sAme BuT diFferEnT -- EVANGELIA & RAE-ANN

Evangelia@nearing 4 years old & Rae-Ann@15 months soon

2010-10-27T11:52:00.005+08:00

Again, it has been a long time since my mama can blog. Papa will once in awhile "nag" her to start it again. He misses reading the posts and enjoys the pics (even though he has them in the PC). So here goes!

An update on my muimui--Rae-Ann. She's still not sleeping through the nights. Only on good nights, she will wake up at 4am or 5am for 1 milk feed. Other than that, she cries for milk or attention at 2am, 4am, 6am and then 7am. Parents have the toughest job on earth.

But on the whole, she's a toughier. Unlike me, I fall sick easily, even when I was her age. But Rae would not be under the weather for more than 3 days, except for the last she had--fake measles.

She is learning to walk now. She can actually walk without assistance but I think she's afraid of falling. She will request to hold hands. She loves books, can sit in the car throughout the journey just flipping and staring at books when she's not fussing. She learns very fast and you can see her immediate application. For instance, she points to her head, mouth, tummy etc when asked. She can imitate the sound of a cat, lion and crying baby if she sees the pictures/objects, or when you ask her. Depends on her mood to respond though. If you see the picture above, she was trying to imitate me fixing the lego. She tried and tried at it for awhile.

She can also sit by herself and play without needing someone to be close by, not like me at all! But she is generally bad tempered when things don't get in her way. She will scream, shout or throw tantrums, especially, when she's hungry or tired. By the way, she's not afraid of me, her Ga Jie. If I "disturb" her, she fights bad by shouting irritably, that always draw adults' attention to her rescue. But my parents are teaching her to love me. To love being with me and not always "complain" about me when I play gently.

As for me, I'm happy at Newton Kindergarten since I started in July this year. Learning academic stuffs are not my cup of tea, but I am showing some improvements. I can write my name, though the cases may be all over the place. But at least I can spell it and recognise all the letters.

I still love life! I am energy-charged with people around me. I started my dance classes in September and I am loving it too! One of the platforms mama is preparing me to acquire a proper dance skill. She is still figuring out what is my dance genre; ballet, hip hop (so me) or others. But she think ballet is the basis of all other dances. So it's good to learn ballet.

Started at MindChamps Reading CSM too and love each class. Recently, I showed great interest and talent for drawing. My parents are amazed how creative I am. No one taught me how to draw, but I could draw just by looking at the picture or object. Mama said, maybe if time permits will sign me up for art class! Yippee! I was happy when I heard about it, whatever it was!

By the way, Mui loves kiddy rides like me. But unlike me, she makes a loud noise as if demanding to ride on it whenever she sees one! She will insist. She likes it when mama inserts coins and it moves. As for me, I'm cool about it. Sometimes, I'm terrified by it moving! Hahaha...It was mui that accompany me that gave me courage.

Sisters forever!

Sunny Gals! Mui somehow knows that that pair belongs to her and will only wear that particular pair even if you offer mine to her. Smart.

Swimming @ SAFRA Jurong

2010-07-18T20:57:00.008+08:00

Ok, mama said this pic was supposed to be somewhere at the end of this post. But it already took sooooo looong to upload all these pics and she accidentally deleted it when it was uploaded correctly. So when she uploaded this again, it then refused to be moved. Sigh, so she gave up cos it was already 11pm. Pardon her.......

We went to SAFRA@Jurong for a swim since the weather was a killer these days. But I guessed the timing wasn't really appropriate. When we reached there it was only 130pm. But we didn't swim then, Rae would be napping soon. So my parents decided to just dip in.

I latched onto Rae's (passed to her) float like my lifeline! kekkeke...My "chicken" instinct kicked in.
Rae, trying to balance as she walked.

Muimui was a lil sleepy, her nap then soon.....z.z..z.z.z

I was scared, but still remembered to smile for the camera!

Papa with Mui.

Family shot. But I was still a little afraid and cling on tight to my mama! She actually told me to move closer to the middle, but I was too scared!
Mama and mui, enjoying.

After our swim, we headed to Jurong Point for dinner. Bad choice, but no choice, since it was the nearest. It was SO crowded! This mall never seemed to change in its crowd-size my parents said. It had been like this since my papa's army days when he used to go there.

We ate at Din Tai Feng. Or rather my parents ate and I napped. Yes, at the wrong time, again.

While I was in lalaland, muimui was happily eating her dinner and playing. Muimui wanted to touch papa's tongue.

Mui pointed at the receipt as if she was reading. She learnt the pointing from mama, I think. Mama always pointed at things to her and explained to her what they were. Especially, during reading time. Mama noticed Mui is quite a fast learner. Very different from me. I learnt fast on things that were wacky, fun, out of the norm and, you know what I mean. Practically, things that weren't academic! Still a little like that now. Oh well, to each HER own! I'm still loved. :)

So happy!

My muimui likes to slant her lower jaw when she smiles. I wonder why.....

See the slanted smile?! But it was still a nice smile. :)

Our kakak from Indonesia. Has been a good helper with a good heart so far. Just that she is so soft that I get to bully her so much! kekekeke...

That was me--sleeping princess.

Mama and Rae Rae! The sun was scorching hot, we suffered mild sun burn after that.

I'm Going To The Zoo, Zoo, Zoo. How About You, You, You....

2010-07-15T23:31:00.017+08:00

It's been a looooong time since my mama updated our blog. She has been really busy with her new biz and, Rae and I are getting her hands full as well. Papa reminded mama that it was time to update actually. Papa was quite disappointed that there wasn't any postings since he would check it regularly. So, my mama decided to upload some.

Here's the pics of me at the zoo, again. Think it was my 4th time in my almost 4 years of life. But I never got sick of it. Mama too. She had been there almost 5 to 6 times now.

This time, we had more people going with us! That morning, yeye called to said he wanted to join us too! So we went on separate cars with nai nai, yeye and me in one (of course), and Papa, mama, Rae-Ann and kakak in another.

Enjoy my pics. Too many so mama only uploaded the nicer ones. Nainai, Jerry (or is it Ben?) and me!

Rae-Ann joined in.

Waiting for the elephant show to start. So I munched. Mui mui was getting sleepy.

Not after her time of the day! Lunch! Food, for that matter.

Nah, nah, nah....I was bored.....

See, my nice smile and model-like pose. Actually, I was in the midst of climbing up and down.

I'm a model in the making, don't you think so? Kekkekee.....

Yeye busy clicking away with his more pro cam.

I told my grams I wanted to feed the elephants. But after they bought the food ($5), I backed out!

The elephant literally sucked the fruits in with their trunk!

With Ah Meng's statue, I never got to see it in real life. Mama did. Too bad.

Lunch for the adults. Mui was just happy playing with a mineral water bottle. Oh well.

Noticed Mui's birthmark on her left upper arm? My nainai and gugu also have. Me too. Mine is on my lower back. Gugu has it on her upper arm too. Nainai like me, on her back. Hmmm....I didn't know birthmark is hereditary too?! Or sheer coincidence?!

Rae: Why is she so close to my face?"

I took some pics of them since they were busy eating. Kekekkee...Not bad, right?!

Kakak and Rae

At the water playground! Mui had so much fun.

She wasn't afraid. In fact, she wanted to go into the water.

That was all I was not afraid to do. Keekkeek.....I was afraid to go deeper into the waters.

I observed my mui played. Think she gave me courage.

Papa joined in too.

Papa and his cutie pie (Mui) & sweetie pie (me).

Happy Rae!
Finally we unleashed her to explore!

Mama didn't pack in our swim suits cos she thought we wouldn't be going into the water this much! Good thing she packed a set of clean clothes for us. I have a feeling if Poh Poh sees these, she might comment, "Aiyo, why never bring swimming costumes? Why never bring one towel each?" hahahahhaa....mama takes after my poh poh in this! Trust me, if my mama knew we were going to be this wet, she would pack as if we were on holiday!

Something wrong with the uploading. The pic seemed fine from file. Couple shot!

Mui kept touching the water spray.

A sacred face?! By the way, after this shot, they told me to walk out on my right. I was all alone behind the tall bushes. Yeye hid at the exit behind the bushes and scared me as I walked out. I got a shock and jumped! The cup of cereals I was holding, all spilt. Hhhahahahaa...Yeye kept apologising. wahahhahaha....

Lion, mui knows this animal from our animal chart at home. And she liked it when you roar like a lion.

Can you see the rest of the kids were having fun behind? Actually, the happening activities were there. But the chicken me would only want to be at the shallow water. Mama wished that sometimes, I could be like this at home! So guai lor. Giraffes.
Leapoards.

I took a pic of my handsomevpapa. Mui with, er.....don't know what's that.

Celebrated Mother's Day With Poh Poh At Paradise Inn, Funan

2010-05-21T16:59:00.009+08:00

Sigh, mama blur again. The pics are in opposite order again. Worse, this pic should be way at the bottom. Nevermind, forgive her. Too busy and tired.

We should so charge Ya Kun for this pic. Like a great advert theme--"A place where family gathers." Hmmm....so warm and nice huh?! See Gong Gong behind? He was lazy to stand up. But nicely taken nonetheless.

I went to Kows' (fu and mo) house after the lunch celebration. I left my parents and took the train back with Kows, poh poh and gong gong. A rare opportunity.
Being a teacher, Kow Mo never failed to always make my visit an educational one. Mama said sometimes she felt she had sent me to a class or something because Kow Mo really gave me a REAL activity time ok?! Not half past six kind. There were always a theme, structure and flow. This time, Kow Mo did personal accessory "theme" with me. I made necklace, paper bag and bracelet for my vainity!

Ta da! I look pretty or what?!

After lunch, we went Yu Kun for coffee.

Rae-Ann cried because she started having stranger anxiety, especially, men. So she cried when she saw gong gong. When I was little, I also cried when I saw gong gong. He has a very stern face lor. See, poor Rae. Cried until eyes swollen.

Peace with Gong Gong! I don't cry when I see him anymore! :)

But I still call him Michael Jackson if you ask me what's his name!

See how "cleverly" gong gong posed at the foreground?! Quite creative leh. And Rae was like, "I must beware of these people..."

Cheese! With Kow Mo.

Nice smile. Mama has started to realise my 2 front teeth are slowly getting more protruding. Ops! They have to save hard for braces for me when I'm older!

With my fun Kows!

Yeah! Cheese!

I Love You, Mama! Happy Mothers' Day!

2010-05-11T15:46:00.005+08:00

We had Mothers' Day dinner at Orchard Hotel with yeye and nai nai. Too bad the lunch with gonggong, pohpoh, kow fu and kow mo, no pictures. Left the camera in the car. We were at Paradise Inn, Funan.

I like to take "motion pictures".

Mama and her 2 sweeties!

My family

Mui looked cool or what!?

Mothers' Day @ Cell

2010-05-11T15:08:00.004+08:00

We had a mini celebration for Uncle Adrian's birthday and Mothers' Day at Uncle Philip's house last Saturday.
During our kids' cell, Aunty Liz and Grace helped us made a nice card for our mothers! We also presented a song as a tribute to our mothers. Strange, shouldn't the fathers do that with us? No wonder they say women are more sentimental.

Ops, motion picture!

The kids with their mums. Happy Mothers' Day!

(From left) AuntyElaine with Lizzy, mama with me, Aunty Liz with Elijah and Aunty Clara with Isabelle and Danielle. We love our mummy!

Trip To The Jurong Bird Park With Mama

2010-05-11T12:51:00.011+08:00

Ops! Mama uploaded the pics opposite way again. Anyway, I had lunch at Bongers Burger. Not so nice food but that was the only resturant around that wasn't crowded. And I spent a long time choosing my favourite chair to it. I went from panda to giraffe to tiger then elephant. Goodness! How to choose? All so cute.
Finally, I settled for the elephant chair! I made mama sat with me at this table; shorter table and chairs meant for children actually. Oh well, she's used to sitting at children's table anyway.

Trying to pose at the poster near the entrance.

