life-muse

The truth will truly set you free

2012-02-14T10:27:00.002+08:00

Spot the baby bump or post lunch/dinner tummy:

top: Cotton On, floral maxi skirt: BKK, flats: Gmarket

actual baby in baby bump

We finally made a trip to the gynae yesterday and found out I'm 11 weeks into the pregnancy. That's almost the end of my first trimester!

Second round this time, I'm feeling alot more queasy and craving for more sweet stuff than the first. And alot more muddle headed. This would be an understatement though, heh.

Before we found out I was pregnant, I was in denial all the time. The husband keep insisting I do a home pregnancy test but I keep resisting it, insisting instead that it's my period. A month and a half went past and I was still insisting it.

Only after we finally got it tested at home and confirmed at a GP, then it really sink in. Okay, only after yesterday's visit, then it truly sank in that I'm pregnant.

I told you I'm in denial.

P.S: The husband will tell you my change in learning the truth was a 360 C turn. Immediately after knowing the result, I was like, "Dear, I'm so tired", "My stomach is cramping", "I'm so hungry!" "I want to eat this!"

How would he know? He's never been pregnant before.

You can have it for now. When I get bigger, then it's mine

2012-02-10T09:21:00.000+08:00

Every morning when I got on the train, I always asked myself if I should sit in the reserved seat. You know, the supposedly Priority seats meant for pregnant women, the elderly, people carrying a child and those with physical difficulties. I mean, my tummy is not showing much yet, so is it justifiable that I still sit in it regardless the stage of pregnancy?

What do you think?

Anyway, till the day I looked obviously pregnant, I'll just stand for now.

P.S: The son has recently learnt how to express himself verbally. The other day we were watching a documentary on eels, and he went, 'Ewwww gross!' complete with a disgusted look on his face. I have no idea where this kid is learning his stuff from.

He does soft and I go hard

2012-02-02T10:16:00.000+08:00

I really ought to take a photo or a video of how he does it. One look at it and you'll know its fake.

I'm talking about the son's fake crying. Everytime he does that when he gets a scolding from us, he does this fake cry that is so bad that it puts the Razzies winners to shame. Really. And when he knows that its not working, he'll do his ultimate weapon. He'll blow his nose so hard that all the mucus will flow out and dripped all over. We really got a child actor in the makings here.

So yesterday, I was preparing to go out and so I politely told him to keep his toys back into his toy box. He obliged by putting one toy back. So I asked him to keep all his toys back. Went to get ready in the room, went back into the living room and found out he was playing somewhere else. Raised my voice a little to get him to please keep all his toys back into his toy box. No response.

By this time, we were running late and I was getting frazzled. I am a pregnant mother now high on pregnancy hormones and you do not step on my toes like that. Ever.

So I grabbed him by his arm, pulled him to his play area and shouted at him to keep all his toys. By now, he knew he was in trouble and proceeded to cry, a fake cry somemore!

That really blew me off. I took the cane and warned him if he does not keep his toys, I will use the cane on him.

Me: Do you want to keep your toys?
Son: *Shakes his head and cries* Don't want, don't want, put back (he was referring to the cane)
Me: Proceeds to cane him, on his pants.
Son: Cries somemore.
Me: Do you want to keep your toys?!
Son: *Shakes his head and cries* Don't want, don't want.
Me: Canes him on his pants, repeatedly.
Son: Daddy! Daddy!
Me: No looking for Daddy!

By now, he was wailing so loud that he woke the husband up from his nap. The husband then came over and gently told the son to keep his toys.

I then slapped the husband's hands away and told him not to help him.

But he still did. I almost wanted to cane him too.

Anyway after much cajoling from the husband, the son finally kept all his toys back into his toy box. The husband then got him to apologized to me and to give me a hug but I was still so angry and walked away.

Point being?

他吃软不吃硬.
And too bad for him, I play hard ball.

P.S: Just to clarify on the caning part. I do not use much force when I use the cane. The husband even chided me for caning on his pants. He said one good one on his thighs and he'll be scared, saves you much time too. I'm actually a noob at this.

*If you're really really angry, that's not the best time to cane a child. Walk away, cool off abit and then discipline. Never cane a child when you know you're losing it. Once you lose it, it becomes abuse.

Horses and mispronunciation

2012-01-31T09:10:00.000+08:00

Rider's Cafe over the weekend.

horses

On top of this small hill, the scenery does not look like Singapore at all! Very tranquil and breezy.

a beautiful barren tree

taking orders

Over the weekend with my sister, she mentioned that he was laughing at some of the sounds her make up was giving out. Her make up can do sounds? Interesting.

loved his sense of humour!

P.S: He has recently taken a strong liking to Thomas the tank engine. And has started to call Thomas' friend, Percy as Pussy. I'm sure his father would be proud of him. And I'm sure it is just a mispronunciation.

Another one

2012-01-30T10:46:00.000+08:00

Okay after a long long break, I'm glad the six of you are still hanging around my blog. Who are these six? I haven got no clue at all. But thank you nevertheless for hanging around!

Anyway remember this?

I'll take it back. Every.Single.Word.

Because I'm having a second baby.

Till date, I'm still a little in shocked but mostly in denial. After being so staunch on having just 1 kid, this really comes as a huge surprise for me. I was beginning to enjoy my new found freedom, my new found figure, enjoying my clothes and just when I thought I might begin to exercise regularly, I got pregnant.

Does walking to the fridge and back count as exercise? Guess not.

P.S: Unplanned or not, I prefer to called it lust and passion taking control over our bodies. At least it sounds a little bit more exciting and thrilling than calling it 'an accident'.

What to wear: Weekend trip straight from office to airport

2012-01-20T15:00:00.001+08:00

This is what I'm planning to wear straight from office to the airport. It's really casual only because my workplace doesn't have any strict work attire rules. And also because I'm flying budget and solo.

Well, due to some overlooks on my part, my family will be flying over in the morning and I'll join them at night. Feeling a little jittery yet excited on flying alone. I just hope I don't get lost trying to find the train station and I'm really hopeless at directions, so yeah, adventure awaits! Not too much, I hope.

P.S: Do you know one of the tag lines for the Land of Smiles is, "It's just a nap away."(?)

That's what I'm going to do after I board too.

Two

2012-01-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

The son has turned two! We just had a simple family celebration for the little cheeky fellow that has stolen all our hearts.

I had earlier planned a birthday BBQ for him, but as we'll not be around for the CNY, I brought forward his birthday celebration one week in advance. I do feel a little guilty leaving him behind though, what's more on his actual birthday this Saturday, but I know he'll be in good hands with my sister. All the more no one to stop him from all the sweets and soft drinks! Gah!

maybe i'll try to bake his cake next year

the husband thinks i exaggerated his height.
okay maybe only because the son is really wriggly
when we tried to propped him against the wall

all styled up

my favourite picture!
uh that's not me though.
my model sis making the picture looked like an advertisement

he's only has eyes for the cake

Just received this from the husband:

his new buddy

After the party has ended and the husband and I finally went to bed, he turned around and told me this, "I think we did okay as parents. I mean we could have done alot worse, right?"

Right.

It has been an enjoyable two years with its ups and downs, scares and milestones. But what it has taught me is that with a kid, there's no hard and fast rules to live life by anymore. I mean, there is a time to teach, discipline and to instilled proper values in them, yet its also about loving life, living life and laughing together with life.

I think that's the best part with having kids. In the midst of teaching them, we discover more about ourselves too.

To become a better person, to stay true to oneself and most of all, I discover how much more I am able to love.

Guess that's what kids are for.

Non taken at all

2012-01-13T15:55:00.000+08:00

Actually, I'm the most un-girl sort of girl. I mean I like to be pretty and all, but when it comes to matters of the heart, I clam up like a man. Totally clueless, non-confrontational and kinda like an ostrich. So long as I bury my head in the ground, there's really nothing to worry about. Yeah, I'm in denial.

The husband on the other hand, likes to talk about it. He likes to tackle it head on and gets bruised and battered, just so we can iron things out. So not for me. I'll let it steep and boiled and festered in me till it explodes. I know, its that bad.

So sometimes, I really wonder what the husband sees in me. I am unreasonable when I'm angry, mood swings aplenty, not very good at cooking, sewing, cleaning. Just generally not a very nice person to get along with.

Point being?

I just thought that not every girl is a girly girl and every guy a guy-ly guy(?)

I'm making up words now.

I hope the pictures of food is good enough to entice you back

2012-01-11T15:51:00.000+08:00

On Christmas, the husband made dinner. Have I mentioned that he makes a really mean steak? Yes, he does.

Our dinner:

greens are always good

aphrodisiac, but gave me the runs. But!
its the yummiest oyster I've ever eaten

pan seared seabass

black angus

finished off with his own brew

And then his uncle made dinner a few days back:

smoked duck

steam fish with salted vegetables

egg omelette with ham

Really got to hand it to a man with a pan. Sorry if it sounds a little corny!

love his thick eyelash

In other news, my father-in-law passed away last week. All I can say is, in the end, the ones whom holds you dear will be right with you till the end.

This is the one I get deep and incoherent

2011-12-30T09:53:00.000+08:00

With this, I end my 2011.

I started blogging again, regularly. If you're really bored and actually took the time to read through my old entries, I've been blogging since 2008. But between 2010 till now, there was a time when I stopped or rather blogged erratically due to the birth of the son and also due to some family issues.
I went back to work full time. This is also the time when I decided to start blogging again. It started out sort of like an update to my friends, and then vanity got the better of me (my outfit photos, I know right) and lastly, I decided to take a more pro-active approach to it and sort of make it mine. Don't get what I'm trying to say? Neither do I.
A major setback at the start of the year. It was an emotional roller coaster for me and my family. At this point, I'm still struggling as to how to write it down, but if you're reading this and you know who you are, Thank you. A very grateful and sincere Thank you. I remembered you told me you always check my blog for updates and am a fan(?) so this is for you. To let you guys know that though things are different now, but we're still doing alright. Not fantastic, but still surviving. I'm always thinking of you guys too.
I've learnt not to judge others. I used to have a snobbish attitude towards people but after what my family have been through, its best not to. Because really, what goes around, comes around.
Family. When adversity struck, they're always be here for you. When everything was snowballing, the few people that really stuck with us were my mother-in-law, my sister and my parents. I really wouldn't know what I'll do without them.
My father-in-law. He has not much time left due to a cancer remission. But he is a fighter. He was made bankrupt twice, yet he made his fortune back again and again. Back when the husband and I were still dating, the three of us would stay up late to watch football matches together. In between, he would often tells me stories about his heydays and their family history. I often joked to the husband, that my father-in-law will make a great history teacher or storyteller.

