A Beautiful Life

Fairies at the park

2009-06-05T16:33:00.002+10:00

Trich picked up the girls one day after school. We had decided to go to the park for a picnic and the kids were looking forward to feed the ducks. When they arrived at our house, me and Trich were just chatting and lo and behold, the girls quickly transformed themselves into "fairies"!

We had fun at the park, but Reegan decided feeding the ducks was not for him anymore. Now he look at this picture and says he doesn't want to feed the ducks anymore....I think he got bitten by one of the over-enthusiastic duckie!

The surprising pair, singing so loudly in the park....life is beautiful!

Father Bombin

2009-04-29T10:17:00.004+10:00

This is Father Bombin...and a wee little man is he...! He always says "Reegan's name is Bombin..." He wanted to try on Big Sister's coat...and Meredith thinks he looks like those "people in church".

He has progressed from Mair-liff to Meredith and Or-juice to Orange Juice!

He is still good at imitating someone...

2008-12-26T12:07:00.009+11:00

We spent about 10 days in China, moving from Guangzhou to Guilin to Yangshuo. It wasn't as good a trip as we had in Shanghai-Hangzhou-Nanjing-Suzhou...guess we are not so used to the puffing chimneys and hygiene standards...but nonetheless, there were several very enjoyable moments!

GUANGZHOU

We first arrived at Guangzhou and were rather disappointed with the shopping. Despite I read that GZ is a shopping paradise, there were simply really really absolutely NOTHING decent! There were however, streets for undies, streets for shoes, streets for gifts...etc and we did enjoy shopping for the basic staples...thermals, socks...etc And that's just about it!

GUILIN

Guilin was a little more fun. We first visited a cave...Mum did well climbing up. And Meredith of course had no problem!

The guide recommended a rather expensive restaurant where we had our first meal in Guilin and tried local dishes, and decided it would only be a first and last. It was tasty but that's about it.

When we left the restaurant...check out what else we saw they were serving...

These 'Zhu Shu' they say feed on bamboo...

And anyone for these '7-colours' birds?

Before we arrived at 'Longji', the guide took us to the famous Guilin Mifen, which is what the locals eat for breakfast everyday, 7 days a week, and never ever got tired of...

He took us to a local-off-the tourist-trap eatery at some corner...and the mifen were selling at local price...only RMB2.50!

This was what we saw first:

The free-flow-help-yourself soup to the mifen... and the chopsticks boiled in a pot...

And then we studied carefully how the other ingredients were being prepared...

Are you sure we would still be alive after eating this???

We passed by this guy preparing the mifen...

And saw the most inviting part of the mifen....chilli, peanuts and salted vegetables...

After confirming there were disposable chopsticks, we ordered our first and most unforgettable Guilin mifen...

It was absolutely marvellous...

But I also believe it was here that got us all ill, one by one...

Anyway, that was breakfast.

We got up to Longji after about a 2 and a half hours' drive. We had lunch before anything else. The guide took us to this family-owned place where everything was prepared fresh...

Because it was so high up, the ingredients were fresh from the farmers!
The fish was alive just minutes before
The tofu were homemade
The vegetables were fresh from the ground
The chicken was slaughtered just for the soup...and Mum said its a female one because of this:

Definitely a yummy lunch!... and then we were off to the rest of the climb!

Meredith decided to join the local tribe...and worked on the farm a bit...

Ever wondered how construction materials were delivered so high up?

Skilled workers without the machinery...

The local tribe Zhuang...The ladies do not ever cut their hair...and they don't turn grey before they turn 70. They say its the way they wash their hair...

The homemade tofu...

LI RIVER CRUISE

Wasn't as spectacular as I had imagined. But I guess we were there at the wrong season. It's winter and all misty and foggy.

We were supposed to imagine what the hills looked like along the way... this one supposed to look like what the officials wear on their head...

And I thought this one looked like a fox resting...

There were beautiful scenery at some point...

YANGSHUO

This is the place we stayed at Yangshuo. Very peaceful... dining by the river and hill...

We went to watch the Zhang Yi Mo-directed Impression Liu San Jie, thinking it would be one of a kind, with natural hill and river as the set.

It was spectacular, with impressive display of co-ordination and lighting effects...but not the love story we were hoping to watch...

These men were standing on rafts and messing with the red cloth in the river...must be freezing for them

Check out the hill/ rocks and full moon-all real...for us!

Like I said, we all fell ill. Reegan was the first to see the doctor...we thought that was the safest thing to do. And then Mum...

The lady in moroon was there sitting right next to Mum throughout the consultation. No she was no relative nor friend nor any remote associate. We were at first puzzled but figured that must be their amazing queuing system...(She was actually the next patient with zero knowledge of comfort zone and privacy!)

The way the Chinese can't live without puffing...even in the hospital...as a cashier, even a doctor!
I can't imagine if I have to deliver in such a hospital...

Back at Guilin before we head back to GZ to take a flight back to Sin, we had a wonderful bamboo raft right to the Xiang Bi Shan (Elephant's Trunk).

The commarants...in captivity...

See the elephant's trunk?

We were happy to be back....to decent fashion and civilization...but definitely had fond memories of the trip!

