Brayden's First Performance

Our baby has grown up! He had his first performance on 2 December 2011. We were all excited and full of anticipation for this day.

As usual, the worrisome me worries about many things before this day arrived.

Will he have stage fright?

Will he forget his dancing steps when he sees so many audiences and back out?

Will he not perform when he sees us?

Will he cry on stage?

Not only the worrisome Mommy worries, even the jiejie and Daddy are worried too! They asked me the same questions as well.

I reminded them he is a big boy and will definitely do well. I told them and myself to have faith in him.

Full of anticipation, we sat patiently waiting for the N1 to perform. *Drum roll* Finally, we saw him on stage! He did us proud by doing perfect and was one of the best "bum-shaker" in his performance!

It was a magnificent performance put up by the school! We thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert!

Our baby has grown up! Well done Son! We are so proud of you!

Late...

Man came back almost 12 midnight last night. Last minute rush, he and his 2 peers got to make sure all work is done to ensure the aircraft is safe to take off.

However tired and sleepy I was, I stayed up as I would love to chat with him, even if it's for a minute. This is the least I can do as a wife, to be there for him and listening, updating and simply; be around.

Some friends asked why is he always so busy? They do not understand as their better half holds an office desk job that gives them weekend as family day. I used to mind and envy them. I guess I may still do at times, but I have also accepted that this is his job - staggered shift.

More than once, I ever asked myself "Can I be the kind of wife he needed?" No answer required, as this is a role I have to play - a wife, a mom and a pillar to the household.

Through the years, I have accepted my fate that I will be left very much independent to handle most things myself. I am not complaining. I am thankful. Despite being so busy, he is always there to render me his support and a shoulder for me to cry on.

This pasture that I have chosen 9 years ago is not the greenest, however is the most reliable piece I can ever asked for.

My temperament has also mellowed because of my current plight. Having children who is gradually understanding the Dad's job nature also helped as we will encourage each other when his presence is missed.

He always thank me for being there taking care of our lil ones and making sure they do not miss the fun of not having a Dad around. Little does he know, he is a super star to his kids, and an unsung hero of mine.

Love lots Dear!

Primary One Ended!!!

Now I can understand how some friends felt when they shared their stress and anxiety when their kids progressed to primary school, especially so during the examination period.

True enough, I felt as if I am in a pressure cooker especially the month during her final year assessment.

Glad thing is, this year has been a great year for us. For Ethyl has been working hard on her own of course it's packaged with my nagging and reminders), yet we had a good year.

She may not have top the P1 cohort, but there are subjects that she aces.

I hope she finds learning as interesting and remains so enthusiastic and a lil more diligent for P2.

She shall for now enjoy her birthday weekend and we will work hard together in Y2012!

It's a Blessing

It's mixed feelings for me on an early Friday morning.

The loss of 2 pretty girls.

To think that I even thought of doing silly thing to my lil Bud. However, I am glad I only have such thought, never the courage.

I will love my kids with my life. They are my everything!

I will also remember, I am a Mother!

Mom's Dark Side

I love my kids.

When faced with stress and some personal issues, I cannot believe I harbored and evil thought - remove this accidental #3.

This set me into some kind of low spirits. No, I have yet sunk into depression (at least I thought), I am a rather strong willed person hence I felt depression will leave me alone at least for now.

Deep in my heart, I know I can't bear. Hubby didn't try to talk to me about this after knowing my thoughts, he merely replied my whatsapp saying it is a little to late as baby has formed into human shape and told me not to do things that will make me regret for the whole of my life.

Till today, I still do get a little emotional. Just because he is so busy with work and unable to have a proper chat with me and trying to find out how I am doing in this pregnancy or even how my days are. I began wondering has this got to do with age catching up? I was never like this in my earlier pregnancies.

I can't talk to many people about this. Only when chatting with a few closer girlfriends, I do reveal my thoughts and some emotional struggles. Indeed it is a way to let go of some steam, however it is never enough comparing it to talking to him.

Seeing how stressful he gets from work, I can't bear to load him with more stress. I can only bear all these quietly.

Will he ever know? I really doubt so. It has probably slipped his mind that I used to pen down my thoughts on this cyber space.

Not to worry, I won't remove the baby. I have decided to take on this journey bravely with my baby. A Mom has to be able to protect their offspring and not hurt them.

Bravely I will...set a positive example for my kids.

Busy In the Kitchen

I re-ignited my hobby in bento-making lately after a group of friends started making bento for their loved ones.





The above are some creations I have made over the weeks.

Term 4 is rather tiring for me. Besides progressing into trimester 2, Ethyl has netball practices twice a week, hence I got to send her bento during her one-hour break before the school starts.

Time is never enough for me. However I do enjoy the time I spent with them right now :-)

Cheesy Chicken/Pork Rolls

Here is the recipe for the cheesy chicken roll!

I added ham as well cos the kids love ham & cheese! Could have added more cheese...this particular roll had lesser cheese.

