Dez's Dreamy Dayz

Estelle is 5 years old (Part 1)

2011-01-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

Estelle turns 5 today on 25 Jan 2011. She was born in 2006.

It is a special day not only because it's her birthday. It was a tough day for me as I had to go through a painful ordeal and eventually gave birth to her through emergency caesarean. But all the trauma and suffering ended the minute I heard her first cries in the operating theatre. I just burst into tears because her arrival meant so much to us and it was the start of another beautiful chaper in our lives.

Why did I say she meant a lot to us? Estelle was not from my first pregnancy. Before that, I had gone through 2 consecutive miscarriages in 2004. Being a strong and optimistic person, I was able to pull myself up from there, but deep down I had never completely recovered from the loss. I could not bear to ask my friends who were pregnant how they were doing; I could not look at baby clothes and shoes, and I could not bring myself to carry babies in my arms ------- until Estelle came. When she became a reality, I was completely cured of my pain and I became strong and positive instantly. She is the source of my strength because she is my firstborn, and such a perfect one.

I am thankful that she is mine. She is beautiful on the outside and inside. She is intelligent. She is kind. She is talented. She is adored by all including her teachers and everyone else. She is a real darling.

I have specially taken a day off from work to spend the day with her. I have just finished preparing her birthday goody bags for her classmates. It's 4am! I ought to catch some sleep. I shall continue with Part 2 tomorrow.

Happy birthday to my sweet princess. I love you.

Managing My Maid

2011-01-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today my maid "complained" to me that my father scolded her very harshly last Friday. Apparently, she forgot to make milk for Estroy (yet again) and my dad flared at her. She complained that "Ah Gong scold me very loud, he point at me and THREATEN to tell you." And she "feel very hurting inside. I go to the toilet to cry." She is not happy that my dad scolded her like that.

找死。

I asked her a few questions to establish the facts. I know how to manage people like her. Then our conversation went like this.

Me: Why didn't you make the milk at the correct time?
maid: Sometimes I do other things, then I never see the clock.
Me: Is this the first time?
maid: No
Me: It has happened many times right?
maid: Yes
Me: So am I right to say you have been told many times, and you have been making the same mistake over a few months.
maid: **silence**
Me: I am also working. If I make the same mistake so many times at work, I would have been fired.
maid: Ya, I know I make the milk late, but can Ah Gong threaten me and scold me like that?
Me: Let's get a few things straight. Firstly, I am your BOSS. I have every right to know what happened at home, and Ah Gong has every right to tell me. In fact, it is my instuction that he reports everything to me. That is not a threat. He is telling you that he is going to tell me. That is not a threat, so you stop using this word 'threaten'. Secondly, that is his scolding style. You are the one who made the mistake, you cannot expect to be scolded nicely.
maid: But would you scold me like that? Would you scold me in public?
Me: I will not scold like that, because that is not my style. And I never scold you in public. Ah Gong also did not scold you in public. But Ah Gong's scolding style is like that.
maid: **not convinced** But he can tell me nicely.

Me: Let me give u a scenario. Suppose I am a teacher and I have 2 bosses, one is a VP and one is P. When I make a mistake, my VP scolded me gently. My P scolded me very harshly. Yes, I'm upset. But I did make the mistake didn't I? I deserve to be scolded. Can I tell the VP, hey look, can you tell the P to scold me gently like what you did? I am so hurt you know.
maid: **beginning to see my point**
Me: So, Mary, when you make a mistake and you get scolded harshly, its just too bad that the scolding is harsh because you did make a mistake and you repeated the mistake over a few months and therefore YOU DESERVE TO BE SCOLDED. You have no right to ask people to scold you gently.
maid: **nods and understood my point** but I very upset.
Me: It is normal to be upset. Nobody gets scolding and feel happy. You need to recognise your own mistake and learn from it. And you need to learn to manage your own emotions. You cannot be sensitive about everything and expect other people to always accommodate you. This is a real world, Mary. Learn!

After the lecture, I continued with Part 2: Coaching.

Me: I want to share something with you. You have a huge problem about being defensive. You have too much pride and you always refuse to see your own mistake.
maid: **blur**
Me: OK. Example. Suppose I make a mistake in marking a student's exam paper. He is supposed to get 80 marks and I only gave him 60. So the parent comes to me and ask me for the marks.

Scenario 1:
I am defensive. I blame the child for untidy handwriting so I cannot see his working clearly. Somemore that day I was very busy and I had a headache. So that's why I mark wrongly. What is going to happen? The parent is going to be so upset and he will likely complain to the P or even to the Ministry. What is the outcome of me being defensive? The more I want to find excuses the worse it's going to become.

Scenario 2:
I apologise nicely to the parent, admit that I marked wrongly, then assure the parent that I will go through his paper more thoroughly and adjust the marks accordingly. What is going to happen? Likely that the parent will be happy to get back the 20 marks and leave it as that.

Me: Let's go back to your story. You forgot to make milk. That is the mistake. All those crap about doing other things and didn't see the clock are EXCUSES TO COVER UP YOUR MISTAKE. If you would just admit your mistake, recognise that you have made a mistake, and reconcile with yourself that you have indeed done something wrong, then you will learn. If you always find excuses for yourself, you will forever be trapped and you cannot swallow anything.

I'm not trying to defend my father but I am putting things into perspective for you.

maid: Yes, I understand now.

****************************************

How in the world did she think that she can outtalk me?

How in the world did she think that she can do something like that and get away with it?

She has no slightest idea whom she is talking to.

我的天啊。

My Favourite Things

2010-12-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

Lyrics written by Desiree, sung to the tune of Julie Andrew's "My favourite Things"
A sudden inspiration to summarise my life this year as I move into the last month of my 12-month leave and into my birthday month. (1 Dec 2010)

Early in the morning when the warm sun rays shine in
Kids crawl into my bed and cuddle beside me
They kiss me one by one and say "morning!"
These are a few of my favourite things

Drive to McDonalds for breakfast and bonding
Hotcakes and mcmuffin and a cup of hot coffee
All the chatter and laughter and the smiles
These are a few of my favourite things

Dip in the pool downstairs with such convenience
Bagful of toys and shooters sprawled all over
Kids swim around in their rings and arm floats
These are a few of my favourite things

When the kids fight
When the kids cry
When I'm feeling vexed
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Steal time in the afternoon to meet my Dear
Go to Ikea to eat their chicken wings
Best part is coffee and parking are free
These are a few of my favourite things

Fill our tummies and browse the display in-store
Dream and fantasize about our next dream home
Sofa cabinet designer kitchen
These are a few of my favourite things

Shopping and movies are once-in-a-blue-moon treats
Facial and pedicure make me feel oh-so-pretty
Coffee and gossiping enhance friendship
These are a few of my favourite things

When the maid slacks
When she talks back
When I'm feeling mad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Kids sleeping soundly and hugging their bolsters
With looks of innocence they dream their night away
I slouch on the sofa and watch drama
These are a few of my favourite things

Internet surfing and Facebook MSN
Online shopping and email and some blogging
Reading papers and Simply Her magazine
These are a few of my favourite things

When the bills come
When I kenna summon
When I'm feeling scared
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

What It Means To Be A Teacher

2010-08-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

A group of my ex pupils visit me almost every year during TD (Teachers' Day) since they graduated from primary school in 2002. I taught some of them when they were in P5 in 2001. Although I followed them up to P6 in 2002, some of them moved to a different class in P6, so technically, I had only taught some of them for a year in P5. Looking back, it has been a good 9 years since I taught them. Each year, I get TD gift that gets more and more creative. When they were younger in secondary school, they gave me a jigsaw puzzle made out of our class photo. 2 years back, they came to my place and cooked pasta for me. This year, they got together and produced a video clip in a dvd. In it, they acted out their days in P5 and showed me how they all had cheated in Spelling back in those days. I am a person with good video filming and editing skills, and by my standard, I must say that the video was very well scripted, acted, filmed and edited. These kids were 11 in 2001. Now, they are 20 years old. They have grown up indeed.

I was indeed very happy. But my joy came from something deeper than receiving the gift. It came from something more than being remembered by them. Every TD, I reflect and ask myself why I want to be a teacher. To me, what it means to be a teacher is having the privilege to be able to participate in a child's formative years (never mind that it may be just one year). Being a teacher means that I have the opportunity to rectify a misbehaviour, correct a wrong value, put right a warped perspective, adjust a bad attitude. Being a teacher gives me the opportunity to encourage a timid child, nurse a disappointment, advise a lost soul, mend a broken heart, open a blocked mind, widen a narrow thinking, straighten confused thoughts, clear misunderstandings, motivate the unmotivated, inspire the uninspired, interest the uninterested, fill an ignorant mind, and care for the ones who are deprived of love and care. In other words, being a teacher means that I get to make a difference in somebody's life. Teaching is an investment of love, care, knowledge and skills. More often than not, the returns are not immediate, because children take time to internalize your teaching.

I look at this bunch of then-11-now-20 year olds. Some are studying in poly, some are serving NS, some are working. It doesn't matter if they had taken a longer route to get to where they are. The important thing is, they have arrived at where they want to be. The love, care, kniowledge and skills that I have invested in them have yielded returns. They are now fine individuals who are raring to carve out their own future. That is my satisfaction of being a teacher. My joy lies in knowing that I have made a difference in their lives, never mind if it is just a small difference. There are many of my students out there who are successful in their own right. My satisfaction is in knowing that I have once participated in their lives and made a little difference. if they remember me, it is a bonus. If they don't, it doesn't matter too. What matters is that they are doing well. That is the aim of education, and what everu teacher wants.

There are many things in the teaching service that I am disappointed in. What remains a constant and a source of motivation is my personal belief that teaching is about touching lives. Although I will be taking a 2-year break from teaching when I join MOE next year, I will always pride myself for being a teacher. I hope that my investment of love, care, knowledge and skills in my own 3 children will also yield returns in future.

Teaching is a painful journey, but rewarding when the children turn out well.

Happy Teachers' Day to myself, my husband and all my teacher friends.

2010 - The 20-year-old boys.

2010 - The 20-year-old girls.

2008 - The 18-year-old boys and girls.

2007 - The 17-year-old boys and girls.

2001 - The 11-year-old class of 5A5 at Xinghua Primary School.