And lastly, to my husband who has been so brave throughout it all. With so much pressure placed on you, you've never gave up hope. Not on us nor on me. Maybe you've thought about it, but I'm glad you didn't. You're never the type that bothers on how people's opinions matters, and rather stick to your own principles than let it get to you. Let's not bother with naysayers anymore than they give themselves credit for.

For now, we're just going to take each day as it comes along whether its the new year or not, because frankly my dear, all that matters is, we still have each other.

I wonder where they got it from

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000+08:00

This is a funny one.

We were on the coach driving up to Malaysia when the son started to cry because I couldn't allow him to have any more sweets or something like that. And because he was doing a fake cry, I purposely ignored him and did not give him any attention.

After crying for a while, he asked for some tissue paper. I asked him if he really wants some tissue and he said yes, so I pass him some.

And he proceed to wipe his own tears.

Very drama-mama this boy.

ice cream treat

colouring lessons, mostly i enjoyed it more

ta-dah! drawn to accuracy

having smashing fun with my sister's present.
he literally smashed it

P.S: I received an email recently inviting me to join a beauty challenge. I was flattered as they said I've been invited to participate as I am a prominent beauty and life style blogger in Singapore?

Little do they know the truth. I'm just a micro-organism floating around.

To see good in times of bad, really

2011-12-27T10:20:00.000+08:00

Christmas came and gone, and this was how we spent it:

the matchy matchy Ye Ye and grandkid

happy grandparents, grouchy grandkid?

preppy for Christmas

one must always clear his nose before breakfast

why we have 2 index fingers for

no photos!

his new ride from the ah gong

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop, skirt: City Plaza, flats: Gmarket

I know its the festive holidays and all, but what do you do when you know that your loved one has not much time left?

Suddenly, its one tragedy one after another. Life.

The smell of rain can sometimes smells like salted fish

2011-12-22T08:46:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I got home and there was this stench, like something fishy and salty. So I smelled around and came to a conclusion that it was my uncle's sandals that was giving off the smell.

This morning I wore my flats out and then I got a whiff of that smell. I looked down, took my feet out of my flats and goodness. The stench shoot straight up my nose.

I almost feel sorry for all the other passengers sharing the same bus with me.

Today's outfit:

top: Gmarket, skirt: Primark, flats: City Plaza, bracelets: Diva

P.S: Its not the above flats, its the other one in the same design, but in black. Want to know how to get the smell? Just slosh through the rain and when not dried completely, stench will occurred. You're welcome.

One just has to make do with make believe

2011-12-20T09:51:00.001+08:00

Talking about stories, I have another one to share.

Just the other night I was putting the son to sleep. All was well, I fell asleep first (what's new?) and all of a sudden, the son got up, brought the tissue box over and started pulling the tissues out one by one. And proceed to throw them all over the bed while exclaiming, 'Snowing! Snowing!'

I really didn't know to laugh or to scold him.

Today's outfit:

cardigan: defunct blogshop, lace top: Topshop, belt: Mphosis
jeans: Uniqlo, flats: Gmarket

P.S: I realised this shot made me look like a man wearing woman's clothes. Or a woman wearing man's clothes. Who knew my clothes are so versatile?

You had me at first touch

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000+08:00

Story goes like this.

Girl visited shop with the intention of doing an item exchange only. Said exchange done, turn around to walked away and eyes met Skirt. Said Skirt was hanging on a corner rack, oblivious to the other shoppers. So Girl went over to check Skirt out, and what do you know.

It was love at first touch.

And so Girl and Skirt lived happily ever after.

Today's outfit:

top: Cotton On, pleated maxi skirt: Vogue, slippers: Ipanema

loving the way it swishes

Does your clothes story goes like this? Mine does. Every time when I'm not consciously shopping for anything, love hits me.

And this skirt? She has all the right moves. Length, checked. Colour, checked. Buttery soft cotton, checked. Pleats, checked. And the sales staff even gave me a pair of earrings to go with it. Double checked.

What to wear: Weekend Staycation

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000+08:00

The husband and I are going on a stay-cation this weekend courtesy of my mother-in-law! She won a gift voucher for a night stay with complimentary dinner at some fancy hotel but decided to give it to us instead. How cool is that!

I'm a light packer as you probably would know by now. So this is what I'm planning to wear for that two days. Yes two days. Because once you've checked in, you would fully utilised the room by staying in and ordering room service, right? And that's what the bathrobes are for, right? Right.

Okay, at least its still a little formal chic should we decide to venture out for dinner. So technically, I'm fully wearing the dress only when we've checked out.

P.S: My sister says she wants to use the swimming pool. In a bid to ditch her last minute attempt of crashing our stay-cation, let's just say we're going to do the pro-ing without the creating. If you know what I mean.

You've been warned.

Why is the world round?

2011-12-15T13:29:00.000+08:00

Actually, I just want to share this. It looks so simple, too simple. But it works. Really like how she looked so put together. I'm going to try it too!

P.S: The world really works in mysterious ways. I don't like mushroom but I like truffle fries. And somehow having 3 people sharing it makes it all the more delicious. Hmmmmm....

Turn around silly girl, every now and then I fall apart. Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart

2011-12-14T17:21:00.002+08:00

Just thought to break the melancholic with some happening pictures.

grin and bear it, one of life's greatest lesson

blowing candles at a wedding, and clapping after thinking its his birthday

this dude loves his food

baking Christmas cookies

unfortunately, ours didn't turn out like this.
this was a Christmas gift from my colleague

P.S: I got angry with a guy who was trying to explain some rules to me today. I don't usually do that. But I guess its his unlucky day then. Or it could just be my PMS working up a storm.

Grief and mourning

2011-12-10T10:09:00.001+08:00

My sister-in-law had a miscarriage. She was 23 weeks along when they found out that the baby had no heartbeat at a detailed scan. The doctor could not explain why and how it happened and advised her to take the baby out as soon as possible, but she wanted to wait. To wait for a miracle, and to wait for the heart to beat again.

But there was none.

So she had to make that difficult trip to the hospital, did a delivery that no woman should go through and came out of it emotionally wrecked.

At least we know the baby is in safe hands now.

It's a girl.

What to wear: Weekend trip to the high mountains

2011-12-02T08:25:00.000+08:00

This weekend, I'll be away with my extended family, all thirty of us, to Genting Highlands! And to pack light for my small family of three, I've packed only a pair of jeans, Chucks and some tops for myself similar to the above for a 3D2N trip. I've also thrown in a scarf and belt to accessorize while keeping in mind to keep it light for my luggage.

I'm quite nervous actually as this will be the first time the son is going on such a long journey in a coach. The first time was to Malacca but he was smaller and much more manageable. Now, he's so much more active and I'm really worried as to entertaining him throughout the journey. Hopefully he will sleep throughout.

Keyword, hopefully.

Anyway, I'm just looking forward to a proper break and enjoying this huge family holiday. See you all when we get back!

P.S: My sister bought a ski jacket for the son claiming it might be too cold for him in Genting. I think she just needs another excuse to shop, that's all. Who doesn't, right?

If you're a parent and you know what I'm talking about, clap your hands

2011-11-28T11:50:00.001+08:00

Truth is, I still cannot believe I'm a mother. Every time I looked at the son, I find myself asking what did I do to deserve this sweetheart? I mean I know the doing part, but the amazement that it somehow produces this amazing product is somewhat confounding, don't you think?

I know I am.

And it really takes one to become a parent to truly appreciate the kisses of your child, the hugs they give and the gratefulness of it all to know that, You are the special one to them.

As much as they fill your world, it is us, as parents, to love them the best we can and to our utmost ability to provide for them.

Provide them with a loving home, a loving embrace and a loving heart.

To love them to become the best they can be, to love them to be who they are and to love them to be loving people.

Really, it truly takes one to become a parent to understand what it means to be a parent.

I know I am.

Our weekend has nothing to do with sailing

2011-11-27T11:05:00.000+08:00

How did we spend the husband's birthday?

He bought some manly stuff like light fixtures for the house, got himself a $3.80 haircut plus a $4 hair wash which he can get it completely free at home, but he explained to me that since he had showered before leaving home, so its only apt that he gets the hair wash so he doesn't have to shower again for that day.

Whatever rocks your boat sir, but like I said, its for that day. Don't get your hopes too high.

And the best part of the day was having a Japanese buffet dinner. I think we got our money's worth by feasting on all that sashimi and seafood. The son? For once he decided to turn vegetarian by having lots of water and fruits, at a buffet nevertheless.

Whatever rocks his boat too as he kept himself entertained throughout the whole meal watering himself. For this, I'm grateful that we all got to eat in peace. Whatever rocks my boat too.

Today's outfit:

top: sis, flats: Novo

P.S: The flats gave way progressively throughout the day. This is what happens when you decide to wear a pair of shoes after two years of them sitting in the cabinet. You gave them a chance and they die on you.

What to wear: Weekend

2011-11-25T11:26:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is the husband's birthday. We've got no plans to go anywhere but I've this outfit planned if we're heading somewhere, and also if I really do have those red jeans too.

A girl's got to plan ahead, right?

I left out adding a bag because I've got to keep my hands empty to hold his hands. Very thoughtful.

Planning for the future

2011-11-24T09:14:00.001+08:00

I'm too empathic. Just the other day, the husband and I were watching a zombie show when I turned to him and asked, "What happens if we're really attacked by zombies? I think if we need to choose a car to run away, always choose a van! They're spacious enough to put all our stuff and supplies in it!"

And without looking at me, he just replied, "Its not ever going to happen dear". Spoilsport!

Anyway, in the event of a zombie apocalypse truly happening, my advise is, dress comfortably.