Ingredients:

• Palm size lead meat/Chicken thigh about 1.5 - 2 cm thick
• 1/2 teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 2 slice Sliced Cheese (I used Cheddar Cheese here)
• 3 slices of Ham
• 1 Egg, beaten
• Plain Flour for dusting
• Breadcrumbs for coating
• Oil for deep frying

How to do it:

• Spread yogurt on the meat together with the seasoning in a ziplock bag and mix them all together.
• Leave for 10 minutes.
• Place cheese & ham on one side of the meat. Try to keep the cheese away from the side as it will melt and sip through the meat when you fry.
• Fold the meat.
• Dust with flour.
• Dip in beaten egg.
• Coat well with breadcrumbs.
• Deep fry till it turns golden brown (you can also try baking it for healthier option)
• Serve immediately.

Original recipe adopted from Wokking Mum.

The Kids Simply Amuses Me

I am seldom right about judging my boy. He, is a loving boy, yet very temperamental. One thing I never expect from him, is his readiness to show his love for the lil Bud. To him, I believe "baby" is something that exists in my tummy, out of his imagination how Bud will look like except the general concept and impression of the baby posters he has been seeing out in the malls (if there is).

Ethyl as usual, is the loving sister who hugs and kisses my stretch-marked-disfigured tummy and "chats" with the lil Bud on whatever that comes to her mind.

Brayden on the other hand, is very generous with his hugs and kisses when I thought he will be more reserved in this area. Indeed he is reserved with his words. Ethyl can tell a LONG story to my tum, yet Brayden will only says, "Good Baby, kor kor loves you!"

Lately there has been little fluttering in my tum, I deduced it is Bud who is performing some kungfu fighting in wombsville. How sweet to have such feeling all over again!

As I was immersing in the attention given to me by Hubs and the kids, I was pleased to hear the siblings discussing on how to share the load and help look after Bud when she arrives.

E said "Didi, you help Mommy feed baby one week, I take over the next week ok?"

B obligingly "Ok. So I feed baby milk? I use my milk bottle and feed baby milk?"

E trying to explain "No, Mommy will buy new bottle for baby. You feed baby using the new bottle ok?"

B a lil confused "So baby don't drink breast milk and drink Brayden's milk? I share my milk?"

E kinda-frustrated "Listen, Mommy will give baby breast milk, you just sayang baby when baby drink milk ok? I will feed."

B innocently "I also want to drink breast milk. I give baby my milk ok? Can share one you know?"

E gave up "When baby come out then I tell you again! You don't understand me!"

I sat on the bed, laughing at both...

Companion

I feel that I have grown up over the years. I am managing expectations better, more tolerant and trying to be more understanding in different circumstances.

Hubs has been working almost 7 days a week for many months due to some projects. Besides the normal working hours, additional OT hours were taken off from our supposed family time. I am trying to be understanding, to manage the household, the kids so that he can work with a peace of mind.

Never has I failed him once. He always trusted me to take good care of the kids and household.

When I am feeling down, I really hope there is a shoulder, a strong pair of arms to wrap me up and give me some comfort.

This is not a complaint. I just hope that he understands I will also need some attention from him. The kids, this family needs his presence so much too. It is not a healthy family if he is simply busy with work.

At times I do wonder...am I an attention seeking desperate housewife? Haha...

What Are Both E & B Up To?

Time flies, they are growing up well and fast. Here are some photo updates for friends who are not following me on Facebook.



Ethyl is a very active student in class and in school. She has been the monitor, group leader, teacher appointed student of the class and even her Chinese teacher task her with some duties.

Her last participation is in Sing Singapore Performance. It is a school event for students from P1 to P5. I was moved to tears to see her putting her best foot forward on stage. She had practiced day and night, disturbing my slumber peace.

My support to her is a booster for the whole performance, I know. That was why even when I was feeling lousy with the giddy spells and bloated-ness, I still volunteered to help with the make-up for the team.



As for Brayden, he has been a very adorable, cheerful and cheeky boy to us. He takes good care of everyone at home. He never forgets Jiejie's share whenever there is play or treats.

For he has grown so attached to me, I am often busy with the attention both needed.

For now, I enjoy spending time with them. Soon, time will once again be divided among them, so will attention be. I truly hope I can have the strength and energy to do so!

Hello to Buddie

Our OBGYN appointment was last Saturday. It was really early that we woke the kids up (even earlier than their usual schooling hours), prepared them, and rushed off to our appointment.

E has some idea of what she can expect based on the vague memories she had when I was carrying B. B, on the other hand was completely clueless of what to expect besides knowing that we were there to "see baby".



These are the scans of the fetus (Left: 13 Aug Right: 26 Jul). Without knowing what exactly that is, EB were so excited and echoed "so cute!" when my OBGYN were explaining what they were seeing and hearing (heartbeat).