Estroy is 1 Year Old !

2010-07-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

It is the wee hours of 2 July 2010. Estroy is officially 1 year old today. I've not been blogging eversince I stepped into the world of facebook, but I'm going to dedicate 1 special blog entry to my baby boy (no more a baby!) to mark his 1st birthday.

I still remember one night, when hubby and I had to wake up for a night feed for Eston, we said, "Ok, this is it, we will stop at 2."

We moved to our new place, watched Estelle and Eston grow up cuter and cuter by the day, and one particular night, I looked at their faces, and at that spur of the moment, I wanted 1 more child. That moment changed my life.

Why do I say that Estroy has changed my life? I guess if he hadn't come along, I probably would not have taken a year of no-pay-leave, would not have opened a blogshop, would not have made more friends, would not have tried new things, would not have had the time to dabble with my hobbies like painting, reading, swimming, beading, crafting (and so on. My hobbies are endless), would not have the chance to send Estelle and Eston to school, would not be able to do so many things with my kids, would not be able to correct their misbehaviour in time, etc. The list is endless.

Estroy has turned 1. All my 3 kids were born through caesarean delivery, but I have forgotten the pain and trauma. All I can remember is the tremendous joy they have brought us, and how much they have strengthened our marriage. I am grateful. I count my blessings every day. My parents come over to my place every weekday to help me with the kids and meals. I must have done a lot of good in my previous life to deserve such great parents, without whom I simply cannot achieve so much. The only way I can repay them is to be filial and be a just-as-good parent to my own kids.

So, I just want to say, I love you Estroy, just like how much I love Estelle and Eston. And the person I love the most is my hubby. I have perfect parents, a perfect husband, 3 perfect kids, and a perfect career. I can't ask for anything more. I have everything!

Happy birthday, my darling!

Estroy is 1 Month Old

2009-08-07T17:19:00.001-07:00

At 1 month old, his vital statistics are as follows:

Height : 54cm

Weight : 5 kg

Head Circumference : 38cm (at time of birth it was 36cm)

A quick comparison shows that he has grown quite a fair bit. :-)

He drinks 150ml at this point in time. A big eater compared to his Kor Kor and Cheh Cheh who only drank 120ml at 1 month old.

A Quick Photo Update

2009-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Estroy looking happy.

The forceps marks on his foreheadand left eyelid are taking very long to clear.

Eston loves his little brother.

He is forever kissing him!

My 2 boys.

Can see that he enjoys being around him and entertaining him.

Eston striking a funny pose.

I love this photo. Eston tells his sister to keep quiet coz didi is sleeping.

Presents

2009-07-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

On the eve of Estroy's birthday, I got the kids to wrap Estroy's present. Earlier on, I had gotten them to choose a present for their baby brother. We got him a new pair of mittens and booties.

Estroy also "prepared" presents for the Cheh Cheh and Kor Kor.

Their presents are coloured pens. Eston's was in Doraemon design while Estelle's was in Strawberry Shortcake design.

I hope they all like their presents!

Baby Estroy

2009-07-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

As scheduled, I have given birth to baby Estroy.

Here are his statistics:

DOB : 2 July 2009
TOB : 7.56am
Weight : 3.56kg
Length : 50cm

It was a caeserian delivery and yet doctor had to use forceps to "kiap" him out. So you can imagine. The last 1.5 months carrying him was really challenging for me.

Here are some pictures of him taken these 2 days.

The red amrks on his cheeks are caused by the forceps.

He's got plenty of hair.

My darling!

My Baby Knows Karate

2009-04-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm convinced that the one inside me knows karate.

He will chop chop here and kick kick there, and even do triple somersaults in that small confined space.

Isn't he talented?

As I'm typing this, he is doing the karate chop again.

Watching my tummy jerk has become a new hobby for me.

With all that training, when he is born, he will be good enough to go for black belt assessment right away.

Pregnancy Blues

2009-04-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've lost count. I'm due on 13 Jul, and today is 19 Apr, so that means I'm 7 months and 1 week into my pregnancy. So around 29 weeks la.

All of a sudden, my tummy has ballooned into a big ball.

For the first time, I'm blogging about the discomfort that I'm facing, although some of these symptoms are not new. I just feel like whining today to gain sympathy votes.

HEAT

Anyone living in Singapore would agree with me that the weather in Singapore is getting TOO HOT TO HANDLE. Come on, 35 degrees for a preggie is no joke ok! Moreover, I work in a classroom, and hellujah, the classrooms are not air-conditioned alright? Best part is, my classroom is located on the 4th floor, and my office is located on the ground floor. Each day, I have English, Math, Health Ed, before recess, after recess, after school, split periods. You do your sums. I literally climb up and down the stairs several times a day. By the time I huff and puff my way up, my engine is all worked up, and then when I start teaching, gosh, it remains a mystery how I manage not to melt into a pool of perspiration and evaporate the next minute.

To counter my problems, these are some of the strategies I take:
- I put a table fan in my classroom that specifically blows at me.
- I mark in the classroom (with the fan full blast at me of course) as far as possible to mimimise carting up and down books. I make use of those in-between 1 period breaks so that I cut down on walking up and down)
- I place a desk beside my classroom for marking (coz sometimes my in-between 1 period breaks are other lessons that my class is having and I can't mark in the classroom)
- I mark in the computer lab on the 4th floor (but I did it only once and gave up; the air con in the com lab is super CMI)
- I go down 1 floor to the library to mark (the air con there is much much cooler) - at least only move up and down 1 floor
- I "bathe" my arms and neck whenever I have free time; meaning I use shower cream to wash my arms and neck and wipe myself dry. Then I powder myself. It cools me down and makes me feel good coz I smell good.
- I shower if i can afford the time.
- Worse comes to worse, when I don;t have time, I just powder myself. Better than nothing la!
- I have another small fan at my workstation. Air con is not good enough. Anyway, the air con in the HOD Room super CMI. As good as don't have.

BACKACHE, and all other ACHES

Because of the walking and the standing, I get backaches all the time. Recently, I even get leg cramps.

- I have a high chair (bar chair hor, not baby chair; DUH) in the classroom for me to sit on when I deliver simple segments like spelling or class test or going through of corrections so that I get to rest and stand lesser.
- I get my hubby to massage my back and legs.
- I tried to go for foot reflexology, but my regular reflexologist refuse to do it for me. Say coz I pregnant. (I'm exasperated; I've done it before and my gynae also said its ok)
- I tried to buy the Osim UPapa. They refuse to sell it to me. Haiyo. Same reason. Cannot tahan.
- I'm trying to source for prenatal massage.
- My facial therapist does a good shoulder massage for me. That is my only indulgence.
- I sleep on my back. I know the book says to sleep on the side, but that makes my back ache even more. I need my back fully supported, so I sleep on my back. It works best for me, all 3 pregnancies.

Lower Abdominal PAIN

For the first time in my 3 pregnancies, I experienced this scary pain on Saturday, 18 April 2009.

All of a sudden in the evening, I felt this sharp pain at the lower part of my abdomen. It's the area just above my bladder and below the baby. Felt like the baby's weight was too much; it was as though the baby was stepping on my bladder. Anyway, it was really painful. I couldn't stand nor walk. Even certain sitting positions could trigger the pain. The only comfortable position was lying down.

Fortunately, I woke up on Sunday feeling better. You cannot imagine my happiness when I realise that I could move around and walk! It struck me that I cannot take my mobility for granted! Those people who have to have CRIB, really, it is tough. Now I understand. Because I was feeling ok, I managed to have a fun-filled day taking my kids out on 2 outings today.

End of grouses.

So you see, 世上只有妈妈好，有妈的孩子像个宝... ...

My Pretty Girl

2009-04-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Went to the JL sale yesterday at Expo and bought this sweet pink cocktail dress as well as a couple of books for my kids (from the Books Warehouse Sale).

She loves the dress. She's now into princess stuff.

This morning, she woke up and first thing she wanted was to put on this dress. Mummy happily put some light pink blusher and eyeshadow on her, and made her a star necklace to complete the look! Of course I had to tie her hair up and wear the mini tiara on her head. I then snapped and snapped and snapped .....

Here're a few prettier ones. The rest are in my facebook.

Simple Pleasures

2009-04-05T04:24:00.000-07:00

Last Friday evening, my hubby had to stay late in school because of Meet-Parents-Session. The agreement was that he would come back on his own and dabao his own dinner. He had to take the bus as the car was with me.

Decided to give him a surprise, so I got the kids showered and smelling good, I showered too, and off we went to pick him up from school. Kids were so happy to see Papa, and we went to AMK hub food court for (his) dinner. He got a big plate of hokkien mee, and it looked so good that I had to pinch some. Kids shared ice-jelly cocktail, I had ice-kacang, my maid had a drink. After the food, we just walked around for a short while, bought a princess mat for the kids' room, and then went home.

It was a simple evening, without any big bang or fanfare. So where's the pleasure?

The joy of seeing joy on my family's faces. Kids were happy to see Papa, I was happy to deliver a surprise, my kids had a chance to go kai kai, the joyful process of preparing to go out, waiting in the car and seeing my dear walking out of school, saving him the process of having to buy his own food and taking the bus home, spending quality time together as a family, eating simple yet delicious food, buying something for the kids and making them so excited, allowing the kids to make a decision (they chose the design of the mat), holding hands together as a family.

It's the simple things in life that are so enjoyable and memorable, and these priceless little episodes add so much value to life. At least for me.

I count my blessings and treasure what I have. I'm contented and happy.

Superstar Virgo Cruise 18-20 Mar 2009

2009-03-20T02:43:00.000-07:00

We have just come back from a short getaway on Superstar Virgo cruise to Malacca and KL. We didn't get off, just stayed onboard to eat, drink, relax, talk, listen to music, sleep, read, feel the ocean, hear the waves, gamble a bit, and spend time with family. It was a nice and short break. Away from the hustle and bustle of our daily routine, away from all those bothersome problems.

XIn Xin qiao pi gu.

Teng Teng and me.

Xin Xin and me.

One moment happy...

Another moment throwing tantrums... And this tantrum spree lasted for at least 20 min.... gosh.

One of the lovely sister-and-brother photos that I love.

My son and I.

My husband and son.

Teng Teng on the daytona.

Xin Xin on the daytona as well.

