Wednesday, May 30, 2007
My Beaded Jewellery
I've recently picked up this hobby of making beaded jewellery.
So far I've been inventing simple designs on my own. Didn't go through much training, didn't really take up any course, it was just introduced to me and I fell in love with it. I guess the "artistic genes" still flow in my blood. Can't help loving it, especially a fashion lover like me.
I've just bought 2 books on beaded jewellery. Hopefully, I can improve my skills and create more complicated designs.
I'll post some of my works here. Give me your comments!
So far I've been inventing simple designs on my own. Didn't go through much training, didn't really take up any course, it was just introduced to me and I fell in love with it. I guess the "artistic genes" still flow in my blood. Can't help loving it, especially a fashion lover like me.
I've just bought 2 books on beaded jewellery. Hopefully, I can improve my skills and create more complicated designs.
I'll post some of my works here. Give me your comments!
Another pride and joy - Eston
I am now a proud mother of 2!
Estelle now has a little brother, Eston. He arrived on 11 May 2007, weighing 3.26Kg and is 49cm tall. He looks exactly like Estelle when she was born (Estelle looked very much like a boy when she was young) but the minute he opens his eyes, he looks different....
That completes our family - 2 lovely children - a girl and a boy. I may or may not have a 3rd child, but for the time being, our hands are really full with these 2. :)
In my eyes, Eston is the most beautiful baby boy in the whole world.
Mummy and Papa love you!
Estelle is 16 months old!
GOSH! You mean I've been away for ... 8 months plus?
That tells you how busy I am. Just look at the multi roles I'm playing - Mother, Daughter, Wife, Maid, and not forgetting a SUPER CAREER WOMAN! Haha, at least, that's how I see myself...
The photo in my lasy post is so outdated already! Estelle has grown into a beautiful toddler, no more a baby! Although frankly, my hubby and I still call her BABY...
My pride and joy!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Estelle with her wide grin
This was taken on the ferry back to Singapore from Batam. We had gone there to visit baby Zheng Yong. She gave me a spontaneous wide grin and I snapped the photo in time! (For those who don't know, Estelle grins like that all the time!) Check out her two little teeth.......
Shuyuan with Estelle
Had gone out for my annual meal gathering with my 5A5/2001 pupils (supposedly for Teachers' Day) last Thursday, 12 Sep 06. After that they came to my place to see my girl. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a group photo with them. Only Shuyuan had her photo taken with Estelle coz she was the only one who was confident enough to carry her. Both of them look great!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
My Class 2006
This is my current class of Pr 2.4 taken during Racial Harmony Day this year. They may be young, but they are far from being innocent...... A mischievous lot. Clever too. Most of the time they irritate me but they also make me laugh.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Teachers' Day
[Taken at BK Compasspoint with my class of 6A1/6MA1 2004]
Time flies. A quick count startled me. This is my 8th Teachers' Day! 1999 - 2004 were spent in Xinghua, and 2005 - 2006 were spent in Fernvale. I do miss my ex students (although when I was teaching them they drove me up the wall) but it gives me great satisfaction and joy when I see them growing up to be good and happy, and some of them are also doing well if not better than when they were in primary school.
This may sound cheesy, but I guess teaching is really a sacred job, because teachers get to participate in a child's growth, and leave an impact on his/her life, great or small.
Happy Teachers' Day.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Trip To Bintan - Estelle in her Swimsuit
This is taken at the pool of Nirwana Resort. We went there last weekend. Estelle experienced her first dip at the pool, in her very own swimsuit. Isn't she just adorable!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Mother's Wish......on Mother's Day
This is the first time I get to celebrate Mother's Day for myself. So, I must blog one entry to mark the significance of this day, or rather, Motherhood.
Being a mother is indeed not easy, but somehow, when you become one, you just rise to the occasion without realising it. It's amazing, but I guess women are created with the capacity to deal with the challenges.
Gone are the days when I can just laze in bed all day, with a mag in hand, a TV remote in the other, totally indulging in laziness and justifying it as my well-deserved rest from a hectic week at work. Gone are also the days when a phone call could send me jolting out of my bed, and after a frenzy of putting on make-up and hopping into my jeans, I would zoom out to meet my friends for coffee. Gone are also the days when I just drop everything and pamper myself with a spa treat topped with a rejuvenating facial.
Actually, being a mother doesn't mean you stop doing all these. It just means you put yout child as the centre of your activities, and all the other things you used to do, you plan them around your child's schedule. The difference is that the child has become the big rock, all others being the sand.