Giving up the P-plate

2008-12-24T13:47:00.005+11:00

It was a somewhat emotional last day of school...everyone thought we've had a great year together. The learning, the fun, the friendship...

The morning started with the usual morning activities...and Reegan joined in as if he was part of the class

Then as part of the conspiracy, we presented the gift to Miss P. It was a photo book of the year's events and childrens' autographs....it was very meaningful.

And its true...like they were saying, its hard to find such a group. The kids are really sweet, parents are so thoughtful, considerate...was lucky to be in such a group!

When the gift was presented, it was rather overwhelming...some teary parents and Miss P herself gave a little speech.

At the end of the day, Meredith's class was the only one that came out with each a balloon, with love from Miss P. They are so lucky! But while everyone was busy bidding farewell and having some last conversations for the year... Meredith was busy sulking!.....all because she did not get the colour she wanted....sigh....

Well, next year she will be on to Year 1, with a very friendly teacher as I know of as far...and am sure will be another great year!

The Guilty Smile

2008-12-24T13:33:00.003+11:00

This is the look whenever he is guilty...Here, he was trying to take more tissue when he didn't need it...He comes real close to you sometimes with this guilty smile and calls out 'Mummy, Mummy'...

He has made several progressions since...

Using the cup
Feeding himself
Recognizing colours
Widening his vocabulary
Putting on his shoes
Saying 'Yes' when previously everything was 'No' even though he meant a 'yes'

Next step...toilet training!

2008-12-01T13:47:00.002+11:00

Now that Daddy has finished pruning, trimming, cutting, fertilizing the garden...

Know what the kids been up to these days? Watering the garden...

It's funny to see Reegan with the oversized watering can. We have yet to find a cute little kids size watering can, and when we do, they'll gonna have much more fun!

Yes, watering the grass is important!

2008-11-24T20:56:00.004+11:00

This is a nice picture of Reegan...at the hospital...

Just a while before this, we had the worst scare of our life! He had a fall....and had a moderate concussion. I will always remember how he looked like...seemed to be in so much pain...but he could not cry out...his colours were gone....

We knew we had to charge to the hospital...we just couldn't think of anything else. We asked where the nearest hospital was..and great, it was within walking distance. We literally ran there, as if the enemies soldiers were right behind us. We kept calling his name throughout the run. Meredith was good catching up with us.

Just about 5 minutes later, we arrived at the Boxhill Hospital, right at the emergency department. We could hardly stay calm. But we did. By then, Reegan had returned to the correct state...and his colours were back...we were relieved but still very worried about what had happened.

Anyway, all is well now...he was placed under a 4-hour observation and he did very well.

He is all good now...

All cheery, all exploring and all chatty....that's Reegan!

2008-11-21T22:28:00.003+11:00

So here we go...done with all the shifting, packing unpacking, cleaning and buying....We're now comfortable and happy in the new place. The garden is great for the kids...although the weeds are a bit tall and sturdy, and Reegan venturing into it looks like he is exploring the forests. But they loved it anyway!

The most expensive part is definitely the piano, how it got plunged down, literally. The movers decided to use the crane this time round, rather than climbing down 9 flights of stairs. And that cost me a whopping $1k to do it...

Nonetheless, everyone has got more space, the place is quieter, traffic is better... and the neighbours....a bunch of retirees mostly, is looking very helpful and friendly!

It's SG Day!

2008-10-04T22:30:00.003+10:00

The day was great for Sg Day...bright and sunny...but a little too hot for all that queuing... We had to queue to get in and the queue was reeaallly loooong. They say there were 15 000 people! And people had to queue for nearly 2 hours to get in! Its silly! They queue just to get a silly tag on the wrist! They could just open the gate wide and let people just go in! Why the need to tag us??? But luckily for me and thanks to Susan, the volunteers let me in because I had a baby in pram! Phew!

Then when you get in...it was queuing again...to get the food. I was looking forward to all those food they had advertised...yes they were all there but it was too hard to get around pushing the pram up and down the hill. I just had to join the nearest queue and no, there wasn't any shortest queue! I had to make do with the Hainanese Curry Rice...but it was awful...soggy rice...hmmm...not for me.

Thankfully those were just about the queuing I had to do, oh and of course for the goodie bags.

Meredith attended a little SEED session and brought back some storybooks they had given the participants.

But the best best best part of the whole day has got to be PCK and his crew. It was just so nice to finally sit on the lawn to just watch and laugh...laugh about Singlish and jokes about Sg (the ERP gantry ...etc) and how he asked for volunteers and made fun of them....it was hilarious!

Definitely enjoyed one of my favourite childhood drink...

Listening to..."This is home....truly, where I know I must be..." sure brings back memories...me teaching the boys to sing for National Day!!

I did forget I was in Melbourne for a while. Just like at Aidan's birthday, I felt strange to see a different type of people when I step out of the venue...

2008-09-29T22:59:00.005+10:00

My favourite flower has always been the tulips. And I know there is a Tulip Festival here every year. But I never thought of going... I didn't believe in paying to see flowers...

But our day ended very early, had a nice picnic of packed sandwiches from the deli. We had to think of a nice place to go and The Tesselar Festival was having their Children's Day that day. So we decided to go anyway.

Mum was very excited with the rows and rows of beautiful colourful tulips. They were indeed a delight to look at.