Papa and the kiddos. Pretty sight!

A lovely cloud hanging against a backdrop of sky blue.

My handsome boys.

Early in the morning at the balconyof our cabin.

Sunrise.

Coach Signature Stripe Floral Shoulder Bag - It's mine!

2009-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

I seldom fancy bags from Coach but this is love at first sight!

(Picture from internet)

This is their signature jacquard fabric with fabric stripe detail, leather or metallic leather trim and the beautiful leather floral appliqué! There are 2 gorgeous chrysanthemum motifs in white and rich yellow gold appearing on the front of the bag, which are extremely pretty!

A shoulder bag in brass/khaki/gold, this beauty comes with a ziptop piece with cellphone/multifunction pockets, a ring to clip an accessory or keyfob plus an additional inside zip pocket and dogleash closure.

This is a 2008 limited edition which I believe is no longer on the shelves in Coach boutiques. I chanced upon it at a second hand designer bag store at Thomson Plaza, and boy it was really love at first sight. I wasn't sure if Coach really has this model - so I went back to google on it and yes, this is a real limited edition. Today I went back to buy it - at a nice price of $470. It would have cost at least double when it was first launched. The bag is really in very good condition and I couldn't miss this chance to own it!

(My very own!)

Aww, I simply love it!

Mish Mash of Events and Thoughts

2009-03-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Realised I have not blogged for some time.

Same old excuse - BUSY AT WORK. (roll eyes)

Been going through a lot of unpleasant things at work. The only thing making me go on is teaching my class. The rest of the things are all going wrong. Politically incorrect to swear and make open my grievances in cyberspace, so .... zip. If you read between the lines, you may get a few hints here and there.

On a happier note. Recently I picked up card-making again using scrapbooking techniques. So far made 4 cards, quite happy with myself. My art has not deteriorated despite a (gasp!) 5-year-gap from being a Subject Head Art and Craft.

I also hand-made a car made from cardboard for my daughter.

And, I have finally started my facebook. I know super late and behind times la, but better late than never mah! Found some old time frens on FB, so I'm really happy.

a good friend of mine has returned to Singapore after being away for 1 and a half years. That calls for celebration.

Tmr is the last day of IT Show. I'm planning to buy a new laptop for myself, and I'm quite excited about it!

Finally, the last and most looked forward event - The cruise this coming Wed! We booked the cabin with balcony - aw, the though of standing at the balcony facing the massive open-ness of the sea - I can't wait to cleanse my mind and soul. My kids, my hubby, my helper, and my MIL with my Bro-in-law's family will all go. So many people, should be fun.

Someone said this to me - sometimes in life, we meet irritating/stupid/bimbo/fake/unreasonable and all-the-lousy-adjectives-you-can-think-of people, and they cause us a lot of headache and heartache. Well, these people are purposely planted in our lives to make us learn, and they stay in our paths until we learn.

Wow. What a perspective. If you think this way, life is easier, although the pain still stays there.

Recently I have been unfairly treated - BIG TIME - but I have learnt to cope with my emotions and actions, and I will always be the winner because I will manage and be on top of things.

I've Been Thinking ... ...

2009-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have a million things to do before Monday comes, but let me just put them down and blog this entry.

As I watch my 2 little ones growing up by the day, and watch my tummy growing (which means another littlest one is coming), I suddenly find myself standing at a big crossroad juntion.

Where do I go from here?

Pre-kids days were my heydays at work, where I could put in my 101% of energy and time on my career. I always pride myself for being a super career woman, and even after the first kid came, I refuse to shortchange the quality of work that I put in. I am a head of department, sitting at the executive committee, supervising 8 to 9 teachers, running programmes and making managerial decisions. Second kid came, I struggled a lot, but really thank goodness for my parents and a good helper, I still managed and remained sane.

Recently, especially since the beginning of this year, I realised that my children are more grown up and hence they know how to cling onto me when I'm going to work, I suddenly feel very, very sad to leave them. There is this strong tug at my heart for me to stay at home, especially now that Estelle has started going to "school" (2 hour playgroup thing), I long to be able to send her to school hand in hand, and pick her up after school and chat with her on what she has learnt. These precious moments are lost when I go to work, and when I come back in the evening, she has forgotten everything that happened in school. (Children this age have no concept of time) Eston will be attending this playgroup next year, and Estelle will attend nursery, and again if I am at work, I would have lost a lot of the quality time that I could have with them.

I ask myself, what is important to me? A high flying career or my family? I think the answer is obvious. My priorities, at this point in time, are my children and my husband.

So, I think I shall work till my baby comes in July, and thereafter take no pay leave after my maternity leave to take care of my kids. They all need me, and guess what, I need them too. No matter what a super-career-woman I am, I'm still a mummy and I can put off my work till later. Right now I need to be with them, and I can put my talents to good use on my children's education. I also need time for myself - I need to read, paint, do beading, bake, swim, write, and do all sorts of my own girlie stuff, to make myself happy.

Sounds like a fantastic arrangement. I can't wait.

It's ESTROY, not ESTREA

2009-01-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

So I'm wrong.

All along I had thought that it'd be a girl.

Until sometime last week, I stared at my tummy and thought to myself,

"Gosh, it's pointed leh! Just like when it had Eston inside."

I rushed to tell my hubby. He laughed and said, perhaps it's really a boy.

Gynae confirmed that it's a boy.

Actually, a boy is a pleasant surprise. I'm equally happy. (Just that I cannot pass down all the pretty dresses and hairclips and bags and shoes that Estelle has) The folks, especially my in-laws, are over the moon. My hubby's side has too many girls and too few boys.

Now we are busy cracking our brain for his chinese name. "Estroy" is more or less fixed la. :-)

Last night I looked at Xin Xin sleeping in her papa's arms and I told him, it's good that it's another boy, because I think no other girl can match up with Xin Xin. She's too outstanding.

Gosh. Just listen to this proud mummy.

Xin Xin Turns 3 !

2009-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

Look at me, me, me
I'm 3, 3, 3
I'm as happy as can be, be, be
Can you tell
Can you see
I'm a very, very, very happy me!

Xin Xin is now as old as Baby Bop!

We threw a BBQ-&-Grill party right at home, and it was really wonderful!
The kids went crazy with the helium balloons that we specially ordered for Xin Xin.

Xin Xin chose this cake design herself.

It cost me $90. $40 per kg, x2 kg, and I added $10 of blueberry filling.

You can get it from Bengawan Solo.

It was pretty and yummy.

The boy was more eager to blow out the candles than the birthday girl. ;-)

Yeah! Whole happy family!

Xin Xin trying on one of her birthday presents, a CNY suit, and carrying the Minnie that I bought for her. Doesn't she look absolutely sweet, just like me?

After the party, the children bathed and continued with party part 2 - balloon party!

At Li Ting's Wedding 10 Jan 2009

2009-01-26T19:56:00.000-08:00

Xin Xin is sitting on the left of the picture. On the right is Charlotte, Cynthia's daughter.

teng Teng with Papa looking handsome and adorable.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

The whole Soo Family at reunion dinner.

See my daughter? She requested for eyeshadow ... ...

She's wearing a violet punjabi suit with chinese details.

He's wearing a navy chinese suit with an embroidered dragon.

My beautiful kids!

My Dad's 65th Birthday

2009-01-01T05:35:00.000-08:00

We celebrated my dad's birthday at a Teochew restaurant. Dad and Mum looking happy here.

Grandparents with the children.

All blowing out the candles together.

All the boys ran off after the birthday song. Only Xin Xin stayed behind to cut the cake.

So this is where the boys were. All looking handsome and smiley!

Teng Teng with Grandma.

Our New Patio

2009-01-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

After removing the grass and tiling the area, we have a new Alfresco Dining area.

We've kept the water feature, so we get to enjoy the water sound while we eat our meals or read the newspapers there.

A simple lunch outside. Nice and breezy!

My Birthday

2009-01-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

My Birthday Pressie

2008-12-30T12:54:00.001-08:00

My hubby bought me this LV bag and I simply love it!

MONOGRAM MINI LIN SPEEDY

Made in the iconic shape of the House, this Speedy comes in Monogram Mini Lin cotton and linen canvas and is both light and supple. Ideal for everyday essentials, it features a zipper closure.

Size: 11.8" x 8.3" x 6.7"

Monogram Mini Lin cotton and linen canvas, textile lining and grained calf leather trimmings

- Goldren brass pieces
- Zipper closure
- Inside patch pocket
- Hand held

Retail Price : $1180

For this Speedy, it is available only in this size (30).
If you buy the Monogram Canvas series, there are 4 sizes available (25, 30, 35, 40).

This size 30 cannot hold documents but it is quite handy and is roomy enough for essentials like big wallet, sunglasses, keys, diary, mobile phone, cosmetic pouch and a storybook. :-)

Christmas 2009

2008-12-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

On Christmas morning, Xin and Teng were playing in the tent that we set up at the patio while Mummy quietly placed the presents at the Christmas Tree.

Here comes the surprise!

The children busy opening up their presents....

Xin with her Doll House....
Teng got a Thomas Train Set, by the way. Mummy forgot to take photo coz she was busy playing with the doll house with Xin....

Evening outing. We decided to take the bus for a change.

My darling Xin Xin forever posing in front of the camera.....

Teng Teng pulling Papa's hair...

Xin Xin at it again..... but she looks good!

13 July 2009

2008-12-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

Make a guess, make a guess.

It's an auspicious date.

It's a Monday.

It's Term 3 Week 3. (Sorry ah, occupational hazard)

Some of you got it liao la.

Ya?

Come on.

Yes, that lady at the back, you put up your hand?

Can't hear you. Can you repeat that?

Yes!

You are right!

My baby number 3's arrival date!

:-)

Meet the Monster

2008-12-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

After enduring the pain on the right side in my mouth for some time, living on panadol to relieve the pain, I‘ve decided to eradicate the problem once and for all.

So today, I got my wisdom tooth extracted. It is beyond repair because it has decayed so badly and what is left is probably 2/3 only.

长痛不如短痛。是不是？

I've always been very brave anyway.

So here's the monster. Brace yourself!

A Small Facelift at Home

2008-12-17T23:31:00.000-08:00

The turf at our patio is not really looking good, in the sense that the grass doesn't seem to be growing well. I looked at it and thought hard, and then decided that it's probably time to do away with it.