Outside the entrance to see penguins!

Penguin statues. I like them!

Pat pat, penguin!

So bored. Waterfall. Manmade. Yawn!

Ok, since must take picture. Smile lor.

I took a picture of mama since there were only two of us.

Sitting in the tram.

"Mama, see. I kuai or not?"

Eggs exhibits. Boring. Sorry, we were not bird people.

Ostrich at the back.

Ostrich came at us! I was a bit scared, but I controlled my fear.

On the bridge. Was a bit reluctant to go on it because it was shaking! But after mama's encouragement, I grew courageous!

Poser some more!

I was looking out for birds flying over our heads.

Smile!

Bird food to feed the lories. I told mama it smelt like barley!

"Here, birdie birdie!" I was very brave. At first, I was scared to go near the birds. Actually, mama was too! Of course, she didn't say so, but I could tell lor.

Then I saw a jie jie bravely feeding the birds by holding the cup, so I thought it couldn't be that scary and did it too!

Mama was such a chicken. The whole time, she hid behind me and pretended to be busy taking pictures! hahahaa....

This indian aunty helped me brought the cup nearer to the birds so they won't get impatient and fly away. Mama was relieved because she didn't have the guts to help me!

This was what mama did--simply put the cups on the ledge and stepped back. You call that "feeding" the birds?! Gosh!

Walking on the canopy of trees.

So happy! The birds actually came to feed on my food!

In the tram with mama again.

Looking tired already.

Bird showtime!

Flamingoes!

Snacking while waiting for show to start.

Flamingoes at the back.

Macaws. I was busy looking at the map.

Swan, lake. I mean pond.

Muimui @ 9 months old

2010-05-11T12:07:00.004+08:00

Rae is 9 months old already. But she still won't sleep through the night. Sigh. Keeps waking up for milk or crying for no reason. So tired.
But my parents are thankful that she is growing well. Healthy, that's most important.

I love to hug tightly. Mui looked happy to be hugged too!

Papa and his lovely gals!

Tickle you! Can you see Rae-Ann's hair like papa's?! Mama sometimes call her "Handsome gal."

Family Portrait 2010

2010-04-22T11:26:00.003+08:00

Our family portrait 2010! This year we had a special addition to the picture--Rae-Ann! She was in tears upon seeing the male photographer. This shot was not bad already. And it wasn't easy to coax 2 active kids to look at the camera and posed or smiled at the same time. Looking forward to the next year shot!

Baby/Toddler Dedication

2010-04-21T12:57:00.009+08:00

Our cell group--PATs (parents and toddlers), had a mass baby and toddler dedication last Sunday. 5 families with 10 kids! We all have not been "dedicated" to God by Pastor so had decided to do it as a cell. So meaningful.
(From left) Isabelle, me, Elijah, Elizabeth and Matthew. We had our snack or break before service started.

Making funny face because mama said so. But I was the only one who patronized her. The rest of them, well, couldn't be bothered. kekeke...

My doting grams, Liang Yi Poh and Peng Yi Poh came to root Rae and me! So touched. I will be sure to remember this day.

Mui mui having her lunch. What an angry stare!

Nainai and her little grandgals!

On stage. I saw my cell friends and my pictures being screened and was thrilled.

"Mama, see Elijah!" Ya, whole time as distracted by it to pay attention to Pastor Matthew. :P

All on stage. Pastor giving some speech about this cell being "productive" and how the government will love us for it! We have 2 kids each, except for Aunty Grace, one. For now. :)

Family pic!

Sigh, papa didn't notice Rae had passy on. So didn't take it out! After that, mama kept grumbling about it. Rae is going to hate these pics when she's older, I think. ahahahaa...Hmm...mama said shall make her use these as part of her wedding montage!

And mama grumbled again upon seeing her hairband that made her hair in "high volume."

Pastor asked if my parents will promise to always bring us up in God's wisdom and love. To always rely on Him to nurture us and most of all, to surrender us to God because we belong to him. And they had to say, "I will." That was the 2nd time in their life they had to say, " I will."

See our pictures on projection?!

Papa looked so seriously solemn.

Prayer started but I was busy telling mama who didn't close their eyes to pray! Ya, everyone else but me!

I snitched on don't know which uncle or aunty who didn't close their eyes to pray. "Mama, uncle/aunty never close eyes."

Lunch after service at Great World City, Kenny Rogers.

Hmmm...mama think Rae looks like her when she doesn't smile--the killer look. But Papa will beg to differ, I'm sure.

Nice pic. Love her chubby cheeks!

Yeah! Mui is such a cute baby! She smiles spontaneously.

Architect @ Work & Night Out @ Swensen's

2010-04-21T11:13:00.006+08:00

My new work--condominium. I love building with blocks. I can spend a long time at it, especially if someone plays with me. I pointed out to mama yeye, nainai and my parents' units! It comes with swimming pool and roof top playground too!

Funny muimui!Later as I built on, I told mama there were units for gong gong, poh poh, uncle Jack, gugu, kow fu and kow mo too. (So sweet) Mui Mui was busy "reading". A total opposite of me?

Time for a break from all the building.

Drama time! Making a sad face.

Angry!

Happy.

Scary! Woooo...

Silly.

Mui Mui with Dora. Nai Nai bought it for me in Israel. Yes, they have Dora in Israel!

Before my beauty nap.

ZZz.z..z.z.zz..z....lala land.

At Swensen's that night for ice cream!

Does Rae look like papa? My Yi Pohs call her "Xiao Rongjie." Rongjie is papa!

Papa bought me a toy. It was the kind you insert a coin into the machine and wind it up for a toy to drop. I was a little disappointed because I wanted a purple Hello Kitty. My favourite colour. Papa bought me this toy to cheer me up because I was being disciplined almost round the clock for misbehaving. Sigh, I'm still their little precious. Things parents do. :P

Red Schoolhouse, My New School

2010-04-09T14:17:00.002+08:00

Water play time!

Patterning.

My classmate. Don't know all my friends' name yet.

Oooo.....kids' way of pick-up lines "Hey Lia, I see you need help. I'm a SNAG, I can help!"

Bye Bye CM!

2010-03-17T09:44:00.004+08:00

My last few days at CM. I miss my teachers, they are nice. I like Ms Christina for being fun and creative, just like me! She taught me alot of fun songs and actions. I like Ms Ow for being sweet and kind. Always looking out for our welfare. I like Zhang Lao Shi for her being gentle and patient too. Will miss alot more other teachers, like Yvonne jie jie (HQ), Ms Irene (HQ), Ellen jie jie (HQ), Ms Seng, Qu Lao Shi, Ms Zie, Ms Ivy and Ms Kwee Eng especially. Thanks for loving me and giving me a fun time learning and growing there. Throwing things in the plastic bag.

Snacking.

Flour on my face!

Making dough.

Cheeky time!

Flour-y face!

My purple dough!

Adding colourings into the dough.

Ariel and I drawing on Ms Christina's hand. She's a spoting teacher. She is game with anything fun!

The boy next to me is Zachary. One day, I went home to my grams and mentioned his name to them. Yeye replied, "How come nowadays, parents will name their child "Chicken wing?" Hahhaaa....Guess I mispronounced his name, it came out as "chicken wing" to them!

New found skill--cutting with scissors. Since then, I have been cutting papers around the house. Mama had to get a plastic pair for safety!

Rae-Ann @ 7 Months Old

2010-03-11T21:21:00.003+08:00

I heard mama said, "Ok, Rae time to drink water." And before she could reach for the bottle, I grabbed and stuffed it into Rae's mouth!

I can be such a great helper, when I want to! Muimui happily drinking too!
Muimui in her new exersaucer!

After much consideration, my parents had decided to get muimui a NEW equipment. Long story about why they had to consider for so long. You'll know when you know :P

Rae didn't like to sit in it initially. Every time she turned and faced the snail (the round ball behind her), she would scream and cry in fear. The snail ball made a "psh!" sound when spun. Guess, the sound freaked her out. But now, she had sort of accepted it.

Mama's 33rd Birthday

2010-03-10T15:11:00.004+08:00

My parents went out on 23rd Feb to celebrate mama's birthday. It was their happy hour. Papa surprised mama by treating her to a spa massage and lunch buffet together, uninterupted. It was a good 3 years or more ago that they had last stepped into a spa salon. Think Papa wanted to rekindle the moments so he brought her to Aspara, the one they went before their wedding. Mama wished for this more often!
At night, yeye treated mama to dinner at Crystal Jade, Great World City.
Family pic. Notice muimui "keow ka" on the table?!

Mui with gugu and gu zhang, of course, minbean cousin too!

I just had to join in!

Papa bought a cake for mama. So sweet of papa.

Mama with her lovely gals.

Making a wish with mama.

Rae @ 7 Months Old

2010-03-10T14:54:00.005+08:00

My mui mui is thriving well. But at about 6 months, she fell sick. Guess it happened when I was there to spread the viruses around. We kept "transferring" our germs to each other. But my parents thought Rae was stronger as they could see her body fighting hard and only came down with mild flu and cough. Thank God she still ate well.

Oh by the way, with number 2 in the family, I was told parents were less anxious and more forgetful with things. Sure enough, my parents kept forgetting to start muimui on solid after she turned 6 months old. For a baby who has had a huge appetite, they were really late.

For me, they were so kiasu that they started me on solid at 4 months old! Also because I could sit upright and my head-neck support was great. Muimui till today still sat like a rolly polly. Maybe chubby baby has this disadvantage--balancing issues. :P

Misc Photos of Rae from 5 to 6 Months Old

2010-03-10T14:32:00.004+08:00

Yup, my muimui is "pacified!" (6 months old)
So sweet, right my muimui?! Looks like me?! (5 months old)

Smiley lil girl. All you need to do is to talk to her and she will smile.

Her usual "duh" look, inherited from papa! wahahha...

Rae-Ann at 5 months old plus. Smiling again.

See my mouth! Trying to control my yok gan-ness again. Maybe muimui is so chubby I am trying hard to resist pinching her fats!

Muimui: "Er..What happened?"

Sisters forever! :)

Long Overdue Posts--CNY

2010-03-10T11:56:00.009+08:00

Long overdue pictures to share. My mama finally had some time to upload them. Without further ado, enjoy!

We bai nian to yeye and nai nai early in the morning.

Piggy mouth and muimui certainly didn't think I was cool at all squeezing next to her?

See me pinching yeye's ear? I have a fetish for ear lobes. I pinched mine when I'm sleepy, drinking milk and "yok gan" (tight flesh--literal translation in canto).

Mui mui with her ang bao, ops, I mean papa!

Staring at it again. She does knows it won't go into her CDA, does she??

Papa "confiscated" all our ang baos!

Photo with nainai and the main character was my Ang Bao!!

Ok, this is a better shot of my ang bao. Yup, take more photos of it as evidence that my papa "monopolized" muimui and my "finances!" I shall make sure I study economics or law when I grow up! kekekee....

At paternal step great grandma's.

Mama insisted Rae-Ann to wear a headband because she had enough of people commenting Rae looked like a boy even when she dressed her in all pink from head to toe! Humph!

Lunch time. Papa was feeding me. See my miserably face?! I hate food! I mean proper food.

Learning to tie my ribbon. Kow Fu bought me this dress. He had one for Rae too, but it was too big for her to wear. Thanks, Kow Fu!

Rae Rae with Nai Nai.

With Gugu and mini bean cousin! Well, that's what she calls him/her!(inside her tummy)

Not forgetting Gu Zhang, of course!

Aunty Sarah played with me. Yes, she's an "Aunty" to us even though she is only 4 years old because she is papa's cousin!

Rae- Ann with Uncle Edwin. Surprisingly, she didn't cry. Smell of fatherhood on him??

With Aunty Su too.

Rub some baby #2 "luck" on them!

With uncle KS.

Ops, muimui seemed happy, not Aunty Evelyn though. kekekek....nah the wind messed up her hair. Still looked pretty, ok aunty?