However, the "sand" has increased in big quantities, as in the following:
1. Washing of baby's clothes, towels, blankets, bedsheet, etc twice a week
2. Expressing milk every 6 hourly (procedure takes 45min)
3. Washing and sterilizing milk bottles
4. Preparing the bath water, bathing baby, clearing of bath equipment, dressing and massaging baby
5. Clearing and disposal of dirty diapers
6. Feeding, burping
7. Changing diaper
8. Coaxing baby to sleep
9. Cleaning baby at night
10. Ensuring availability of hot water
11. Monitoring usage and supply of baby's necessities
12. Packing stuff during outing
on top of:
1. Washing laundry
2. Folding clothes and putting them in place
3. Cleaning and mopping the floor
4. Washing toilets
5. Tidying up the place
6. Tidying up kitchen (sink, drainer, cabinets, fridge)
7. Washing sofa covers, bedsheets
8. Vacuuming the carpet
9. Tidying up study table
10. Shutting windows at night
11. Tidying up walk-in-wardrobe
12. Throwing the rubbish (Must walk out to corridor)
13. Clearing mails, sorting and filing
14. Boil water for drinking
15. Paying bills
16. Clearing up mess made by husband (put away his shoes, his clothes, skin of oranges he ate, tissue paper he used, his watch, his ring, his wallet, his socks, remote control, his bag, his EVERYTHING)
17. Taking care of husband (serve him drink, switch off tv for him, blah blah blah)
on somemore top of:
The one million, six hundred and fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and severty-five things at work
and on even-somemore top of:
Taking care of myself in the following ways:
1. Eat nourishing food
2. Watch my carbo, fat and sugar intake
3. Lose weight
4. Face (no time for facial)
5. Nails, ingrown (Did 2 pedicure so far)
6. Hair
7. Eyes (plus contact lens)
8. Drink water
9. A lot more
Thank goodness I don't have to cook. I have a great Mum!
All I wish for this Mothers' Day, is a husband who can help me out at home on his own, without me having to nag, so that I can breathe.
Oh yes, and world peace.
Thank you.
Being a mother is indeed not easy, but somehow, when you become one, you just rise to the occasion without realising it. It's amazing, but I guess women are created with the capacity to deal with the challenges.
Gone are the days when I can just laze in bed all day, with a mag in hand, a TV remote in the other, totally indulging in laziness and justifying it as my well-deserved rest from a hectic week at work. Gone are also the days when a phone call could send me jolting out of my bed, and after a frenzy of putting on make-up and hopping into my jeans, I would zoom out to meet my friends for coffee. Gone are also the days when I just drop everything and pamper myself with a spa treat topped with a rejuvenating facial.
Actually, being a mother doesn't mean you stop doing all these. It just means you put yout child as the centre of your activities, and all the other things you used to do, you plan them around your child's schedule. The difference is that the child has become the big rock, all others being the sand.
However, the "sand" has increased in big quantities, as in the following:
1. Washing of baby's clothes, towels, blankets, bedsheet, etc twice a week
2. Expressing milk every 6 hourly (procedure takes 45min)
3. Washing and sterilizing milk bottles
4. Preparing the bath water, bathing baby, clearing of bath equipment, dressing and massaging baby
5. Clearing and disposal of dirty diapers
6. Feeding, burping
7. Changing diaper
8. Coaxing baby to sleep
9. Cleaning baby at night
10. Ensuring availability of hot water
11. Monitoring usage and supply of baby's necessities
12. Packing stuff during outing
on top of:
1. Washing laundry
2. Folding clothes and putting them in place
3. Cleaning and mopping the floor
4. Washing toilets
5. Tidying up the place
6. Tidying up kitchen (sink, drainer, cabinets, fridge)
7. Washing sofa covers, bedsheets
8. Vacuuming the carpet
9. Tidying up study table
10. Shutting windows at night
11. Tidying up walk-in-wardrobe
12. Throwing the rubbish (Must walk out to corridor)
13. Clearing mails, sorting and filing
14. Boil water for drinking
15. Paying bills
16. Clearing up mess made by husband (put away his shoes, his clothes, skin of oranges he ate, tissue paper he used, his watch, his ring, his wallet, his socks, remote control, his bag, his EVERYTHING)
17. Taking care of husband (serve him drink, switch off tv for him, blah blah blah)
on somemore top of:
The one million, six hundred and fifty-seven thousand, nine hundred and severty-five things at work
and on even-somemore top of:
Taking care of myself in the following ways:
1. Eat nourishing food
2. Watch my carbo, fat and sugar intake
3. Lose weight
4. Face (no time for facial)
5. Nails, ingrown (Did 2 pedicure so far)
6. Hair
7. Eyes (plus contact lens)
8. Drink water
9. A lot more
Thank goodness I don't have to cook. I have a great Mum!