So the plan is to remove all the soil and grass and tile the area so that we can place a small furniture set consisting of a table with probably 4 chairs. Cool right? I analysed the concept and grew to like it more and more. In this way, we kindda extend our living room to the outdoor, and we could use that place as a tea area or Alfresco dining. Laptop can be brought outside for a change of environment when we surf the net, since we have wireless connection at home. The children can do their favourite painting there. In addition, we will have an alternative place to host our friends, since our living room is not exactly very big. We'll still be keeping the water feature, but I told my hubby that his plants all ahve to go. I designated another place to grow all the plants and flowers, and we'll work along planting them in troughs and "standardized" looking pretty pots, and then we'll probably stack them on a plant shelf. Better than having this grass patch that is not growing well and really, the area cannot be "used" other than growing some plants which can't grow well due to attacks by creepy crawlies and the limited nutrients in the soil.

We've contacted our friendly ID and after making our choice of the type of tiles we wanted, the work will be done next week.

I can't wait!

When My Children Fall Sick... ...

2008-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

You hear only 2 things.

M U M M Y ! ! ! ! ! ! !

and

WAAAAAA AAAAAAAA! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! (LOUD WAILING)

Had to send both my kiddos and my maid to my MIL'S last week coz I had to report for work from 8 to 5 and my hubby was in China. Last Monday, after only 1 day there, Boy fell sick that very night with running nose. Girl laosai early in the morning of Tue. I decided to take time off on Tue (must take time-off during school hols!) afternoon to fetch my kids back that afternoon. Anyway kids wanted to go home badly.

Gave Boy medicine and he got better. Wed I took leave to keep them home to rest properly. They were fine and well enough to go to the airport that evening to pick up their Papa. Kids were so happy. So was I.

Went back to work on Thu. Hubby and the kids all went to his mum's place again (he wanted). This time I think the virus got passed to Girl and by Friday her nose was dripping like a tap. This time I insisted that they all stay at home (I had to go to school - BOBIAN!) on Friday. I also made it a point to come home quickly. Had to get medicine for Girl and thankfully she recovered rather quickly. But she was really sticky to me for the whole of Friday and every little thing was "MUMMY!". She wouldn't even let me leave her side for a second.

On Saturday everyone was fine. We could even attend a wedding dinner on Sat evening. Just when you think that all is well, Sunday came and Boy developed fever. Gave him Paracetemol and then his fever went roller coaster. By Monday, his fever hit 39 degrees and I decided that we had better consult a doctor and see if he needs antibiotics. Luckily, Doctor assured us that he was fine and his fever was probably caused by a virus in his respiratory system (from his running nose earlier). Hence, no antibiotics was necessary.

Today he finally got better.

Throughout these 1 and a half weeks, I was busy and tired out looking after and caring for them. My maid was a big help with the taking care. For me, I was mentally very exhausted having to juggle all the deadlines at work and having to be torn between the 2 crying toddlers all the time.

Being a mum is not easy.

But then again, it is all worth it.

Bangkok Getaway 17-19 Oct 2008

2008-10-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

We sneaked off to Bangkok over a normal weekend.

Normal in the sense that it is not a long weekend. It's just an ordinary, normal weekend.

19 Oct is a special day for us. It was the day we got ourselves attached to each other many many years back. Er, yes, we still celebrate this day even though we now are married and we have a wedding anniversary to celebrate.

Don't laugh lah. We are just romantic.

Anyway, we zipped off on Friday night (after PSLE marking) and zipped back on Sunday evening (to resume PSLE marking on Monday, for me). It's one of the craziest things we have done, but we love the thrill!

This was purely a shopping trip, so we were very focussed. Chatuchak Market and MBK -- we went straight there and whack!

It was a short but very sweet trip. :-)

Life is short -- work hard but PLAY HARD too.

Farmer Soo

2008-10-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

My hubby is into gardening nowadays.

On weekends, he finds joy overturning soils and transplanting little buds from the pots to the mini "'plantation" which he has partitioned from our grass patch. We also have 2 tomato plants growing outisde our master bedroom. My helper had thrown the seeds there and they have miraculously grown big and borne fruits! We had eaten some of the tomatoes. How interesting.

Right now, we have chili plants, Chye Sim, tomato plants, Ginger and Spring Onion sprouting from the mini plantation. I am waiting for the "harvest" so that I can get to eat them.

If he is not doing planting, he will be at the fish pond cleaning it or disturbing the fish. Look how father and son are bonding over, er, fish.

As for me, I don't like messing with ants and worms, let alone fish (I'm scared of fish).

I prefer to bake! While Papa and ah Boy were outside doing the boys' stuff, Mummy was baking a chocolate cake. Look! Yummy yummy!

That's what I call a perfect weekend.

I put down ALL MY WORK and spend my time doing these things I like. Living in this new place has really enhanced our lives. I love my family life!

Farm Hopping - 11 Oct 2008

2008-10-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Recently, my kids keep talking about "looking for a farm". I asked my helper and she said it stemmed from the song "Old McDonald had a farm, ee ya ee ya o". So, we 索性 take them to some real farms this weekend. 11 Oct happens to be Teng Teng's 17th month birthday. And you know what? He now can ask "Mummy, may I eat please?" when he wants to eat something from my plate. I know "eat" is a transitive verb and must carry an object, but for a baby that is not even 1 and a half yet, I think I cannot ask for more. The object can come in later. :-)

Here's a Visual Treat ... ... ...

Hay Dairies Goat Farm

Aeroponics Veg Farm

Papaya Tree

Corn

Fu Gui Hua

Sunday Morning Breakfast

2008-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

After breakfast at Mac (@AMK park), we strolled to the park nearby where there was a sandpit playground. Our typical city kids are not used to sand but on the whole I'm still pleased with their behaviour at the playground.

Thinking of Number 3

2008-10-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been thinking whether we should have 1 more baby.

:-)

I know.

I had announced to the whole world that 2 is enough. When I suffered during the night feedings for Eston, I told my husband, we don't need 1 more round of this. At that time, he agreed totally with me.

Parenthood is very strange indeed.

When I look at my 2 cutie pies, I forget all my pain and yearn for more.

I have a feeling the next one will be a girl.

Discussed with hubby and he also felt like having more.

I've even thought of names already. Girl will be Estee, 尹亭。Boy will be Estroy, 尹锐。

So our plan is to wait till Eston turns 2 before we start planning. Ideally, when Number 3 is born, Eston should be 3 years old, toilet trained and independant.

The minute I am pregnant with Number 3, I'm handing in my stepping down request.

A Milestone for Xin Xin

2008-10-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

After a couple of weeks of training, my girl is now toilet trained.

We started by taking off her diapers and putting her on the potty every half an hour. In the day it is fine, coz there are so many adults around to monitor her (of course I'm at work so it's really easy for me to say this. Credit goes to my mum and dad and of course my helper). It was the night time that is a nightmare. We tried to wake her every 2 hours to go tot he toilet but it was difficult for her (coz her eyes are still closed and then have to shee-shee) and it was also difficult for us. Eventually we still missed sometimes and then the bed would be in a mess. And getting up to go to work in the morning also became very tough.

Some experienced friends told us that such things cannot be rushed and so we decided to go easy on her (and ourselves). We continued with the day routine but night time - back to her huggies. Which still works pretty well.

I'm proud to announce that now my girl is off diapers in the day and she is able to articulate her toilet needs. She doesn't even use the potty now. She does it in the toilet. :-)

For my boy, he can tell us "poot-poot" when the need arises.

Well done, Xin Xin!

Sat Morning Walk

2008-10-04T07:12:00.001-07:00

This is a typical Sat morning walk that we do. Spend some quality time with the kids, just playing. How much fun we have!

They love to 跑跑跑 ... ...

Instead of going to his rescue, Mummy takes photo ... ...

Swing you high high !

Taking a rest and dipping our feet in the jacuzzi ... ...

Eston loves the water ... ...

Estelle on the "high element" at the playground ... ...

That's me !

After that Estelle ordered us to take the other 2 seats ... ...

I'm charging to the slide !

Wowee ! I'm sliding!

Dr Soo Yin Xin

2008-09-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Recently, we bought her a Doctor playset, and now she wants to be addressed as "Dr Soo Yin Xin".

Look at how she plays doctor to her didi. So cute!

Ahh ... Open your mouth ...

Don't move ... Doctor is going to check you okay ...

The Singapore Flyer - 4 Sep 2008

2008-09-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lelong Lelong!

2008-09-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday on 7 Sep, I set up a tiny stall at a flea market to get rid of some of my stuff. Paid $5 for a space at AMK Ave 4 Blk 626. Sold only my bags and earrings for a start (did not want to cart too many things there and then in the end can't sell anything and cart everything back) and it was quite a fun experience.

It was mainly the bags that could move. I sold the bigger ones at $6, medium and small ones at $4. In the end I had to give discount, coz the crowd was a die-hard-cheapo one and they were out for real steals. For me, it was more to get rid of stuff and to gain the experience. I was a little disappointed that my earrings did not really sell, especially those that are handmade by me. I guess the crowd was wrong and I'm quite certain that the flea markets in town would be a better platform for the sale of my earrings. I'm not really bothered by the amount I make but it's more the satisfaction that people appreciate my designs that matters.

Anyway, I DID sell a pair of handmade Swarovski Crystal earrings to the MP Seng Han Tong who came and did his rounds. I wanted to give it to him free-of-charge but he insisted on paying. So I asked for $2 and he thought that it was too cheap. He paid me $5 which I accepted happily.

DEAL!

Total takings for that day - $62. Not bad for a start! I got rid of 2 big boxes of bags. More space in my cupboard for NEW LVs. Ha Ha!

Ricky & My 5.2

2008-09-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

29 Aug was the day we celebrated TD, and also Ricky's last day in FVPS. He was leaving for Thailand for a brief period, before setting foot in India for his studies.

I bought him a cake as a farewell gift, and forced everyone to say "an auspicious wish" for him before cutting the cake. Ricky was obviously beaming and pleased.

US!

Ricky, I really wish that you will do well, and hopefully a new environment will do you good. Settle down well over there and do keep in touch!