Meredith had her fun at the activities organised for the kids....she was at the storytelling with Fairy Monica and got a fairy dust on her forehead. She also did some craft...making a little purse which is now in the dump and which I paid $5 for.

But we enjoyed the day....very much....a day with the flowers....who wouldn't?

The next day, we headed down to Katandra Gardens...a garden managed only by an elderly couple. They started in 1974, builded a little shed as their house, they said they had no money then. Now, it has expanded to an 8 acre Australian wild flowers garden, including a little lake they dug up themselves. The host, Bob also told us how he would want to get as many planst from all over Australia as possible, even travelling to the dessert! That was some inspiration!

I am not into wild plants and never thought much about them. But this trip has made me changed my viewpoint... there's so much in nature's wonder!!

This is the first interesting plant we saw....called a Grass Tree...get it, its like grass growing on a tree. Did you see its flower in the middle hidden among the leaves? Meredith was the first to spot the flower.

The Thomasia... it gives off a delightful scent....we smelled it first and then went sniffing for the plant. Where did the smell come from??

This is the lake they dug up which now houses some grebes. Grebes can dive underwater and resurface again some distance away! And they do make a loud noise! The brown patch in front of the lake is a new bed ready for low-lying plants...

This is an example of low-lying plants... they need something like this so that the view of the lake would not be blocked...

The grass....soft and dry...we just sat there forever...enjoying the lake and taking in the beauty of the surroundings...

This flower has so many shades of orange and pink... very pretty!

This is the Lime Majik... so soft-looking...

And this was interesting...the nature of which plants grows first...When I saw this, I understand why some of the trees in the streets are already blooming while others are still bald since winter!

I didn't get the name for this...but it looks like purple tissue paper growing on the tree!

Just so neat the way the leaves grow...and an occasional flower in the middle of nowhere!

This is a little lily...looking frus but definitely not! Just the way the photo turned out...

It was one of our best days! What an amazing garden!

2008-09-25T22:36:00.007+10:00

Took everyone to Puffing Billy... the old fashioned train still using charcoal to run... I was impressed everyone working at Puffing Billy are volunteers! and they all worked with such passion!

Here the steam engine... getting ready to go!

We took the earliest train possible to Lakeside, which again, wasn't a pretty lake, just a really normal looking one... and people can have BBQ or picnic around it, or fishing or paddling... but it was freezing when we were there!

Here, the charcoal for the engine...

The kids sat very still for the first 10 minutes of the one-hour ride...

And then Meredith decided she had the courage to sit by the window ledge, just like all the other kids...

Some of the views were great, we were indeed high up in the mountain...

Meredith was lucky enough to take a photo with Mr Conductor, who was operating the engine...

And then we saw this cute old fashioned post-box...check out the hand below jutting out...

Puffing Billy was right there by Mt Dandenong, so I had planned to take everyone to spend a night at the mountain, so that we could wake up to a chorus of birds and fresh air...

There were some activities for children at Skyhigh, a place you can go to look at awesome view of Melbourne...

We were too late for stories by Fairy Sarah, but were lucky to be in time for the face painting...

Even Reegan had a go! I wasn't too sure if he would take it... but look at him sitting nicely for his little face to be painted!

Here they are.... a butterfly and a star!!

Before dinner, we walked around at the 'Secret Garden' and 'English Garden'.... this plant is so special... the way the flowers look... I've never seen anything like it yet...

I am not sure if Reegan knows what to look at, but he was certainly having fun following what Big Sister was doing...

And this is the view at Skyhigh, sunset, after dinner, and drizzling...

2008-09-25T22:29:00.001+10:00

The first place we took Popo was Ruffey Lake Park....after yum cha at Tai Pan. As usual, we couldn't eat much... but Reegan did enjoyed his glutinous rice .

This time at Ruffey Lake Park, we were determined to find the lake...and we did! Not a pretty lake, but there were still birds and ducks. Meredith made a very clever discovery... she noticed that birds have sharp pointed beaks and ducks have rounded ones!

Loved the vast green pastures and rolling hills...

After walking downhill to the lake, we all trod uphill...

even our little hero...

2008-09-21T21:57:00.003+10:00

At the hairdresser's, Reegan was rather co-operative. But maybe because I had a bag full of tricks. He was pretty much curious about what was going on and why he had on him a colourful piece of cloth. He spent half the time looking for his covered shoes, fingers, feet...etc and I had that half of the time convincing him that yes, they were all still there!

But it was a sucessful cut, he is looking so handsome now!

2008-09-02T13:08:00.003+10:00

Meredith has had a busy week. First was Grandparents' Day, and the following week, it was Musical Mosaic and this Friday, she is having a Prep Swim Show for the parents.

Last weekend, she attended Roy's Taekwondo birthday party. Roy had a late birthday party. His birthday was actually in March.

Meredith always loves birthday parties, and she attends every one she got invited to. And after every party, she would say THAT was the BEST party...

Roy's party was a little bit more special... she got a TROPHY! The only girl....yay! And of course I had to spent the rest of the night watching her demonstrating her very good and very powerful taekwondo kicks...

And then another thing that she has been waiting for happened!