Papa and Uncle Edwin playing Wii. Can see I was sleepy but trying hard to fight my sleep. It was way passed my nap time and I simply refused to nap. Later knocked out in the car and missed my dinner completely.

CNY party in school

2010-02-12T12:29:00.006+08:00

CNY snack. Like my smile?
Playing game. Scooping beans? Not sure what I was doing, I think.
Latricia and me! Friend friend!

Ang baos from teachers. Nah! No money.
Making face, as usual.

Recently, dimples started to be more prominent! Mama is so happy! Her genes, she claimed.

I wasn't sitting next to a dustbin, don't be mistaken. It was a bin meant for K2 games. hahaha..

Our class presentation of a CNY song. Notice I was trying to shove the red dress girl away from me?! Stealing limelight wasn't cool and ethical, ok?!

Song was being sang. But I got distracted and upset that the red dress girl stood so close to me. I kept shoving her futher but she kept coming nearer. I even tried "explaining" to her about her "unacceptable" behaviour! Argh! Why am I so popular!? I later complained about her to my teacher. My new found skill. :P

Watching another class performed.

Ms Seng, my pre-nursery teacher and Mila, mu old friend.

I like Ms Seng alot. I still miss her though I'm in a different class now.

Ms Ow taking photos of my friends and I.

"I cannot. I win!"

2010-01-28T13:29:00.001+08:00

I played hopscotch at home. Mama demostrated with one leg, but I couldn't do it yet. So I used both my legs and that boosted my confidence. Quite fun, can lose more weight too. But don't have alot of it to start with! :P

Peek-A-Boo!

2010-01-28T13:24:00.001+08:00

I am my muimui's best pal! She would chuckle or scream excitedly whenever she saw me. Perhaps, fast moving "objects" are intriguing to babies?! Wahahahaa.....

Rae flipped at 5th Month

2010-01-28T13:14:00.004+08:00

Flipped over before bedtime.

My bath toys when I was a baby. Yeye bought this for me. Heard from Nainai she put some into the bath tub and muimui upon seeing them, cried in fear! Now, she's better.

"Me and my rubber toys!"

Attemtpting to grab Mr. Octopus.

Mama was a lil concerned about Rae-Ann not flipping over when she was 4 months old. Perhaps, the benchmark was there because I could flip exactly at 4th month. But guess it was true; every child is different. Then muimui started flipping over to her sides and now, quite a good "flipper"! Way to go, Mui! Keep it up.

Poh Poh's Birthday

2010-01-28T12:45:00.005+08:00

These pictures are way overdue. Mama has been super busy with work and managing muimui and I that she didn't have the time to post blogs. So now, while she's sick at home, she tried her best to upload. Thanks, mama!

We had lunch at Lao Beijing, Novena Sq one of the weekends. Kow Fu and Kow Mo were there too. Happy Birthday, Poh Poh (again!)! While waiting for our seats, Rae-Ann doze off. She could sleep anywhere. Good for her!
Me trying to be funny.
Making funny faces, main entertainment of the meal! At no costs.

I could really go all out to make them laugh. Yes, even if it meant to dig into my eye balls!

Not forgetting a nice picture with the birthday girl, ops, I mean, woman!

Kow Fu playing with Mui. Muimui chuckled. But when Kow Fu tried to carry her, she would cried. Hmm...can see, no touch?!

Me again. Trying to pounce on Kow Fu!

Gong Gong and Rae

I tried to squeeze into the picture, but too late. Mama clicked first. Next...

Mui Mui looked so demure here, huh?! I, well, looked as usual--cheeky!

Gong Gong and Rae must be wondering what the 2 of them were doing behind. Not smiling at camera, doing their own biz.

Ok, now they smiled, but still not looking at the camera. Sigh...Rae-Ann had such a sweet smile!

Wah, double stern face!

Cell Post Christmas Party@ Gentle Drive

2009-12-30T13:38:00.002+08:00

We had fun games, songs and delicious food at cell party on 26th Dec. I could sit and eat by myself, peer pressure, perhaps. The kids played passing parcel game and the adults got to gift exchanged.

We also welcomed our new members to the cell--the Angs (Uncle Philip, Aunty Clara, Isabelle and Danielle) and Aunty Grace and her son, Ethan.

I loved the time there and knocked out in the car before papa could drive out of the lane!

Christmas@ Raffles Town Club

2009-12-30T12:29:00.007+08:00

Presents Rae-Ann and I received on Christmas Eve. No Christmas tree set up this year. Papa was very tired just by thinking of the assembling and dismantling process.
First thing I did in the morning of Christmas was to unwrap them! I helped Rae too. Can see Rae looking at me behind?!

My favourite colour--purple!! Mama promised to buy me purple sandals (yes, the 3rd purple pair) to reward me for using the potty again. So she bought from Crocs, again! Only Crocs has the purple I like. I know it was more expensive, but I just loved that shade of purple leh.Kekekeke....So my parents splurged on me lor....what to do, I'm their darling. :P

Must try them on!

All smiles! A little too big. But should be able to wear in a few more weeks.

At Raffles Town Club for Gugu and Gu Zhang's 2nd wedding anniversary-cum-Christmas celebration.

Mama decided to pop her head in for photo taking since she could be seen anyways! wahahha..

Rae-Ann, as usual, could sleep anywhere.

I was also napping then. But I woke her up when I screamed and cried when I was awaken.

Then we were "kidnapped" to take photos with my doting grams! Who else!? See Rae-Ann's big smile? Only mama could make her smile like that, well, most of the time.

Mama just talked to Rae Rae, and she would chuckle.

Yeye and muimui. Mama wasn't around then, so no smile! wahahhaa...

You guessed right. Mama was back and talked to Rae-Ann again. So she chuckled!

Huh?! What happened?

Smiling again. Good job, mama! kekekek...

Duh?!

No mama to make her smile?!

Rae Rae smiled, but out came her last fed milk too! Overwhelmed!?

I refused to look up. Attitude gal!

More stylo when holding a kueh pie ti, don't they know?!

At the lobby.

Chirstmas Eve@Bedok Garden

2009-12-30T11:45:00.002+08:00

Papa and Mama brought Muimui and I to Grandaunt Beca's place at Bedok Garden on Christmas Eve. Grandaunt Beca's parent in laws are nonya. So she made us popiah feast! The skin of the popiah was homemade on the spot. Very eggy and nice. The sauce and radish too.

We had a good time feasting. I also took up a temp job that night--Santa-Lia-na! I helped mama distributed gifts to the aunties and uncles. Then they played gift exchange game. Kinda an evil game because as they went around, each could unwrap their gift (drawn a number prior) or decide to "snatch" the previous ones' gift. At first everyone was very civilised. Until mama's turn. She was the last to decide to either take her own drawn gift or "snatch" other's. So to make the game more fun, she decided to take from Grandaunt Colleen! That started the "snatching" game!

Throughout their game time, Elliot and I were also playing. We had our own, more fun game! Ipod!!! Elliot was playing games on his mummy's iphone, so I just watched him, occasionally, I chipped in, gave him my suggestions though no one knew what we were talkng about. kekekekkee....

Sophie's 1st Birthday Party

2009-12-21T10:12:00.007+08:00

With Uncle KS and Aunty Evelyn.

We went to Sophie's 1st birthday party yesterday at Chill out bar by Chef Daniel, Iluma. Thank God, I was all well to attend it. I was so looking forward to get out of the house after 1 whole week of high fever.
Papa finally could eat after feeding me lunch. Poor papa, and I had to disturb him. Instigated by Uncle KS?!

Mama loved the Hello Kitty theme! I was also given a "walk-your-dog" balloon. Aunty Evelyn brought me out to play and I almost didn't wanna go back into the hall. Thanks, Aunty Evelyn! I had fun! When we were walking out, I told mama, "Yesterday (means "just now") Aunty Evelyn brought me here (pointing to the carpet grass)."
Nice banner right?! Mama liked this too. Too bad, I'm no Hello Kitty fan like mama. Only she "made" me liked it when I was younger. I still liked Dora the Explorer best!

Rae let out a little fearful smile knowing a man was carrying her. Hmm...just like me when I was a baby--afraid of men!

See her "half-smile-half-frighten" look!? But after awhile, she was fine.

ET phone home......???

With Uncle Jingwei and Anuty Elieen. Rae also cried a bit when Uncle Jingwei carried her. Guess she is beginning to notice MEN!

This is such a nice pic. Are they wearing "couple attire"? :)

I kept asking papa, "What is this?" I like the castle, candies and Hello Kitty figurines on the cake.

Aunty Su made a wish on behalf of Sophie and cut the cake together. Happy 1st Birthday Sophie!

After the party, we went to shop at Centrepoint. Wrong choice! It was packed and we settled for early dinner, grabbed some essentials at Robinsons and left for home.

While waiting for food....

Love my parents, every so spotting to do silly stuffs with me! :P

3 pretty gals! :)

Muimui is blur! "Duh, what's happening!?"wahahaha......

Christmas Shopping With Rae-Ann

2009-12-21T09:12:00.007+08:00

My parents had about less than 5 hours to do a real quick Christmas shopping while I was recovering from a bacterial infection at nai nai's. So they sprung to Orchard that afternoon with Rae.

See, her cute hairband?! It was mine, but my head was too small for it. Hmm...just nice for Rae's big head?! :P
Rae is a smiley baby! Everyone says she looks like mama and me! Poor papa, he's in his own world cos he kept saying Rae and I look like him too. Ok ok. Let's see, well, we have his eyes, skin colour and thick eye brows! Give him some credits.
Super cute and chubby!
Ok, mama says, Rae looks a wee bit like papa in this pic. (Just block out the rest of the features and look at their eyes!)

Looks like mama now?!

Poh poh says Rae reminds her of mama when she was a baby. Sigh, poor Rae, then she may have to fight off flabby arms and bulging tummy in future like mama!! ahahahahaha.....

Taking a rest--milk feed time too. Oh, notice the word, "TRIM" behind them? Was it a sign for both of them!??!kekekekeee....

Some people also said Rae looks like me too!

Rae-Ann Is 4 Months Old

2009-12-16T11:57:00.005+08:00

I love to cuddle and squeeze my chubby mui mui!

Happy in the rocker that Aunty Liz lent Rae.
Mui Mui always smiles whenever you talk to her. Actually, my parents are very thankful to God that Rae's such an easy baby. She naps round the clock. Wakes up to drink and plays for awhile, then naps again. She drinks well and can sleep through the night, latest by 9pm. But generally, if we are not out, she is ready for bed by 7.30pm, thereabouts. My parents can then look after me or do their chores. Don't know if it's a case of different personality traits or simply different ways of babysitting method (since they have the experience of the first child) that causes Rae and I to be so different.

Mama brought Rae out to do some Christmas shopping alone on one of these days. Amazingly, she managed to buy lotsa gifts within 4 hours and in between 2 feeds of milk for Rae. When I was a baby, she could never do that because I would refuse to lay in the pram if I'm not asleep(By the way, I don't sleep easily when I'm out too).

But as difficult a baby to look after as I was, my parents has no complains. They still think each child is special and unique. I am a gem to them too! As long as we are healthy and growing into a beautiful girl from the inside out, they are grateful.

Looks like papa or mama?
Stylo milo attitude!

Chuckling again when mama talked to her.

Gu Niang action?!

Recently, Rae-Ann is trying to flip, but think her bum bum too heavy!

Can only flip to one side and gravity pulls her back again! hahahaa..

Trying harder again...

Still cannot. Give up!

Babies Prom & Explorer Kidz

2009-12-16T10:26:00.005+08:00

My parents brought me to watch Babies Prom concert by SSO last Friday with our cell mates. They just wanted to spend individual time with me because since Rae was born, they have been giving divided attention. So once in a while, it's time for "ME-time!"

As I was medicated with flu medicine, I was very drowsy all the way. Not too keen on the musical pieces even though the conductor was trying to engage all the kids.