Teachers' Day 2008

2008-09-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

6 ex-students from my first graduating class -- 5A5 2001/6A5 2002, came to my new place today to celebrate TD with me. A practice that they had never failed to comply every single year since their graduation. It dawned on me that they are 18 now!

I would like to put on record my thanks and appreciation for what they have done for me today. 6 of them (in alphabetical order) -- Cerella, Dickson, Pei Sheng, Shu Yuan, Ting Xian, Xin Sheng -- cooked spaghetti for me for dinner. They claim that it is their first attempt! :-)

Let's see what they were doing in my kitchen ... ...

Pei Sheng and Shu Yuan

Xin Sheng frying the meatballs

Cerella putting all the liao into the pasta sauce

Dickson doing some cutting

The 3 girls looking pretty

Ting Xian washing up

... and ...

... after more than an hour of hard work ...

... finally ...

... we get to MAKAN ...

You know, it's not really the spaghetti that matters, but the entire process of getting it all together that was really awesome. I could imgine the discussion that went on between them on what ingredients to buy, the shopping at NTUC, the excitement of this entire secrecy (they forbidded me from entering my OWN kitchen), and how they swear it was their first attempt at this cooking thing (disclaimer: we first time do this leh!), and the meeting up, and the preparation. The 6 of them all cramped up in my tiny kitchen, and the fact that they miraculously came up with something edible -- I am flattered indeed.

Thank you so much. It's the best present I have ever received!

We missed some of you who couldn't or didn't come for various reasons, like Ezra, Chee Chean, Wee Kheng, Kelly and many more, but opportunities are always there. We will meet again.

I managed to dig this out. Check it out.

:-)

Car Rally 2008

2008-09-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

(from left: Desiree, Wei Ling, Pauline & Siew Chian)

We had a Car Rally encore this year, also as part of Teachers' Day Celebrations.
Diff is, this year I'm not a driver. Last year I drove and boy, was it stressful.
This is my team, and we decided on Purple as our team's colour. Barney, being a PURPLE dinosaur, is our team's mascot. We bought the same purple Giordano polo tee and even got a new Barney soft toy to give us extra POWER! Cool stuff. Guess who came up with this idea? You're right. It is YOURS TRULY. Eventually, although we didn't win the race, we were awarded the MOST ENTHUSIASTIC TEAM award. COOL COOL COOL!!!

It was a funny fun day! Love it!

Dency

2008-09-02T09:46:00.001-07:00

Dency came back from the States for a brief period of time lately. This was taken when she dropped by Fernvale PS to pick up her friend's daughter, and I pulled her into my workstation for a quick snapshot!

A lovely picture for keeps!

She has flown to the States for the last lap and I am really looking forward to having her back next year, for good!

Blueberry Muffins Adventure

2008-08-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

Today Xin Xin and I made blueberry muffins together. It was fun and the muffins were yummy!

1. Xin Xin helped to line the muffin tray with paper cups.

2. Next, she added the flour / pre-mix into the pot.

3. I added in 3-quarter cup of milk.

4. Then, I added 1-quarter cup of oil into the mixture.

5. We drained the can of blueberries and rinsed them. We also added 2 eggs.

6. Xin Xin couldn't wait to stir the mixture!

7. When the mixture becomes creamy smooth batter, Xin Xin poured in the blueberries.

8. She slowly stirred the blueberries in. After that, we put the batter into the paper cups and baked them in the oven.

9. Ta-Dah! The yummy muffins are ready to be served. We had fun eating them!

My Sassy Kids

2008-08-09T04:39:00.001-07:00

Blogging about my kids never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Xin Xin flashing her megawatt smile. She's going to be a heartbreaker to a million boys 18 years down the road.

Pre-National Day kind of mood.....

I'm not listening!

Yes?

I'm a blessed mummy. I cannot ask for more. ;-)

NE Show 2008

2008-08-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

Today is National Day. Suddenly remember that I had gone to the NE Show on 5 July. Only downloaded the photos today. I'll just post some pictures here as a record.

Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Ramble

2008-07-25T16:25:00.001-07:00

I woke up at 3am to go to the loo.

Washed my face and decided to do some work.

I sat down and listed 11 items in my organizer. 11 tasks to do this weekend.
Thought I might as well clear some work so that I can spend more time with my family this weeked.

So I started by vetting the P6 FEL prelim paper. Should be qute fast since this is the 2nd draft, but I still spent more than an hour vetting it. Sometimes I wish I was less meticulous.

OK. 1 vetting is enough. I will leave Jac's comprehension passage for another day.

Switched on the computer and started updating the EPMS WR forms of my supervisees as well as putting in comments for the lesson reflections. Do some emailing also.

不知不觉，天亮了。

Time is now 7.37am. My son has woken up. Shall I go back to bed, or play with him?

Nah, play with him la. He is calling "Mummy, Mummy".

Our New Baby

2008-07-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

..... is finally back with us, after a separation of 2 weeks.

We got our new car 2 weeks ago, on a Wed.

In less than 24 hours, on Thu afternoon, it got banged by inconsiderate drivers.

The taxi in front stopped abruptly to make an illegal turn, my hubby braked in time, but the car behind didn't, so it banged into our baby's backside, and caused our baby to kiss the cabby's bumper.

After a lot of trouble, we finally got it fixed, and now it's as good as new.

It's a 7-seater Toyota Sienta, shiny red, absolutely spacious, and gorgeous.

Got TV. Barney and friends travel with us wherever we go.

Check out our car plate number.

Feeling Very Stressed

2008-07-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am not feeling too good these days.

Nothing bad at home. It's work.

Can't really elaborate here as these are sensitive issues, but the sick feeling lies there.

Hangs there.

Can't shake it off.

Can't really do anything about it either.

Have to live with it, and hold the belief that things will get better. (会吗?)

Can't help but feel powerless.

All my friends are leaving.

And that is just 1 issue.

So many issues.

It is sad.

But it's real.

No point asking why.

Have to grit my teeth and press on.

My Hubby's Birthday

2008-06-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

We had a sumptious hi-tea at The Equinox this afternoon to celebrate his birthday.

It was almost full house, and considering that this is a Monday at working hours (3.30pm - 5pm), it is a rare sight.

The food was nothing to scream about, but the view from the 70th floor of the Swissotel was the value for money.

Here are some peeks:

Crossed the 2 hurdles....PHEW!

2008-06-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

Standard First Aider

is now my name.

This is the 2nd time in my life that I have been through the First Aid Course by Singapore Red Cross Society and passed it.

So now I can:
1. Administer CPR on unconscious casualty
2. Administer abdominal and chest thrust on choking casualty
3. Tie the large arm sling & elevated (or triangular) sling
4. Do the head, jaw, palm and jaw bandage

These look like they are easy but there are standard procedures to observe and the order of the sequence is also important.

Interesting and a good skill to pick up.

Timetabling

Managed to "mahjong" the periods in the timetable to fit all in.

Very CHALLENGING.

- Merge Simon's PE with P3 ML and P5 BML
- Merge Simon's P5 FMA with Florence's existing Music
- Merge Florence's P3 EL with Janice's Music and P5 Zombie periods

These were the major headaches.

In the process of this mahjong activity, I have ruffled at least 17 teachers' timetable and affected many classes.

But now it is all settled.

Phew. I can get on with life now.

2 hurdles tomorrow

2008-06-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

First Aid Course Session 2 (not so bad)

and

Timetabling ----- MAJOR TAO TIA!

Can I be spared from timetabling next year, please?

Just to Add ...

2008-06-18T10:14:00.001-07:00

I just found out that my ah boy can say/do a few more things.

He can say:

一样 (means "the same")
nice
dark
按（means "press" to switch on the light)
ba (means 抱 "carry/hug")
hug hug
stand

and when I sing

"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" ---- HE CLAPS
"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" ---- HE CLAPS
"If you're happy and you know it, and your face will surely show it" ---- HE STICKS HIS 2 INDEX FINGERS INTO HIS CHEEKS
"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" ---- HE CLAPS

and he can respond when the song changes to "say hooray" ---- he raises both hands to mean hooray.

My ah boy is so clever right? (Proud mummy syndrome is acting up)
He's only 13 months plus leh!

And and and, he has 4 more teeth. So 12 teeth in total!

My friend's daughter is 19 months and only has 6 teeth.

I'm sorry but just let me scream this out:

TENG TENG IS GETTING MORE AND MORE HANDSOME!!!

and you know what? everyone says he looks like MUMMY ....

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaa

An Eventful Day - 17 June 2008; Tuesday

2008-06-17T11:24:00.001-07:00

Today is a super eventful day for me.

Standard First Aid Course - Day 1
Today I attended session 1 of 3 of this course in school. It is like a refresher course for me because I have done a similar course years back but of course has lapsed and my certification as a first aider has expired. Nonetheless, the learning today was enriching and useful. In a nutshell, we learnt how to tie a reeve knot, an armsling and a triangular sling. We learnt how to help people who choke on their food by administering the abdominal and chest thrust. We also learnt how to administer CPR and the 30sec compression. Despite being down with very bad flu and cough, I survived the 9am - 5.30pm session.

Zooming back to Buangkok Home During Lunch-time
Hubby picked me up during my lunch-time to Buangkok for a quick da-bao lunch and to load the stuff that I wanted to bring to school into the car. We needed to clear the flat urgently as we were meeting the buyers during the evening to hand over the keys. It was a mad, mad rush and it didn't help that my lunch-time was only 45min and my flu was hitting on me real hard.

Arrival of my Internet Purchase
I ordered something on the net last week and am very surprised and happy to receive it today! Will not disclose what it is but I'm happy to get my order. Ok, I have to admit that this is my first internet purchase (we have bought many things on the net before but all transacted through my hubby) so the excitement is there. How to describe this kind of feeling?

Hoo-Ha with Rockmann
Am now embroiled in a big saga with Rockmann, the company which is in-charge of my patio, because there are many discrepancies between what they promise to deliver and what has been done. So I am one angry customer who has shot 2 heavily-worded emails to them, made a few angry calls to them, and I have given them the ultimatum of discontinuing their service and not paying them the balance. Today the lady from the company called to ask for more time to speak with her boss. This company is really itching to get a lawyer's letter from me. If by tomorrow I don't get a satisfactory reply from them, I'm going to become really nasty.