Curious children, with a very nice loving Doctor who explained the growing limbs, the womb and many other things to them very patiently. I spy Hub smiling at the corner showing his happiness to see our accidental Bud.

Part of record, this is the little stick that confirms Bud's existence.

What do I like about being a Mom?

Ethyl asked me this question this morning while I was combing her hair after bath. I was startled by this question of hers. Hence I asked why did she ask me this?

E: mom, do you enjoy being a mom?
Me: yes of course! Why ask?
E: Mom, you see...when the children are sick, the mothers are worried. Like me, now my hands are peeling so badly and even simple things I will need help. Don't you find it tiring?
Me: Well, that's about being a mom. Full dose of happiness, one dose of heartache, 2 doses of headaches, 3 doses or frustrations and endless doses of worries. A mom is around to support, to love and to guide. Be a friend, a shoulder and a ear. I get satisfaction when you do well as a person.

End of the conversation, she gave me a hug. She knew too well being a mom isn't a bed of roses. However, the consolation from this conversation is, she understands that my role as a Mom is not a breeze to begin with.

All I have hope for the kids are for them to stay healthy, happy and positive.

Love you both + our budding buddie :-)

Budding

Unexpected, unplanned and totally unaware, I have a lil bud blooming in wombsvile.

Both Ethyl and Brayden are full of anticipation and hoping to welcome this new addition to the family.

We too, are looking forward to welcoming this new "Buddie".

Kids.Time.

As we watched the videos that I have taken years back, I saw how much my lil girl has thrived, how she has reached her milestones under my nose; with not too much emphasis on academic focus.

True as I would love to sign on test papers that shows full marks, I also understand the importance to be consistent, confidence and most importantly, my kids must love, enjoy and has passion in things they do no matter at which phase of their lives.

Ethyl came back with Math 20/20, Chinese 36/40, English 30/30.

Chinese Han Yu Pin Yin has always not been her forte. Having said that, her weekly tuition does help in improving. This result to me is her effort and yes, I am never stingy with my praise and encouragement.

Academic wise, it has never been an issue to me. Ethyl is still pretty much motivated and she would voluntarily pick up her books to revise consistently. This is our blessing. She has indeed proven to be a role model for Brayden.

Under influence of Ethyl, Brayden enjoys learning as well.

When he is back home, he would pick up the chalk and starts doodling on the easel stand alphabets, numbers and some shapes. Occasionally, he would pick up books and starts reading them.

Both enjoyed their bonding time reading and role playing as well. Ethyl will be the teacher, Brayden be the student. It's is so much fun watching them grow at a pace we are all comfortable with.

Every moment with them makes me understand life a lil more. I treasure every bit with them both. Such quantity time won't last long, however I'm blessed with understanding and supportive kids and better half. They have always be braving the changes that goes around us.

I really want to shout "I LOVE BEING A MOM!!!"

Gina's Wedding

Finally, the noisiest sister tied the knot and held their customary wedding on 13 March!

The only thing I can describe from the whole event - E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D!

The Sisters with Bride

I shall dispense with the details, just share some pictures of that day!

New School, New Start - Brayden

He is all ready for school!

Most friends know I am really particular in a way for the schools I intend to send the kids to. Well, I think this is mother's nature. Hubs always thought I am too particular, after all we are both PCF graduates.

Choices are abundant these days, and cost is also pretty much along the same range, it's really no harm being a little more fussy on choices ya?

We had visited many centres for a few months and stopped our search, and begun searching again. We ventured to Punggol, Simei and even Tampines for the boy. I took a liking to 2 schools - both in private housing estate.

Curriculum were equally well planned, both centres we are comfortable albeit one of them is too far from home.

Hubs decided we shall take the one in the same precinct.

Wise choice indeed! We were so pleased with our decision to send him there.

The teacher in charge has been updating me very regularly and I am also pleased to hear him singing more songs, more independent as well.

Jiejie combing Didi's hair. Be the smartest looking boy in class ok?

Reminding Didi to listen to instructions


Jiejie sent Didi to school...she can't bear to leave the lil guy

Just About my EB

This blog hiatus took it really long. Regular updates are now done on Facebook! How I have neglected this space as FB is so much easier with the udat

E is now in P1, B is now in a new school and soon, we will be putting him in childcare centre for full day beginning of April
.
Both are thriving. The changes that has taken place are also taking shape nicely.

A Mommy's role is really rewarding yet pathed with plenty of challenges. Here are some picture updates of us recently

The February 2011

Very soon, new changes coming along the way. As much as I dislike this change, I thought it may be the best for everyone.

Just as I got tired, things took a change (albeit a good change for everyone).

I owe many updates. I am still waiting for her Graduation pictures from my sister, she is taking too long!

Ethyl is doing well in primary school; in fact much better than I expected her to be!

Her new roles besides a freshman in the school - Monitoress and Group Leader.

Every bit of them is so precious to me.

The son will have to face some changes in his routine as well. Let's say it's all mapped out for them and things are going in the right track *winks*