It was an eye opener for me because after the whole performance, the kids were allowed to go on the stage and literally touch the instruments. Some musicians would help the kids to strum the strings on the violins or held their hands to touch the trumpets and all. I was just standing there, dazed.

During the performance, I told Mama I wanted to learn the violin. Perhaps, naturally that was my choice because the one at yeye's house is the closest I could relate to. I had been "playing" with it since I was 1 year old.

Then after the concert, we adjourned to Liang Court for lunch at Saizeriya. And all the adults lugged their kids to Downtown East for some fun at the Explorer Kidz! I had fun even though Mama could tell I was trying hard to fight my drowsiness.

Wish muimui will grow up soon to join me in such fun!

Grandaunt Magdelene's Birthday

2009-11-16T15:29:00.009+08:00

Poh poh, gong gong and mama brought Rae and I to Boon Keng last Saturday to celebrate Grandaunt Mag's 20th birthday.
Papa was in reservist. But came to pick us home. Thank God cos I received belated gifts from doting grandaunts too. Heavy to lug home.
Uncle Eliaz and Miguel. Yup, they are my uncles cos they call mama "jie jie". Mega size family's complication. I gave them goodie bags.

Doting "aunty Kat". She's actually my grandaunt lor! But refused to let me address her as Gu poh. She says it sounds old! Sigh....But whenever she sees me, she'll ask, "You want me to buy you, hair clip, skirt or dress?" kekekek...cos she has 2 sons. So naturally it's every woman's dream to dress their lil girl if they have. She buys me clothes whenever she goes overseas. Thank you, AUNTY Kat! Muacks! Lucky me!! :P

What was grandaunt beca saying?

I told uncle Eliaz, "Look at mama." But he didn't. Busy with games.

Kow Mo, "aunty" Kat and Rae-Ann

13th November 2009--I'm 3!

2009-11-16T11:36:00.006+08:00

I turned 3 years old on 13 Nov 2009. That morning, Papa and Mama went to school with me for my birthday celebration. Mama ordered a Dora cake for me from Pasttier Burrow again. My friends love the Valrhona chocolate mousse so much that they had 3 to 4 helpings! There wasn't enough even for teachers.

The celebration started with a birthday walk--Montessori way. Ms Seng placed the months of a year around the sun and I was supposed to walk around them with an earth globe 3 times, singing "The earth goes round the sun..." This was to signify 3 years old for me. But as I wasn't "warmed up" yet when I came in, I clung onto Mama and cried.

After this activity, I was better, because it was cake cutting time! My friends crowded around the table and some boys attempted to touch the cake! Yup, Zachary managed to steal a little cream off the corner of the cake! ahhahahaa.....He just couldn't wait.

The cake was a Dora wearing a tiara. I always told Mama that I wanted to be a princess, so mama requested my Dora to wear a tiara! Actually, mama was kinda disappointed with the cake. She ordered a Dora cake with mainly deep purple and pink (my fav colours) colours as the theme. But Dora didn't turn out to look like Dora, and the cake was mainly in orange instead. Only the tiny sugary heart shapes in pink and purple (Duh?!).

But mama was comforted when Ms Seng asked my friends, "Who is this girl? (On the cake)" Yan Hong answered excitedly, "Dora!" kekekkee....Ok, at least it look like Dora to him (yup, Yan Hong is a BOY!).

They sang me birthday song in English and Mandarin. I was busy giving out the cakes too. I was so slow that some of my friends got quite agitated, kept looking at my direction with impatience. Sorry, my first time giving out cakes!

After that, I gave out goodie bags to my friends. Hmmm....papa asked why should the birthday person give presents to guests, shouldn't it be the other way round?! ahahahaa....that's my logical papa talking! So mama explained that the concept was somewhat like a wedding favour lor! We get little favour on the wedding banquet table, don't we?! kekekeke... :P

Then after the short party, my parents bought me to Ion, Orchard for lunch and ice cream treat! Actually, it was papa and mama who wanted to check out the newly opened shopping mall lah! (Frowning) It had been opened for awhile so they were just curious. People kept telling them that the basement was full of Japanese food concept (imported from Japan).

We also dropped by Wisma for mama to get her stuffs. (Sigh, was it my birthday or their errand running day?!) Then dinner was with yeye, nai nai and muimui too at Great World City (Forgot the Chinese restaurant's name).

Overall, I had a fun time, I must say. Papa and mama bought me a Dora lego set too! Just that papa threw the box away and mama and I didn't know how to re-build the playground with the blocks! Papa said, "Aiyah, what's difficult to build a playground with legos!?" Ok, we shall see if he can do it after his reservist!!

Rae-Ann is 3 Months Old

2009-11-11T11:37:00.005+08:00

My little muimui at 3 months old. She is licking her fist already. Papa called it her drumstick!
I love it when she smiles at me. I would tell mama proudly, "See, she smile at me! She likes me you know?!" I love my muimui very much!
She does looks like me, except she really looks more stern and I look playful! Kekeke.. Gong Gong said it's good to look stern so people will think twice before bullying you! Hmmm....mama think so too cos sales promoters would always be rude towards papa but not to her. When papa seemed to be served by some rude promoters, they, more often than not backed off and changed their attitude when mama stepped into the picture and flashed her hostile face purposely. So looking stern can be an advantage! :P

But I don't get it. Why must they need a stern looking customer, sometimes coupled with some stuck up attitude,to provice a good customer service?! Mama and papa called these people, "Qian Gu Tou" (Don't know how to explain this, but literally means people with cheap bones!?)

My 3rd Bithday Celebration--Brought Forward

2009-11-09T10:24:00.010+08:00

Last Saturday, yeye nainai, gugu and gu zhang gathered at my gongong's house for a birthday celebration dinner for me. This year something small and cosy because papa is going on reservist and to handle mumui and I alone is an enormous task for mama to manage. But she promised something better next year. Hopefully, papa will be around.
My new golf pack from gugu and gu zhang. Singapore Island Country Club, here I come!!!

Ok, next hole.

Muimui enjoying her usual "snack."

A homemade strawberry shortcake (literally is a strawberry shortcake cake) from Patissier Burrow! Not fantastic but great taste. Cream was not too milky, just nice and sweet. Can't wait to see my Dora cake for this Friday's party in school by them too!

I put the candles on the cake myself.

Papa: "How old are you?"

Me: Showing the number "3" with my fingers.

"I'm 3!"

Everyone, I'm 3!

Couldn't leave muimui out of the family pic, can we?

Caught you, gu zhang! Not showing your 3 fingers!!! Orrr!!!!

Posing well!

Papa cut the cake.

Eating the cake. Yummy!

One happy birthday gal!

Minnie Lia

2009-11-02T13:43:00.002+08:00

Uncle KS and Aunty Evelyn bought this pair of Minnie Mouse ears clips for me when they were in Japan. Mama wanted to clip them on for me for aunty Ruth's banquet. But they were still too heavy for my fine hair. Maybe when I'm older...:)
I refused to put down the new Disney princess bottle poh poh bought for me. Had to carry it around the house.

Miss Piggy

Zoo With Mama

2009-11-02T11:46:00.006+08:00

Mama brought me to the Zoo last Friday. It was the first time mama brought me on an outing alone. An adventure for her, I must say. No car, no pram, no papa...all alone to handle the very hyper active me! Kekekek....But she had fun. We enjoyed our time there. Mama said I wasn't acting up or anything. I was very well behaved and really spent great time there.

Mama managed to lug a light umbrella stroller and a diaper bag, of course, we took cabs to and fro. I had an educational trip at the zoo too. Perhaps, I'm older, so this time, I could remember most of the things mama explained to me. I have learnt that hippos are not swimmers, they merely tip toe in shallow waters like a ballerina, white tigers lick themselves to keep their body clean, elephants can line up by holding onto the elephants in front of them with their trunks, sea lion can do tricks like jumping high to hit a ball with its nose and many more!

I came back re-telling all these to my grams and papa. We managed to catch the sea lion show and polar bear feeding time too. The last few times when we went with papa, we kept missing these show times. So it was quite an achievement that day.

Mama and I also rode on an elephant! I wasn't afraid at all. Mama tried to play down the excitement so I won't feel frighten, like I always would. :P I was happy though mama could sense I was a little afraid when I first went up, sitting right behind the elephant's ears! The ride was bumpy and short.

As we were walking towards the exit, we were also "ambushed" by a big monitor lizard! It came right out of the bushes, into our path! Mama was afraid and wanted to grab me and run. But I was holding onto her legs in fear too! So I paralysed her on the spot. She had to carry the diaper bag and me and frantically pushed the stroller to the other way! Quite thrilling I should say. ahahhaaa...Then she managed to keep a good distance and took some pics for papa to see.

Overall, we had great fun together! Except when it was past 3pm (my nap time was usually by 1pm), I was cranky but refused to nap or go home. I told mama I wanted to see some more animals. In the cab, I zonked out and needed to be carried home. I had the map with me and kept saying to her, "I haven't see the tortoise." hahaha.....next time, perhaps. And maybe Rae-Ann can join us?!

Mama is thinking of where to bring me this week before she goes back to work. Some mother-daughter time! Yeah!!

Say It After Me

2009-10-27T18:11:00.003+08:00

Many people had mispronounced my mui mui's christian name. They pronounced it as "Rui En." Excuse me, she is that actress in MediaCorp, ok?! My mui mui's name should be pronounced as "Ray-Anne." Ok, now say if after me, "Ray-Anne....." :P Thank you!

I Built Houses

2009-10-27T17:56:00.002+08:00

I think it's time to reward my hardworking parents and doting grams. So I decided to design and build houses (with blocks, of course!) for them! When I was done, I exclaimed to my parents, "See papa! See mama! I made house. House for papa, house for mama, house for yeye nainai!"
Mama thought it would be great if we could all live together in such a house (estate) one day! Like a big mansion! I told them that the house has a swimming pool too! Cool, ya!

I Helped Bathed Mui Mui!

2009-10-27T17:31:00.004+08:00

I saw papa bathing Rae-Ann and wanted to chip in!
So papa gave me a cloth and taught me to wipe Rae's body.
"See, papa. Am I doing it right?!"
Washing her back.

Mui Mui @ 12 weeks old

2009-10-27T17:01:00.005+08:00

My mui mui, Rae-Ann sitting in my old infant carrier. Was passed down to me by Aunty Eleanor. Very useful! We bring it along to service so Rae-Ann just slept in there. My parents just bought a new cushion so that it's more "fluffy" and comfy for lil Rae. It's left with the "skeleton only, the seat cover is going, going, gone! But Rae is outgrowing it very soon.

Don't know why this picture kept going this way up no matter how mama tried to upload it right. Mama loves this picture alot. What a beautiful smile!

Uncanny resemblance of my mama when she was a baby! Those of you who have seen my mama when she was a baby will think so! Except, Rae is prettier! hahahahaa... mui mui also has a killer look when she doesn't smile. Just like mama, always mistaken by people for being hostile. What can they say, well inherited genes from Gong Gong!

Another chuck-ly smile from Rae Rae!

Music Session @ Kow Fu's

2009-10-13T17:02:00.004+08:00

We went to Kow Fu & Kow Mo's new house last Friday. Kow Fu has a music room and Kow Mo has a kids' room! Wow! Every kid's dream place man!

Dancing queen again as Gong Gong was playing on the drums.
Making funny face again.
I wanted to try piano too.

Drums was my favourite! Gong Gong also wanted to play. Don't play play. He said he was once in a band before! wahahah....no one can verify.

I clapped as Kow Fu showed me his "grooves!"

The professional drummer showed me how to play it the right way! See I watched intently.
Drumming away

Kow Mo said I got rhythm leh! Not bad siah! I sang as I played.
Ok, now. Kow Fu, please collect fees from my parents.

A video of me singing and drumming away.

