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August 31, 2009

We Survived our Sunday!

My immunity seems to go on a little strike that I am not feeling well, and it has decided to make me feel giddy after coughing for many weeks and my flu didn’t get better too.

Nevertheless, I didn’t want to spoil the fun and quality time I have with the kids over weekends and especially challenging for me when Hubby has to work on Sunday, leaving myself with 2 power house alone.

Ethyl’s swimming lessons are on every Sunday. I didn’t want her schedule disrupted when the Daddy needs to work, I planned and design the day in a way that the schedule goes on and I can manage the kids alone without any help.

To keep my sanity, I have decided to let Brayden swim as well while Ethyl has her lesson. This little one loves water play and the best way to keep him busy and not cranky; I had to let him have his fun.

We woke up early on Sunday. Ironically, it was not too hectic a morning! We woke up, lazed on the bed and played for a while before I pick my lazy arse out of the bed and started packing.

Most of the stuff were packed the previous night, I just threw in some snacks for them both, water and little boy’s milk and we were ready to go!

The sky was overcast and I had a feeling that it’s going to rain cats and dogs. Tried persuading Ethyl that we should not go to the pool, but failed! She insisted we should go since she didn’t want to miss her lesson. As usual, I hate to disappoint, so I went ahead.

We quickly got ourselves in the pool and both of them had great fun! We were there 30 minutes earlier, and played while waiting for Ethyl’s class to start. At almost 10am, it rained. Boy, it was a really heavy rain. Little boy didn’t fret this time when I carried him out of the pool. Think he understands what it means by raining and we should not continue swimming. The coordinator also said, lesson cancelled as they want to close the pool as the downpour was too heavy.

GREAT! Though this is not within what I had planned, we were all fine. Next is bathing, the real challenge. Since Ethyl is able to bathe herself, I settle Brayden quickly, made his milk and get ourselves ready. By the time he finished his milk, Ethyl is settled and eating her bread and looking after him (in his stroller) while I bathed. She will help me feed Brayden and played with him while waiting for me. I am glad she is such a great help!

The kids didn’t fail me; both were well behaved when Daddy was not around. I am looking forward to bringing them out alone for shopping trips or even outings by myself, with friends or even my sisters when Hubby is not available.

A little bonus of the day for me…Brayden finally called me Mama a few times! He is seldom generous in calling me, but he did that yesterday! I am really happy for that!

August 18, 2009

Backdated: Letter for Brayden

From pregnancy to giving birth, to his operation, I have been through a terrible bout of emotional roller coaster. I have been holding back on writing him this post just because when thoughts starts streaming in, I would lose control of my tears and I get really emotional.

During pregnancy, I had low placenta, my pregnancy was so uncomfortable compared to the first. Even though I do not have any morning sickness, it was not really a breeze. I hung on to it, as I believe a positive mindset is the only thing to tide me through the 40 weeks.

This started to feel different in my second trimester. I was having some cramps in my abdominals, and need some bed rest. I was also not accepted at my work place, we parted on cordial terms. Even so, I was filled with anger and hatred for that moment. Nevertheless, I bite my teeth, enjoyed the months where I got to stay at home and spend more time with Ethyl, and at the same time, manage household and waiting for Brayden’s arrival. Time passes really fast then.

The birth process was not as swift as everyone wished. At least I didn’t expect that I will ever feel as awful after the c-section as I had been there once and it was a breeze.

Our Brayden is so adorable. He is so cheerful and full of smiles. Ethyl loves him ever since he joins us. Everything seems to be blown over, all the unhappiness, all the pain from child birth etc. I thought it is a time I can enjoy myself as a mother of two; and having a set of beautiful children that are so close and dear to me.

Things were not as pretty as I thought. Brayden started coughing. Little passed to him, I don’t blame her. It was inevitable that the sister would want to kiss him and touch him. However, I got panicky when he coughed until he couldn’t catch his breath and his lips turned blue. Visits to the hospital and Peads were pretty frequent for us too. We will be so fearful that we neglected him, stood by his bedside and in case he coughed or choked, we’ll carry him up and start patting him. We tried all means to make him feel better.