More Packing!
After dinner, we had to send our tots and maid to my mum-in-law's place so that we could go to Buangkok and do a last round of clearing stuff. Sent 1 load of things to my sister's place in Tampines (returned her a walker, a rocker, the steam-steriliser, some toys and baby clothes, as well as my gift for my sister which I had bought from Korea), and tompang the blue carpet and mahjong table at my mum-in-law's place for resale later on.

Finally, Handing Over of Keys
We signed the necessary documents, settled leftover bills, and finally handed over the keys to the new owners. There's so much to do just to move to a new place, and wow, I couldn't have done it alone. I'm glad I have a reliable hubby who saw through much of the paperwork and tied the loose ends in this entire resale episode. Honestly, I have put in a lot of effort in this flat in terms of design, and the maintenance (I was the maid from 2001 - 2007), so I'm really happy to sell it to a couple who can appreciate it for what it is (the previous interested buyer wanted to hack this hack that and I get very sim-tia [heart-ache]) and enjoy the wonderful home. I am a person who goes for quality in everything and rest assured that my things are always the best.

The Next Thing?
Yes, another baby.
She will arrive at the end of the month in a shiny red coat, and if we are lucky, she will bear the same surname as our family, or almost.
不明白?
If the bidding is successful, her IC number will be SJH500M.
懂了吧?
If not succesful, her initials will still be SJH, same as her papa's, only the numbers in random.
Our new car is Toyota Sienta, a 1.5 7-seater MPV of compact size. We have just decided today to have the leather seats in black.
We are definitely looking forward to welcoming her to the family.

What an eventful day!

Teng Teng turns 13 months today!

2008-06-11T12:42:00.001-07:00

My son has turned 13 months today -- 11 Jun 2008.

I am proud to announce that he is now able to walk! My daughter walked at 14 months (I mean, let-go-of-hand-type of confident walking), so my son is faster in this sense.

My boy has not fared too badly in the linguistic department too. His vocabulary includes very sweet calling of "Papa" and "Ma-ma" (meaning Grandma), and as of yesterday, he can call me "Mummy" or at times "Mee-mee". It's really candy to the ears! He can say these words:

1. shoes
2. eyes (and point at the eyes at the same time)
3. 吃 ("chi" meaning "eat")
4. 拿 ("na" meaning "take")
5. 去 ("qu"meaning "go")
6. star
7. ball
8. bye
9. -ish (means fish)
10. nana (means banana)

He understands the following, although he cannot articulate them yet.

1. Where's your cheek? (He points to both his cheeks with his index fingers and gives you a smile)
2. "Kok" your head? (He touches his head with both hands)
3. Where's the apple? (He points at apple)
4. Say bye bye (He waves, sometimes says the word "bye", and does the flying kiss)
5. Kai-Kai? (He points at the door to indicate that he wants to go out)
6. Grabs the packet of fish food and points at the fish.
7. Where's your nose? (Points at my nose)
8. How to say McDonald? (Pinches your nose - My daughter loves to pinch her nose and say the McDonald in a nasal way)
9. He points to the correct person when we test him.
10. He can clap his hands and do "gong xi gong xi" when asked to.
11. He claps when people sing the birthday song, and he does the "blow candle" thing at the end of the song.
12. Stand (and he stands)
13. Sit (and he sits)
14. Walk-walk (and he walks)
15. Give to mummy (and he gives whatever-in-his-hand to me)
16. Say bye-bye (He waves)
17. Flying kiss? (He puts his hand over mouth and tries to fly the kiss)
18. Kiss mummy (He comes to me with his mouth in a "O" shape and gives me a wet kiss on the lips.
19. Say "hooray!" (He puts up his hands)
20. 手高高 ("shou gao gao" meaning hands up literally - he puts up his hands)
21. Elephant (He clasps both palms together and mimics the elephant's trunk in a stretched out manner)
21. Butterfly (He puts both palms togeher with 1 in front of the other palm facing him and moves 4 fingers to mimic the butterfly's wings. Estelle can do a fantastic job with this one and he follows.)
22. He is able to put solid food items like biscuits and raisins into his own mouth and chew them.

Not bad for a small guy!

The other day I was feeling naughty and put him in his sister's dress. Despite being in a frock, he maintains his "boyliness" and still looks macho! Papa frowned upon my silly act.

Teng Teng! May you grow up happily and well. Mummy, Papa and Cheh Cheh love you!

Xin Xin running around at AMK Hub today

2008-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Our Humble Nest

2008-06-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few snapshots of our little cozy nest. Limited to living room and outdoor patio only!
The garden and pool area, akan datang.....

Louis Vuitton

2008-06-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have just bought myself an LV bag and I simply LOVE IT!

Model : Palermo PM
Line : Monogram Canvas
Code : M40145
Price : Shall not disclose

The design of this bag is really neat. The centre pleat with the little tab over it gives an added character. The zipper pull is a shiny, substantial, chunky brass disc that dangles from a little chain. The leaf-shaped bits of leather that hold the handles on are pretty and gives the whole bag a polished finish.

Palermo fits my search for a stylish and yet practical working bag. The large, flat bottom makes it roomy enough for A4 files, a bottle of water, and even a snack, on top of my regular knick knacks like wallet, cosmetic pouch, organizer and mobile phone. The short straps suit my hand carrying style, and the long shoulder strap is absolutely a life saver when my hands are tired, or when I need both hands during shopping. When not needed, it can either be removed, or left to hang as a personal style, or to create a fashion statement. Palermo closes securely with a zipper and is lined in the standard LV brown cotton canvas with 4 inside pockets. These pockets are useful and prevent small but important items like house keys and my PS tapcard from getting buried by the other stuff.

It is made for ME. Yeah!

Toddler in a luggage?

2008-06-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Estelle almost packed herself into my luggage when I was packing for my Korea trip in early March this year. :-)

I also have a temper ok!

2008-06-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Estelle in class

2008-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Eston Drawing

2008-06-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Teng Teng is right-handed...

Estelle Painting

2008-06-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Xin Xin is left-handed...

Eston Reading

2008-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Estelle Reading

2008-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

四川大地震

2008-05-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

刚刚看完电视的筹款节目。虽然没有像凤凰台的那么震撼，但是还是蛮令人感动的。

一场突如其来的地震，摧毁了许多建筑物，夺走了许多生命。留下的，只有一大堆的废墟，和说不出的悲伤。我想，灾民的痛苦，不是我们能理解的，但是，我们深深地替他们感到难过。

有太多太多的故事，听了只能让我更难过。我能做的，除了捐款，还可以教育我的学生，生命的可贵和意义。同时，我更珍惜与家人相处的时光。生命如此脆弱和难以预料，我们应该把人生的每一分，每一秒，都过得精彩。这也是我的人生理念。

当一切都被摧毁的时候，原来，最重要的还是留着一口气，保住性命。能和家人在一起，是幸福的。

At the Playground

2008-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hug!!

2008-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Make-Up Time!

2008-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

My Adorable Babies

2008-05-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Will update with pictures of my new home soon. Let me take photos first!

For the time being, just look at my adorable babies.

Xin Xin (Estelle) is turning 2 yrs and 4 mths in a couple of days and Teng Teng (Eston) has just turned 1 last Sunday.

Xin Xin is into "wearing Mummy's clothes" now. Everything has to be the same as Mummy's!

Have you seen a baby who climbs windows? This is my son!

Xin Xin at the salon yesterday. She sat there cooperatively throughout the session, without complaining or misbehaving. I'm so proud of her!

Xin Xin enjoying her milo at the Zoo.

Xin and Teng on the mini Xplorer that we rented at the Zoo. It was such a relief for us!

Teng Teng having a fabulous time on the swing at the Children's World in the Zoo.

Teng Teng at the playground in our new place. He looks so handsome in this shot that I printed this picture on his birthday T-shirt for the whole family for his birthday party last week!

I just love my kids. I'm the happiest mum (and er, wife) in the whole world!

My New Address

2008-05-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

For all my friends and students:

511 Yio Chu Kang Road
#01-19 The Calrose
Singapore 787066

Please update your records.

My New Home

2008-05-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the faithful followers of this blog, or if you're one of my friends, you will know that moving to a new residence was the next biggest event in my life.

It is now in present tense.

I've moved in today (2 May 2008; although already passed midnight I will still refer it as today) officially, with my bed in and everybody sleeping under the new roof.

When we first got married, it was already in our 5-year plan that we will move into a condominium with full facilities after the compulsory occupation period of 5 years in a HDB flat. We were previously living in a 4-room HDB flat which was our first marital home. This is our second. We bought this place in 2006. Today, 2 May 2008, is the day when our dream has come true. I am so exhilarated that I cannot sleep! My family is sleeping soundly inside while I'm blogging this entry. I just want to express my joy and count my blessings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What is love?

Love is ... ...

... ... when 2 people look into each other's eyes, and know that they have found a home for their hearts for the rest of their lives

... ... going through thick and thin, ups and downs, sickness and health, together

... ... building a home from scratch, and filling it with love

... ... doing their best for the children

... ... providing the best environment they can for the children

... ... looking at the children growing up happily day by day

... ... never forsaking

... ... the feeling of having one another in a family

... ... building a life and future together

... ... wonderful

Pictorial Updates about Korea

2008-04-07T20:51:00.001-07:00

Thanks Chris and Dency for dropping me a line. Feels nice to know that we are connected in cyberspace through my blog.

Just going to post some more pictures about what I saw at Korea.

A korean classroom. Floor is "timber-decked", there are wooden tables and chairs, curtains, blackboard and the TV at the side is for projection from the computer.

A lesson going on. Notice that the children don't wear uniform?

A poster to welcome us! How nice.

A typical building along the street.

All of us at Incheon International Airport. The first one we took after touching down.

Mrs Soo (ahem!) at Daegil Elementary School.

On the street (the first day we touched down) called Dongdaemun. (Shopping!)

The trees at Nami Island. Aww.

More trees at Nami Island. Double Awwww...

That's me at the snowy Mt Sorak. It was so AWWWWWW....

Shopping

I was one of the shopping queens in the group (Disclaimer: Notice I said "one of the". There were some other shopping queens and I was only one of them. :-p )

I bought tons of earrings and accessories because they were so cheap!! And these are not those MIC (made in China) but MIK (figure that out yourself) I knw the market price. Earrings that are imported from Korea are costly in Singapore, so when I saw the earrings going at 1000 won (roughly S$1.50), I grabbed!