Today's outfit:

cardigan: defunct blogshop, tunic: Gmarket, jeans: New Future. flats: Cotton On

A cardigan to keep warm at night, tunic to double up as a dress in the event the jeans gets too bloody from all the zombie killings, and flats for easy running.

P.S: For further reference, please watch this.

You can thank me when we're all alive and well. I hope.

When one talks, it puts people to sleep but I think it's just me

2011-11-23T08:52:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I feel that talking to a baby is just like blogging. Because it seems like you're just talking to yourself.

This epiphany came to me last night as I was getting the son ready for bed. I was just telling him about my day and asking him how was his, when he just looked at me, begin to chew on his pillow and closed his eyes. Well played son.

There you have it. I'm my own reader and writer.

Today's outfit:

dress: Jennie Shop, jacket: Primark, bag: BKK, flats: City Plaza

P.S: That's what I usually do too when the husband tries to talk to me. I foresee he has the makings of a blogger.

Its really blurry

2011-11-21T10:56:00.001+08:00

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop, scarve: Cotton On, pleated skirt: City Plaza

You know I'm back when I post blurry outfit photos and calls them artistic.

But.

I'm having a hard time thinking of the next sentence to write.

You know its bad when all you read are these one liners.

I'm still very tired, my eyes are puffy and I can't think properly.

My bad.

But.

I know you're a forgiving lot.

When all else fails, always have your kid on standby

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000+08:00

argh! where's my bowl?!

grape connoisseur

the bowl is the new hat

a growing boy is a tired boy

waking up grumpy

the story of our lives

I will be taking a short break this week, thus I've post the son's pictures to make up for it!

Babies are always good to use as bribes, heh.

A trip to hell and back

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

Before we head down to Haw Par Villa, the husband made a call to the office to enquire about its opening hours.

Husband: Hello, is this the Har Par Villa office?

Man on the other line (sounding really bored): Yesssss, we are opennnnn, seven days a weeeeeek....

Husband: Erm ok thanks, bye!

He must have answered it a gazillion times, hence the bored tone, haha!

Haw Par Villa

the Ten Courts of Hell
too gruesome for pictures

a memorial for one of the founding brothers

It was quite an interesting visit as we got to learnt more about the history of the villa. The brothers built it as a means to teach traditional Chinese moral values like filial piety, honesty, willingness and kindness etc...

20 odd years ago

2011

I had that exact photo taken back then! Hee, made the son took the same one as well.

Just a word of caution. As the villa is built on a small hill, be prepared to walk up slope and climbed lots of stairs. We were huffing and puffing while carrying the son up and it was a very hot day to boot too. And don't forget the mosquito patch, umbrella or sunscreen.

Har Par Villa is open daily from 9-6pm, I think. And with the Circle Line now opened, it's so much more accessible than before.

P.S: You can try calling the office to ask for the operation hours. Or just to get a kick out of hearing the man's bored voice.

What to wear: Weekend Wedding Dinner

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000+08:00

For this past week, I've been waking up everyday in the morning thinking its Saturday. And the bland realisation when its not made the week passed by even slowly, bleah! But thankfully its here again.

So we'll be attending a wedding dinner this weekend and the above is what I have in mind to wear it to. Most of it are similar to what I already have in my closet. I'm just lacking that clutch. But I'll keep my hands full by holding onto my son. He'll be my best accessory for the night.

Hope you'll have an enjoyable weekend and make it a good one!

We all learn as we go along, don't we?

2011-11-09T11:05:00.000+08:00

The thing with being a parent is, you really don't know what you're getting yourself in to. For sure when both of you got married and starts to plan for a child, the idea of having a cute little baby in your arms cooing and being all cuddly makes perfect sense right?

Wrong.

The thing they don't tell you is, that having a kid comes along this little known rule called Parenting.

Parenting

When my sis and I were growing up, the only parenting I know of was when my mum took out the cane. She used it mainly to discipline us and she would freely unleashed it upon us too. I would be so embarrassed to go to school the next day because of the cane marks on my legs.

And that's the main point. Its never about the pain but rather the humiliation of it.

This was the old school method. But what about the now? There are tons of information on the web on articles of parenting, methods of parenting and many claims to be effective, so how do you choose wisely?

For me, back in the early days when the son was born, I tend to use the cry-it-out method, only because I didn't know any better. Every time someone picks him up whenever he cried, I would told them not to do so as to not 'spoiled' him. Taught by the old school of thoughts that by doing so, it would cause the child to be clingy when in fact, its the opposite.

So I quickly dropped that and tried the attachment parenting method. With this new found method, I find that I'm able to respond and nurture my son in the best possible way.

Well I'm no expert here but what I've learned from these two methods are, there is a time and season for it to put in place.

For infants, using the attachment parenting is obviously a much better method to raise them. And as they grow older, strike a balance between the two methods. But then I'm not condoning using it when the kid has fell hurting himself and crying his lungs off while you stand there telling him to cry it out as its for his own good. Duh!

as the saying goes, Happy parenting makes for happy kids.
you can quote me

P.S: I think my son is just glad that his mum found out about attachment parenting from the Internet. If not, he would still be crying his lungs off.

A trip to the zoo

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

We spent half a day there and its not enough! There were shows that we wanted to catch but missed out because of the rain and also because I was too engrossed with the animals to keep track of the time.

zoo zoo zoo!

my back to nature outfit

the boy and the pygmy hippo that swam too fast

the majestic white tiger

warthog

me no like this

and this

i know i'm shallow when i saw this and
first thought was of shoes and bags

hello horse

shy horse

goats

little goat wannabe

patting the lemur whom he keep calling it as cat

lemur

giant tortoise

giant tortoise version of romeo and juliet

We bought the tickets that comes with the tram rides. Stingy me didn't want to get it as they cost $5 more each, but the husband said it will be worth it later on when we get tired of walking around. Turns out he was right. Besides it drizzled quite heavily for a while and the tram rides did saved us from getting too wet and too tired out. And its unlimited rides too, so it is worth getting it.

There was also the Kidzworld, where you can let loose your children to play in the water area and playground, KFC to satisfy your hunger (fathers) and Ben's & Jerry for your sweet tooth (mothers). Very well covered for the whole family!

Some of the shows that we did managed to catch were the Splash Safari and the Animals Friends Show. Both were funny, entertaining and especially for the Animals Friends Show, great emphasis was placed on us that having pets are a huge responsibility and wild animals are not meant to be kept as exotic pets.

Yes sir!

And I like how they've also place informative details of each animal exhibits and made it very educational to read. I guess that's how we change people's mindset now. Educate instead of just hard selling.

For more information of the Zoo, click here.

I'm sure looking forward to our next trip to the zoo! How about you?!

What to wear: Weekend

2011-11-04T10:55:00.002+08:00

Haven been doodling on Polyvore for quite some time now. This is my perfect get up for the weekend. Fun, casual and comfortable chic.

So so glad its finally here.

Agenda for the weekend: Spring clean the house, sort out the store-room, pick my sis up from the airport, have a good breakfast, tealicious and read a book.

Or I think I'll skip the first two and just have a good breakfast, my tealicious and read.

Yes, that will be good.

I would like my ears back, thank you very much

2011-11-03T10:41:00.000+08:00

An early birthday present for the husband:

glow in the dark entry pass

free standing for all

rock devotees

but i'm dressed as a disco ball

let the rocking begin

\m/

still rocking at 60 years old!

dude, wrong concert

It sure was LOUD.

But fun and truly heart thumping. Now I just need ACDC and Queen to hold their concert here to complete my rock rite of passage.

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000+08:00

{Guest Post}

Today, I have a special guest post by Emily Patterson. She is an early childhood practitioner for Primrose Schools. Although the school is based in the US, the below article is a good example of how kids, no matter where they're born, are the same universally. They just wanna have fun. Or sort of. Or unless your kid believe that he is Spongebob Squarepants, then that is another article altogether. Enjoy.

Fun Waysto Beat Boredom without Beating Your Wallet
Submitted on behalf ofPrimrose Schools: early child careservices by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062)

Two words that have never changed through the years and generations of childrenare the inevitable; “I’m bored” that every child utters at some point in time.Regardless as to whether it’s a rainy day that keeps them inside or abeautifully sunny day that presents a variety of opportunities, inevitably atleast one child will offer this observation.

One of the best ways to beat boredom is to come up with imaginative ways forchildren to play that will keep them thinking and engaged during the down time. Justremember that a child using their imagination is the key to keeping their mindactive and thinking, and just as importantly, such activities do not have to beexpensive. A child’s imagination is limitless and it doesn’t require a grandvacation or a lot of money to fuel it.

Below is a list of ideas to help keep child’s mind active at the same time.

1. Jar of Ideas to Beat Boredom: When summer begins have your family sit downand come up with a list of ideas that can be done alone or collectively. Make certainthat your kids share their ideas and help with constructing the jar as well.This helps to let your child know that they are a part of everything and theirideas are important.

2. Bringing Stories Alive: Although it sounds simple, reading will keep achild’s mind active during the summer. But a good way to enhance this is tofind a way to make the story come to life; some books describe things likecreating an imaginary world out simple things found in the back yard and such,challenge your children to do the same.

3. A Treasure Chest for Art: This is a chest with art supplies and even itemssuch as foil, paper towel rolls and such. The idea is for your child to finduses for these items and to create artistic creations, this helps to challengetheir mind and their creative nature.

4. Performing as a Family: Let your children put on performances for thefamily. Challenge them to create plays to perform and allow them to utilizetheir imaginations by dressing up and acting out their creation for you.Another good idea would be to video or record these performances, this not onlyshows your interest in your child’s creations but it also records some of yourfamily history.

5. Build a Fort: Children love to build and challenging them to build a fortwill keep them occupied as well as challenge them to solve problems and thebest part is the items can be found around the house.

6. Fun from Cookbooks: Share your cookbooks with your children, let them pickout a recipe and help them cook it. The measuring helps encourage their mathskills.

7. Scrapbook: Use a spiral notebook and encourage everyone to draw a picture ofwhat their favorite activities are. Also collect mementos of events; this givesyour children an album to look back on as well as encouraging them at theirstory telling skills.