All I wish for this Mothers' Day, is a husband who can help me out at home on his own, without me having to nag, so that I can breathe.
Oh yes, and world peace.
Thank you.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Great-Grandma with the Kiddos
Today we went to have dim sum to celebrate my mum's birthday. After the great lunch, we dropped by Grandma's place to see her. She was very happy to see us and the little ones. This photo captured her looking so radiant and healthy (she's 81 years old, mind you!), totally happy with the great grandchildren crowding around her. This is such a blissful sight!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Estelle is 2 and a half months old!
My baby has turned 2 and a half months old. She's now able to hold her head up, and now she favours propping up instead of cradle. She is cooing a lot, making lots of funny sounds. Last night, she surprised me with 2 distinct chuckles! She's been trying to turn over onto her tummy. She's pretty well-behaved, only cries for feed. Sometimes, when she's bored, she will also cry for attention. Other than these, she doesn't make a lot of noise. Nowadays, she's able to sleep through the night. With the last feed at 11pm, she's able to last till 7am. Compared to her first months of 2 feedings in the night, this is really remarkable. I get to sleep!The most lovable thing about her is, she smiles and laughs a lot a lot! When people talk to her, she responds with coos, and then if she likes you, she will smile widely. Of course, her favourite person is me, as she'll always smile at me when she sees me. She's shown signs of recognising people. She recognises her daddy, and the grandparents. Because she smiles so much, it's very hard not to like her. :)
Bathing is Estelle's favourite activity. She loves to be cleaned and pampered. After bathing, I'll usually massage baby lotion into her delicate skin. She super loves that! At night, before I put her to bed, I'll give her a good wipe and change her into fresh pyjamas, and that 15 minutes of work not only makes her feel good, it bonds us as well. Of course, she'll get another round of massage, and then after feeding, she'll knock out till next morning.
I just love my baby soooooooooo much. Muak!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Estelle's Daddy
I'd like to dedicate this space for a very important person. From the very day the second line showed on the pregnancy kit, he was there with me, participating in my pregnancy in every way he could.
In the early part of my pregnancy, I had a very bad headache once, and he took care of me, putting hot and cold towel on my head to make me feel better. The diarrhoea episode was even more trying. I had the runs the entire night till dawn, and the minute the first ray of sunlight hit the earth, he called up Dr Lee and went running to the pharmacy to get me medication. For the one or two times I had extra craving for Tiramisu, he drove out late at night to get it for me.
Every check-up at the clinic was a celebration, because he never failed to be with me to witness the baby's heartbeat, hands, legs, fingers, toes, brain, abdomen, spine, everything. Over the ten months, we watched Estelle grow from a tiny egg to a beautiful child. The togetherness as a family is heart-warming.
Every lesson at the antenatal class was a date I looked forward to. He learnt everything with me, from feeding to changing diaper to bathing and even the birth process. I asked him if he'd bathe the baby himself, he replied without batting an eyelid, "Of course. It's MY BABY too." I was touched, because he really wanted to be a good father.
Shopping is something I have always done alone, because he's never enthusiastic about shopping. However, shopping for baby's stuff became an activity that filled our weekends. He'd flip through the papers to source for warehouse sales or advertisements on baby products, and off we'd go, carting loads of things back home.
During my 12 hours of labour, he was with me sharing my pain. When I could take the pain no more, he was supportive of my decision to take epidural. I knew deep down, he couldn't bear to see me in such agony. When Dr Lee told me we had to do a C-section, I cried and cried. He looked into my eyes and assured me that it's going to be okay. Somehow, it gave me a lot of strength and I just became braver instantly.
After the operation, as I was wheeled out of the operating theatre, I met him and quickly asked, "Did you see her?" Like an excited child, he exclaimed with tears of joy glistening in his eyes, "She's so cute!" He was more moved than what I expected him to be.
The first words that he said to me when I was back in the ward were, "I love you." It came straight from his heart, I could feel it.