My Days With My 10 Weeks Old Mui Mui

2009-10-13T14:23:00.006+08:00

Poh Poh took a pic of me on Mooncake Fectival Day. I went to "HQ". It's actually gong gong's side of the relatives. They have always been gathering every weekend without fail since Mama was born. Hmm...wait, think even way before she was born. The place that they gathered had changed over the years (was at mama's yeye's house cos he was the eldest brother, but since he passed on, it has been at 7th Grandaunt's place). Anyways, mama (and grandaunt Colleen and Beca) calls the gathering place as the "HQ", where all the high and low ranking relatives would gather for TV watching, gossiping, mahjong sessions, cooking, games, aiyah, basically like a social club! Must ear ear plugs if you have thin ear drums--it's very noisy and loud! They can talk on top of their lungs! keekkeee.... It's like CNY every Saturday and Sunday (except no ang boas)!!
My mui mui and me at home.
I love my mui mui very much!

Aren't we identical?

Papa took this pic. We went to church that day and papa's friend said to him, "Congrats, on the arrival of your son!" Then that friend's wife nudged him, "No, she's a girl! Look at the ribbon on her shirt." Sigh, Rae shares the same fate as mama. Mama was always mistaken as a boy when she was a baby according to poh poh. And mui mui really looks like mama when she was a baby!

Mama bought the same top for Rae cos I have one too!

I love squezezing Rae, but the adults always stop me. So I "Yok Gan" (Flesh tight in Canto).

Still trying to squeeze, subtly.

Squeezing again. Can't help it, she's so chubby!

Oh, by the way, mama calls Rae "sumo baby!" wahahhahaa...so bad.

Mui mui loves to smile nowadays too.

My Papa Is 33 Years Old!

2009-09-29T15:14:00.002+08:00

We went to Mirama Hotel for dinner to celebrate Papa's birthday. That day, mama treated papa to Intercontinental, Olive Tree Restaurant for lunch. Papa had a feast the whole day!

A kiss for my papa!
Cheeky me, as usual.

Mama said take photos with my grams. Then I quickly got my arms around them!

Why I Do The Things I Do

2009-09-29T15:03:00.004+08:00

Mama told me to help put my diapers into my room. So I did. I carried them one by one into the room with great enthusiasm. Mama was busy with muimui then. After a few minutes, when Papa was done unloading the groceries into the fridge, he walked passed my room and laughed out loud. This was what he saw. Don't say I never help!

Pu Yi Poh Gave Us a Treat / Out With Rae

2009-09-29T14:11:00.006+08:00

Papa and Mama brought Rae-Ann to Marina Square. I was with my grams after celebrating Pu Yi Poh's birthday.
Indeed, my papa rocks! Many mummies in church saw how hands on he was with taking care of me that they were very envious. They said papa is one rare father because he cooks my meal for church too! Papa, you rock on!!

My papa feeding Rae.

So chubby! Look at her double chin that merges with the neck!!

Pu Yi Poh gave us a treat because it was her birthday. Hmm....strange, shouldn't the birthday gal get a treat instead?! Anyway, prior to this day, I made her a card. I drew Yi Poh and told Mama to help me write "Happy Birthday Yi Poh " for me. I like all my Yi Pohs because they are very loving and warm. I can feel very at ease with them (also because they let loose with me and pamper me just like nai nai! kekkeke....so I can have my way all the time!). But most importantly, they're very godly. Always tell papa and mama to look to Jesus, God is good and teach me godly values. They are also prayer warriors. So if we ever need love or prayers, we know who we can count on!

Here's wishing Pu Yi Poh a blessed birthday and all of God's abundant joy and love!

Rae checked Pu Yi Poh out!

Rae lying quitely after her nap.

Me at the end of the table with...who else?! My doting yeye who bought me an ice cream cone!

Mama took these pictures at home when Rae was smiling at her alot. But kept missing those smiles.

Missed it again...

Sleepless In Bishan

2009-09-22T17:40:00.005+08:00

My parents have been very sleep deprived since my muimui was born. It seemed like just yesterday that I was able to sleep through the night. And now, it's Rae's turn to keep those dark eye rings on on my parents' face. Well, let's hope Rae can sleep through the nights soon. I sort of did that when I was 2nd month old (of course, there were unpredictable days).

My mama had mastitis twice, a milk duct infection that caused fever, chills, flu and headache because of breastfeeding. She started enthusiastic about breastfeeding before Rae was born. She wanted to last longer than when she had me (only 3 weeks) due to some reasons.

This time, she made it passed 1 month and going to 2 months. A great achievement already! But she's stopping soon (guess it's difficult to explain and doesn't need to because it's a personal choice. And whatever the decision, papa assured her that it doesn't make her any less of a great mother).

Hurray! I'm 2 months old soon!

A sleep deprived papa....
Grouchy

Sleepy but doesn't want to be put down. Sigh.

Staring at papa.

Rae makes this kinda face whenever she wants to pass gas. Kekeke...

A reflex or a true smile coming on?

Blur blur

Happy gal

Mama saw milk stains on Rae-Ann's face. Apparently, she regurgitated milk quite often.

Family Dinner--Celebrate Rae-Ann's 1st month

2009-09-07T12:33:00.003+08:00

We celebrated Rae-Ann's 1st month with a small and simple family dinner. Mama and papa's families came to Soup Restaurant. I was happily being entertained by Kow Fu, Kow Mo, Gugu and Uncle Jack. Kow Fu and Kow Mo took me to do sprinkles on a Hello Kitty picture. Uncle Jack had to chase me around the mall. Gugu played silly games with me. kekekeke....

Rae-Ann slept through our dinner and had to be carried out of pram to 'force' her to take photos. But she slept soundly still, good for her!

Then we lingered at an ice cream shop; sat around to chit chat and I got entertained by a doggy coin box. My parents didn't want a large crowd celebration as they now had to conserve their energy and strength to look after 2 kids. Thinking of the location to host a big party was also a headache--the logistics and all.

Well, papa felt kinda shortchanged Rae-Ann because I had quite a big bash when I turned 1 month old. But mama promised Rae that when she turned 1 year old, she will have the best party ever! Birthday party of the century. Ok, I shall be the witness, she better make it big to make it up to it!(As long as I get to enjoy the party too)

Rae-Ann's 1st month's celebration--Actual day

2009-09-07T11:21:00.006+08:00

My muimui Rae-Ann turned 1 month old on 2 September 09. So far, she has been doing fine. Thank God. And she's gaining weight steadily, so obviously that my parents can tell she's gonna be bigger than me when I was her age! She's outgrowing her newborn clothes too. She is weighing about 4kg plus now. She also has triple chins! kekekkee....one of mama's wish came true--she had wanted a chubby baby, just for the 'fun' of it because I wasn't one. :P

Nainai planting a kiss on me!
We went Ichi Ban Boshi for a simple dinner. Muimui slept through the dinner, in fact whenever she was being carried to walk around, or wheeled around in the pram, she would doze off. Hopefully, she is a great sleeper and that would also make one of mama's wishes come true! (So she can shop and eat in peace next time!)
My doting nainai and me! (Mama loves my smile)
I started to get very sticky with Nainai last week. When I came home from school and saw nainai attending to muimui, I threw tantrums and 'dramatized' for some attention. The whining and demandings.....Sometimes this happens to mothers, but for me, I craved for nainai's attention first! She's all mine! Can't blame me, she looked after me since I was 2 months old, you know! So naturally I would get jealous should I know someone was going to split this attention from me. Give me some time. I'll be able to manage my feelings soon.

Trying to wriggle away, but not bad a shot too!

My pampering grams!

Papa and muimui.

Woke up!

Mama and muimui

Music Teacher--Ms Evangelia & Michael Jackson, Jr

2009-09-03T10:08:00.004+08:00

Mama signed me up for enrichment class in school--Kindermusik. She knew I love music--singing and dancing. After only 2 sessions I was able to go home singing some of the songs with actions too! How I made my parents' money worthwhile, man! kekeke....Here's a clip of me pretending to be Ms Mimi (my music teacher). I imitated her turining the player on and off, making sure my parents were good children (singing and doing actions with me) and reading story to them!

My parents were watching MJ's concert on TV. I overheard their conversation about him being a great dancer and all, and thought, "Hey, what so great about MJ! I also can do it!"

So I started to dance like him, " Beat it! Ou!"

A Tribute To My Teachers of Character Montessori (Central)

2009-09-02T12:06:00.004+08:00

Happy Teachers' Day to all teachers! Mama went to school with me last Friday to help me to distribute a little gift to all my teachers at Character Montessori, Central. She bought some bottles of lotion, shampoo, moisturizer & hand cream of different fragrances and tied them in little ribbons for them. She then put all the little bottles into a basket and I went around giving out the bottles to each of my teachers. I even gave to the adults at mama's office (those who worked in the curriculum & HR department).

I got the hang of giving out and loving it so much that anyone who passed by me would not be missed. I even wanted to give some to a pair of parents who were coming in with Dorothy! Good thing the uncle was honest enough to decline it and told me he wasn't a teacher. ekkekeke....

I pointed to every teacher to mama and asked if I had given them too, be careful not to miss out any! A very generous giver, huh?! Then mama also took some photos of my class teachers and friends with me. My best pals are Ariel, Isabel (she wasn't there that day), Chloe, Yi Xuan and Timonthy. I kept mentioning their names at home and mama was told by Ms Seng that actually I am very close to Ariel because only the 2 of us (amongst the girls) are full day children.

Then during assembly time, teachers played games and some children presented songs and dance to the teachers too! I had a chanced to go to the microphone and said, "Lao Shi, Wuo Ai Ni." (I love you, teachers!)

I wish all my teachers "Happy teaching!" They have helped me grow and love learning in their nurturing environment. I love the songs Ms Seng, Ms Zie, Chen Lao Shi and Qu Lao Shi taught me. I always go home and sing to my parents.

One of those songs I learnt in school. Mama loves watching me dance to this song because I was one of the few that could dance it exactly like how Ms Seng taught me, mind you, I was dancing in my tiredness hor! Watch me arms and legs co-ordination!

Same But Different Indeed

2009-08-29T22:07:00.009+08:00

My lil sister and I are indeed same but different. We do look a little alike (when I was a baby, not sure if she grows up and still looks like me or not) but we are so different in our temperament. I was relatively an easygoing and cheerful baby. My cries sounded like a love-me-I'm-so-poor-thing kinda cry. But muimui's cries are loud, strong and gets angrier if adults don't pick her up fast enough! I would get awaken by the slightest sound when I was sleeping, however, my cry would sound more in fear than in anger (like my muimui). Well, she's still young, let's see if she's really a loud and dominant person when she's older. Hopefully, not. Mama and Papa are praying hard that she's more cheerful and gentle. If not the whole house will be very noisy!! I am already a noise pollutant at home, I think my neighbours can hear me whenever I'm home. So one is enough, if not police will come knocking on our door!

Mama was worried I would get upset if I knew Rae-Ann was lying at my old play gym. But surprisingly, when Mama told me it used to be mine, it didn't bother me. (My parents think that giving the elder one a pressie on behalf of the new sibling helped alot! They gave me a present and said it was from Rae-Ann, I was thrilled and from that day on, my behaviour seemed to show acceptance towards Muimui. I even went to say thank you to Rae without being told after unwrapping the present!)

I wanted to lay inside with Rae-Ann.

Playing with her mobiles! Muimui looked like she was observing me, huh?

2 lil princesses!

(Yawn, not interest with the play gym at all)

Papa said mui mui has a fierce look. Mama said she has a "Don't mess around with me look and temper!"

Hopefully, they are both wrong. But then again, if she's tough, can protect me if anyone bullies me! Hahaha...We will be best sisters together!

Rae-Ann @ 2 Weeks Plus Old

2009-08-20T09:02:00.005+08:00

Bath time! Rae-Ann hates to be exposed. Bath time and changing diapers time are wailing time too. Only when in this position during bath, she keeps quiet.
My mui mui, so cute, right? :P
My parents think she looks like me when I was a baby. You think so?