So my shopping achievement looks something like this:

1. A pair of black shoes that looks like boots

2. Tons of earrings and accessories

3. A few watches

4. A beautiful arty farty looking ring

5. A few tops

6. Ginseng powder (for my children)

7. A pair of grade B amethyst rings - 1 for hubby 1 for myself (my most expensive buy)

8. A packet of 1kg Kimchi for mum

9. Lots of Korean tidbits

10. A bottle of peeling gel for my face - I am also very happy with this buy. Makes my skin very soft and smooth!

The total damage: S$800

Retail Therapy!!

Korea 9-15 Mar 2008

2008-03-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

As part of my MLS course, I went on a regional trip to Korea, fully sponsored by MOE, to visit the schools there. It was a very enjoyable trip -- good exposure to the educational and social culture, great scenery, fantastic weather (we even experienced snow at Mt Sorak) fabulous shopping (oops!) and above all, the great friendship that we have built. I did miss my family, but it wasn't as bad as I had thought, coz I was enjoying myself so much.

The above picture shows me at Nami Island -- the place made famous by the popular Korean drama "Winter Sonata". The place was so beautiful, with all the tall trees and long branches. I was so mesmerised that I have rented the entire drama home!

Cannot blog for too long as my tutor is getting suspicious -- will continue next time. See ya later.

Quick Update

2008-02-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

The quickest way to update is to post photos!

Have to post photos of my children - they are growing more and more adorable by the day! I am one proud mummy!

Teng Teng and Xin Xin relaxing on bed watching what-else-but-Barney....

Teng Teng simply looks handsome from any angle.

Look Ma! I've got teeth!

The great architect at work.

这把泥土，这把泥土

B L U R

一家人，整整齐齐。

我开始上课了！

2008-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

很久没有用华文。今天心血来潮，想动动华文笔，看看是否生锈。

最近，我又重返校园，到学府上课。我修读的课程是Management and Leadership Studies。基本上是一个主任的课程，主要内容是教导我们如何在教育界当领袖，引导教员，朝学校的使命与远景前进，带动整体上的进步。我的资历并不深，因此，在这方面，我的确有很多要进修，要学习。

虽然每天到南大（国立教育学院就在南大的范围内）的路途遥远，但是我还是非常享受上课的感觉。做学生太享受了。你的责任只是用心听课。当老师就不同了。这么简单的道理，我怎么到现在才领会到？

我会好好利用这四个月的时间，认真地学习，思考，反省，看书，聊天，交谈，研究，观察。我更会珍惜这么难得的机会，好好地充实自己，顺便休息，让自己在回到岗位上的时候，更有信心，更有魄力。

谢谢你花时间“听“我把我的感受写出来。

好了。不写了。好困！

晚安。再见！

Xin Xin Turns 2!

2008-01-25T06:36:00.000-08:00

Xin Xin turns 2 years old today!

I cannot believe that my baby girl has grown into a beautiful young lady.

She is 2!

We went to the Zoo in the late afternoon, just in time to catch the Sea Lion Show at the Splash Amphitheatre.

Here are a few snapshots.

She was so afraid of being kissed by the sea lion that I had to "sacrifice"!

EEE PC

2008-01-19T01:56:00.000-08:00

I think it is absolutely necessary to do a formal introduction of my new toy.

Please meet my friend, the EEE PC, also known as ASUS.

EASY to learn, work and play
EXCELLENT mobile computing experience
EXCELLENT internet experience

Let me give you a glimpse of its size.

I had some difficulty getting it configured for the wireless network on NIE campus, as the encryption code was not compatible. So, my hubby got me the mobile modem from Starhub. Now, we can hook onto the net anywhere, anytime!

From Monday onwards, I can go to school using my normal handbag. No need big haversack anymore!

COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL STUFF!

I am doing pedicure...NOW AS I BLOG

2008-01-17T23:55:00.000-08:00

My hubby had just bought me an eeepc. You know, the super small and light weight one.

And because it is so small and portable, I am able to type this blog while doing my pedicure, right at basement 1 of AMK Hub, Nail Palace.

Thanks to wireless@sg. Technology is such cool stuff.

Life is great.

I am a student again

2008-01-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

I am currently on a full-time 4-month course at NTU/NIE. The name of the course is "Management and Leadership Studies" (formerly known as the DDM - Diploma in Departmental Management) This is my first week and so far, it has been good.

Basically, my timetable runs in 2 blocks; 9am-12pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm. On some days, I only have lecture or tutorial in the morning block. On some days, I am "free" the whole day. Most of these free days are meant for school visits and discussion.

For today(Friday), we are supposed to log into the discussion forum to discuss topics or do our online journal - blogging (an official one--not this one :p )

My daughter is pleasantly surprised that mummy is at home with her. I cannot forget the surprised look on her face when I assured her that "Mummy does not have to go to work today"

There are quite a number of deliverables from this course, some of which are pretty exciting. In a nutshell:

1. Personal journal
2. Designing a 10-week curriculum for a particular school (in my case, Unity Primary School)
3. Regional Visit - I am going to KOREA
4. Report on regional visit
5. Any other assignment from our electives

Quite a lot of work to do huh?

But, who is complaining? Not me!

My New Home

2008-01-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

These are 2 pictures of my soon-to-be home - The Calrose.
I only have these 2 pictures showing the poolside.
News is that the project has attained TOP (temporary occupation permit).
The keys are being despatched in phases. Seems like it's by block.
We might be one of the last to get our keys as our block is at the "outskirt".
We'll just have to wait. So exciting!

Some updates on my kids

2008-01-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

My new cheongsam!

I'm papa's girl.... (It was Mummy's birthday on 30 Dec!)

Don't I look like a cool dude?

POM POM time!

I've Finally Got A Helper

2008-01-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

After struggling with taking care of my boy and the other etc etc for 7 and a half months, I have surrendered.

I've got a domestic helper wef 30 Dec 07. Which happens to be my birthday!

With her around, the housework has been entirely taken off my shoulders. Which is really good. Besides the housework, I'm also slowly training her to wash the car. The biggest relief is the night feeding. I finally get to sleep properly!

Got to rush off now for a meeting!

A Christmas Note for Hubby

2007-12-24T15:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Hubby,

I've not written a card for you in a long time, perhaps for as long as we have been married. Got you a Christmas-Wedding Anniversary gift to start off the new year with -- nothing spectacular, just something smart to wear for the new year.

Christmas is a time when people count their blessings. For me, my greatest blessing is to have married you, and now we have 2 more little blessings in our lives -- Xin Xin and Teng Teng. Having the 3 of you makes my life complete. I don't ask for anything else.

Merry Christmas, and a merry lifetime ahead.

Love,
Mummy

Having an Extra Pair of Hands

2007-12-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have got a helper a home.

This helper is commonly known as a "maid" locally, but I personally find this name a little degrading and less respectful, so I prefer to call her a helper.

Anyway, she is housed at my place for a period of 10 days 9 nights because my friends, who are her employers, have gone overseas for a holiday and hence needed to "tompang" her somewhere.

Her name is Eh Ka Paw Mu from Myanmmar, 24 years old. A young and sweet lady. Quite pretty in fact. She cooks well and is quite efficient in doing the housework. Since I have help, I have asked her to do all the things that I have been wanting to do but did not have time or energy to do. I made her clean the windows (gosh, those dreaded windows which are so dirty and difficult to clean and I had long given up cleaning them since god-knows-when), take down all the curtains and wash them and hang them back (I have a washing machine and dryer ok, so please don't think that I torture her), wash the toys (I used to wash them BEFORE Eston was born) and pack and clean the storeroom. I did this with her, coz I needed to decide which things to throw and keep. Eventually I threw half the stuff in the storeroom, afterwhich I was very, very pleased.

She did all these on top of the daily mopping, cooking, washing of dishes, and occasional laundry and toilet washing. She also re-packed my kitchen (the cupboards and drawers were in a mess eversince my mum came - she's good at stuffing things everywhere but not in a systematic way) and cleaned up whatever she could clean.

I realised that I feel happier during this period, because my house is CLEAN.

This is my NORMAL standard. In the PAST.

And I have just realised how much I have lowered my cleanliness standard eversince I have had kids.

Snapshots of myself on all fours scrubbing the toilet floor with a 8-month pregnated belly at 11pm suddenly whizz through my mind. That was before Estelle was born.

After she was born, I still try my best to upkeep the cleanliness (I wash her toys periodically, okay!) but have let go of some things like windows.

After Eston was born, I struggled very badly. It came to a point when I was going mad. I couldn't cope.

We got a part-timer who comes on Saturdays for 4 hours to do big items like washing the 2 toilets, vacuuming, mopping and ironing. We pay her $10 per hour. She is not very thorough but I just keep her because she desperately needs the money. I just close one eye and live with it.

I like the idea that all the housework can be taken off my shoulders, but will not contemplate getting a full-time helper at the moment. Prefer to have our own privacy and save on this cost. I will make do with a part-timer, but I do hope that the part-timer can be as good as Mu. Perhaps I might ask my friends if we could arrange for Mu to be our part-timer. Let her earn the extra cash. Why not, right?

Tomorrow I will be sending her back to my friends. It had been a good arrangement.

:-)

Terminal 3

2007-12-07T09:45:00.001-08:00

Nothing much to see yet, but definitely will be a nice place to hang out in future.

Genting Nightmare

2007-12-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

We courageously took both our kiddos up to Genting for a holiday. We took my parents along, thinking that with their help (they are the daytime caregivers anyway, so kids are ok with them) we would be able to manage pretty comfortably and have some fun. Moreover, wanted to give my parents a "year end bonus" as they really come over faithfully, rain or shine, sick or not sick, to take care of my kids. They deserve a little treat.

We had overestimated our abilities, underestimated the kids' capabilities, and misestimated the possibilities.

Let's not count the packing part. Packing for this trip was already a logistics nightmare. Packing for ourselves was easy. Some clothes and toiletries. Finish. Packing for them? Day clothes, pyjamas, socks, bips, toiletries, diapers (how many... got to count), milk feed (how many feed, also must count), containers, hot water flask, shoes, food, toys, etc, etc. The list is endless.