8. The Listening Game: This is simple and all you need is nature and a set ofears. Just lie down on the grass and see what you can really hear and if youcan imitate it. This gets everyone to slow down and increases a child’s focuson listening.

9. A Scavenger Hunt: This is also a simple activity and can involve as manypeople as you want. Simply make a list or use pictures of common items and havethe participants find them, you can even find ways to make this extrachallenging by using clues.

This is just a list of ides to help give you a jumping off point, add orsubtract to the list as you see fit. Activities that give you a balance in thefreedom of child initiated play and structured activities can be a bigadvantage in keeping your child thinking and active intellectually.

Keep in mind that when a child says they are bored, this is usually becausethey don’t feel that they are being challenged by the activities they areengaged in, or they are too difficult. This is why it’s important to keep ageappropriate activities in mind.

Of course every child is an individual which means different interests anddifferent learning styles. That’s why it’s important to provide a wide varietyof suggestions for the summer months to avoid brain drain. Just remember it’salso important to give the child a creative hand in the process of the ideas tomake it as personal and tailored to them as possible, this encourages theirinterest all the more.

Now that you have some good ideas in mind and a starting point, you can easilyhelp keep the dreaded cry of ‘I’m bored’ from being uttered by your children.

Explosion of the poopy kind

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000+08:00

Do not ever, in any case give your toddler two plums. One is good but never two. I learnt this the hard way while we were out having dinner once.

We were seated at this eatery and towards the end of the meal, the son suddenly has this spaced out look. I thought he was just tired out since he hadn't nap at all during the day. Guess I thought wrong.

When I stood up to carry him out, what greeted me was not pretty. He had poop all over. All over the seat, up his back, his pants, his shirt, his arms and his hair (because I smelled it when I kissed him after the clean up and inevitably, cleaned it up with my mouth). I'm sacrificial like that.

So I freaked out and together with the husband, stood there for a while deciding which is the best way to carry him out without getting more poop on him. Thankfully the restroom was just beside the eatery.

We ran to the toilet where I hosed him down with the water hose (we used the handicapped toilet) and soap. Whereas the son was calmed, I was totally freaking out. There was really poop all over him. All over.

After I hosed him down with the cold water, he started shivering. So what do you do when your child starts shivering and his clothes are all wet and poopy? You do the next best thing.

You take off your shirt and lets him have it while the father goes in search to buy a new one while the two of you hide in the toilet. Exciting.

Moral of story? One plum is really good enough for a kid.

Oh, not that?

Always have back up diapers, change of clothes and make sure you familiarise yourself where the exit is first.

P.S: I really do want to apologise to the eatery for not cleaning up the chair. In the moments of panic and freaking out, we totally forgot about it. There's no CCTV right?

Its running on full tank indeed

2011-10-31T11:28:00.001+08:00

How fast is too fast? Very fast indeed. Duh.

Our weekend was spent at IMM, Daiso (how I love that place), watching the Subaru contestants battling it out, Ridgewood's Haato and basically the son was half with us and half with the grandparents. He would stay overnight with them and we would go pick him up in the morning. Repeat the next day.

Weekend:

peering at how ah gong drives

monkeying around in a photo booth

taking a siesta before lunch

waffles!

hungry after his nap

And so fast that its already end October! The year is rolling full steam ahead indeed.

2011-10-28T11:24:00.000+08:00

{Advertorial Plug}

As a first time effort, Frasers Centrepoint Malls is partnering with the National Library Board and home grown company, Sparky Animation to bring Mr Moon to Singapore. Mr Moon is a series of charming tales of Mr Moon and his friends’ adventures in the wondrous galaxy.

In conjunction with the movie premiere of Mr Moon in Singapore, a nationwide Picture Book Contest is being held to enable children to showcase their creativity. All children from 7 – 12 years old can create a storyline and illustrate their own picture book around a "care and share" theme, using components from the Mr Moon animation. Character references can be found at here.

The top 3 winners will have the golden opportunity to have their stories transformed into a 3-minute animation and will also receive other fantastic prizes!

The deadline for submission is 25 December and participants must drop off their books at the Customer Service Counters at any Frasers Mall. Entry form and instructions can be found here.

There are 2 categories for the contest.
Category A is opened to children aged 7 to 9 years.
Category B is opened to children aged 10 to 12 years.

Additionally, all children and parents are also invited to catch Mr Moon and Friends "LIVE" at Frasers Centrepoint Malls from 18 November to 25 December. For timings, please visit here.

Get your kids and family to join in the fun!

Have a great weekend!

Sometimes, a change of plans is a good thing

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000+08:00

Yesterday:

a hungry boy is a grumpy boy

breakfast @KFC

doing the peace sign

Initially, we planned on going to East Coast Park for some sun, sand and cycling. But the weather had a change of plans and we got cooped up at home instead. My mother-in-law and the husband watched TVB serials, I did some reading and the son took his afternoon nap. Perfect afternoon.

Everyday should be Grandparents day, but thats just me being sentimental today

2011-10-25T11:46:00.000+08:00

Right on top of cuddles and snuggles and belly rub, grandparents are the best thing to ever happen to a kid. They fuss over you, hit the floor when you've fell down, buys you sweets and treats when they bring you out, and becomes the go-to person when your parents chide you for doing something wrong. For all these, grandparents are a different breed altogether.

Where did all this love go to when I was growing up? Pfft.

Perhaps I might not have the exact grandparent kinda love that my son enjoys now, but it sure is an eye opener to see how our set of parents become so loving towards their grandson. Its like a hidden channel of love stream that is pouring out of a secret compartment and its only unleashed with the son's arrival.

My parents, though never openly affectionate with my sister and I, has shown tremendous affection for the son. They would lavish praises on him, kissing him often, talk and play with him and once, my own mother told my husband that she has never felt such love before ever since my son was born.

Erm, thanks Mum.

But that to me, was the best thing I've ever heard from my mum. And I guess, that's why they're called grandparents.

With all the trials and errors they made and our rebellion during our growing up years, this is their time of playing catch up with the love they've never shown us, and now, displaying for all the world to see.

Grandparents are just awesome. And under-rated and overlooked.

Love your grandparents today!

He with the girls

2011-10-24T13:20:00.000+08:00

This little charmer of mine has charmed many a girls' heart by now. Everywhere we go, girls will surely ooh and aah after him. And if he feels like returning the love, he'll give them his flying kisses. Double swooning for the girls.

At the playground:

look ma, I'm so suave

hand gesture checked

bring them on baby!

its tiring being a Don Juan

I guess that's how I got charmed by his old man.

It ain't the destination, its the journey

2011-10-21T10:04:00.000+08:00

You know its exciting when you decide to go on a date with your husband and the both of you ended up taking a stroll in a small garden, in a hospital compound.

Husband: I'll bring you to a nice place to walk.

Me (excited): Where?!

Husband: Alexandra Hospital, its very nice inside.

Me (dubious, but game): Uh, okayyyyyy

Not to say its unconventional, but only when you're married and have known each other for close to ten years should you attempt to do this. Guys, don't try this on your first date.

Alexandra Hospital:

this is way, way inside the hospital compound

the garden

i only saw 2 butterflies

it is a nice place to chill, only if you're not afraid of mozzies

fountain of health

love seeds aka Saga seeds

behind him all the way

What's your most unconventional dating place?

I don't think so

2011-10-18T09:58:00.000+08:00

My husband reckons I have a problem.

You see, every night, its my job to put my son to sleep. We'll go into the room, hopped onto the bed and then he'll start rolling around and sing and talk before falling asleep on his own. My part? It's to lay beside him and 'encourage' him to sleep. And by 'encourage', I meant lying down and closing my eyes to stimulate real sleeping. But my son doesn't gets it.

And more often than not, much to the husband's dismay, I'll end up really sleeping. And sometimes (my husband will tell you its everytime), I would fall asleep before my son does. True story.

So now, I have a problem of 'sleeping', not like I need any help here though. Anyone has stories to share?

I'll leave you with a video of him trying to say Peace and doing the Peace sign. Hee, I recently taught him how to pose it for the camera.

P.S: He has learnt how to ask for water on the pretext of trying to get out of the room in order to bid for more time. No one taught him that, definitely not me. I would be asleep by then.

It's my party and I grow if I want to, you would if it happens to you

2011-10-14T10:45:00.000+08:00

And I celebrated my 29th yesterday, the last remaining shreds of my twenties. Throughout the day, I was feeling pensive though, like something's not right. And then I thought, 'Oh, so this is how it feels to be a woman on the cusp of being 3-0.' Right.

At Maritime House:

all dressed up for my party

tarts are the new cakes

earl grey with chocolate. my sis has very weird taste

looks like his birthday, but its actually mine.

At the Swan Lake:

i am swan, see me fly!

life partners

I'm going to enjoy this party till the next one rolls along and I've got exactly 364 days left. I think I'll leave the growing up for the next birthday then.

P.S: The swans wasn't invited to my party. Even if so, they most probably would have ended up on the dining table. Oh wait, its the ducks, not the swans.

I'm just a sofa critic, but watch it at your own risk.

2011-10-12T11:05:00.000+08:00

The husband and I watched this last night as it has been long time since we've watched a Chinese movie on the big screen. The last time we watched one was Infernal Affairs and that totally blew us away!

But this? Don't. Even. Bother. I fell asleep in the middle of the show and only woke up when its about to end. Poor editing, bad acting, passable effects and the reason why we watched it was because of Jet Li. If he wasn't in the movie, I don't think anyone would have watched it.

You can just read the story here.

How to read a book by not judging its cover

2011-10-11T10:04:00.001+08:00

For those who don't know, my son has a salmon patch on his face. Usually when strangers sees it, they will often asked or assumed it is a rash, a bruise or a mosquito bite. And when told it is a birthmark, they will often turn away embarrassed or go 'Oh' and walked away.

At first, I was also embarrassed to tell them what it is and would often remarked quickly that it will fade away soon by the time he's one year old. Now that he's coming to two, the birthmark is still there and not showing signs of fading anytime soon. But you know what? I'm no longer embarrassed about it anymore.