Rae-Ann Treated for Jaundice

2009-08-19T21:37:00.003+08:00

6 days after mui mui got home from the hospital, she had to admit again as her jaundice level went up. Her eyes, face and neck were yellow. She had to stay for 48 hours and my parents had to leave her there. Mama was heart broken. But it was for Rae-Ann's good. Mama couldn't help but cried when she went into the phytotheraphy room to leave mui mui in the care of the nurse. So poor thing....the babies had to be stripped and wore eye mask to protect their eyes. They were only picked up to change diapers or for feeding.

But Mama could bring Rae-Ann out of the room to breastfeed her. Jaundice babies are always sleepy and tired. So breastfeeding for them are rather difficult because they had to suckle harder than from bottles. But Rae-Ann was 'hardworking'. Sometimes she couldn't latch on after half an hour of struggle, but sometimes she could. I must say mui mui did a good job, she tried really hard even though she was bawling in hunger!
Papa carrying mui mui in the nursing room.

My Mui Mui--Rae-Ann is born!

2009-08-17T09:56:00.006+08:00

Yeah! My Mui Mui had finally arrived!! Her arrival caught everyone by surprise, especially, my mama. Mama had eaten rotten papaya on 1st Aug 09's night. Painful gastric pain set in throughout the night till the 2nd Aug's morning. It was so painful she couldn't get out of bed. She vomited 3 times before finally going to see a GP.

GP gave her gastric pills but she was still having pain and vomited again when she got home. She held the pain till 4pm plus and eventually pleaded with papa to bring her to A & E.

At the A & E, the resident doctor couldn't do much (thanks for wasting the time and money). He didn't dare give any medication (don't ask us why) but needed to check with mama's gynea on what to do (duh?!). So with Dr Cheng's advice, mama was wheeled (oh and she enjoyed sitting in it and got pushed around) to the delivery ward to be strapped with a machine that could monitor Rae-Ann's heartbeat.

Alas, when the mama was strapped, barely passed half and hour, the midwife came to check the monitor and exclaimed, "Wah, you can't feel it? Your contraction started!" Mama jaw dropped. "What!? You mean I have to endure gastric and contraction, at the same time!?" She couldn't believe that was happening to her. She just wanted the pain, whatever that was, to stop immediately.

So the midwife kept asking mama if she was sure it was gastric and not contraction that she was feeling. Mama told her she didn't know (she's not a doctor what!), she just described the pain--on top of her tummy, which GP, resident doctor and midwife knew it couldn't be contraction pain. Guess the gasrtic pain either trigger contractions or it was so painful that it overwhelmed beginning contraction pain.

At last, after enduring the pain from 5pm to 9pm since they got to the hospital, Dr Cheng finally arrived. His stomach was full from dinner (rolling eye balls). When he got there, he told my parents that since they had scheduled for C section on 8th Aug, and then it seemed Rae-Ann was in distress because her heartbeat was also increasing, and contraction started, he advised to do C section delivery immediately.

Worse, mama was having fever and risk infecting Rae-Ann too. So off mama was wheeled to the operating theatre. She had to be under GA so papa couldn't go in. Mama was scared and sad. The room was extremely cold till she shivered. The nurses worked like they were so pro. Everything was so mechanical and fast.

Not long after, the anaesthetist came and offered an oxygen mask for mama. After a few seconds, mama only could remember she was awaken by a nurse who told her, "Ok, you're done. Baby is out."

The rest would be long story to describe here. The post GA effects; vomiting and wound being painful...etc..

But nothing beat knowing the fact that Rae-Ann could almost died in the womb if not for this emergency C section. When the operation was done, a PD, Dr Ong came out and told papa, "Good thing she did C sect today. Her umbilical cord was coiled around her neck 2 times!"

My parents have so much to thank God for. Thank God for protecting and preserving Rae-Ann's life. Thank God for saving mama from the pain. Thank God for indeed, in His time, 2nd Aug 09, is beautiful and perfect. Thank God for His grace and mercy. And so, Nai Nai was also given the honours to re-name Rae-Ann's Chinese name--Qi Ern. (Kay Yan--in Canto, meaning Amazing grace).

When mui mui is older, I'll be sure to tell her about her miraculous birth!

I Am Growing Up

2009-07-30T14:19:00.003+08:00

I am 32 months old now. Being older there are lotsa things I like to do by myself and do not like the adults to interfere. I have my own way of doing things, for instance. I can be very insistent, by the way.

Mama hooked a hand towel for me outside the toilet so I can wipe my hands dry after handwashing. It's my personal towel. I will take it down to wipe then hang it back MY WAY! The above is NOT my way! Papa or Mama initially hung it this way for me, and I would protest every time!

This IS my correct way of hanging a hand towel. Near the edge, barely hanging there, I think. But to their surprise, it does stay put.

You know how some parents are proud of their kids, especially, when they think some of their good character traits are passing on to their kids? Yup, my mama's one of them! She is so impressed by my "obsession" to arrange things in order--just like how she would have them done. This morning as I was getting ready to go to school, she mumbled about making the bed or something. I overheard that and went over to help--my way. I took my blanket and spread it out on my mattress. Just like how she did to her bed--adults usually spread their quilts out on the bed, don't they?

So I did likewise, except, mine was a thermal blanket. After that, I was changed into my school uniform and I saw her trying to flip over my inverted PJ. She mumbled again, "Must spread the PJ on the bed or hang it somewhere. Cannot throw it all over the place. So messy....." Think she was talking about papa! hahahahaa....Cos papa would usually just dump them on the floor or on my bed, in a bundle and all crumpled up. Mama can't stand it. But he wasn't at home then. Think my mama going coo koo talking to herself early in the morning.

So I saw her spreading my PJ pants onto the bed and thought that was an easy job and wanted to help myself with the top. See how I carefully and neatly laid it down? Neat, right? Got mama's standard.
Sometimes when I see some things that are dis-placed, I would comment (sounds like mama too), "Ah! Who mess it up?!" Or "Who put like that?!" kekekeke...papa always feels irritated by such comments cos he's usually at the receiving end!

Bu Yao Pah (Don't be afraid)

2009-07-29T14:59:00.003+08:00

My family just wanna thank God for His providence. My Papa had finally found a new job after his retrenchment and being jobless for about 2 months plus. I think Papa had been very blessed already. They have heard stories of people being jobless nowadays for many months, some even for a year. So we wanna thank God for what we have.

Well, they should also give me some credit because I was one of the main factor in landing my papa this current job. To cut the story short, papa was offered a job by 2 companies and both counter offered at least 2 to 3 times. Each time, just as he thought he should reject this one, that company would up their offer. My parents were desperately praying for wisdom. One job required him to travel at least 10% of every month but pay was securely high enough (a fixed pay). But that would mean papa sacrificing not being there to watch RaeAnn and me grow, and spending time with us as a family. And mama would have to manage the house and 2 kids by herself, not forgetting having to work as well.

The other, didn't require him to travel regionally (at least not that he knows for now), but pay was the unknown. Basic was much lower than the previous, but if he made it (cos he's doing sales), the commission would make up to everything or even better. So the risk factor was there.

Both had their pros and cons and so my parents just wanted to be sure that their decision was in God's will. So the day that my papa had to give his ultimate reply to both companies came. They were sending me to school that morning and almost broke into a little husband-and-wife squabble because of the built-up tension of the matter, when I turned to papa, patted on his chest (like he did to me when I was afraid to take medicines) saying, "Bu Yao Pa, papa." (Don't be afraid).

Immediately, they both kept quiet for awhile. Mama and Papa were touched, as if God was talking to them through me. What a great assurance. Actually, Papa had wanted to take up the sales job. It had always been what he liked to venture into. (and of course, those who know him know that he can talk and talk and talk and talk.....(mama calls it cheong hei--long winded) a very basic virtue for any sales person, right?!)

But the low basic pay and unknown commission were his greatest drawbacks. With the load of providing for a family now as a husband and father of 2, he had lost all his risk-taking appetite, unlike his youth days. So when I sensed tension in the car that day, I just had to speak up! (No, they really think it must be God) ekkekekee....so as I was saying, I was partly the main pushing factor for their decision.

Papa felt peace in his heart when he took up that job. They both know that God never fails them even if this path seemed uncertain. From their life experiences, God has never once let them down, surely God will see us through through all times as long as we delight in His ways. God plays His part in keeping His promises, we just have to play ours, keep trusting and have faith! What can I say? My God is Great!

Soccer Bowling

2009-07-22T12:22:00.003+08:00

Mama kept some formula tins as my bowling pins. To make my soccer game more challenging! Not bad, I could aim and kick them down. Mama also noticed I jumped as I kicked the ball too, like a pro leh! Don't play play!(Kow Fu, you have not been playing soccer with me for a long time already! When are you coming to play with me!?)

Self-Invent Carom Game

2009-07-20T11:01:00.004+08:00

I saw 2 young kids playing a game of carom in an arcade long ago. Then one day, when I was at home, and bored with playing the blocks the usual way, I self-invented my very own home arcade carom!

I took 2 rectangular blocks--one for mama and one for me, and a square block as the "carom" and started to hit it with the rectangular block over to mama. Mama didn't understand it at first. But she played along anyway. I was trying to "teach" her to hit the square block back to me....sigh, some times adults need help at creativity too. Then it dawned on her that we were playing a game of carom! (What took her so long....)

And so, her occupational instinct also kicked in. She took the opportunity to introduce colours to me, calling out the colour of the "carom" as we hit it. It was fun! Though remembering the colours wasn't my objective.

Then mama ran out of energy and passed to a better player--my papa. Papa also creatively played with different colours at the same time. (Maybe men are more ambitious?!) In either case, I must say I had good fun. Mama is proud of my imagination and creativity.

A video of papa and me playing the "carom" game. Notice how I wanted papa to hold the block a certain way. Must follow game rules, you know?!

Learning My Family Members' Names

2009-07-13T09:06:00.005+08:00

My parents taught me my name some months back.

Mama: "What's your name?"

Lia: "E-ban-ge-nia."

Mama: "What's your name (In Mandarin)?"

Lia: "Lin Qi Xuan."

So I sort of got a hang of it soon and started asking my parents for their names one fine day. And I got better memory for remembering names as I went along and Mama gradually expanded my memory bank. Not until recently, all thanks to MJ's death, I created a new name for Gong Gong.

Mama: "What's Yeye's name?"

Lia: "Ah Sum." (Nai Nai taught me)

Mama: "What's Papa's name?"

Lia: "Gary." (Very well pronounced)

Mama: "What's mama's name?"

Lia: "E-ter."

Mama: "What's Nai Nai's name?"

Lia: "Ag-ne." (Agnes)

Mama: "What's Poh Poh's name?"

Lia: "Jo-ser-pin." (Josephine)."

Mama: "What's Gong Gong's name?"

Lia: (I used to say "Michael." But one morning while going to school in papa's car, the radio DJ was talking about MJ's death. And I turned around to mama and exclaimed, "Micheal Jackson! Is Gong Gong!") So now, depending on my mood, if you ask me about Gong Gong's name, I'll reply, "Michael Jackson." hehehehee..... well, though I won't want a plastic looking face Gong Gong, if he is really my Gong Gong, I'll be darn rich by now!!!! And Neverland would be my everyday playground!

Next Mama shall expand my memory bank further by teaching me kow fu, kow mo, gugu and gu zhang's name!

Grandaunt Becca's Wedding

2009-07-09T15:02:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday was grandaunt Becca's wedding. So morning, we went to Wesley Methodist Church for the church ceremony and The Regents for banquet at night. I almost couldn't make it that day because I had flu and phlegmy cough early that week. Thank God I was better by Friday.

Had a great time at church as I was more alive and active. I was happily being carried around or "lured" away by many different people. During the tea reception, I also stood in last minute as the Public Relations Officer. I shook hands and asked the guests, "How are you?" Some people that even my parents didn't know! I was super duper friendly despite the killer weather outdoor. I refused to sit on the chair and ate my proper lunch. One of those things that my mama just couldn't fathom why. For her, she would look for the shadiest spot, get her food and sit/eat. Mama can't "function" when she is all warm and sweaty.