Yep! She lost her wobbly tooth, in music at school. Her teacher stuck her tiny tooth onto a cardboard so she wouldn't lose it.

And she got all excited over the possible visit of the Tooth Fairy....poor kid, she thought this was quite the only way she could ever get some money....

But the Tooth Fairy DID visit! And gave her 4 gold coins and a very special fairy letter...

2008-08-26T20:57:00.001+10:00

Meredith loves to sit really close to the heater. Although I tried to discourage her, she will always have 1001 excuses..."I am cold", "I want to warm up my body" or simply "I like it"...

The other day, she noticed something had happened to the chair she usually sits on...

"What happened to the chair Mum?" She was particularly worried about the protruding lump.

I told her that is what happen when the chair is left too close to the heater.

And then I reminded her how she always likes to put her face so close to the heater...

I told her maybe one day her face may become the same...

She thought about what I said for a while, she thought about it hard.

And I could tell from her expression, in Aunty Pauline's word, which is written "all over her face", that she is telling herself, "I will NEVER sit near the heater again....EVER!"...still looking at the very disturbing protruding lump...

2008-08-17T22:02:00.003+10:00

Today is one of those very unusual days... we did not have to leave the apartment at all...well, cept to shift the bin, for the first time in 8 months, to the front for the bin man to empty tomorrow. I have lived in this apartment for 8 months...and never knew getting the bin out to the front is my responsibility, until everyone got a love letter from Warren...guess for the past months, my good neighbours must have done it for me.

Anyway, as I was saying, we stayed at home the whole day. Reegan was not well, and slept the whole morning, must be about a good 5 hours of sleep. He woke up in the morning and literally poured down a whole bottle of water, had his breakfast and Milo and took his shower. Meredith read to him after that while I clear up after breakfast. Then he fell asleep... his sweet little face unusually crowded with oozy and drippy green mucous from his watery eyes and nose.

I did a whole lot of things this day at home though. Cleaned up the part of the house that I've always wanted to...yucks! but..., put the labels on Meredith's belongings (before she lost them again in school and I get punished by hearing a whole lot of unbelievable excuses....yawn!yawn!), packed the house, put the clothes to wash...gosh, I washed so many clothes and hanged them everywhere, even Reegan's toys had to be a temporary clothes hanger!

Meredith was busy making a book. She has started it the night before. While I was busy around the house and then trying to get some work done on the computer, I was constantly interrupted with,

"What's wrong with the computer Mum? I need your help!"
"Where did the page go Mum? I need your help!"
"How do I make this smaller Mum? I need your help!"
"Why isn't it printing Mum? I need your help!"

...every one of it said in such urgency...but after a while, I got used to it....I felt like I was doing some kind of exercise...you sit and have to get up, then you get to sit again and then get up...

Then her book was finally very and extremely painstakingly done! I was happy... for a while...

Then she went to Charlie and Lola's website, and found something else to do...

"Mum, how do I print this out?......etc"

And then she needed sticky tape and other things from me, one at a time...

I was just constantly interrupted...

I think I might have a nightmare of this tonight...

Sweet marshmallow dreams!

2008-08-11T01:14:00.003+10:00

It's going to be another start to a new week. This week, I will try 2 new recipes...yum!

This week will also lead to a long weekend. I am still thinking if I want to take the kids out to the Dandenongs...would be really really nice...

Meredith has had a birthday party every weekend for the past 3 weeks! Parents really do spend a lot on these parties.

Emre had a baking party...

And they baked these delicious cookies...loved the thick, sexy M&Ms lips...O, Reegan had very quickly taken a bite before Meredith could take a picture.

Then Matthew had a all-reptiles party. He had invited the lizards, the snakes, the frogs...This one I was there throughout...because its too far and too nowhere-to-go-in-between...It was at their new home...very nice...

Last weekend she had Charlotte's wood works party. I didn't have a chance to take any pictures.

Reegan is saying 'Tair tyu' whenever you hand him food...very cute. Sometimes he says tair tyu, tair tyu...several times in a row...

And this page from the latest we borrowed from the library is his current favourite. He just cracks up whenever we do this...."Where is Poppy Cat?"....BOO!! (He knows he has to flip open the blue felt cat to find Poppy!) 'BOO!!'....he will say...

2008-07-31T16:08:00.003+10:00

I was engrossed reading the school's newsletter and didn't know what happened. Meredith was in her room doing her work...so this time I am sure it wasn't Meredith.

I saw one of Reegan's socks at the corner of the room...so obviously he has pulled it off again...

But he has his shoes on!... without the sock! So......have you learned to put on your shoe by yourself????

Oh yes, I have given up putting on matching socks for him...

2008-07-30T17:00:00.005+10:00

You know you have to treasure these....

when you get so frustrated and asked for a reason, and her reasoning reminds you that she is only 6...
when her taste for clothing clashes badly with yours but you have to know she lives in her own fairies and princesses and ballerinas' world...
when she loves you no matter how bad the day was...
when she tries to be a good helper but sometimes makes a mess...

