice enough. That will be for their first concert next Sunday. It's not a formal one but I get butterflies in my stomach at the mere mention of words like "concert", "solo", "performance".
Oh ya, this cheeky girl adores Ms Lim so much she observed details down to the color of her teacher's shoes... At the end of their class last Sunday, her last words to Ms Lim before goodbye was: "Ms Lim, I'm also wearing gold colored shoes, like yours!"
This girl...
AN was at her music class this afternoon as usual. The kids played in a group and attempted a piece (Happy Day) that was relatively new: today is the second time they played it in class. Ms Lim thought it sounded quite messy with some making mistakes, some not following the tempo and such.
I was surprised when she singled AN out and said: "Adrielle played very well. Can we get her to play and we listen to her?" I could hear AN didn't make mistakes because I was watching her but I was surprised Miss Lim could hear too.
My heart started racing as if I was the one about to perform. I was worried AN would fumble, and that would be embarrassing. I was worried AN's confidence would suffer if she fumbled and she wouldn't play out loud again.
But when AN played, she was so steady! No pressure, pure enjoyment. When everyone clapped for her at the end, she turned to smile at me. The moment was precious. She enjoyed the attention and I think her confidence soared after that. That was better encouragement than my usual "well done" and "good job".
She didn't play well for the next piece after that (See you tomorrow). It was my fault coz I taught her to practice using the wrong hands for the wrong parts. She caught up after Ms Lim got them to replay the piece a few times. With the earlier acknowledgment by her idol (she adores Ms Lim), she didn't feel too discouraged when she was not up to standard for the following piece when she would usually frown.
Got to practice enough. That will be for their first concert next Sunday. It's not a formal one but I get butterflies in my stomach at the mere mention of words like "concert", "solo", "performance".
Oh ya, this cheeky girl adores Ms Lim so much she observed details down to the color of her teacher's shoes... At the end of their class last Sunday, her last words to Ms Lim before goodbye was: "Ms Lim, I'm also wearing gold colored shoes, like yours!"
This girl...
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kiss, and Outreach
ER has mastered the 'kiss'. Tell him to kiss and he obliges with a big smile.
My sweet sweet baby has been kissing us whenever he feels like doing it. He simply leans forward and plants a long one on our lips, then leans,back smiling to watch our reaction.
This afternoon, before our outreach in church, during their nap, he leaned over to kiss his sleeping jie jie before turning back at me with that same cheeky grin.
Today marks the first day he kisses upon request. So we kept telling him 'kiss', just to watch him do it. Really cute!
AN wanted him to kiss her too but he refused to do as asked for a start. When he finally decided to, he kept kissing AN, even when she had enough of his kisses.
She hid her face but that cheeky boy used both of his hands to sweep her hands away, pull her face toward him and he planted one on her lips. Both of them were so tickled and couldn't stop giggling.
Apart from that, it was a tiring day today. Mr Liow was involved in church's outreach to PRCs working in Singapore and I had to carry ER for the whole 3 hrs. With 2 young kids, I couldn't to much except to help watch over the Yoong jrs so that Dan and Pam could concentrate with leading their teams and getting to know the invitees.
I was mummy to 4 kids at some point when H and E decided they didn't want to remain in church. I went back with them to their home and watched them at the playground. I got shocked when both of them RAN separate directions at top speed during some games. I was worried E would lose his way back! He's only 5 yrs old! Thank God for watching over the kids!
It was dinner in church after the program came to an end. I loved to watch MR Liow lead and he's most charming when he's laboring for the Lord. We hadn't much time to do outreach since kids came. Mr Liow was so engrossed despite running a low fever. Am so glad he's mine. Hehe. AN will have to pray hard if she wants someone like her daddy like she said she wanted.
It was disturbing though, that while having dinner, a group of youths were openly making jokes out of the day's event and the PRCs. One of them got so excited at his own comments that he spoke really loud. A lady shhh-ed him but he defiantly replied loudly: "Aiya, these china people don't understand english!"
What were they doing in church today? To serve, or were they forced to appear?? They worshipped, they served in church but why was that discussion among themselves during dinner, so disturbing? Just casual talk maybe. I'm old and conservative, maybe.