But as for me, I love to get up and about. That's when I can "function" well. :) Being with people just energizes me, oh that is when I'm in the "ok" mood.

Not for the night though. I was given a dose of flu medi and that made me drowsy and cranky. I stuck to papa at the dinner table, refused to sit in the high chair. Papa only managed to coax me to sit on the high chair's table because he needed to eat! Inspite of my crankiness and stickiness, I would look out for potential people that could get me out of the hall.

So I would ask for Kow Fu, Gong Gong, Kow Mo, just about anyone that I know would carry me away to run about at the lobby. Even my most fearful person, Kow Fu Benji would also do!! It was the first time I dare to go near him. I made his day, I hope! ahahhaaaa....

"Read Your Bible Pray Everyday"

2009-07-06T09:33:00.003+08:00

Mama taught me this song, "Read Your Bible Pray Everyday" when I was about 1 year old plus. I remember the song and like it very much because of its actions. So whenever mama said, "Why don't you take your bible out and read...." (Actually, more like browsing the pages and looking at pictures, all in less than 10 mins, of course) I would start to do the actions and requested her to sing the song for me. I actually love doing the actions so much that time spent on it could almost double the time for browsing the bible. Well, though her intention was deviated, at least I "know" when we read the bible and pray everyday, we get to grow right?! ekekekeke..

1st Time on Potty

2009-06-26T07:39:00.004+08:00

Yeah! I finally did it! My first attempt to really sit on the potty without fear. Mama bought potties for me long long time ago since I was 18 months. She's been waiting for me to be potty trained since then. But I had been rejecting it. Just a fews weeks ago, she showed me some new Hello Kitty panties she bought for me. I was intrigued by them and insisted to wear one. So she told me, "Only big girls wear panties. Those wearing diapers can't wear them. Diapers are for babies."

Now with Mui Mui RaeAnn coming, I can sort of know better what are "babies" and "Ga Jie" meant. So Mama told me if I wanted to wear panties, I couldn't wear diapers, and it won't fit too anyway.

So at Nai Nai's house, Nai Nai also let me wear it. My potty training is still in the teething stage. I would sit on it, at least without fear and struggle. But I couldn't release anything. Still does the occasionally accidents on the floor or carpet. Or asked for diaper when I want to poo. Sorry.... But mama thinks it's a good attempt and a big leap already. Hurray for me! Now mama is more motivated to buy sweet and cute little panties for me!!!! Waiting....nothing...

Papa waited too....nothing....

But at least I sat there!

Cool Girl Onboard

2009-06-26T07:23:00.007+08:00

I saw mama wearing a pair of sunglasses in the car and had been pestering her to let me wear it too. But mama was afraid that I would spoil it, and I sure did! One of the lens dropped out, ops! So Papa got me a kid size one. However, it suffered almost the same fate as mama's sunglasses. Just within a day, it sustained scratches on the lens! KEkekee...don't blame me, I'm just a kid. Save the LV and Gucci ones till I'm older, ya?! :P

Demure.....
Cheeky.....

Goofy...

Seriously cool....

Celebrity caught off guard?

Funny....

Best Papa in the World! (To me)

2009-06-24T10:20:00.010+08:00

Last Sunday was Fathers' Day. Before I slept on Saturday night, mama told me we would surprise papa with the cards I made from school and home. So when I woke up the next morning, mama passed me the cards and we hid behind the bedroom door--papa had gone out to make milk for me. When he came back, we shouted, "Surprise! Happy Fathers' Day!" Papa was all smiles as I passed him the cards.

My papa is the best papa in the whole wide world to me. He has been very hands on with all the caregiving. Since my birth, from waking up in the middle of the nights, changing diapers, bathing, feeding, cooking my meals, making milk, buying groceries, diapers and milk, disciplining and all the others a parent has to do, he's been there, done them ! He is also my best play mate because I love it when I can play tumble and rumble games with him! My papa is a load of fun! What can I (and mama) ask for more, right?!

This is also why I respect my papa alot, alot. More than anyone else in the house, I think. Sometimes that makes mama jealous. :p Whenever I'm up to mischief, he just needs to give a stare, I will back off within seconds. When he disciplines me, I will listen well. He is very strict with me when I misbehave. The puzzling thing is, I will want him to smile at me after that. Only towards papa, I will want his favour and approval after a hard session of disciplining. I will turn to him with my teary eyes and asked, "Papa, eeeee?" (Meaning, "show your smile.") To me, that will end my disciplining session with him. I will hug him again and he will say, "I forgive you."

Mama told papa that some kids, after being disciplined may not even wanna do anything with that person. Or would run to someone else for comfort, typically, the one who always pampers. (hmmm...sounds like mama when she was young, huh?! When poh poh disciplined her, she would run to Gong Gong and "complained.") But I will just want papa to love me again despite mama waiting (eagerly) to shower her comfort and love if I were to run to her after that. But more often than not, papa's smile and hug/kisses will suffice. And I'll be up and about, back to my usual cheerful self!

Guess papa is too important to me to lose his favour. And one of my parents' prayers is that they are able to exhibit a glimpse of God's characteristics to me too--that they love me just like God does to all of us, but will not hesitate to chasten me should I go off track. Most of all, forgiveness is readily there if I will just "repent"--change. I'm learning to be a good girl. They're learning to be good parents too.....No perfect parents. I will not trade my papa for any papa in the world! He's the best!

Papa, I love you very much!!! :*** and hugs for you!

"Happy Fathers' Day, papa!" Cards for you, Papa.

Papa asking me what I did on the card. I made a heart shaped card with red thread woven around the edges from school. The other one was done with mama--I drew pictures (scribbles) on it. I kept saying, "I draw papa..." Then mama pasted a picture of papa and me on it. A kiss for my papa!Words on the card, "I love my Daddy!" My best papa! Then mama brought this new toy out for me to play. It's a toy cake decoration. Very good for learning mathematical concepts like sorting, patterning, fractions and etc. Aunty Viv bought me this toy quite some time ago, and mama thinks I'm ready to play with it now. Mama just let me explored with it. I love decorating the cake and cutting it into slices. Mama told me to make a Fathers' Day cake for Papa. And so I did! Cutting the "cake." I would say, "This cake (slice) for mama, this for papa, this for yeye, this for nai nai....." I would also ask papa and mama if they like chocolate, kiwi or orange on their cake.

Oh and did I mention, mama got papa on my behalf a Fathers' Day gift too? Hmmm...mama is thinking maybe she should deduct from my savings since he's technically, MY PAPA lor!!! kekekekekee....

Fathers' Day with Gong Gong & Ye Ye

2009-06-24T09:28:00.007+08:00

Last Saturday, we celebrated Fathers' Day with Gong Gong at Zhou's Kitchen. But mama forgot to bring the camera, so no pictures to show--sorry. We had buffet Tim Sum, or rather, they had their lunch and I was sleeping. Good for my parents! Could eat in peace. Kow Fu and Kow Mo were there too. I woke up shortly after they had their fill, and was very touchy, especially teary whenever Kow Fu wanted to play with me. Guess, I hadn't seen him for some time or was it because he once "scolded" with me for eating slowly and I cried? Anyway, Kow Fu, don't mind me, I'm just a mood swing kid! I'll play with you again, soon! How about a game of soccer!? I can kick very well now, you know?!

Then on Sunday, we celebrated with Ye Ye at Novetel with dinner buffet. Gu Gu and Gu Zhang were there too. And the theme colour that day was coincidentally--orange! Ye Ye, Nai Nai, papa and me were dressed in orange attire! ahhahahaaa....And I got to make a new friend at the lobby. Her name is Lara Jie Jie. She was so friendly and gentle. I followed her every action and wherever she went. Good thing she was such a gentle girl, so my actions were also, well, less active....

Mama and me.

Eating mango pudding. Too busy to take photo. I wanted to sit with Gugu and Gu Zhang.

My papa devouring his favourite--fresh salmon!

Happy Papa!

The orange gang.

Were we singing or saying something?

At the lobby, playing with Lara Jie Jie.

Following her every action--crossed legs.

Imitating Lara Jie Jie again. Same Same.... 2 sweet girls. (1 really sweet, 1 trying to be sweet)...mama thinks Lara Ji Jie is really a great influence for me to learn graceful etiquettes! She is so lady-like. Well, when mama met her mum, she could tell why. Aunty is also very graceful. Ops, does that mean my mama is very cho loh!? wahahahahahhaha...... I kept looking away, so mama tricked me by saying, "Hey, see what happened to Gugu?!" This angle is not bad already, I was back facing the camera before this. Finally, I decided to co-operate and looked at the camera, but no smile. Still playing with Lara Jie Jie, at her parents' table behind mine. Jie Jie was trying to help mama to take pics of me! So nice of her. But see my eyes? Purposely looked down to avoid the camera.

So, just who is your baby?

2009-06-16T13:36:00.003+08:00

My Mama stumbled upon this baby quiz and tried to recall her experience with me when I was a baby. She said it very true about me!

Result: I was a touchy baby!! (Wonder what that means)http://quiz.ivillage.com/parenting/tests/knowyourbaby.htm

The Touchy Baby. For an ultrasensitive baby such as yours, the world is an endless array of sensory challenges. She flinches at the sound of a motorcycle revving outside her window, the TV blaring or a dog barking in the house next door. She blinks or turns her head away from bright light. She sometimes cries, even at her mother, for no apparent reason. At these moments, she's shouting (in her baby language), "I've had enough -- I need some peace and quiet." She often gets fussy after a number of people have held her or after outings. She will play on her own for a few minutes, but she needs the reassurance that someone she knows well -- Mom, Dad, a nanny -- is close by. Because this type of baby likes to suck a lot, mom may misread her cues and think she's hungry when she'd do just as well being calmed in another way. She also nurses erratically, sometimes acting as if she has forgotten how. At naptime and at night, your baby often has difficulty falling asleep. Touchy babies like her easily get off schedule, because their systems are so fragile. An extra-long nap, a skipped meal, an unexpected visitor, a trip, a change in formula -- any of these things can throw your baby for a loop. To calm the touchy baby, you have to recreate the womb. Swaddle her tightly, snuggle her into your shoulder and whisper a rhythmic sh ... sh ... sh ... (like the splashing of fluid in the womb) close to her ear, and pat her back gently, mimicking a heartbeat. (This, by the way, will calm most babies, but it works especially well with a touchy baby.) When you have a touchy baby, the quicker you learn her cues and her cries, the simpler life is. Your baby loves structure and predictability -- no hidden surprises, thank you.

Streams of Praise

2009-06-13T12:07:00.003+08:00

Mama deemed Streams of Praise a Chinese Version of Hosanna Integrity, or sometimes, Hillsongs. Being Taiwanese and all, the composers never fail to mesmerize Mama with their beautiful language of expression. In plain and simple English, for instance, "Jesus loves you." They could word it as "Ye Shu Teng (dote) Ni, (instead of the usual, "Ai (love)." And sometimes, the same meaning of a phrase in Chinese sounds more touching than in English to her.

Some songs papa and her love very much and have been very ministering to them. Never fail to lift their spirits up....

A New You, Streams of Praise

I Pray, Streams of Praise

Send Me, Lord

God's Blessing or Baffle? (A testimony and thanksgiving)

2009-06-08T13:18:00.011+08:00

It was an usual night out for dinner at United Square one weekday. My mama was busy chasing after me as I was roaming around the mall after dinner and Papa was running some errands elsewhere.

As my heavily pregnant mama was chasing me, she accidentally kicked on something. It gave a "ling ling" sound, and so she looked down to see what it was. A gold ring.

To be more specific, it's a yellow gold ring, with a big diamond on top of it, surrounded with little diamond stubs. She surveyed it briefly and thought, "It looked like glass." Not diamond, was her first analysis because, the yellow gold was a little tarnished, one little diamond stub was missing and the "diamond" didn't have that sparkle and shine.