Finally he grew well. He has a hearty appetite and usually down the breast milk fast and in higher quantity. I was blessed with a good supply this time around, and Ethyl got to get some share of the extras too!

Months passed by peacefully with him falling sick almost once every month. This is tiring for us too. As things got better, we thought alls over. Who knows he has a lump at the back of his head and it was infect badly and there were pus flowing out too! He lost his appetite, can’t sleep or drink as the lump was causing him great discomfort.

We brought him to KKH and were referred to a paediatric surgeon. He was not good. I made a swift decision to seek second opinion from another paediatric surgeon who is in private practice. He saw Brayden, and referred our case to another kind doctor, who is a paediatric neurosurgeon.

We were told to do a MRI to assess the extensiveness of the surgery required and how extensive was the growth. Another painful event for us both to go through. Seeing him fasting, being put under GA, the pain was beyond description as I see my little guy lie motionless in that huge machine.

Report was good, we thought the surgery could be delayed till after his first birthday.

As things got bad, we decided to admit him straight to the hospital and let him go for an operation to remove the unwanted tissues that create havoc in my son’s head. Those days were tough. I cried when whenever I looked at him, I heart my little boy so much and it really was heart wrenching to see him go through so many things ever since birth.

This is not the end. I thought things really get better after this operation unitl it was time to remove his stitches. I still get goose bumps at the thought of what had happened before my eyes. The first time I can feel millions of dagger stabbed in my heart.

heartache

The wound opened up once again when sutures were removed. Gosh! I saw the raw wound in front of my eyes and oh my! At that very moment, I still need to maintain my poise as little boy was in great pain and a panicky mommy will not help in the situation. I kept my cool, though my voce was shivering, I tried to calm my shrieking baby down, trying my very best to comfort him.

I was told he needs another day surgery to stitch up his exposed wound. Things were settled rather quickly with the help of my fellow colleagues who is in the day surgery centre at the group that I was working at. This happened really fast, they were really helpful. My (then) boss came to accompany me as Hubby was unable to be with me. She tried to keep me company by talking to me and diverting my attention. I really appreciate.

Soon, everything was over. And this time, it is really over! Brayden is brave and is still a cheerful boy. He is very accident prone as he tends to do things very fast. Very soon, the tears that I used to shed no longer comes back and all that I loved doing is to bask in the bliss of being a Mom of two. Brayden had an event first year, so do I.

Brayden, you are a brave boy! Sorry for the late letter…this is meant to be posted on your first birthday, but I never got to finish writing it as I am unable to continue when then images flashback.

May you be blessed with health, happiness and love!

Mommy

August 17, 2009

Teaching Little Boy

I shall not have people telling me I am practising favouritism. I plan for Ethyl and so do I plan for Brayden. 

He is a very cheerful little guy…whenever I read to Ethyl, he would sit beside me and listen to both Ethyl and myself reading and discussing on what we have read. This is our way of bonding.

I bought a set of “I Can Read” flash cards. I am going to start Brayden on his learning journey officially. I have to admit that I am guilty for not starting earlier. I have been procrastinating ad this is bad. This week, I shall start!

He will have 10 to 15 minutes of flash cards, and we will bounce back to our singing, play pretend session before bedtime.

Having them around is so different. Life is really busy but I have to admit, I enjoyed every moment with them!

Making Money Sense

Teaching her about money is part of my agenda to prepare her for primary school, and in the long run for her own benefit.

Not that I managed my money with much sense, but I think it is good to impart her importance of money, savings and also how to make wise choices with it.

Seeing us leaving for work in the mornings, little girl came to terms that we need to work in order to bring home money for our living expenses.

I have been thinking a lot…how to teach her on the importance of savings, making wise choices when she only has a certain amount of pocket money, and how to make good use of it.

Finally I decided that I shall start giving her some money to start off with. I will only give her 50 cents for a start on a daily basis. On weekend, she would have accumulated $2.50 and I shall bring her on one of my marketing trip, I will entice her with her favourite items, trying to make her spend money. She has to understand with the amount she has, she cannot buy something that cost more than $2.50. I will also factor in the requirement that she needs to save at least 50 cents for a week. I shall see how she behaves and we will refine the coaching from there.