You know you have to treasure these...

when 'mamu' means Milo
when 'ahhhh per' means apple
when 'mor mor' means no more and he rotates his wrist to indicate the same
when the cow 'mmmmmmm' instead of 'moooo'....
when you ask him to keep his bibs in the drawer and he knows exactly what to do
when you are so tired in the middle of the night and he wakes up and thumps himself on you
when the weather is cold and he still pulls off his socks and walks one foot bare
when you think you can get him to sleep but he insists you must read to him first

These I will treasure... and can't wait for more...

2008-07-21T14:13:00.003+10:00

And when Sis was here earlier in June, we took every opportunity during the weekends to drive out... to the 12 Apostles and Yarra Valley. I never believed I would be able to drive up there...myself....but we did!

We stopped by on the way to Apollo Bay for Meredith to wee...and spotted Mr Koala up by the tree...we saw another later, by the roadside, when we had to stop for Meredith to poo...All thanks to Meredith, we could see them in the wild...

Made it all the way to the 12 Apostles. They have upgraded the facilities at the site...constructed an underground tunnel for people to walk across the newl car park. But the 12 Apostles is still the good old 12 Apostles.... just mesmerizing...!

The cabin we had at the Yarra Valley, at Ferguson's Winery specifically, was new and contemporary... just too bad there was nothing in the vineyard...

Reegan looked so funny in this photo...with his silly smile...

It was such precious time with Sis and the kids...we miss her already...

2008-07-20T17:57:00.003+10:00

We made it to the snow just before school reopened for Meredith. It was a lovely trip!

Meredith had a go on the toboggan at the resort and decided she didn't like it. A lady was observing her when Daddy and her was sliding down the slope and told us she closed her eyes throughout....well, its not for the faint hearted...

We went off and found a good spot to play...

and build our snowman!

It was actually snowing beautifully... we were so lucky! Like rain, but its snow...everywhere!

2008-07-16T21:54:00.003+10:00

We didn't have time to do much in Adelaide, only one and a half day... We went around the suburbs, the schools... but we love how the city has the hills as the backdrop.

Hahndorf was really nothing very impressive. It's supposed to be a German settlement but its gone simply too touristy...we could not see the culture and the people there didn't speak German. I'd say Solvang, a Danish town in L.A. is a place more worthwhile to visit .

We booked a hotel in the city so that we could see how 'sleepy' Adelaide is. Fact is...its actually NOT... not in the city... and we see the different people are very well blended.

The most interesting thing we saw in the city.... well, who say you can't take your piano out into the streets???

We had two nights in the hotel room, spending some wonderful time together...think I remember Meredith was throughout rather cooperative, cos that will make it or not...sigh...anyway, I love this picture I took of the kids, fresh out of bed, sitting nicely having their brekky... toasted croissant as requested by little Miss Meredith.

On our way back home, we stopped by at Keith for lunch. And how lucky for us this place has a little train which was so fun for all to get on!

2008-07-16T21:32:00.004+10:00

One of the places we've always wanted to visit is Adelaide. On our way there this time, we spent a night in Robe, which is 3 hours away from Adelaide. It was such peaceful little coastal town, right there by the open water.

It was a long drive... and the kids had to be kept happy. Reegan was dead serious reading his tiny little book. He really enjoys these little books, looking at the pictures and mumbling and tapping his little index finger at them, as if relating them to his personal experience.

Meredith was very kind to lend him her Gameboy... looking like a pro here, he was merely staring at some static images... nonetheless having what seemed the best times though...

The motel we checked in was everything it promised... view, rainwater as drinking water, peaceful... We missed the sunset but caught sunrise the following morning...room by the lake...

Robe meant a little more to us because it was here, at the bay, the treacherous and unpredictable bay, where the early Chinese gold diggers, determined in every sense of the word, had landed and walked on land to the goldfields... that was a very very far distance!

The morning we went exploring Robe, it was cold and very windy... of course, its right there by the open water...

We visited the old goal (jail), which had only 3 cells... of course, for this tiny little town... Not sure of the population then, but now, there are only about 1000 people living in Robe.

This is what I meant by open treacherous water. Its rough. But beautiful in its own way... very beautiful... brrr...I can still remember the constant strong and cold wind...

Robe was actually more enjoyable than Adelaide. It's such a lovely little town...

2008-07-15T10:36:00.003+10:00

I can't believe its been such a long time since my last post...

Meredith had her long anticipated birthday party... and all her friends turned up. It was a nice time together, given it was also the last day of Term 2.

Josie ordered a beautiful birthday cake. Tom and Meredith have had several discussions together to come up with the idea of a butterfly cake. It was good Tom loves butterflies. The cake was indeed a work of art!

The kids had lots to eat...

And they certainly went wild!... cept for a lost shoe...

And Meredith was definitely spoilt! She had a whole tableful of pressies!... beautiful, wonderful pressies!

At night, we had a little celebration of our own...and Reegan was happy he could be closer to the act...

It was so wonderful... everyone had fun!

Culprit Who?

2008-06-01T16:36:00.002+10:00

She denied it and behaved so innocently the whole of yesterday...but today, she finally admitted. And poor Reegan sat there so nicely for her to cut his hair..oh Meredith what were you thinking when you decided to cut your little brother's hair???

A new haircut

2008-05-31T21:39:00.003+10:00

This is Reegan in his new haircut. Thing is, we don't know who cut it? How it was cut? What was used to cut it? Where it was cut??