And at split second, she had to recollect her senses because I was running away to nowhere! So she quickly held her "loot" higher and thought to herself, "Better lift this ring higher so the owner cannot claim that I'm a thief or something. I'm ready to return it." And so she did for about a few seconds, eyes darting at my direction. But no one came towards her.

Without another moment to waste, she threw the ring back into her handbag and continue her FBI chase. She showed Papa the ring when we got back to the car. Papa gave that looks-worse-than-my-proposal-ring-for-you-though-this-is-much-bigger look. And claimed that the diamond and all must be fake. No shine, no clarity, no nothing.

Then on mother's day lunch with my poh poh and gong gong, she took it out from her pouch and showed it to poh poh. Why poh poh?! Because poh poh seems to have "luck" at picking up jewelleries on the street too! Ring and bracelet, mainly yellow gold. And so mama thought she must be an expert at verifying jewelleries. Does this kinda "luck" runs in the family?!?!? HAhhahaaa....hopefully, why not! I should be the 3rd generation to inherit such "asset" if so!

Anyways, after surveying the ring, gong gong, poh poh, kow fu and kow mo's verdict was---it seemed fake. Too fake to be real. Then mama concluded in her heart that she had picked up a fake ring. But was nonchalant about it. No lost, no gain, waste of her time. So that ring was thrown from bag to bag, table to table and pouch to pouch for about 1 month plus. Forgotten for awhile. A part of her felt she shouldn't just THROW it away, at least give that ring a true "identity."

So on one of her leave days to run some errands with papa, she brought that ring along. She was at Lee Hwa, doing cleaning of her jewelleries. She hesitated to bring that ring out to be verified. "What if the sales promoter think I stole it?" "She must be thinking if the ring is mine, why do I need her to verify?" And it was kinda Ah Soh lor! So she was trying hard rehearsing how to play down the Ah Sohness. She even wanted papa to do it, who blatantly rejected even after tempting him with sharing part of the "price" if the ring was real didn't work!

Alas, she mustered up enough courage to ask the sales promoter to verify the ring's status. She politely took out a diamond tester kit and pointed on the diamond and a loud "Deee" sound was heard. Mama almost wanted to hide her face and Papa looked away as if he didn't know mama (so much for "for better or for worse", right?!). The sound sounded so negative that both thought it meant, "It's fake!" And the promoter had a frown on her face. She repeatedly tested the diamond like 3 to 4 times. Mama already had her hands on her face; she was imagining herself climbing over the counter, grabbing the tester kit from the promoter and begged her to stop!!!

But her next words stunned my parents, "Yup, it's real. And it's about 0.8 to 1.1karat." My mama's jaw dropped, but managed to hold it back to avoid any detection of thrill. After the promoter left the counter to check on the cleaning of her jewelleries, papa whispered to mama, "You can now wipe that smug smile off your face!"

They left the place and went to search around for pawn shops to determine the worthiness of the ring. One quoted $5k, the other $4.5k, and another who wanted to buy it, offered only $1k. Needless to say, Mama decided to go with the $5k because she didn't want to go through the hassle of walking on anymore just to get a better deal than that. She felt it was God's blessing that she picked this ring and she shouldn't be too greedy about it by spending too much time and effort.

So papa was sent to process the pawning of the ring as by then, mama was zapped out of her energy to walk. So mama waited in the car, in the carpark just opposite the shop. Poor Papa, he got mistaken by the boss that he had to pawn his girlfriend's ring to finance his unborn child and girlfriend!! wahahahaha...a compliment to mama I think! But mama just couldn't help laughing after he got back into the car complaining how poor thing he was being mistaken as a bastard! hahahaha...Guess this was how he got mama to give him a token from that sum as a compensation!??!?!?kekekeke...

Back to seriousness, after the whole woo hah, Mama gave thanks to God. She felt God had heard her heart's desires and provided. She had wanted to get a confinement nanny, get a new infant carrier (for safety when travelling in a car), do her post natal massage, go for short family getaway and replace her mobile phone that hung up on her every now and then.

But Papa said, "I think it's God's way of telling us"--"I know you'll be out of a job for a longer time, so give you extra $5k as a baffle." Mama upon hearing that felt her thanksgiving-ness melted away slowly. He might be right.

But mama quickly corrected him as her past experiences told her that God is not a cruel God. God is not out to make fools out of His children too. He loves and it hurts Him as much as He sees how much His children are in need. Even some of our own earthly fathers will not give a stone to his own children when they are hungry, why would our heavenly Father be so wicked to give empty blessings?

It was not a matter of what the extra money was for, mama felt it was how they should react as children of God that would matter. So mama chose to give thanks. Mama chose to believe God cares and He is still faithful to provide. She knew deep down God was trying to say, "Look here, you two guys panicking over money. If I can drop a $5k right under your smelly feet over all your 'wants". Shall I not also provide all your needs?!"

Papa has learnt a lesson too--in everything, give thanks! Have faith to know God is good all the time even if our situation seems otherwise or He doesn't answer our prayer needs like the way we wanted it.

Mama has her faith in God's providence rebuilt. She has grown to understand that, like parents, all God wants to do was to help us know Him better--what kinda God is He. It'll be sad if they as parents are misunderstood by muimui and me, isn't it?!

My parents are still unsure when God will provide papa with a job. But they know God will not abandon us, He WILL provide, in His time, in His ways......

So, was the ring God's blessing or baffle? It's only a matter of how much you know your God. :)

Mama used to get dislike Don Moen's vocal cos she thinks he sounds very "Uncle-ish." But she knows he's an anointed composer. Another ageless song, listen to his words in the middle of the song. Be ministered! (Papa, this is for you too!)

Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa

2009-06-03T10:17:00.011+08:00

Day 1....
We packed our bags and headed off to Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa for a 3 days 2 nights stay. Mama had a lil blessing from God (nope, she didn't win any lottery. She didn't buy any to start with) and could splurge on this mini family getaway. Thank God for His providence and granting Mama her wish. The resort was also having this promotion and for quite a cheap deal we could get a decent room and resort. Though she wished she could travel further, by the time "God's blessing" came, she was in her 3rd trimester and airlines would have barred her from travelling already. So my desperate Mama thought Sentosa was good enough, just a family getaway before G2 (girl number 2) comes out and things would definitely be different.

The room was ok, except the toilet being very crampy. Mama being bigger than usual now almost hit the sink or door whenever she was inside. But then again, no complains. God is still good!

As for me, I had a great time there. Swimming everyday, going to the beach, taking cable car, tram and coach bus, watching Songs of the Sea were great experience for me. Just that the sun was out to boil people I think! Super hot!

Talking about Songs of the Sea. Sigh, my parents said they used to watch the similar musical fountain (and nicer) for free many years ago! Now we had to pay and I was crying at one point because the story had a rock monster with hot fire balls exploding from the scene. Got me frantic coupled with the loud and scary music.

But other than that, I had loads of fun!

Day 2....
We had our complimentary breakfast at the resort. The outdoor cafe was visited by some fat squirrels that would jump from fence to fence, and some patrons fed them fruits. I was observing their movement and soon caught on the "squirrel's spirit" and began moving around like a squirrel!

After breakfast, we went to Palawan Beach to check out. Then back Siloso Beach. I disliked walking on the sandy beach and insisted Papa or Mama to carry me. Mama thought I should be the last person to be picky about being yeeky and dirty! And I was afraid when the tide came nearer to me too. But when I was younger, all these didn't affect me at all. Papa and Mama used to bring me to the beach for sand play. Probably, I'm much older now and became conscious of many things around me.

Then after awhile, we got back to the resort pool instead because the weather was super duper hot! At night, I took my first ride in a cable car! I was very excited and kept telling Papa, "I want sit cable car...." We took the ride to Vivo city for dinner and came back on it too. It was fun!

If not for the killer weather, Mama and Papa wouldn't be so tired. The sun really could zap up all your energy even though we didn't do much activities. It's tiring for Mama to wait and sit from tram to bus, and bus to tram whenever we had to hang out of resort. Imagine carrying a 2kg watermelon wherever you go, you would get what I mean. hehehehee....

A video of me running around pretending to be a squirrel.

A video of me pretending to be a teacher, reading names written on a paper. That's what Ms Seng would do when we had to do activities. I had to try to identify my name. So I took some papers from the room and pretended that Papa was my student!

Day 3....
It was the last day at Sentosa and my parents brought me Palawan Beach for some water play since they saw I was keen when we passed by yesterday. But guess I was the only one there that morning, I was very afraid to get into the shallow pool. It was more like a water play area. Not really a pool per say.

I was apprehensive to step into the water firstly because I disliked the rocky ground. Kept pointing to the ground, complaining. But after a while, I was able to "accept" it and played water.

We went back to the resort's pool after half an hour because the sun was cooking us literally even though it was only 1030am!!!

A video of me trying to "sink" Papa at the water play area.

Day out after church

2009-05-27T21:19:00.004+08:00

I was finally well after a week of fever, flu and cough. Still having slight phlemgy cough but it's clearing. So we went to church last Sunday. This is me at lunch. My smug smile!
Papa kept me entertained before our food came. I told Papa to draw for me.
Then we went shopping. Er....I mean, Mama went shopping. Papa and I tagged along (boring). Then I saw this courtesy lion and exclaimed, "Mickey Mouse!!" I ran towards it as if it was my best pal. My Mama had a good laugh and pity the guy that created this courtesy lion. If he was around he must be banging wall! HAhahahaa......Lion looked like a Mickey Mouse to a kid! But the phrase was encouraging. Papa read that and immediately turned to Mama and said, rather mechanically though, "You are pretty." (duh?!)

My usual tight hug. Mind you, it's really TIGHT!

Mama took this pic then reviewed it and commented to Papa, "Take again. She (me) closed her eyes."

Then the "cheeky" me immediately closed my eyes even more tightly! Papa couldn't stop me, so he joined in. Wahahhahaaa...Like they say, "If you cannot beat them, join them!"

My Lil Mui Mui -- 6 1/2 months old (in the womb)

2009-05-27T21:00:00.002+08:00

My Lil Mui Mui is 6 1/2 months old in my Mama's tummy already. Each time whenever Mama sees Dr Cheng, she never fail to ask, "Is she still a girl?!" Don't misunderstand her, Mama loves girls. She doesn't mind at all for another one.

Mama merely wants to be dead sure so her shopping won't be in vain--she bought some girly stuffs. Stuffs that a boy can never wear, like dresses and white lacy shoes! So each time, after Dr Cheng confirms that it's still a girl, (and boy, he had that look of displease on his face too, as if Mama doubt his skill or the high tech equipment he had just upgraded) Mama would be so motivated to shop and look at girls stuffs even more! (Papa rolling his eye balls)

Being another girl means kinda cost saving in a way. Mui Mui will get lotsa hand-me-downs from me. Clothes, toys and etc. So during this sale period, my parents conscience kinda kick in a bit. Even my ever prudent Papa thought of splurging a bit to get mui mui new mittens, booties and baby toys just to give her something new. But of course, each time, they evaluated and thought it wasn't wise to spend that extra money since we already have sufficient.

So now, Mama is more particular in her selection of new items for me. She will try to get clothes, books or toys that are really pretty or nice so that mui mui can benefit from them too! Oh well, hopefully, they last till mui mui is old enough to use them, that is. I tend to dirty my clothes or spoil my toys easily! :P

Mama with Grandaunt Colleen at Uncle Yogi's wedding.

My Parents' Anniversary Family Portrait and Today's Parent

2009-05-26T10:02:00.003+08:00

Took this family portrait in March but it wasn't the one my parents had chosen out of those the photographer took. But my parents couldn't be bothered to go down and return this wrong one and wait another few more weeks to collect again. So we stick to this. Not too bad, kinda fun. Looking forward to next year and many more years to come to take with my lil mui mui.

These were taken when we went IMM and Cannon was having a roadshow. The guy asked Papa to get Mama and me to take (only for mother and child, too bad, Papa) a pic together. If chosen by Today's Parents magazine, can be on the cover page as models! But of course, we didn't get it lah! hehehehe....