This sounds exciting to her! As a school girl, with my pocket money, I will buy food during recess, go to the bookshop and when my friends buy stationery, I will want to buy too. However, Mommy will insist that I must save at least half of my pocket money. It’s a struggle for me back then. I need to teach Ethyl on her priorities.

It is inevitable that she will still be like me who will be tempted to buy fanciful stationery. I have been there, I will understand. I am trying my best here to help her making wise decisions; I hope this works for us. Next on my agenda is to get her involved in planning her timetable together with me. She has a responsibility for herself, and she needs to be comfortable with the guideline we both set together.

August 13, 2009

Backdated: Monday Holiday

We woke up late on monday! This is a luxury for us as the kids usually wakes up pretty early, especially the little guy. Being able to sleep till 9.30am, both Hubby and I felt so refreshed and recharged!

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We went to Whitesands for breakie. Well, I was craving for ramen, but he said, "No, live simply". Ok, our kids are too pampered, as we always dine at restaurants or cafe during weekends, the little girl dislike going to coffeeshops or hawker centres. Now, at least we dine at the foodcourt since we need to do some marketing at supermart.



This cheeky boy...he was using the straw to dip at he chee cheong fun sauce (soya sauce) just because I do not allow him to eat cos there's too much sodium content. Kids are smart ya?

In the evening, we went to the beach! On our way to the beach, at the fishing pond, we saw a monkey! both were very excited, even the adults and this monkey has his "followers" following him wherever he goes!

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We also got them new bikes. Ethyl has upgraded to a BMX, whilst Brayden gets a new toddler ride.

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Brayden decided to stop sitting down and wanted to have a stroll too :)

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and i love this...

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August 12, 2009

For A Record

I am so happy to hear Brayden call me "Mommy" TODAY!!! To be specific, it was this morning when I was getting ready for work.

He once called "Mama" many weeks ago and just once and no more. I wonder when will be the next time I hear "Mommy" again.

He is beginning to speak up more. Xiao Yi says he is a quiet boy, or rather a boy with few words. I do not agree though. He always blabbers at home and loves to shriek!

The word he says most daily is none other than "Jie jie". He also loves Ethyl alot by hugging her and puling her hair at times, but this doting sister never once raise her voice at him. She takes that as Didi's way of showing affection.

He also loves to say "Dad Dad" or "Ah Dad". Yesterday on our way back, we saw a cat and he went "Cat". Mom says he can also say "catch"; but probably both "cat" and "catch" sounds pretty much similiar to us too. For sure he can say "dog".

I am hoping to hear more from him. He still loves jiejie, Daddy and Popo more than me *sad*.

August 11, 2009

Ethyl's First Swimming Lesson!

Our little girl finally started having her swimming lesson on Sunday! Yes, National Day itself. She was excited (so was I). I prepared many things for her; sunblock, after swim shampoo, conditioner, and also after sun lotion.

Got her a new UV suit (she was still wearing swimming costume), swimming cap and also a swimming bag (for myself) to lug their stuff along.

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She is holding that hot pink sling bag from Crumpler. I love the color when I saw at ION, but Hubby told me to put it back...so I got it at Paragon during my lunch break instead :p

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Little boy is also prepared to go for his dip!

At the pool...

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She is the youngest of them all, but the most daring (amongst the girls) too! She is really growing up too fast. Can't we slow down the growing alittle? I miss her baby times when she clings onto me for everything!

Our little dare-devil...

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He barely knew how to swim, yet he always shove Hubby's hands away. This little boy enjoyed so much that he cried when we carried him out of the pool to bathe!

August 10, 2009

She Loves to cam-whore

She took this set of pictures herself! See my vain girl...she simply loves to take photos!

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Again at my place :)

There were several things that I intend to update. hmm...first things first.

Last Friday, my sisters, they all came over to my place for dinner. Well, such gathering at my place is always good! It is truly a blessing to have a big space to hold them all. The only pity is, Dad is unable to make it as he was working.

We all enjoyed the session...they were Wii-ing and 3 adults are unable to win my little babe in bowling! haha...she was very proud that she won them all. However she lost to her "master" - Hubby.

Here's a video:



and the jiejie feeding didi water...my fave video.