He's no different than any boys his age and he's growing up healthy and strong. He runs, he kicks, he throws and he's learning how to jump now. He's hitting all his milestones and everyday being with him brings much joy to me. Thus I'm not so concerned about his appearance now and instead, I'll focus more on his character and emotional growth.

kissed by an angel

I'm so proud to have him and one thing I've learn from this is to really not judge a book by its cover, because its the contents that matters.

Journey to the East!

2011-10-10T10:14:00.000+08:00

Pasir Ris Park.

first time beach bum

first time feeling the sand in his toes

The playground:

this one does music

he drummed

he crawled

he swinged

he slide

I saw this and right at the top was a huge slide for you to slide down. So being the thrill seeker, I challenged the husband to climbed it with me.

web of easy peasy

you sure?

view from the top

slide of deceit

There was a problem, we couldn't slide at all. I excitedly sat down expecting it to be a fast slide, but nothing! So we both had to walked down the slide. Lesson learned in playground studies: Plastic slides are much, much faster than metal ones.

All in all, it was a perfect way to end a Sunday. Having fun at the playground, a very far playground.

French, anyone?

2011-10-07T09:06:00.000+08:00

Together or rather I, butcher the language.

A smattering of Japanese, Italian and Singlish accent in French. Oui! Bonjour Mademoiselle-leh . C'est lah, c'est lah.

To salvage it, I got the husband's favourite film, Umbrellas of Cherbourg!

Its a sad love story, but her clothes and make-up are worth watching! And the interesting thing about this film was that their dialogue are all being sung out. Plus the colours used are all so vibrant!

Alright, have a laughing Friday and more on the weekends!

This is the way I hang out with myself

2011-10-06T10:26:00.001+08:00

Today, I just want to share with you some of my favourite bath products.

Simple, Kind to skin series facial wash:

via

I love Simple products. Their facial wash is very light and it doesn't leave my face the overly tight feeling which some facial wash does. Some people might not like it as it doesn't give the 'clean' feeling. However, a good facial wash should be gentle on your skin and not leave you with a harsh sensation on your skin.

Simple, Kind to skin Hydrating moisturiser:

via

As I have an oily T-zone, this moisturiser has a slight watery texture which my skin is able to readily absorbs and best of all, it also doesn't give my face the greasy after feeling.

Body Shop bath lily:

via

I feel so much cleaner every time I shower with this! It feels like my skin has been scrubbed real good and whatever dirt or grime has been washed away. And if I don't use it, I just don't feel clean enough. I've been using the bath lily for several years so now its more habitual for me than anything.
By the way, its recommended that the bath lily be changed every three months. I'm not sure if its a marketing ploy to get us to keep buying it, but I'll use mine till the lily is torn off at the sides before I change a new one. Or whenever it feels too dirty to be used.

Palmolive, Aroma Therapy Relax:

via Google image

Of all the different 'flavours', I love this Ylang Ylang fragrance the most. It smells so heavenly and keeps me so refreshed after every shower. Its also the reason why I'm taking so much time in the bathroom now, ha!

I really enjoyed my bath time. Its the only time where I can be truly alone and let my hair down (no pun intended).

Can I join you when you scream and cry too?

2011-10-05T09:22:00.000+08:00

The time has come. The time of tantrums, shrieking, crying, screaming, lying on the floor in protest and turning a deaf ear to our instructions.

The Terrible Twos.

Okay, to be fair the son is showing signs of it, not exactly full throttle yet, but given the preview he has been displaying spectacularly, I'm afraid, very afraid.

I've been scolding and using the cane (sparingly) on him these few days and its so exhausting! I don't want to go back home and be mean to him, I want to go home and cuddle my baby. You know, especially after a long day at work. It's frustrating for all of us. And I certainly don't want my son to think that I'm home just to scold him too.

How do you working mothers do it? And how long will it lasts?

the object of our frustrations and affections

Read another mother's experience here.

Today's outfit:

stripe top: sis, belt: Aries, skirt: Gmarket, flats: City Plaza

Colour blocking was the fashion back then, watch it and groove along!

One of us gets to have all the fun, but actually they have it alot easier

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000+08:00

When it comes to clothes and stuff, guys always get the short end of the stick. Five floors of Takashimaya, only one level is for the guys. Three stories of H&M goodness and only a small section for the guys, and its even shared with the kid's section on the third floor. Whole shopping belt of Orchard Road and like only a handful of shops are for guys. Not counting gadgets store or Courts, because the guys who goes there only went with their wives and it is only absolutely when necessary.

Which is why I'm secretly glad that I have a boy.

Girls stuff are everywhere. Dresses, skirts, blouse, rompers, leggings and have you seen how insanely cute some of the girl's clothes are?! I've seen some designs which are like the mini version of the very popular Korean outfits now. Soft chiffon, ribbon bows, pearls, lace and its for little girls age two to six! Imagine if I have a girl, her wardrobe would be more than mine! And the amount of money spent!

But! You can't deny the fun of dressing girls up. Which is also why I'm glad I have all the fun, ha!

Boys are easy. Throw on a t-shirt and pants and they're good to go. Just ask my husband. He gets ready in five mins flat. Or even lesser, I don't know how he does it. Not that I want to try because even if I am running late, I'll still take about ten minutes to be out of the house. And that's on a good day. He always gauge the time I get ready to estimate how much time has passed. Showering without washing hair=15 mins. Showering with washing hair=30 mins. Brushing teeth=5 mins. Make-up and getting dressed=20 mins. Choosing clothes to wear=10 mins. Staring at the shoe cabinet deciding what shoe to wear=5 mins. All in all, I'll take about 40 mins to get ready.

Not bad, right?

Today's outfit:

top: pasar malam, jeans: New Future, flats: City Plaza

P.S: I woke up with this song in my head this morning. And when I turned on my radio, it was playing the exact same song! I love it when the radio and I are in sync.

Our weekend, in short sentences and pictures

2011-10-03T09:38:00.000+08:00

We went shopping, thrifting, drove through Little India to see the Deepavali lights, ate fried chicken, BK breakfast, haircut for the son and then, Monday came.

super boyish looking now, no one will mistake him for a girl anymore

i want my chicken!

he's like a cub and we're the mother lion that's tearing meat off to feed him

the legendary Arnold's Fried Chicken

night lights in Little India

Here's the son giving his take on his new haircut.

Translation:

I was tricked! Mama held onto me so I couldn't escape and the uncle bribed me with a sweet. So I got distracted, took the sweet and all of a sudden, he was holding the shaver! I really cried! I wriggle, squirmed and I even give my most powerful weapon, my quivering lips! But they were all just laughing at me. I'm so angry! But at the end, Mama gave me the sweet, though she bit it and only gave me a small piece. But its ok, because she said its worth it.

No one will ever call him mei-mei again. I hope.

I do think its the PMS in me thats working overtime. I swear I'm not like this, most times.

2011-09-30T11:34:00.000+08:00

Now that the son is coming to two years old, the question of having No. 2 often pops up when strangers also often asked how old is he.

And also often my answer would be a straight No. And often they will give a look of surprise and asked why? And because one is enough for us. Because one is more than we could afford. Because one is all that we need. Because one is taking up all our energy. Because it feels like we've poured out all our love on this one. And the husband has also maintained the fact that he could never love another one as much as this first born.

Well for sure many would argue the need for siblings and all the pros of having one or two (if you're the adventurous kind, I salute you) to play with. And this is also strange considering the fact that both of us has siblings too, so why the need to have one child?

Call us cruel, selfish or whatever, but I do believe responsible parenting also stems to responsible family planning you know. We're not going to have another child just so he can have a playmate but on the other hand, we'll be struggling like crazy to make ends meet just to feed the whole family. So if we're having difficulties just bringing up one child, then I think we should stop at one.

But what about making sacrifices? Love conquers all sorts of stories? Well, if it works for you, great! But if it doesn't, please use a condom. The world has enough problems of its own for you to contribute to its growing population.

Anyways, this is sounding a tad too heavy for Friday. I don't mean to be this angsty but just so you know that I have other emotions other than being happy, heh.

Here is another video of him wearing one side of my shoe and taking a stroll around the house.

Weekend time!

My house is my playground and my parents have to crawled around

2011-09-28T09:33:00.000+08:00

This week, its all about the little boy. He has grown taller, smarter, cheekier and faster. He runs instead of walk, he grins instead of smiles and he enjoys yelling and shouting at the top of his voice. A noisy and chatty chap he is.

His energy is boundless and his toys are our furniture and pots and pans. He loves to 'cook' with it and makes us keep stirring the kettle and 'feeding' us with his 'food'. He enjoys kite flying, watching Despicable Me (which has since been replaced by Tangled), Doraemon, watching his grandma doing the ironing, loves his umbrella, loves to run away whenever he sees me coming to get him dressed in his pyjamas, enjoys climbing onto the bed and burying his face into the pillows and hiding under the blankets, loves catching, loves playing with water, only eats MEAT, no veggies, loves Yakult, loves Ribena, has a special radar to detect which are food and which are not and loves to put coins into his piggy bank.

And I believe, the table is his new hideout.

After which, he dragged me to crawled underneath to play with him.

Favourite song of the moment. You must listen!

This is the way it should be for lovers, they shouldn't be alone. I'm very sure this never happened before

2011-09-27T10:45:00.000+08:00

on this day, i take thee

For all the nonsense, pain, anger, more intense anger, blood boiling anger, struggles and trials, we've come a long way dude.

For all the fun, walks, movies, football matches, food and sweet gestures, we've enjoyed every moment together.

So today, I want to remember you. For being so loving, supportive and kind with me. For the strength that you give and your generous heart of loving me, I am truly loved by you.

Happy 3rd year wedding anniversary, love.

P.S: I heard you saying it to me last night while I was sleeping and I'm very sure I wasn't dreaming. Stop your eye rolling!

F1 doesn't impress him much, all he wants is to wear his pants

2011-09-26T15:10:00.000+08:00

Sundays are sort of my date day with the son. We would have breakfast at the park and spend some time just walking around looking at the kites, playing at the playground and basically my idea of exploring nature with him consists of him shredding dried leaves and me keeping a watchful eye on him to ensure he doesn't eats them. Very zen and holistic.