I knew there and then, I have found the right man for myself, and the perfect father for Estelle.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Estelle's Birth Story
I know everyone has been anticipating my arrival, and finally, after 12 hours of labour at Raffles Hospital, my brave mama has finally delivered me on 25th Jan 2006. That's my birthday.
My papa admitted my mama at 5am that morning. After confirming that mama was having contractions, and with advice from Dr Vincent Lee, my mama's gynae, mama's left hand was poked and she was put on a drip. The contractions became from bad to worse but brave mama endured the pain. The contractions also made me pretty stressed up and uncomfortable.
After 5 hours of sheer torture, and having tried even the laughing gas, my mama discussed with papa and finally they decided to take the epidural. Mama wanted to conserve the last bit of energy for the final push as she was really exhausted fighting the pain. Furthermore, she had cleared her bowels and not eaten a single crumb of bread. Poor mama was really hungry and she had very little energy left.
After taking epidural, mama became more relaxed and even napped for a while. The contractions didn't end there and I also kindda became groggy after a while.
Finally, the moment that we had been waiting had come. At 4pm, Dr Lee appeared and checked mama's cervix. Bad news. Mama had not dilated more than 3cm after the whole day! He told mama, "Desiree, I'm afraid you have to do a caeser." It dropped like a bomb and mama started to cry. Dr explained that my heartbeat went down a bit and so it didn't look good. Mama became even more scared and worried.
Papa assured Mama that everything's gonna be ok. Wih Papa's encouragement, Mama wiped her tears and decided to brave through it. Within a few minutes, Mama was wheeled out of the delivery suite, into the lift, out of the lift, and through doors and doors before she came to the OPERATING THEATRE.
The doctors did their stuff, and whoala! My cries pierced through the atmosphere. I was born!
I was carried to mama's face and I winked at her. Mama cried and cried and she kissed me on my right cheek. Feeling her warm lips on my face, I know I'll enjoy a lifetime of love from her and Papa.
My name is Soo Yin Xin Estelle. I will grow up and make my parents proud :)
My papa admitted my mama at 5am that morning. After confirming that mama was having contractions, and with advice from Dr Vincent Lee, my mama's gynae, mama's left hand was poked and she was put on a drip. The contractions became from bad to worse but brave mama endured the pain. The contractions also made me pretty stressed up and uncomfortable.
After 5 hours of sheer torture, and having tried even the laughing gas, my mama discussed with papa and finally they decided to take the epidural. Mama wanted to conserve the last bit of energy for the final push as she was really exhausted fighting the pain. Furthermore, she had cleared her bowels and not eaten a single crumb of bread. Poor mama was really hungry and she had very little energy left.
After taking epidural, mama became more relaxed and even napped for a while. The contractions didn't end there and I also kindda became groggy after a while.
Finally, the moment that we had been waiting had come. At 4pm, Dr Lee appeared and checked mama's cervix. Bad news. Mama had not dilated more than 3cm after the whole day! He told mama, "Desiree, I'm afraid you have to do a caeser." It dropped like a bomb and mama started to cry. Dr explained that my heartbeat went down a bit and so it didn't look good. Mama became even more scared and worried.
Papa assured Mama that everything's gonna be ok. Wih Papa's encouragement, Mama wiped her tears and decided to brave through it. Within a few minutes, Mama was wheeled out of the delivery suite, into the lift, out of the lift, and through doors and doors before she came to the OPERATING THEATRE.
The doctors did their stuff, and whoala! My cries pierced through the atmosphere. I was born!
I was carried to mama's face and I winked at her. Mama cried and cried and she kissed me on my right cheek. Feeling her warm lips on my face, I know I'll enjoy a lifetime of love from her and Papa.
My name is Soo Yin Xin Estelle. I will grow up and make my parents proud :)
Monday, January 23, 2006
Am I In Labour?
Baby is supposed to be due this Thursday. Until yesterday, Monday, there wasn't any action.
Last night, gynae checked me and said that I'll either be on time, that means this Thursday, or a bit late. So I'll have another appt with him on Thursday noon, and if nothing happens, I'm supposed to admit myself that very night. He'd probably induce the delivery on Friday.
Sounds like my own birth xx years ago. I was a 10 day late baby and had to be induced. My original birthdate was 20 Dec but I only saw the world on 30 Dec.
Somehow, I started to feel a bit scared.