Job 11:3
Will your idle talk reduce others to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?
The Lord knows better.
Just pray that the community will be blessed and the Lord will surely continue to watch over every of His creation. Man in His image, regardless of skin color!
My sweet sweet baby has been kissing us whenever he feels like doing it. He simply leans forward and plants a long one on our lips, then leans,back smiling to watch our reaction.
This afternoon, before our outreach in church, during their nap, he leaned over to kiss his sleeping jie jie before turning back at me with that same cheeky grin.
Today marks the first day he kisses upon request. So we kept telling him 'kiss', just to watch him do it. Really cute!
AN wanted him to kiss her too but he refused to do as asked for a start. When he finally decided to, he kept kissing AN, even when she had enough of his kisses.
She hid her face but that cheeky boy used both of his hands to sweep her hands away, pull her face toward him and he planted one on her lips. Both of them were so tickled and couldn't stop giggling.
Apart from that, it was a tiring day today. Mr Liow was involved in church's outreach to PRCs working in Singapore and I had to carry ER for the whole 3 hrs. With 2 young kids, I couldn't to much except to help watch over the Yoong jrs so that Dan and Pam could concentrate with leading their teams and getting to know the invitees.
I was mummy to 4 kids at some point when H and E decided they didn't want to remain in church. I went back with them to their home and watched them at the playground. I got shocked when both of them RAN separate directions at top speed during some games. I was worried E would lose his way back! He's only 5 yrs old! Thank God for watching over the kids!
It was dinner in church after the program came to an end. I loved to watch MR Liow lead and he's most charming when he's laboring for the Lord. We hadn't much time to do outreach since kids came. Mr Liow was so engrossed despite running a low fever. Am so glad he's mine. Hehe. AN will have to pray hard if she wants someone like her daddy like she said she wanted.
It was disturbing though, that while having dinner, a group of youths were openly making jokes out of the day's event and the PRCs. One of them got so excited at his own comments that he spoke really loud. A lady shhh-ed him but he defiantly replied loudly: "Aiya, these china people don't understand english!"
What were they doing in church today? To serve, or were they forced to appear?? They worshipped, they served in church but why was that discussion among themselves during dinner, so disturbing? Just casual talk maybe. I'm old and conservative, maybe.
Job 11:3
Will your idle talk reduce others to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?
The Lord knows better.
Just pray that the community will be blessed and the Lord will surely continue to watch over every of His creation. Man in His image, regardless of skin color!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
More Steps!
Today is the second time ER attempted to walk after his first try on Sunday.
He seemed to know what he was about to do and did it while watching for my reaction. That cheeky boy took each step slowly from where Mr Liow was and toward me, smiling proudly. He completed the distance of about 4 steps. It was a pity we were not sitting far enough from each other, else he would have more steps to attempt.
We sat further and encouraged him to try again but he wouldn't do it a second time.
Cheeky bum bum.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sick, everyone's sick
I had been looking forward to updating that the kids have recovered. They indeed have recovered relatively fast this time. AN probably coughed for 3days before the cough went away. ER, after throwing up on Saturday night, appeared better after Sunday.
AN still has runny nose but not for the whole day (how is that happening? Allergy?) And ER too. The phlegm and cough was gone. HURRAY!
But....
ER's mucus just turned thick and green this afternoon. I once read that greenish thick mucus indicate recovery but there were more reports suggesting an infection instead of a recovery. I'm confused but for the most recent bouts of their flu/cold, green and thick mucus DID NOT bring about recovery :(
I'm still hopeful this time will be special, in ER's favor.
AN.....she's now coughing in her sleep. She had been very conscious about her diet lately. She would ask for very simple meals and that was what she had been getting. She didn't take long to recover this time.
But if it's true what the old folks said, that snacking makes one sick, then I'm to be blamed for the new cough. I thought she was well, and allowed her to have popcorn on Monday during the movie even though she commented that she will snack on her honeystar bread because she had just recovered.
There's no way to protect the kids, besides watching their diet.
My mum is sick but still caring for AN. My dad too, but he's still bringing food to my place for me. MIL is sick when we met her on Monday. And Mr Liow is also down now.
I'm the only healthy being left in our entire family involved with the kids. Even the kids are showing signs of round 2 now.