Another nice photo captured...

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After dinner, we went to E!hub for a walk to digest the sumptious dinner mommy whipped.

We took the ferris wheel!
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August 8, 2009

National Day For Ethyl

She has celebration in school and she is so looking forward!

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See this little vain girl! She insisted to have me take pictures of her!

August 5, 2009

No Eating & Drinking On MRT, Rubbish!

MRT was not much of an issue for me when I stayed at Bukit Panjang. I don’t take trains as it is so convenient that I can take buses to my destinations. After our shift to Pasir Ris, a train ride is a daily affair for me.

For myself, I have an impatient toddler who wants to drink milk when he feels hungry. One may debate; feed your baby before the train ride. Well, who can anticipate if the baby is going to ask for water or even for toddlers? Why is drinking from water bottles not allowed too?! This really baffles me. MRT train ride in Singapore is so UNFRIENDLY!

We ought to approach the staff on the train when we need to feed baby water and milk? We are not dirtying the place, why should we allow any chance to make our children fuss and receive darting stares from the fellow irritated commuters with something which we can avoid?

Those who ate laksa, nasi lemak or whatever on the train is too much, I agree. Drinking water from water bottle also not allowed? Feeding milk also not allowed? Why so stringent?

Seriously, this is really causing inconvenience to commuters. Maybe one fine day they can also engage a staff on buses to patrol and catch those who eat and drink on the bus. So unfriendly public service!

August 4, 2009

We Went Down Town

Finally after enjoying ourselves at our new playground, we decided it is time for us to go for some proper shopping downtown with the kids!

We got ourselves ready after our part time helper finished the chores and of course, going downtown, we'll dress the kids nicer too! Ethyl is really happy to be dressed up!

Hubby wanted to park at Orchard Central for a try. Gosh! This carpark is really a big merry-go-round! we were all sick after we parked the car!

It has also been a while since we last gave the little girl a treat at the big M. So upon her request, we obliged and we have a really happy little girl sharing a filet burger with me.

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my pose-y girl

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the seaweed shaker fries

The little boy is not al all interested in fast food (which is good!). He was keeping himself busy and playing by himself and making funny faces.

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After our lunch, we went Robinsons. Got ourselves a clock (our new house didn't have one till saturday) and little boy a pair of clarks sandals. Shopped around...and drove off to ION!

The video of my vain girl shaking her bum bum is taken when we were outside Rip Curl (if my memory didn't fail me). Shop and shop...Hubby was there to control my spendings...well. Shopping loot = NONE!

Next we went takashimaya! They were having a toy fair, we walked around and finally it was 7pm and decided to have dinner at Crystal Jade.

Little boy trying to feed himself
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my cutie pie
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She looks so pretty!!!

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Ethyl wanted to take a picture with Brayden, but he is more interested in other things besides the camera.
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Then the sister took over the camera and took this :)
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On Sunday...

Nothing much, time to visit my ILs and so we went Clementi.

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This was taken in the car. Doesn't he has this naughty look?

It is really hard to take a proper picture of this boy...
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August 3, 2009

Videos of the kids

Busy August!

As much as I wanted to delay letting my Ethyl girl start her busy schedule going for different classes, I have to succumb to the pleadings from her as most of her friends are going for the classes and she felt she is too bored at home.

Well, she started bugging me early this year for ballet, music and art classes. I held back as we were preparing for the shift, didn't want to disrupt her lessons by changing the environment.

Now, my research for the classes started months ago. From one forum to the other, google is my next best friend online. The search is made easy reading from various forums and from friends. Having said that, as every kid is an individual, I can only try out the classes for Ethyl before I know if it is good.

One reason why I enrolled her to Kinderland is because of the environment, and also the additional classes provided by the school. It saves her from shuttling from class to class which will be real tiring.

Ethyl's starting her MPM Math session tomorrow. This sunday also marks her start for her swimming lesson. She is well prepared. SHe still wants to have her ballet class, chinese class and I am looking at the english creative writing. No hurry, one at a time. For now, I will let her try out the additional 2 classes and see how she copes before letting her go for ballet.

Little girl is excited, I am not. I just hope she copes well and will not be burnt out.