Then, last night, actually it was this morning, at 1am, I started feeling cramps. For the first time in many months, felt cramps ok! And also for the first time, I was so happy getting cramps. People who have had the experience all tell me the first tell tale sign is cramps. I monitored the regularity and was convinced that it must be early labour signs. The cramps were very mild, and I even managed to sleep through the night. This morning, after waking up, told my hubby about my experience and he became pretty excited. Asked him to go for work as usual as the cramps were still very mild and tolerable. He did.
It is now 1.30pm and the cramps are still mild. I really wish that the real thing would come quickly. I'm all ready!
Last night, gynae checked me and said that I'll either be on time, that means this Thursday, or a bit late. So I'll have another appt with him on Thursday noon, and if nothing happens, I'm supposed to admit myself that very night. He'd probably induce the delivery on Friday.
Sounds like my own birth xx years ago. I was a 10 day late baby and had to be induced. My original birthdate was 20 Dec but I only saw the world on 30 Dec.
Somehow, I started to feel a bit scared.
Then, last night, actually it was this morning, at 1am, I started feeling cramps. For the first time in many months, felt cramps ok! And also for the first time, I was so happy getting cramps. People who have had the experience all tell me the first tell tale sign is cramps. I monitored the regularity and was convinced that it must be early labour signs. The cramps were very mild, and I even managed to sleep through the night. This morning, after waking up, told my hubby about my experience and he became pretty excited. Asked him to go for work as usual as the cramps were still very mild and tolerable. He did.
It is now 1.30pm and the cramps are still mild. I really wish that the real thing would come quickly. I'm all ready!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tai Tai Days
I'm officially on maternity leave as of Monday.
Taking prenatal leave coz I don't want to forfeit my 1 week March holidays.
Anyway, since my due date is next week, I might as well rest at home. If not, I'll still be cheonging around in school doing this and that, and getting myself all stressed up and tired. Once I work, I can't slow down. Major problem I have, I know. Just can't slow down.
Still working from home, on my email a lot, on my computer a lot, but at least I don't have to get up early, don't have to travel to work and home, and don't have to stress over marking and stuff like that.
Starting to enjoy my tai tai days. To me, this is really a luxury. I didn't even get a decent rest during the last December holidays.
Feel a little apologetic towards my colleagues, especially the other HODs who have to cover my duties while I'm away on national service. More so when I've just been formally appointed as HOD wef this year, and then have to be away. Nevermind, I will "pay back" when the other HOD goes on her DDM course in July. :)
Right now, I should just relax and wait for Estelle to come into my life.
Taking prenatal leave coz I don't want to forfeit my 1 week March holidays.
Anyway, since my due date is next week, I might as well rest at home. If not, I'll still be cheonging around in school doing this and that, and getting myself all stressed up and tired. Once I work, I can't slow down. Major problem I have, I know. Just can't slow down.
Still working from home, on my email a lot, on my computer a lot, but at least I don't have to get up early, don't have to travel to work and home, and don't have to stress over marking and stuff like that.
Starting to enjoy my tai tai days. To me, this is really a luxury. I didn't even get a decent rest during the last December holidays.
Feel a little apologetic towards my colleagues, especially the other HODs who have to cover my duties while I'm away on national service. More so when I've just been formally appointed as HOD wef this year, and then have to be away. Nevermind, I will "pay back" when the other HOD goes on her DDM course in July. :)
Right now, I should just relax and wait for Estelle to come into my life.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Estelle Soo Yin Xin
I've not blogged in a million years. I know, I know.
Please allow me to introduce my girl, Estelle. No, no, I've not met her yet, but it's really a matter of 2 more weeks, max, before she comes to our beautiful home. I'm so excited.
I can't wait for Estelle to come, because I really long to hold her in my arms, plant the first kiss on her small cheeks, nose, hands, feet, tummy.... Her daddy is just as excited. I think he also can't wait to talk to her face to face, instead of talking to my tummy every night. :)
Estelle has been kicking me lots. She kicks especially hard when I'm hungry. The other day, I was waiting in the car while her daddy went to get dinner. She was literally rolling inside me. I started singing her songs, and strangely enough, she stopped kicking, as if to listen to me! In between, I stopped singing for a couple of minutes to reply to sms, and she started kicking again. When I resumed singing, she quietened down again. How interesting!
"Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.
Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me.
Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
bless my Estelle forever"
Daddy and Mummy love you, Estelle.