But really, I actually just want to show off this video of him trying to wear his pants. Another milestone of him growing up. Someone pass me the tissue box please.

Oh please excuse the messy house and the F1 thats going on at the back, heh.

Listen kids, rock n roll sure aint easy

2011-09-23T10:44:00.000+08:00

I did a quick count and I have 8 striped tops in my closet. And footwear? 1 pair of boots, 2 booties, 2 pairs of wedges, 2 pairs of sandals, 3 pairs of heels, 3 pairs of canvas and 9 pairs of flats.

But I digress.

Just the other day I was reading up on 20 month old toddler's milestones on Baby Center and checking to see if the son is hitting it. And I'm proud to say he's hitting most of it. He has shown that he understands simple questions like Yes or No, Want or Don't Want, Pick it up, Go to the bed, Sit on the sofa, Wear your diaper, Take off your shoes, Wear your shoes, You want to watch cartoon? and the infamous Do you want me to take the cane?!

And he's also beginning to show his displeasure and tantrums too. Usually when we catch him doing something he's not allowed to do like messing up my stuff, we'll tell him off in a stern No. He'll give us a cheeky smile first and if there's a second repeat of No and he realized he's in the wrong, he'll bowed his head in shame and start his quivering lips. Then he'll come and hug me and try to pacify me instead.

But if he feels that he's not wrong, he'll start to cry and scream. This is when I'll ignore him and walked away. And he'll continue to cry and scream and it'll get louder and louder and I'll just continue to ignore him till he comes over to do his pacifying. That's when I'll tell him off. And when he has calmed down, I'll switched to a gentler tone and explain to him why he shouldn't do it. So far, it seems he is able to understand whats going on, so fingers crossed!

the remote control king

i'm the one in pink, in case you're curious


like father like son, but he looks more like me. so I win

It's finally Friday! You've come a long way since Monday, so enjoy your weekend!

PS: Do you know that dragonfruit seeds passed out undigested? Thought you should know in case you were wondering whats the black stuff doing in your poop. You're welcome.

Its a rainy day and the sun don't shine! Oh and when the telehone rings, just pick it up because the sun will always be still shining. I know right.

2011-09-22T09:27:00.000+08:00

I'm getting lazy. I got my husband to chose my clothes again and have I mentioned I get dressed in the dark? Yes I do.

Today's outfit:


grey top; Pepper Plus, denim jacket; Gmarket, scarve worn as belt; Cotton On, skirt; Primark, wedge; Mitju

Oh a rainy day calls for a rainy song! Hey don't judge me! I was into the tea dance phase like you too, k.

I am honest, thats why I said its fake.

2011-09-21T09:48:00.000+08:00


top, Jennie Shop jeans, Denizen flats, fake Tory Burch

This song reminded me of my secondary school days, where the boys would all wanna look like him and serenade their puppy love with this song.

Not that it didn't worked on me, but I thanked that guy who sang me this song only because I got to know this band. Back in those days, my idol was Jimmy Lin, remember him? Floppy hair with cute dimples and great dance moves to boot. I was all about pop idols, not much for grunge bands like Beyond.

Anyway, just a little reminiscing about those days. Guess that's what rainy days do to you.

Her MV doesn't make sense at all but its really quite a nice song to rock along to

2011-09-20T10:06:00.000+08:00

My husband chose my clothes last night. He came into the room, saw that I was staring blankly into space and asked what's wrong. I just replied that I'm thinking of what to wear for today. Sigh! The dilemmas of a woman.

He glanced at my clothes rack and picked out a pair of grey jeans and T-shirt. He said this will up my rock credentials.

Today's outfits:


all from Gmarket except the boots, gift from sis

I wanna be a country rocker and currently rocking to Lady Gaga.

If ever there'a an evacuation, I'll just have to sing and it'll clear out in record time

2011-09-19T09:00:00.004+08:00

Okay to kick start your Monday, I'm going to embarrass myself. Okay maybe not. I'll spare your ears the agony and just let you read it instead. Only because its more humane this way.

I can't sing. AT. ALL.

I am tone deaf, melody blind and harmony disrupted. Ask my husband or my sister, and it'll be the first time they both agreed on something so right.

Evidence:
1) Long time ago, I was walking with a friend out of a church service and I was just singing softly the songs that was sang during the worship and she suddenly turned to me and asked,' Why are you saying out the lyrics?' True story.

2) We were with a big group of friends singing karaoke celebrating a friends birthday. The rest was singing, I was minding my own business being the DJ and all when they goaded me into singing. And I thought why not? Since it was playing The Cranberries' Zombie and its just yelling right? So I barely started singing and the whole karaoke blacked out. True story.

3) I was in my room listening on the headphones and singing aloud. Suddenly my mother-in-law came into the room and my husband burst out laughing. She had thought she heard my son crying when in actual fact, he was at my mum's. True story.

Yes its that bad. On the flip side, I make people laugh..... at my expense.

Song of the moment. Awesome guitar riffs! And Steven Tyler sounds so different back then.

Ending with a photo of my handsome husband!

Never under-estimate what a small tube of gloss can do to your lips and your vanity quota. If not you can rap an angry song about it yo!

2011-09-18T10:44:00.002+08:00

Gosh, I really think I'm having writer's block. Its taking me ages just to come up with this sentence. And I'm still struggling to think of constructive ways to string my words together. Never mind, there's always music to fill in the blanks, ha!

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop

belt: First Textile

shorts: Kiyo

stripe flats: Gmarket

In my touch-up pouch:

from upper left to down: gatsby oil control film,

Estee Lauder lipstick in Pink Champagne, compact mirror, toothpick holder,

Burt's Bees lip balm, Flutter lip gloss

But I like to give this a shout out. Tadah!

makes my lips flutter, ooh lala

My mother-in-law passed this to me the other day. When I saw it, I was'nt very impressed as you know, its brandless and it looks so meh. So I just chuck it aside till today.

Today, I am converted by this little tube of Flutter lip gloss. It gives the most natural gloss and shimmer and I actually think my lips have never felt so pretty and demure before till TODAY! Okay Estee, I don't mean to leave you out but you're kind of on the high side to maintain you know?

I really liked the shade and its great if you want to chill on a weekend and not be overly done with your make up and yet, its also just right if you want to impress your boss with your appraisal meeting. Flutter him with those lips ya, ha.

Okay end of vanity ramblings. I'm in love with her voice.

I used to listen to his songs, angry man he is.

(Explicit lyrics!)

This is very ME!

2011-09-17T10:37:00.001+08:00

Weekend Errands by life-muse featuring cross body handbags

Only because I'm sort of dressed like this today, on a Saturday in the office, all by myself.
Le sigh.

I have perfectly fine toes, thank you very much!

2011-09-16T11:42:00.004+08:00

Colour Night Out! by life-muse featuring a flared dress

In reality, I would not be able to wear those heels out at all. Firstly, I would look like a giant next to my erm vertical challenged friends and secondly, I would most probably make a fool out of myself walking in those heels.

Truth is, in heels I walk like how penguins would walked on land- awkward. So for now, I will only walk in heels, online.

A reminder of that decision you made when you say, 'I do'.

Because there's only teal and mustard to chase the rain away

2011-09-12T13:14:00.001+08:00

Because there's only teal and mustard to chase the rain away by life-muse featuring a silver necklace

Yeah You really got me now, You got me so I don't know what I'm doing now

2011-09-12T11:43:00.000+08:00

I'm having a hard time trying to think of an interesting opening to welcome Monday, but there's nothing! Well you know the saying, 'If you've got nothing to say, don't say!' Okay I'll zip it.

So I'll let the pictures do the talking.

He-who-was-real-sick-got-better-and-now-recovered!

he lost alot of weight the past week as he drank mostly milk. no appetitte at all!

all cheeky again

he brewed

she bakes

i eat

The park opposite our house had a mini Mid Autumn Festival celebration last night. So we went to take a walk.

holding his lantern but not sure why the grouchy look

playing with sparklers and contributing to the haze!

full moon, tonight

Today is the official Mid Autumn Festival and we'll be going to Chinese Garden to soak in the celebrations! Ever since I've became a mother, I had alot more interest in these sort of things. I'll keep a lookout for events and festivites so we can all enjoy as a family. Life became alot more interesting when you've got your family to hang out with. And whoever says Singapore is boring sure ain't not looking hard enough!

Totally random but Gold 90.5 plays really awesome rock songs during Saturday nights! And its classic rock from the 70s and 80s and they feature indie rock bands as well as the more mainstream ones like Led Zeppelin, Eagles, The Doors etc. But what I really like was this song by Alannah Myles. Another one I like was The Kinks.

Listen to this song called Lola. It's hippie and they're open about it baby, oh yeah!

Back to school!

2011-09-09T16:06:00.001+08:00

Back to school! by life-muse featuring striped tops

All the parents unite when you find yourselves in the A&E ward at 4am in the morning

2011-09-08T23:17:00.003+08:00

Okay, the baby has finally fallen asleep and now I can blog. He has been sick for the past few days which explains the lack of posts.

This time round, it's a viral fever. He had a high temperature of 39.4 on Tuesday and we had to rush him to KK Hospital in the middle of the night. His body was really really hot and you could literally feel heat radiating out of his armpits. It's that hot.

So we brought him to the hospital and after an hour of waiting for him to pee for a urine sample, the doctor just diagnose him as having a viral fever. Gave us paracetemol and ibuprofen and sent us back home.

As of right now, his fever has subsided alot but it still comes and goes. And so it's a few days of clinging and being his Siamese twin. I cannot be out of his sight. The poor husband has been relegated to the invisible zone. Any hugs or kisses are met with a resounding No, No,No! or Don't want!

And I hope his fever will truly break by tomorrow though!

PS: To the person who search for babies born without head and landed upon my blog, this is not that kind of blog.

PPS: I really really want to wear my new booties and was tempted just to wear it to the coffee shop below our house. But my husband says vanity is not a virtue.
Oh.