Let's talk about the trip. The first thing that went wrong was that Estelle had developed fever on our journey there. She probably could not take the long journey. We gave her paracetemol (we had brought it) and a monitored her temperature (nrought a thermometer). Things didn't improve. In fact, her fever shot up to 39 degrees celcius and we had no choice but to send her to the doctor (there was a clinic there) Cost us RM140 (which thankfully can be claimed), but the experience there was the one that traumatised her. Doc had to insert the medicine in her backside which sent her wailing and screaming loud enough to rock the whole Genting. One of the medication tasted awful, so she took one dose and then refused to take subsequent doses. We had to force the fever medicine down (she usually takes her medicine willingly through the use of a spoon) which made it very unpleasant for everyone. So she went on throwing tantrums and giving everyone hell.

Her fever subsided and we could take her on the indoor rides. But we decided to skip the outdoor rides. Which was really a shame.

Eston had some running nose but he was generally ok. The NOT OK part was, he simply stuck to me like superglue! He refused to sleep with my parents, and I have to be within his sight! Within sight nevermind, must carry all the time! I super cannot take it. All the time he wants to be latched. Like I'm some kind of cow!

So, the 2 monsters took turns to cry and cling on to the both if us until we became super exhausted.

The good part ---- prob the small win of RM68 at the casino. We won RM168 at the jackpot but lost RM100 at one of the table games. Was an experience la.

And, I managed to buy a pair of pretty heels.

That's about it. The rest was simply a NIGHTMARE.

Will never do this ever again.

Check out the naughty kids!

Dip in the Pool

2007-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

I threw Estelle into the pool when she was 4 months old.

Eston experienced his first dip on 4 Nov 2007. A quick calculation -- Almost 6 months old.

Sigh. Mummy is so unfair.

Sorry, boy. Mummy did not forget. In fact, Mummy had your swimming gear prepared long ago when you were only 3 months old. But, Mummy got busy and did not manage to arrange a swimming outing. The logistics arrangement to take the 2 of you out on a swimming trip --- GOSH --- *roll eyes*

Anyway, we did it. Eston had his first dip at the swimming pool at Raffles Town Club. I had to ask my parents along so that I have extra hands to help out, esp in the bathing part. Haiyo. Super cham.

Anyway here's Eston in his handsome gear:

And of course Estelle who was already having fun in the water:

Blink Blink ;)

2007-11-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

I have finally done it. The lasik surgery.

Went for the evaluation test on Sat morning (24/11/07) and there and then decided to just do it. I got my vision corrected on that very afternoon at 5pm.

The process is a little "scary". I lie on this surgical bed. The doc tapes my eyelids to keep them "up". Then a big metal ring thingy is "sucked" onto my eyeball so that I cannot blink. Then my cornea flap is flipped and the laser did its thing. There was a burning smell. I had to stare at a blinking light. Many a times, I sort of shifted my eyeball a little and the laser would stop. I had to focus on the blinking light in order for the laser to work. When it is done, doc flipped my cornea flap back and pressed out the bubbles. Then the procedure is repeated for the other eye. Ironically, I wasn't scared at all. I was just so determined to get over this "handicap".

The after-effect was very uncomfortable though. I could not open my eyes and they felt very strained. Hubby and Estelle came to give me moral support and to take me home. I slept immediately.

When I woke up, wow, I could see the world with a whole new pair of lens. Literally.

I'm glad I did it. Good riddance to spectacles and contact lens.

Blink Blink ;)

The Calrose

2007-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

For those who do not know, I have bought a new place to live in and it is called The Calrose.

Everything is done and we are just waiting for the TOP!

As it is a private condo, it will come move-in condition, but I do have some plans to do it up a little.

We have a pretty big PES (personal enclosed space) which I prefer to call a patio. I plan to lay over with some nice wooden outdoor flooring, put up a water feature by the side, put a little swing there with a coffee table and probably another small settee, comfy enough for my hubby and I to sit there for some quiet moments, or for me to curl up and read a book, or a nice coffee with a couple of close friends on one of those afternoons.

For the master room, we'd most likely construct a platform and dump our current king-size mattress on it.

For the kids' room, I'll keep the furniture mobile. Will get those cute cute beds and table for Estelle and Eston. It must be comfy and cozy, and yet conducive for study.

We'll hang our plasma on the wall in the living room. If we have spare cash, might do up a simple feature wall.

So lovely. I can't wait.

The adventure pool.

What is WRONG?

2007-11-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

For those who have been coming to my blog and seeing Eston at 4months+ for the past few months, I am so sorry.

I really wonder what is wrong with my life. Why is it that I just do not have time to do my own personal things. Like blogging.

By the way, Eston is already 6 months+ going on 7.

I guess it is the whole system that is so very wrong. I joined teaching to teach, but I am doing tons of other things that is NOT teaching. And I wonder what work I am doing.

I do not know where to start, so I'm not going to talk about it. Lest my boss reads this and fires me.

Not going to go on complaining. I'll talk about nicer things.

Eston is 4 months ++ turning 5m soon

2007-09-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

My cute boy!!!

Snapshots of Eston

2007-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! This is how I look now....

I don't like you sticking out your tongue!

I love pom pom time!

Papa says I have to start young...

;)

Bintan Agro Resort

2007-09-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

I've been up to my neck (it might have gone to the brain alr) eversince I went back to work. It's been a real challenge (the more accurate word would be "struggle") straddling between family and work. I have learnt not to take things too hard, so I'm still generally coping fine. I have got very strong home support from parents and a wonderful hubby.

We decided to squeeze in a 2D1N trip to the above resort over the National Day long weekend. Only took Estelle along. Eston, Mummy will take you when you are older ok?

Here are some photos to share.

Estelle with Mummy in the ferry

The restaurant on an island

People kite-surfing

Estelle running around on the beach

Just woken up ...

Getting ready for the day

Bonding with Papa

Estelle Playing At Giordano, Takashimaya

2007-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I was at ORCHARD ROAD

2007-07-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I attended the briefing for Middle Managers on the 360 Degrees Feedback Exercise at Teachers' Network. The briefing was indeed brief - Started at close to 4pm and ended at 4.40pm! Wow.

Tompang Greg's car and went to the Bistro at Borders for a quick bite with Simon. I had to shut that lion in my stomach - it was roaring non-stop. I had mushroom soup and garlic bread, plus my all-time favourite beverage - strawberry milkshake. Aww. Makes me hungry just reminiscing about it.

Anyway, after a nice makan and chat, I walked straight to Wisma to my favourite boutique - Southhaven. After all, I only had 30 min to shop and I didn't want to waste time. Southhaven is a shop that I never leave empty-handed. Their designs are nice and classy. Clutching my new purchase, I headed for the MRT to go home.

I told Simon I had to blog about this. I was in Orchard Road on a Thursday afternoon. Cannot remember when my last visit to Orchard Rd was...

It's 3.30am now. I better finish up my banking stuff and go to sleep before that little one cries for feed. :)

Eston is 2 months old!

2007-07-11T10:09:00.001-07:00

Eston turned 2 months old today - 11 July 2007. He weighs 5.6kg and that is a pretty healthy weight for a 2-month old. Estelle was a bit smaller at 2 months.

We went to this little cozy restaurant called Madam Q Steakhouse off Thomson Road. Ironically, we didn't bring Eston along because he has not recovered from his Ezecma and we do not want to expose him to the harsh conditions of Singapore weather. Estelle was pretty well-behaved, the restaurant owner was really friendly and hospitable, the restaurant was nice and comfy with a good ambience, and I had enjoyed the food. It was a lovely dinner.

We felt bad for leaving Eston behind at AMK with my MIL (mother-in-law), so we bought a little chocolate cake and sang a birthday song for him. I planted a kiss on his cheek while Pei Shi played the birthday tune on her violin. I could watch my Channel 8 drama (the 9pm one) in peace while Estelle ran around and played with Pei Shi. Pei Shi really dotes on my girl girl.

Eston's face is much better today. The redness has gone down and he smiled more today.

Husband volunteered to sleep with boy boy tonight. Today I feel much better.

I'm going to join Estelle in bed now. I look forward to a good sleep tonight.

Nite Nite.

Heart Pain, Body Tired, Soul Frustrated

2007-07-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Heart Pain...
Eston has been having some rashes on his face, but this week it became more serious. His face is all red and his skin is extremely dry. I've been putting olive oil on his cradle cap, but improvement has been rather slow. I started applying this QV cream on his face. No doubt the dryness improved slightly, but his whole face became so red that I became worried. Finally took him to the PD and he concluded that this is a case of Ezecma. Gave us steroid (in cream form) which is also an antibiotic, and some moisturizer to apply on his skin. I applied it on him earlier and he is now sleeping. I hope he improves tomorrow.

Body Tired...
I do tons of housework every day. I have a backlog of (school) work to clear but I cannot even cope with clearing emails, let alone do work. It is 1.45am right now and I can only blog at such unearthly hours. On days that I don't blog, this is the time when I do mopping, washing toilet and everything else that needs to be washed. I am too tired to even start a list of the things that I do at home. At night, Eston wakes up for feeds. As I breastfeed, I'm usually the one sleeping with him. Husband and daughter sleep in the master room and they both only open their eyes at daybreak. I try to catch up on my sleep in the day, but it means I have lesser time to do housework (meaning I have to do it at night). And, no matter how ypu nap in the day, it's different from having a good night's sleep.

Soul Frustrated...
Because of a lack of proper rest, my milk supply has gone down a fair bit.

The other day in the car, husband asked me, "My brother asked us why we don't want to get a maid." I said, "Having a maid will give us other problems. Besides, we don't want to fork out the extra cost." Inside my heart, a little voice was screaming, "We can cope IF YOU HELP OUT."

And I'll be less frustrated if YOU can take care of yourself.

The Oasis

2007-07-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Oasis will be stepping into history soon.

Since today is a school holiday (Youth Day), we went to the 海京楼台湾粥 Restaurant for lunch.

The food was quite yummy, but we went there more so for the scenery and experience.

My dad and mum with Estelle.

Me with Estelle.

The restaurant against the gorgeous backdrop.

Bigger picture of the backdrop.

Eston sleeping soundly in his pram, totally oblivious to the place.