Why are viruses so strong these days? I don't remember everyone falling sick at the same time, ever.
Lord, please make the kids stronger after all these attacks. I'm thankful the episode last week were much milder than previous attacks. Please heal our parents too, and Mr Liow who's adjusting to the time difference (he's almost back to normal now) and nursing the new virus at the same time.
Please keep me healthy because I need to be healthy for all of us in the family.
Thank you for your mercy Lord, that we all recover from our sickness. Teach me not to be bitter but to be thankful instead because You love us.
Amen.
At Corpus Christi
I managed to catch Mr Liow online before he embarked on his nearly-2-days flight on Friday night
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Balding View
When we first shifted in, the view over that side was captivating (by local standard but nothing near the view of that mountain our ST townhouse faced....) especially in the mornings. It would be misty and peaceful.
Then the mist gradually left.
We hadn't much time now to enjoy the view and when we finally did again this morning, we saw our friend is balding...we no longer see trees so packed they look like broccoli. Now, we can see what has always been blocked by them, beautiful green things...and look, you see soil too..
Hate deforestation, if this qualifies.
Singapore in known as Lion City, right? I think the Lion is a vegetarian. It is eating up whatever is green and pooping tall and short, concrete pigeon holes that we know live in.
Puss in Boots
Mr Liow took a day to rest yesterday but instead of resting, he decided to bring AN for a movie again. She couldn't stop smiling after Happy Feet 2 some weeks back and so we thought this is a good chance to do it again.
This time, I managed to catch the whole show! ER actually fell asleep watching. Yeah! If only he fell asleep during Happy Feet 2, too.
No, Puss in Boots is NOT a boring movie. In fact, it was better than we expected after watching its trailer.
The theater was super cold. For the first (maybe first FEW) time since we came back from Tucson, we actually felt cold. ER was all wrapped from shoulders to toes, AN had 2 layers of jackets on, and me too. Mr Liow bought me a pretty cardigan and I'm so happy I'm wearing it without having to worry I'll perspire. Even Mr Liow felt cold, so cold he hibernated during the show at some point.
p.s: As requested by Mr Liow, he is amazed by how full the carpark is on a Monday. It's past lunch hours! Was everyone there on leave?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Doesn't Want to Walk
He doesn't want to walk! We did what we did with AN to encourage her to walk 3 years ago. AN had been really encouraged by our cheering and could not stop walking. This boy felt the excitement the first time but prefers to go back to crawling.
We shall wait. It's going to be soon. The harness Mr Liow got for him will be a necessity in no time. Hehe.
We shall wait. It's going to be soon. The harness Mr Liow got for him will be a necessity in no time. Hehe.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
First Steps!!
ER took his first steps today! Not the usual one-step-away-from-support type, but a proper walk of 3-4 steps after standing up on his own! No support of any sort!
It's so exciting! I must have shrieked really loudly because AN frowned and complained it was noisy. I'm still excited even though this is my second time witnessing my own kids' first step.
AN, from the first time she started walking on her own, loved the idea of behaving like us. She hardly ever went back to crawling since then.
I wonder if ER will continue to walk more now that he realizes he CAN walk.
That silly grin on his face as we cheered him was priceless too. It's such a pity I didn't capture that :( never expect him to start walking today.
I think he reserved his first step for daddy so that daddy wont miss it. Hehe.
Finally, home!
Mr Liow is back! Yeah! The last I saw, SQ61 was supposed to touch down at 6am but it landed at 5am and he reached home by 6.30am.
He got us many stuff but the only one that makes its presence known even after being stored away, is the Abercrombie cardigan with its signature smell that doesnt go away until it's been washed. Reminds me of Park Place Mall....
Some updates about the unwell kiddos:
AN is coughing lesser now. Thank God she didn't have to suffer too much. My mum said kids recover faster if they have really simple food, like plain porridge when they are sick. So for lunch yesterday, she had 2 bowls of porridge together with some vegetabLes and fish my dad bought. When dad asked what I wanted for dinner, I thought AN may want soup noodles for a change but she decided to have something similar to lunch instead. She said porridge helps her recover and I was surprised that seems to be working!