Please allow me to introduce my girl, Estelle. No, no, I've not met her yet, but it's really a matter of 2 more weeks, max, before she comes to our beautiful home. I'm so excited.
I can't wait for Estelle to come, because I really long to hold her in my arms, plant the first kiss on her small cheeks, nose, hands, feet, tummy.... Her daddy is just as excited. I think he also can't wait to talk to her face to face, instead of talking to my tummy every night. :)
Estelle has been kicking me lots. She kicks especially hard when I'm hungry. The other day, I was waiting in the car while her daddy went to get dinner. She was literally rolling inside me. I started singing her songs, and strangely enough, she stopped kicking, as if to listen to me! In between, I stopped singing for a couple of minutes to reply to sms, and she started kicking again. When I resumed singing, she quietened down again. How interesting!
"Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me.
Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me.
Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
bless my Estelle forever"
Daddy and Mummy love you, Estelle.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Searching for My Melody
MacDonald's has this series of Kitty and Friends bookmarks. I have Kitty, Cinnamonroll and Bad Badtz Maru, but just can't get My Melody. It seems like it's been out of stock for some time.
Does anyone have Melody? Anyone?
Want to collect all four to hang at my baby's cot. :)
Does anyone have Melody? Anyone?
Want to collect all four to hang at my baby's cot. :)
Monday, October 17, 2005
A Farewell Note to Mousey
Dear Nao Shu,
You left us on 17 Oct 2005. Yesterday on 16 Oct, you had scratched yourself till you bled. We tried to stop the bleeding but you stubbornly scratched the wound again and again.
This morning, Mama was so relieved to see that you were still alive. In the afternoon, Papa told Mama that you were groggy. When Mama came back in the evening, you had already passed on.
We are sorry that we couldn't stop the bleeding for you. We just want you to know that we love you and we'll always remember you in our hearts.
Love, Papa and Mama
This was the note that I wrote on the card for Nao shu. It was buried together with her at the foot of our block, just beside her buddy who had died on March 27. They are finally together now.
Actually, she started getting better last week after we took her to the vet. The skin on her right side (neck) was broken as she had scratched it. We treated her with antiseptic, then applied powder to dry the area. She also had to take 2 types of liquid medicine, one of which smelled awful. We also added a powder-like medication in her water. She was obviously recovering. In fact, her right side was healing very well. We put her cage into a big tray of shallow water to prevent ants from getting into her cage. She had been active and happy for the past week.
Suddenly last night, she scratched her left side so badly that it started bleeding. And I mean profuse bleeding. She must have torn an artery or vein and the blood just oozed out non-stop. She, being uncomfortable, scratched even more. We forced tissue paper on her wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't help. The minute we put her back inside the cage, she started scratching again. I tried to "bandage" her wound, but she refused to let me.
She died in her favourite blue container where she loved to sleep in. Her eyes were not closed and they looked watery. She must have been in pain but was too weak to do anything. The last few minutes must have been bad. She was a brave girl.
Although we had anticipated her departure, when we really faced her death, we were still overcome by grief. Now I feel an emptines, a void which I cannot explain.
I'm glad that she doesn't have to suffer anymore. I hope that she's happy at where she is now.
Hubby and I are not planning to buy any more hamsters. These 2 are special to us. Hubby had bought them for me as my Valentine's Day present last year. They had brought so much joy into our lives, and we had also given them a lot of our love. To us, they are irreplaceable.
Bye bye, Nao Shu. May you rest in peace.
You left us on 17 Oct 2005. Yesterday on 16 Oct, you had scratched yourself till you bled. We tried to stop the bleeding but you stubbornly scratched the wound again and again.
This morning, Mama was so relieved to see that you were still alive. In the afternoon, Papa told Mama that you were groggy. When Mama came back in the evening, you had already passed on.
We are sorry that we couldn't stop the bleeding for you. We just want you to know that we love you and we'll always remember you in our hearts.
Love, Papa and Mama
This was the note that I wrote on the card for Nao shu. It was buried together with her at the foot of our block, just beside her buddy who had died on March 27. They are finally together now.
Actually, she started getting better last week after we took her to the vet. The skin on her right side (neck) was broken as she had scratched it. We treated her with antiseptic, then applied powder to dry the area. She also had to take 2 types of liquid medicine, one of which smelled awful. We also added a powder-like medication in her water. She was obviously recovering. In fact, her right side was healing very well. We put her cage into a big tray of shallow water to prevent ants from getting into her cage. She had been active and happy for the past week.