PPPS: I know no one does PPPS but really, I just want to thank you for even reading to this part. Thank you. :)

What's going on apparently is not the title but the lyrics and anyway its good enough to describe our weekend

2011-09-05T10:13:00.000+08:00

Our weekend.

celebrating the stepfather-in-law's birthday at Ivin's

kite flying in honour of the kite flying day

2 kites flying high in the sky

Our kite got stuck onto a tree and we spent like 20 mins trying to get it down! We tried various ways like throwing shoes, balls and tugging it but to no avail. So we just let it be and then this huge gust of wind came and loosen our kite! It did flew up abit and we thought it was freed but it got stuck again.

Then two Indian nationals walked past us and to our surprise, one of them started to climb the tree to get the kite for us! We were throughly amazed at their tree climbing skills and even more so at their initiative to help! We could'nt thank them enough and they just seems so noncholant about it! All in a day's work for these dudes man.

This boy has recently taken to wearing his Doraemon slippers everywhere he goes. Dressed up nicely and he'll choose his Doraemon to wear. But he has an old soul to it. Everytime he sits down, be it in the car, on the chair or anywhere, he has to take them off. Sort of like how those old uncles sitting in the coffeshops, shoes off and legs up shaking and all. Maybe not the shaking part, yet.

swinging on an excercise swing

Today's outfit:

floral jacket: BKK

stripe dress: Jennie Shop

flats: Charles and Keith

And today's song of the day? 4 Non Blondes!

Because the husband serenade me with this song yesterday.

Celebrations are really a good way to stuff ourselves silly but food has no mention in this entry

2011-09-02T09:18:00.000+08:00

I love how when September rolls over, its usually a flurry of events within the family. We celebrate our wedding anniversary in September, my birthday in October, the husband's in November, Christmas in December, the son's in January and by then it'll be the Lunar New Year festivities for the Chinese!

It's one celebration after another!

And speaking of celebrations, this really got to me. I don't know why but at that instance when I saw my son doing this, it really really dawned on me that he has grown so much. He's no longer the tiny baby that I can pick up with one hand, but an active toddler doing pull ups now.

Here's to more years of growing up and celebrations, dude.

Mother Looker, oh yeah

2011-09-01T09:41:00.000+08:00

I really like doodling on Polyvore. It's like my own make believe world where all these clothes are mine and I get to wear them everyday....... online. Anyways, it did'nt made me depressed but rather more upbeat because hey, I might have similar outfits but at least they don't cost an arm or leg or a kidney or two, heh.

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop

jeans: Denizen

flats: City Plaza

From Polyvore:

Jason Wu Silk-chiffon and lace blouse
1,805 SGD - net-a-porter.com
Mother The Looker Skinny Jean
235 SGD - kirnazabete.com
Jimmy Choo Kerfield suede and mesh ankle booties
1,180 SGD - net-a-porter.com
Jenna - Large' Leather Tote
480 SGD - nordstrom.com
Euler Earring
91 SGD - allsaints.com

This song kept playing in my head this morning. A little morbid but I like its melancholic lyrics.

Okay maybe not similar outfits but similar colours, alright?!

Ever the lady but with spunk

2011-08-31T14:29:00.001+08:00

Ever the lady but with spunk by life-muse featuring hair clip accessories

Chic in brown

2011-08-31T13:05:00.003+08:00

via Polyvore

So now I've another outlet to play dress up with! This is such fun and you can sort of 'shop' to your heart's content because you can add your items onto a clipboard and see how it all look together! And there's no shopping bills to worry about!

Go play!

I really just went to see the house, not the President

2011-08-31T10:21:00.000+08:00

The Istana had an Open House as yesterday was a public holiday, so I got the whole family to visit it! When we reached there around 1pm, the queue was madness! If you know where Istana is, the queue stretched all the way to the train station's HSBC bank!

But thankfully, it moved pretty fast and priority was given to Singapore citizens and PRs. There was a seperate queue for foreigners and the number of foreigners queueing was quite substantial too!

finally in the Istana grounds

the wide open space

i was told that guards wearing this uniform had to march, not walk!

this space is really huge

one of the few colonial houses in the grounds, not sure what its used for

the husband and his mother

they provide some mini playgrounds for the little ones

he was wearing pants but it got soiled, so pant-less!

my parents-in-law in front of the Istana House

*photo bombed by the son ha

The Istana House was also opened to the public for visitors to view and admired the different gifts that were presented to the President. But we had to pay for admissions at $2 per person. And it was only the first level that was opened and it was only a small area where the gifts were displayed. We felt that $2 were a tad too much, maybe $1 might justify better, ha! #cheapskatesingaporeans

he's wriggling away just so he can play with the water

he saw the water fountain and went, Wah!

pose like you owned it

a little pond

3 generations

It was quite a nice walk about in the grounds given the cooling and breezy weather, but one visit is enough. We did'nt get to see President Nathan but today will be his official last day in office before the new one takes over.

I absolutely have no comments whatsoever about the new president. Better shut my mouth before I get thrown in prison!

Today's outfit:

top: Cotton On

belt: Mphosis

jeans: New Future

flats: Cotton On

Gosh I can't believe today's the last day of August. Too fast!

Dance dance dance your pants down, but remember to bring it to the wash when you're done!

2011-08-29T09:06:00.001+08:00

Because today is Monday again and we all gotta Move like Jagger. C'mon! You gotta move like Jagger, moveeeeeeeeeee like jagger.

It's stuck in my head and now yours, ha!

hey ma, look i'm too cool for you

I went to do my first queue of my life yesterday. A few days back I read on Today that Denizen is giving away free jeans in exchange for your old jeans! Yup! Only for the first 30 people though. So I thought maybe I can go and try my luck.

And what do you know? When I reached there at 8.25am, there were already a queue forming! I had initially wanted to reach way much earlier like 7.30am but then I thought what are the odds of people actually reading that ad and giving it a try too? Well I thought wrong. Because there are people like me who had the same thought but with more determination and gutso who went much earlier just to be first in line. And I just happened to be number 34! Argh!!

Moral of story? The first in line always gets the free jeans.

Anyway, the lady told us there will be another giveaway next month. So if you wanna exchange your old jeans for a new one, keep a lookout in the Today papers or The Newpaper!

If rain smells like this, we'll be all like awkward pimply teens bashing our heads and swinging our hair

2011-08-26T09:59:00.000+08:00

I'm glad it rained today, as I finally got the chance to wear this floral jacket to work. Am I the only one who is selfish to wished for rain just so I can wear pretty jackets like this? Ha.

stripe top: Jennie Shop

floral jacket: gift

jeans: New Future

flats: Cotton On

Thankfully the son is recovering well. He's no longer that grouchy or whiny and is now running about and being cheeky again.

But being sick means having to take medicine right? And to do this, we have to outsmart this kid. Before he got this sick, we'll just add the medicine into his milk and he'll just lapped it up without any problems. But perhaps due to the medicine the hospital gave, this has become a problem. I'm not sure if its because it hospital medicine, but it smells pretty bad-ass, if you know what I mean.

One whiff of his milk bottle and he'll immediately reject it, so much so that he's only had like 3 bottles of milk for the past few days. So we had to come up with some strategy to get him to take his meds.

He loves Yakult, so we put his meds into it and he'll finished it all up, record time. I'm serious. Plus Yakult also aids in digestion, so its like killing two birds with one stone.

He loves Ribena too, so we add his meds into it as well. This is a little tricky as we can't add too much water or it'll be too diluted and if he smells the meds, he might reject it. So the trick is to add all the meds into his water bottle and then pour the Ribena concentrate in front of him. And be all happy and excited while doing it. This gets him excited too as its like a treat to him. And remember to jiggle and clapped. Its one whole performance just to get him to take his meds.

cheeky

So far, all is working well! Do you have any tricks to get your child to take their medicine? Please share!

And I'll leave you with this. A little random but hey, we all need a little randomness to spice up our lives.

Peace out, yo.

When patients are not just patients anymore but rather a means of paying her salary

2011-08-24T09:36:00.000+08:00

definitely not meds about you

So we had to head down to Kandang Kerbau Hospital yesterday as the son's coughing made him threw up his phelgm four times within an hour. We initially wanted to send him back to the GP who last saw him last week, but when I called to asked if she could wait for 10 more mins just prior to their closing time, guess what she told me?

(In Verbatim)

GP: I'm sorry I cannot wait for you as I have to rush for my class.

Me: Can't you wait for a while? My husband and son are on their way now.

GP: No I'm really sorry I cannot wait for them. I really need to rush for my class. You bring him go see another doctor.

Me: No you don't understand. We brought him down to see you last week but he is still coughing and he vomitted, so can't you just wait and see him for a while?

GP: No I'm really sorry. I really have to rush for my class and you bring him see another doctor.

Me: Fine!

I was really pissed at her for saying this kind of thing. How could she as a doctor simply just brushed us off just because SHE had to rush for HER class?! That's not my problem. Her duty is to see sick patients and

attend to them. Don't make your tardiness an excuse. It's never accecptable, whatever hapened to your code of ethics?

Anyway it was a good thing we brought him to the hospital too as the doctors did an X ray on him and found out he had a lung infection. That poor kid was terrified though.

The X rays, the neubuliser they had to made him wear, the temperature check totally freaked him out. He was crying and screaming for his daddy while they pinned him down for all these tests. The funny thing was when the husband praised him for being such a brave boy, he started to clapped his hands while crying at the same time. Even the nurses laughed.

Right now, we have to monitor him closely to see if he's eating or drinking well. If he's not, its another trip to the hospital.

My keyboard's P is not working well but I pressed it real hard just so you don't have to read incoherently and I don't look like I can't spell

2011-08-23T09:49:00.000+08:00

I am sort of inclined to post these up because my husband is part of the small but growing number of home brewers in Singapore. Heh.

Last Saturday, they had sort of a gathering cum beer cometition held at East Coast Park. Ibrew is the lead organisation for the yearly affair and it promotes home brewing for people who enjoys drinking and the art of brewing their own beer.

The husband sent in one of his creations and came in third for one of the competition. It was voted by the people and out of the thirty that was submitted, he was the only local that was in the top three. Not bad at all for someone who actually brewed a hopnosh of leftover ingredients!