We left him alone to play. When he came to me, I noticed something different about his hair. Then I realised it has been cut.

Ooops, a pair of scissors must be lurking somewhere, but we couldn't find it.
Well, if he cut it, there must be hair somewhere in the house...but we couldn't find it.
There must be hair on his shirt, at least one strand...but we couldn't find it!

This is really really totally strange!!

His hair was getting long, especially his fringe. You can still see a few strands of it in its original length.

Reegan, what happened to your hair???

2008-05-14T21:30:00.005+10:00

Meredith brought home a letter early last week. It was addressed to Dad. She was confused. She had told her teacher her dad would not be around to read the letter. But her teacher insisted she addressed it to Dad.

But she knew what the letter was all about and gave me specific instructions about when and how to give her some money on Thursday night. I had to open the letter...so it was no fun and and surprise for me....

On Thursday night, I gave her all the gold coins I had with me, which came up to $8. The gold coins were in $1 and $2, and I thought that would be easier for her to use the money.

When I went to school to pick her on Friday, all the kids had their little brown bag of goodies for their mommies. And I had mine too...

But I was not allowed to open it till Sunday, Mother's Day. I wondered what those little minds were thinking when they have money to buy Mum a special gift... shopping for Mum alone and thinking about Mum at such tiny age...But I was sure she had fun shopping.

Meredith told me she spent all her money, all $8! I burst out laughing! Previously on a school trip to Sovereign Hill, I gave her $20. She bought a lolly and a bell and had some money back. Strange things they buy when you leave them alone... I was sure curious what's in that little brown bag!

She got for me a lovely lovely mug and a sweet bag of chocolate...

What good choice! I was very happy but still think the whole gift buying thingy was rather funny. Most of her classmates just got their mums chocolates although some of the mums had given the kids $20. She was kind of "mature" I thought, as she explained to me how she decided she should get the mug. I was touched... almost to tears...

Inside the little brown bag was also this colourful envelope of little handmade gifts she did separately at school, at home and at Mandarin class...

Her teacher asked them to talk about their mums...and here's the transcript of "My mum is fabulous..."

On Sunday, after I officially opened the gift, I took them to a playground before we went for dinner at Sofia. We were prepared they might chase us away as they might be fully booked. We went there early, about 6pm...and immediately got a seat. The restaurant was filled up quickly. It was packed in no time. But the waiters were still polite and very considerate. Very impressive!

We did not have dessert at the restaurant. So at home, she decided she would serve me ice cream...
It was a Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-08T13:43:00.004+10:00

I like to stop by the little pond for Reegan during my morning walk. Today I did an ambitious 2 laps of walking. Still not sure if it is any good. But I am working on getting this into a routine. And I was thinking I should find out what is the distance I am doing...

Anyway, today, the doors and the doors were all busy eating. I think Reegan was somewhat afraid of the doors. He decided he was going to stay in the pram by climbing into it himself.

Door Lim

2008-05-07T20:53:00.003+10:00

At the moment, many things are "door" to Reegan. Besides things like boxes with lid, which I can see why, he also calls his rubber duckie "door", as well as the birds...and many other things. Meredith thinks we should rename him Mr Door Lim...

Meanwhile, beware, Door Lim can get very excited at the playground...

Honk! Honk!

2008-05-02T14:02:00.003+10:00

I went to check out Daydreamers Indoor Playcentre while Meredith was at school few days ago. Meredith is going to have a joint birthday party with her classmate Tom. They were both born on the same day, and are both turning 6! I was glad we could work out something together. Josie suggested the venue and coincidentally, another friend had suggested we have lunch there. These were enough reasons to go! The place is small, there are bigger playcentres. But the incentive is that this is new and relatively close to school. So having a after-school birthday party would be perfect!

2008-04-25T22:48:00.005+10:00

As promised, we had a little 'celebration' for Meredith being a VIP. It meant a lot to her. She wanted to go to Hays Paddock again. We were there real early. Within an hour, the playground became very crowded. Meredith spent the whole time at the sandpit and got frustrated many times because different kids either came to take her bucket to play or destroy the castle she was trying to make. So I decided we would have a nice lunch and head down to the beach. I was sure things would be better there.

The beach was nice. It wasn't very crowded. The weather was gorgeous. The clouds wouldn't allow much sunlight to pass through.

The tide was low and we could see more shells, many were moving and alive! Meredith tried to build her single storey castle with the tricks I showed her. Reegan was happy on the mat with me munching his sultanas. He liked the sand until I took off his socks and shoes. He would not put his feet down on the sand thereafter...

The weather was good but the water was still cold. We saw a brave little crawler having fun naked in the cool water...

And yet another brave one just sitting there for the longest time...

I thought I should also go down to the water. I loved it! When I walked back towards the mat, I saw the sweetest thing...

Meredith showing Reegan the seagulls that our neighbour had attracted.

Big Sister did not allow Reegan to use her spade and bucket. So when Big Sister was done and was busy putting on her shoes, Reegan secretly had a go and copied what he had seen Meredith doing the whole time. And he was happy! Well done!