Suddenly last night, she scratched her left side so badly that it started bleeding. And I mean profuse bleeding. She must have torn an artery or vein and the blood just oozed out non-stop. She, being uncomfortable, scratched even more. We forced tissue paper on her wound to stop the bleeding, but it didn't help. The minute we put her back inside the cage, she started scratching again. I tried to "bandage" her wound, but she refused to let me.
She died in her favourite blue container where she loved to sleep in. Her eyes were not closed and they looked watery. She must have been in pain but was too weak to do anything. The last few minutes must have been bad. She was a brave girl.
Although we had anticipated her departure, when we really faced her death, we were still overcome by grief. Now I feel an emptines, a void which I cannot explain.
I'm glad that she doesn't have to suffer anymore. I hope that she's happy at where she is now.
Hubby and I are not planning to buy any more hamsters. These 2 are special to us. Hubby had bought them for me as my Valentine's Day present last year. They had brought so much joy into our lives, and we had also given them a lot of our love. To us, they are irreplaceable.
Bye bye, Nao Shu. May you rest in peace.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
My Mousey is Dying
One mousey has died in March this year. The one left behind is not doing too good. I think her days are numbered.
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
I have seen her grow from a little baby to a fat hamster. She was so obese that she can nibble on her food and lose her balance at the same time! Took her to the vet once earlier the year (sometime in April) and she was declared healthy. Now, she's really become scrawny and her fur is also getting thinner. Recently, she's been scratching herself to death, to the extent that she bleeds.
I really feel very sad to see her in this state. Can't bear to look at her for too long. My tears will well up in my eyes.
We'll take her to the vet, but I don't think much can be done to save her. Her time is almost up.
IT IS SO SAD!!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Smoke Gets In Your ... Face
Today hubby and I went to the hawker centre at Heartland Mall for lunch. It was very crowded but I manage to find an empty table and sat down.
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
2 ladies came to join us at our table and then 1 more of their friend came shortly after. One of them was apparently very young, probably in her early twenties. She's a Malaysian working in Singapore. The other 2 were "Singaporean Aunties". From their conversataion, I gathered that they are the typical production workers kind who are not highly educated and don't earn a lot.
The young one finished her food rather quickly and lit a cigarette. I was too shocked to say anything. When hubby came back to the table with his food, he was pretty annoyed with her for smoking. One of the friends actually told her softly that nowdays, the smoking-in-public rules are quite strict. She, being Malaysian, was probably ignorant of our laws. Anyway, she held her cigarette under the table when she's not puffing, so we just tolerated it.
Halfway through our lunch, the other friend whipped out her pack of cigarettes and was about to light up. My hubby, the hero, couldn't stand it and told her in Mandarin, "Miss, could you please not smoke here? My wife is pregnant." She glared at my hero, speechless but apparently not happy, while the younger one who was already smoking, apologised. They left soon after.
I thanked hubby. I'm so glad that he told her off! I mean, what are laws for? Moreover, we were sitting right smack in the heart of the hawker centre and there were so many people around us! We were nice enough to let you share our table and there you are puffing into our face and food. Goodness gracious. Hubby said if she had dared to light up after he had told her not to, he would call the police.
I just love this man. :)
Anticipating Baby's Arrival
I have set up a corner in my room for my little darling. Did it some 2 weeks back. Due to space constraints, it's not fabulously fantastic but it is cozy and comfy enough. I think my princess should like it.
Started feeling her kicks a fortnight ago. The first time I felt it was when I was watching Jackie Chan's movie, "The Myth". It was amazing! Since then, her kicks and turns have become an everyday routine. :)
Recently hubby and I bought this gadget that allows us to play music to her. Hubby put a lot of Mozart music into the MP3 player which we connect to the gadget. Then we place the tiny speakers on my tummy for her to listen to. Some research says that Mozart music makes the baby intelligent! Haha, not that we totally believe it, but the music is nice to rock her to sleep. Strangely enough, when we play the music, she reacts! She would start rolling and kicking inside me. I wonder if she's dancing to it or asking us to shut it off. Haha!
This gadget also comes with a little microphone, so we can use it to talk to her. Her daddy talks nonsense but I ask her how she is and sing her songs. Tonight I shall read her nursery rhymes.