Super Brewer!

beers for tasting

the husband, very unglam

with his new found beer friends

East Coast Park

Why drink Tiger when you can brew your own now? Besides, Tiger Beer tastes horrid. I really wonder why people still drink it though. Okay, I'm no expert here so if you have any questions pertaining to beer, I am happy to ask the husband on your behalf. No fees required, just some nice clothes or shoes or bag in kind, ha!

Today's outfit:

top: F.O.S (sadly, this has closed down)

belt: comes with skirt

skirt: Dressabelle

flats: City Plaza

My ears are stuff now, like there are water in it. And I can't really hear myself well. But I did'nt went swimming or wash my hair... ah well.

Of a sick baby, very clever apes and an unpretty song to end this week

2011-08-19T10:08:00.000+08:00

Remember I was just saying how my son was having a runny nose? Turns out he had mild bronchiolitis, an infant form of bronchitis. The symptoms are similiar to cold but the virus affects the bronchioles, a smaller airways in the lungs, which when inflammed will affect your breathing. And apparently dry cough is one of the symptoms as your body is trying to cough out the mucous in it. So if you know of anyone having a persistent cough, please do get it check out as it might be bronchitis, which might lead to serious problems.

Anyway I brought him to the doctor's and he was given 5 types of medication and was put on antibodies! He's not even two! (I know I use this alot but really!) And its quite scary how fast the medicine takes effect because right now, he appears to be well though the occasional cough and runny nose is still there. But at least all of us are getting some sleep. The first night, he kept me up all night with his crying and I had to keep carrying him to pacify him. Ain't no sleep like a broken sleep. Or ain't no love like a night of sacrificed sleep.

Oh and I've watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes!

they're not monkeys, they're apes

not sure the difference? neither do i

I really liked it! Caeser's (acted by Andy Serkis) acting was really touching and emotional. He brought a human touch to his character. I almost teared at some parts of the movie where he thought he was being abandoned by his owners and he's coming realisation that he is different from his humans owners. The part where he asked his 'father' (James Franco) if he's a pet and what is he to him, his look of disappointment was so apparent when James Franco could'nt answer him.

And of course the very real threat caused by greedy humans using animal testings for clinical trials strike a chord with me. I did'nt realised how serious the animals are being poached for it and the appalling conditions they might be kept in. So for now, I'm determined not to use any products that does testing on animals. We all can do our part!

I promise I'm finishing soon but you remember the girl group TLC? They're the biggest girl group back in the nineties. They sang this song and it was their biggest hit. Recently Glee did a cover and I'm really in love with their version! Softer and more feminine.

You husband, stop it! (private joke)

Okay, enjoy your weekend!

This post was supposed to be about pretty bedrooms but it ended up with a big sigh!

2011-08-16T09:58:00.002+08:00

via housetohome

Ain't all these rooms too pretty to sleep in?! My personal favourite would be the first photo though I might like to try the bright pink wall paper if the husband allows!

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop

belt: First Tailor

dress: Cotton On

flats: City Plaza

My body is aching and my joints are creaking. I think its all the running I did while kite flying on........Sunday. Yeah I guess I finally got to admit my body is no longer as nubile as it was eleven years back. Okay... maybe not nubile but sporty, alright?! I can so imagine the husband's sniggering.

The son's nose has been running too. Everytime he falls sick, I always think back where did I not do right. Like perhaps the air-con was too cold while we were having dinner and he was only wearing a singlet or perhaps I did not cover him with his blanket at night and thats how he caught a chill. Or maybe its that time he fell asleep with his hair still wet after his shower or that time we were caught in the rain or that time someone sneezed in our directions or that time........ you get the drift.

I can't help it! I tend to play back the events and try to pin point the exact cause. It's like playing detective but investigating on a guilt trip. Sigh!!!

The weekend flew like the kite, up and soaring but then it stopped midway because we ran out of string

2011-08-15T10:34:00.001+08:00

How was everyone's weekend? If you had a blast and wish for more, you got it! If your weekend was'nt so good and wish for another weekend, you got it! Moral of above sentence? There is more weekends than you can ever wish for, but patience is required for it to arrive. Bummer.

We spent the weekend baking cookies (or rather my sister doing the baking, me doing the tasting and the little boy doing the eating), kite flying, having some alone breakfast time with the son and spending it walking at Jurong Point.

And you know how people in showbiz always says never work with children or animals? It's so darn true. Anyway it doesn't take people in showbiz to realised it too. They never keep still long enough for you to take a proper picture. You just have to keep shooting and shooting and hope for that ONE picture to capture that moment.

Case in point, refer to pictures below. These were taken at my friend's house to celebrate her son's 1 year old birthday. Blurry photos, not my fault. Objects were just too fast or either that its the coke, as in the COCA COLA kind of coke, not the cocaine kind of coke.

birthday boy!

the adults kept the same smile and position for umpteenth time before this still picture of babies was captured

true story.

how boys play

his way of endearment, kinda like how dogs sniff each other

2 mothers and 2 wriggly babies

making a break for it

first hurdle

almost there!

finally! a sorta group photo after close to 10 mins

true story

make a wish first

*please do not let benjamin have all the cake!*

blowing his candle

birthday wish came true. i shared a small piece with the son

iron mama

family photo

Yesterday:

she did the flying, he did the chasing

up!

take my hand mama!

i.can.do.this!

see?!

He climbed this ladder thing at the fitness corner. I think if the grandfather ever sees this, his heart would have dropped. Me? I was kinda proud of him, ha! He managed to do one rung and I helped him climb the rest!

getting ready

climbing up

one rung up

more to go!

the next olympian in 18 years time

His recent words' development has improved. He can say Please followed by an earnest nodding of his head, Yes followed by earnest nodding of head and No followed by violent swaying of head. This is good beacause he know how to link the questions and apply said words to it. Not very good when asked if he wants proper food and Yes to all junk food. SIGH! And he's not even two yet!

Today's outfit:

lace top: Salvation Army

inner top: Cotton On

belt: Mphosis

pants: Gmarket

stripe flats: Gmarket

p.s: I think dressing in colour coordinated clothes seems so under-rated. Its instant chic and fuss free. No?

It's funny how I've got the Friday blues instead

2011-08-12T09:24:00.000+08:00

I kinda like my new layout, reminds me of Greece. You know the iconic pictures showing you how beautiful Greece is? White buildings with the blue roof, like this:

someday, i'll be here

Its calm and soothing, at least to me. Blue skies and white clouds, blue smurfs with white pants? Erm not so much, ha.

I'm in blue today too! Today's outfit

knitted top: thewomenscloset

polka dot skirt with waves: This Fashion

flats: Gmarket

Alright folks, enjoy your weekend. You deserved it!

Psst! You heard of nesting? Its dangerous cause it made me threw away my favourite pair of shoes

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Nesting Instinct:
Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in. This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world.

For me, this came about few weeks after the delivery of my son. I was depressed, alone and just plain miserable. When it kicked in, I was unstoppable. I cleared out all my good clothes that I deemed too small for me to fit in, threw away perfectly good shoes just because I thought I will never see my ankles again (they were still swollen because of water retention) and get this..... I took out all the clothes and folded them neatly and arranged them according to their material while in the midst of being angry at my husband too! Is'nt it amazing what hormones can do to you?

It is with deep regret that I'm even writing this now. I threw away my favourite pair of mustard flats, a pair of robin blue floral flats, a cream satin fabric heels and argh, I don't even want to remember anymore!

You know, post-partum is often fraught with many difficulties. Do not believe pictures of smiling mothers breastfeeding their babies nor air-brush models modeling as mothers wearing skin tight pant. Its a fraud.

Most likely you'll be grumpy, unkempt, smelly, angry, tired, irritated, crying and feeling sorry for yourself while your baby is crying and crying and crying. This is the truth.

Gee, I sound really bitter but I'm not! I'm a mother myself, thus I'm qualified to tell you like it is. Anyways, if you're pregnant and reading this, enjoy your freedom while you can. Cause you're next holiday might be in twenty years time.

I still sound bitter don't I? Ha. But I'm really really not!

Okay Blogger was down a while ago and now its up and running, so today's outfit:

black top: Jennie Shop

nautical cardi: The Women's Closet

skirt: sister's

grey wedge: Mitju

I had this urge to wear this pair of wedge since last night. Usually, I'm the sort of girl that reserves such shoes for special occasions like weddings or to somewhere fancy. But I guess we all have to succumbed to such frivolous cravings once in a while.

We have our very own fun pack weekend, thank you very much!

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The past few days were super enjoyable! We celebrated my sister's birthday at St Regis, courtesy of a complimentary room stay when my husband signed up for their membership long time ago. And we spent National Day having a nice picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Pictures time!

the gorgeously cozy room

the lounge where my husband spent the night

he graciously let my sister, my son and I have the bed

the bathroom=the size of my own bedroom

this kid sure know how to soak it up!

surprising her with her cake

family photo

At Singapore Botanic Gardens

watching Daddy do his thing

blowing bubbles with Aunty Elizabeth

you can play with your cousin next year!

i shoot you, you shoot me!

Today's outfit

lace sleeve top: Jennie Shop

belt: from somewhere

kahki pants: Gmarket

flats: ViVi

Okay, two more days to the weekend again!

Happy Birthday Singapore!

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my national flag

She gets to have an additional holiday just because it falls before the nation's birthday

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Everyone, meet my sister.

tall and thin fits her to a T

She's freakishly tall at 1.78cm, extremely lanky at 50kg but absolutely beautiful to me. And to her boyfriend, I hope.

Today is her birthday so she's entitled to boss us around.

Found this and thought of her, and dawned on me it can also be used both ways for us sisters so its a win-win situation, ha.

via Pinterest

I just want to thank you for being here at this point of my life. For being so supportive, non-judgemental and most of all being such a loving aunt to Benjamin.

I've told you this before that in the case if he loses both parents, I know he'll still be in safe hands because he still has you. You'll care for him like a mother and provide him with all the love he needs. And it touches me to see how much you love him. It's the way you fuss over him, to all the toys and clothes you bought, to all the little snacks you secretly give him when you thought I was'nt looking, those walks you took with him and even to the Iphone apps you download for him. You're really an awesome aunt.

Now I'm just glad that we are where we are and I could not ask for more. Thank you for being my sister.

I love you!