As for ER, he isn't as sick as he was previously. He coughed so hard he threw up again last night but appeared better after that. I gave him Pediacof before tucking him in and he slept better than the night before. He woke up more often than he does usually because of his cough but he was pacify-able (no need to bring him out of the room or walk him about) and most importantly, he didn't throw up! Yeah!
Took his weight before he starts losing any because of this cough: 8.4kg. I have another small sized baby. Our genes. I wish he's bigger but I can only blame my ancestors for being small built. Hmm.. Hehe. At least he's bigger than AN who was less than 7.5kg even at 18mths.
Thank God mum was around. She helped clear the puke while I bathed him and watched over him as I bathed. Am so thankful for my parents :)
He got us many stuff but the only one that makes its presence known even after being stored away, is the Abercrombie cardigan with its signature smell that doesnt go away until it's been washed. Reminds me of Park Place Mall....
Some updates about the unwell kiddos:
AN is coughing lesser now. Thank God she didn't have to suffer too much. My mum said kids recover faster if they have really simple food, like plain porridge when they are sick. So for lunch yesterday, she had 2 bowls of porridge together with some vegetabLes and fish my dad bought. When dad asked what I wanted for dinner, I thought AN may want soup noodles for a change but she decided to have something similar to lunch instead. She said porridge helps her recover and I was surprised that seems to be working!
As for ER, he isn't as sick as he was previously. He coughed so hard he threw up again last night but appeared better after that. I gave him Pediacof before tucking him in and he slept better than the night before. He woke up more often than he does usually because of his cough but he was pacify-able (no need to bring him out of the room or walk him about) and most importantly, he didn't throw up! Yeah!
Took his weight before he starts losing any because of this cough: 8.4kg. I have another small sized baby. Our genes. I wish he's bigger but I can only blame my ancestors for being small built. Hmm.. Hehe. At least he's bigger than AN who was less than 7.5kg even at 18mths.
Thank God mum was around. She helped clear the puke while I bathed him and watched over him as I bathed. Am so thankful for my parents :)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Not Going To Have Babies, and Marrying Someone Like Daddy
Countdown: 1 day
I have counted down already, I believe but I can't help that I'm looking forward to Mr Liow's homecoming. hehe.
Anyway..
Was chatting with AN just now. Another 2 separate conversations that I found interesting. I enjoy chatting with AN. She never fails to surprise me with interesting comments..
Conversation 1:
AN: "Mummy, Fay fay (her classmate) said the doctor cut her mummy up when she gave birth to her. Not true right?"
Me: "It's true. When I gave birth to you, Dr had to cut mummy up a little so that you could come out. And he cut me again when I gave birth to Ethan."
AN, looking horrified: "How can?? Was it painful???"
Me: "Yup. Painful. Remember how painful it was when you get paper cut? Imagine that many many times more painful and the baby has to squeeze out? And then the doctor has to sew mummy back?"
AN was even more horrified by then. hehe. Then she proclaimed a new plan: "I'm not going to have children when I grow up."
Me: "I thought you wanted 5 boys and 5 girls? Sometimes you want a thousand or each?"
AN: "So painful. I don't want children anymore!"
hahahahahhahahahahah!!!!!
I told her the pain was only for a short while but after that I got to enjoy them both. Sometimes they made me angry but I love them. She loves children (especially little ones), so the thought pain for a little while did calm her down about labour pains by a bit.
That was funny.
Conversation 2
AN was staring at our wedding photo in a frame and then announced: "When I grow up, I want to marry this guy." and pointing to her daddy.
I told her "that guy" she was pointing at is taken. He's mine. (This is not the first time she said she wanted to marry Mr Liow. But she had also at some point, wanted to marry ER, and then gor gor Issac, and then Donovan, and Favian, and lately, Xavier..She wants to marry because she wants to wear a gown and be a bride. She can't wait!)
She then smiled and then said she wants someone like "this guy" (still referring to him as such). I asked her why and she said because he is very nice, and pointing at that picture, commented: "very smart."
I asked if she wanted to marry a guy in uniform (Mr Liow was in his number 1 military outfit) and she decided it was a yes. Then she pointed to my gown and said she wants to have a gown like mine in future.