Haven't called up Raffles Hospital to sign up for the antenatal classes. I should do it soon. :)
I'm getting bigger and have bought more clothes to add to my maternity wardrobe. Vain mother! I think my princess is going to grow up as vain as I am. Hee!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Teachers' Day Part 2
Like every year, my 6A5/2002 pupils always made it a point to have a meal with me on Teachers' Day.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
This year, as I had more pupils to entertain (as they are now no longer my only graduated class), Cerella and company decided to bring me out for dinner. We arranged to eat at Seoul Garden at Ang Mo Kio Central on Monday 5 Sep, but we ended up at Breeks next door.
5 of them turned up for dinner, namely Shu Yuan, Cerella, Ting Xian, Chee Chean and Dickson. It was Dickson's first time joining us for makan. In previous years, he just popped by Xinghua to say Happy Teachers' Day, or call me on my mobile.
They bought me 2 boxes of Chicken Essence. How thoughtful!
We had a good chat during dinner, and some of the things they said were really news to me. Shu Yuan said that she actually liked angles because of me. Said she would never forget how to pronounce "Parallelogram" because Kelly Tan couldn't pronounce it and I scolded her like mad. Haha. I really can't remember it! They told me how I had misunderstood Pei Sheng in the spoil-toilet switch-incident, and I had not investigated the matter thoroughly.
It really felt like having dinner with old friends. It was a nice feeling.
When we had all finished our food, Cerella insisted that I go to the toilet with her. I knew what was going on but played along anyway. They wanted to get me out of the picture so that I won't be able to pay (I always insisted on paying and they didn't know how to get the bill from me) . This time they used the "Lure the tiger out of the mountain" tactic. Let them la. It's their way of showing their appreciation. :)
After dinner, they all squeezed into my car and came to my place. I entertained them until almost 12 midnight.
I was exhausted by the time I went to bed, but I am really happy and comforted to see all of them, especially Dickson, growing up properly and well.
That is perhaps the best present a Teacher can get.
Miss Wonderful 2005
That's, erhm, me. I don't look 5 month's pregnant, do I? Beside me is Mdm Kok, our Principal.
Teachers' Day 2005
I celebrated my first Teachers' Day outside of Xinghua this year.
There are a few things memorable about this year's Teachers' Day. Let me try to make a little list.
1. It's my first one at Fernvale Primary School.
2. Never celebrated Teachers' Day with a "tummy." :)
3. Conferred "Miss Wonderful" at the Fernvale Pageant.
4. Mr Low, my ex colleague from Xinghua, joined us in the celebration as he is doing long term relief here. He was "Mr Handsome"!
5. Received a surprise flower basket from Mrs Lee Lay Seng. It came with such a cute huggable bear!
6. The highlight - So many of my ex pupils came to visit me at Fernvale!
At around 11.30am, a group of ex pupils, 5A5/2001 + 6A5/2002, came. They were Cerella, Jaslyn, Pei Sheng and Dickson and 1 more girl from 6A4 (I couldn't recall her name). They represented the whole gang as some of them couldn't make it. I was glad to see them, not only because they never fail to visit me after all these years (they are now in Sec 3), but more of the fact that they have managed to remain decent kids. I was so afraid that they will stray to the wrong side but they didn't. Of course I shall not sentence Pei Sheng to the title of "bad" because of his pierced lips (Although the safety pin he was wearing on his lip made me quite uncomfortable). The fact that he bothered to come and visit me all the way at Fernvale was enough to touch me. Anyway I had to cut the chit chat short as I had class at 12pm.
I'll talk more about this 5A5/6A5 lot in my next entry.
I shall put on record my experience with my 6A1/2004.
I had expected to see some of them as they had smsed me the day before. However, I was really pleasantly surprised to see a whopping 20 of them turning up at my school! It was really .... aww! We gathered at the canteen and I think for some of them, it was a good opportunity to catch up with one another, since everyone is in different schools now. Some have changed quite a fair bit, like Ting Hao, who's become "tall, dark and handsome"and some are still the same, like Yi Jing! Anthony still lived up to his name of "Old Man" due to his genetic white hair. He still has his charming smile! The girls are more or less quite the same, as I reckon they have already started changing when they were in P6. Grown taller, though. Woei Jiun looks prettier with her fringe. She used to have long fringe which she combs to the back.
In the end, the whole jing bang of us went to tear down Pizza Hut at Compasspoint. Met Shuangyu and Yu Jie who passed me gifts before saying goodbye. We had a very good time.
Check out the lovely big kids in this photo. :)
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