Being a Very Important Prep

2008-04-24T14:20:00.004+10:00

Meredith was happy but at the same time, sad that she was the VIP this week. Sad because she was having a little running nose. In the beginning of the week, she complained too much about herself being sick and why she had to be sick at this time....and nagged and nagged and nagged...Then she wasn't too happy that it was a short week, Friday being Anzac Day public holiday. But I cheered her up by saying that we can have our own celebration for her being a VIP on Friday. Phew! That stopped her nagging...

Some of the things she did as a VIP was to share about herself. She brought to school some of the things she really loved. Many have commented about her cute little Mouse Family.

And we had Popo to send over her 'horse' coin, so that she could tell her Prep friends the significance of the coin, it being a 2002 Year of the Horse special coin.

She was also to bring some photos to share. This we took a while to do as we searched through old photographs and I had to 'budget' the amount of photos she had initially wanted to bring. Miss Pacini pinned up the photos so everyone could see...

She was lucky because this week, her class won the Harlseton Cup, an award for a very well behaved class. And she could go up to collect the cup with Miss Pacini and get to keep the Cup in their class for two weeks!

But one very special thing she did this week, was to play her violin in front of her whole class. This wasn't part of her VIP thingy. Just that her violin teacher decided it's time for her to show to her Prep friends what she has been doing at violin class. Mum being a Mum, I was very happy to hear that she did that very well and all her friends liked how she performed her piece. I was very proud of her!

2008-04-20T22:59:00.006+10:00

It's been two busy weeks of school. Friday, just as we opened our eyes in the morning, the balloons were huge by our windows. They decided to come closer to us. We could even count how many were on the balloons. They looked beautiful. They sky was beautiful. Meredith noticed these days, the sun is actually red. I have no explanation for that but just, hey that's good observation!

Friday was also House Day and Mufti Day. The kids wear casual to school. They were to wear as much of their house colour as possible. And all the kids of the same house would gather together to have lunch together.

Every Friday, Meredith's class has swimming. I took this picture because I was so impressed with the kids. They got into their line so quickly for their swimming lesson. They were ready before the teachers were!

We have been exploring a few playgrounds and parks. This one is called Beckett Park, at Balwyn. It is supposed to be at the highest point in Metropolitan Melbourne.

The view was awesome! I could just sit there for hours. But we had to get going quickly because the playground next to it was why we were there right, Mum?

Saturday, we were at Hay's Paddock. A real nice enclosed playground with many interesting play equipment. It also has a nice sheltered sandpit area. We were there after Meredith's Mandarin Class. I packed lunch for the kids and we sat by the bench to eat first. While doing that, Meredith studied the place carefully and had many ideas what she was going to do. But before that, she just had to wolf down those sandwiches, no matter how full she claimed (or tried to persuade me) she was!

The upcoming week is going to be a very important week! Meredith got a personalized letter from her teacher saying she is next week's VIP- Very Important Prep. She finally got the letter. She read it 3 times! She was very very excited and happy. She had to bring some photographs and 5 special things to share.

These sew-it-yourself stuffed toys was something she was determined to finished tonight so she could bring it as one of her special items. Boy was she going all out for it. She was already very tired, her voice was already husky. But she said "I want to finish it". She did it diligently, no mistakes. They look cute!

Before school starts

2008-04-05T22:17:00.006+11:00

Meredith saw in the local magazine that Spongebob and his team was having a show in the mall. And she specifically told me its shown "DAILY" during the school hols. I had to take her there. She was allowed to plan her itinerary for the last two days of her school hols.

The show was fun for her. There were songs and stories and dance.

Then we went to the beach again. Meredith was ready to pick seashells. We saw a poor little seagull without one of her feet. It's a strong seagull. Meredith thinks she might not be able to swim like the others.

Reegan was busy exploring, making full use of his sense of touch...

feeling the sand in his hands...they are rough aren't they?

Following Big Sister picking up shells...

And Big Sister showing off her harvest...

They look so sweet together. It was a beautiful day!

Weather Report

2008-04-02T22:59:00.005+11:00

The wind did not stop blowing since we woke up this morning. It was unusually dark and I had to switch on the lights. I realised it was not normal when the wind blew open our shut window and wreck havoc with the things we had at the balcony.

By midday, the powerful wind was still continuously blowing. I think I did not capture a good picture but the trees were very busy today, being tossed about non-stop by the wind, back and forth and left and right.

We watched the news to see what was going on. Apparently, because of the wild weather, bridges were closed and hundreds of trees had fallen across roads, houses, cars, railway tracks and powerlines! Many people had their electricity cut off. Ours did for a spilt second, the light we had on flickered and Meredith got scared. But our internet was down for almost the whole afternoon! It only came back when it was almost evening.

After dinner, when I was washing up and looking out of the window, I saw the brightest and most beautiful rainbow ever! And it was huge!

The rainbow seemed to be separating the light and the dark. Beyond the rainbow, the sun was shining so brightly. But our place was still largely overcast. It's like a phenomenon! I have never seen such a thing. We stared at it for a while, like watching the special effect from a movie! But I loved that really bright rainbow!

A Good Day

2008-04-01T23:01:00.004+11:00

I didn't realise yesteday was the last day of March. We're now in the fourth month of the year. Time sure flies, quickly.

We decided to go to look at the sea again yesterday. Meredith attended a birthday party at a beach cafe and I had wanted to take them to that same beach. But I remembered one of the parent telling me about the Hampton Beach. I looked at the map and reckoned it should be easy to go.