Already now, she is very sure wedding gowns can only be white. I commented that a white/gold gown was beautiful but she insisted that wasn't a gown, because it wasn't purely white. She even went on to say: "This can be a beautiful evening gown."
What shows had she been watching??? None that I know of include such details...hmm..
I have counted down already, I believe but I can't help that I'm looking forward to Mr Liow's homecoming. hehe.
Anyway..
Was chatting with AN just now. Another 2 separate conversations that I found interesting. I enjoy chatting with AN. She never fails to surprise me with interesting comments..
Conversation 1:
AN: "Mummy, Fay fay (her classmate) said the doctor cut her mummy up when she gave birth to her. Not true right?"
Me: "It's true. When I gave birth to you, Dr had to cut mummy up a little so that you could come out. And he cut me again when I gave birth to Ethan."
AN, looking horrified: "How can?? Was it painful???"
Me: "Yup. Painful. Remember how painful it was when you get paper cut? Imagine that many many times more painful and the baby has to squeeze out? And then the doctor has to sew mummy back?"
AN was even more horrified by then. hehe. Then she proclaimed a new plan: "I'm not going to have children when I grow up."
Me: "I thought you wanted 5 boys and 5 girls? Sometimes you want a thousand or each?"
AN: "So painful. I don't want children anymore!"
hahahahahhahahahahah!!!!!
I told her the pain was only for a short while but after that I got to enjoy them both. Sometimes they made me angry but I love them. She loves children (especially little ones), so the thought pain for a little while did calm her down about labour pains by a bit.
That was funny.
Conversation 2
AN was staring at our wedding photo in a frame and then announced: "When I grow up, I want to marry this guy." and pointing to her daddy.
I told her "that guy" she was pointing at is taken. He's mine. (This is not the first time she said she wanted to marry Mr Liow. But she had also at some point, wanted to marry ER, and then gor gor Issac, and then Donovan, and Favian, and lately, Xavier..She wants to marry because she wants to wear a gown and be a bride. She can't wait!)
She then smiled and then said she wants someone like "this guy" (still referring to him as such). I asked her why and she said because he is very nice, and pointing at that picture, commented: "very smart."
I asked if she wanted to marry a guy in uniform (Mr Liow was in his number 1 military outfit) and she decided it was a yes. Then she pointed to my gown and said she wants to have a gown like mine in future.
Already now, she is very sure wedding gowns can only be white. I commented that a white/gold gown was beautiful but she insisted that wasn't a gown, because it wasn't purely white. She even went on to say: "This can be a beautiful evening gown."
What shows had she been watching??? None that I know of include such details...hmm..
My Little Helper
ER just coughed so hard he threw up. Just like the previous time. His body temperature is also rising. :(
I had to neglect AN while I put ER in bed. He looked really tired and upset. The moment AN heard the commotion in the room, she came over to help! I had to change myself because ER threw up on me and himself. She said she was going to get clothes for me but realized that ER needed the clothes more than I did first, so she went to get him new clothes. And she helped me change him.
I have an angel for a daughter!
Sick, Again
In Oct, this happened to him:
http://www.littleflowertwointow.blogspot.com/2011/10/panting.html
Now, it seems to be back! (This is like something that happens ALL THE TIME, does it not?)
AN had been coughing incessantly for the 3rd night now. Whenever the itch hits, she starts coughing violently. She's fine during day time though.
ER caught it from her (has to be, right?) And as usual, he gets it worse. Except for throwing up, which he hasn't yet, he's showing similar signs again: not suckling or swallowing even though I know he wants to (airways are blocked, therefor he can't swallow), he's panting and his breathing sounds noisy.
I gave him the medicine doctor Allyson prescribed him the last time after nebulising him. That's to help him breath better. If he's still panting by morning, we're going to the doctor immediately. It's been proven how fast it gets for a cough to fully develope into pneumonia. I'm not taking any chances :(
Shopping Fever
Countdown: 1 day!
Each time Mr Liow goes away, an unexplainable urge to buy things consumes me. In USA, online shopping is just few clicks away. Back here, online shopping is as good as a legend, unless one can find online stores to shop from.
I found my lobang after a year (a clothing store from FB) but bought nothing. Today, I almost bought lots!
I was strangely led to various other random online stores and found even better prices for what I had wanted to get. So I ended up a customers to 3 separate stores. Hehe.
Mr Liow finally managed to link up with me via facetime before he flies (he's at Corpus Cristi airport now) and saw me browsing online catalogues. Haha! Be glad I wasn't shopping for pretty boys while you are away, boss. :p
Mum came back with us this evening. She doesnt enjoy staying away from home but came over without second thoughts anyway. She'll be meeting her friends tomorrow, and my dad will be on morning shift keeping us company.
Andy had also been chauffeuring us around quite a bit whenever he's at home.
Thank God for my family. I have had negative thoughts and struggles I felt so tempted to post the past few days but I've learnt that those struggles are common between human beings trying to live together harmoniously. At the end, I only remember how my parents have helped me. Therefore, let the negative thoughts disintegrate with time. Just the usual struggle with how I discipline AN and how mum doesn't like me to punish her anyway. No big deal.
Mum will stay again tomorrow night but says she'll leave early Sunday morning. She doesnt have to but,my mum is like an elf: she wakes up at 5am and disappears before the world awakes, even when she's home.
Just one more night and Mr Liow will be home. It's not that bad this time. hehe.
Friday, December 2, 2011
1st Roll
Countdown: 2 days
ER rolled off the bed in his sleep for the first time. It's noteworthy because this is also first time any of my kids rolled off the bed. :( I don't ever want them to, but it finally happened...
I didn't see how he landed :( Thankfully, he didn't cry much (it's 4.16am in the morning). Bruises should show in the morning. He went back to sleep after crying for less than 5 secs. Nursing him helped.
Thankfully, he rolled off this low bed in my old room. It could have been from our HIGH bed in FV! It's laminated flooring here, vs hard parquet floor at home. ...oh my goodness, how more asleep can I be to not realise my baby was in danger?
No wonder mums are known to be lighter sleepers than dads. With the exception of me this time :( hope he didn't break bones.
AN had been complaining about first 3 nights' sleeping arrangement (her nearest to wall and safest), ER in the middle and me on the outside, nearest to edge of the bed. She said: "Mummy, you sleep with Ethan every night but you don't sleep with me.". She wanted to sleep BESIDE me
She suggested sleeping on the outermost, which I didn't agree to, simply because she flips A LOT in her sleep! She will definitely fall. But as I'm analysing the situation now, better her than ER. She's older, so this fall won't be anything too bad...
Aiya! I should have been the one sleeping near the edge of the bed, not any of them... :(
Bad decision I made. Bad time to sleep well and tight. Bad mummy...sigh...
ER rolled off the bed in his sleep for the first time. It's noteworthy because this is also first time any of my kids rolled off the bed. :( I don't ever want them to, but it finally happened...
I didn't see how he landed :( Thankfully, he didn't cry much (it's 4.16am in the morning). Bruises should show in the morning. He went back to sleep after crying for less than 5 secs. Nursing him helped.
Thankfully, he rolled off this low bed in my old room. It could have been from our HIGH bed in FV! It's laminated flooring here, vs hard parquet floor at home. ...oh my goodness, how more asleep can I be to not realise my baby was in danger?
No wonder mums are known to be lighter sleepers than dads. With the exception of me this time :( hope he didn't break bones.
AN had been complaining about first 3 nights' sleeping arrangement (her nearest to wall and safest), ER in the middle and me on the outside, nearest to edge of the bed. She said: "Mummy, you sleep with Ethan every night but you don't sleep with me.". She wanted to sleep BESIDE me
She suggested sleeping on the outermost, which I didn't agree to, simply because she flips A LOT in her sleep! She will definitely fall. But as I'm analysing the situation now, better her than ER. She's older, so this fall won't be anything too bad...
Aiya! I should have been the one sleeping near the edge of the bed, not any of them... :(
Bad decision I made. Bad time to sleep well and tight. Bad mummy...sigh...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
8th tooth
Countdown: 3 days
ER had been chewing on his finger slightly more than usual, so I did a quick check for new tooth. True enough, his bottom left incisor has pierced through, making that his 8th teeth.
ER had been chewing on his finger slightly more than usual, so I did a quick check for new tooth. True enough, his bottom left incisor has pierced through, making that his 8th teeth.
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