Along the way, I was, well, as usual, attracted by some of the shops along Hampton Road. As we drove closer to the beach, it began to drizzle. But we found a spot where we could park and go down to the sand. But the place was deserted. The wind was strong and it was kind of cold. The news has said that strong wind was expected and people were advised to stay clear of some of the water.

We went to look at the sea anyway. It was breathtaking. But really, quite scary. It was overcast, the wind was strong, the sea was greyish blue.

I am actually afraid of the sea. But sometimes the sea gives me peace. But this one was scary. I imagined the eternal depth and imagined struggling in the cold water and rather violent wind on a day like yesterday...phew, I had to take a deep breath!

Anyway, we stood there for a while and saw some 'walker' and joggers. There were some big ships far far out. They might be coming in to the bay.

After that, we went to TSL. We had wanted to buy some flannelette bedsheets anticipating the colder weather. We were lucky, they were selling it at only $20 (other TSL were selling at $29) and we got the colours we wanted!

Past by an op shop and decided to have a look. I got a little fruit basket and a container and Meredith got a Science experiment book and a board game, "Who's the richest?' all at a dollar each.
Meredith's game was brand new, all still wrapped in plastic! She was very happy.
Played the game with her today. It's almost like Monopoly, but you buy houses from different countries and go to visit places of attraction in the different countries, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. In the game, the houses in France and Belgium are the most expensive. Not sure if this is true in real life. Also showed Meredith the places mentioned in the game on the internet. So today, she printed a picture of the Tower of Pisa and wrote some sentences on it. Tomorrow, she will choose to look at another place. I think she was quite fascinated with Big Ben from England.

Sometimes we get a real good deal from the op shop. It's interesting to pop by sometimes.

Sea Pilots

2008-03-29T22:53:00.006+11:00

One of the memorable things we did at Geelong, besides picking those beautiful seashells and wading at the shore, is to see the sea pilots bringing in the big ships.

We were at one of the lookout point where we could see the ships coming in to Port Phillip. They say that place is also where we can see QE2 when she comes in to Melbourne.

QE2, or Queen Elizabeth 2 is a huuuuge luxury cruise liner who travels the world. Think she is about 300m in length. It would be a sight if I get to see her.

This is QE2 when she was berthed in Sydney... She IS huge!

Sea pilots are important in getting ships into the port because The Heads is narrow and it could also be dangerous due to tidal and weather conditions. You really need someone local who knows the channels, depths of water, currents and dangers within and around the port to get the ships in.

While we were there, we saw one of this sea pilots going into the ocean to get a big container ship in. We saw almost the beginning of the job to nearly the end. I told Meredith that was how our furniture in a container came in to Melbourne. But she was looking for our red Crown container, but there was none in red.

At first we thought these little orange sea pilot boats are just suppose to guide the ships in. But I learned that the pilot, as in the man and not the boat, may get into the big ships and assume control from the master after boarding at sea and then get the vessel safely moored at the allocated wharf. This includes all steering and engine orders. No wonder we saw one of them going to the container ship, looped a round, and then zoomed back to the port itself, leaving the big ship way back behind. Now I guess the pilot, as in the man, could have boarded the ship and steered it safely into the port, through the narrow Heads.

Waiting for the aeroplanes

2008-03-29T16:20:00.004+11:00

We were sending Daddy to the airport yesterday. After checking in, Daddy had about two hours to spare. We drove to Sunbury, about 16km away from the airport, because someone has told us its their favourite suburb and we should go take a look.

The scenery on the way there was awesome. There were hills and valleys and it was really a pretty sight. Can't say that about the suburb itself though.

Anyway, the sky yesterday was in a magnificant 3 shades of blue.

We stopped by at a aircraft viewing area to see the planes coming in. It was everyone's first time. And it was truly an experience.

First you try to spot the lights of the plane among those fluffy white clouds. Then as they approach, get ready for that thundering plane-above-your-head experience!

We just loved it!

Looking out of the window

2008-03-26T01:30:00.004+11:00

The sky is not always the same. You can really get lots of things happening over the horizon. On weekends early in the morning just before sunrise, the hot air balloons pass by our windows. You pay to be up there. They serve you breakfast and take you across Melbourne. It must be beautiful. There were 4 balloons this time. Sometimes there are as many as 8!

Today in the late afternoon, we wanted to take Meredith to cycle. But it rained. And after the rain, we saw two rainbows from our window! Aint we lucky!

Down by the bay

2008-03-26T00:26:00.009+11:00

We visited Aunty Maxine over the weekend. Aunty Maxine now lives in St Leonards, just next to the water in Geelong; about an hour and a half's drive from where we are. I'll just post some pictures of what we've been up to.

This country preserves their old buildings well. These two churches are now used for trades. This one is now a restaurant. They still retain the stained glasses and the cathedral ceiling makes this place to "sanctified". You just imagine the inside of the church but instead of long benches and the pulpit, they have tables and sofas for the restaurant. I felt it was too quiet and church-like to be a restaurant. A choir would sound really beautiful in there though.

This old Methodist church is now a bookstore...

We were driving around the bay...Reegan had a chance to walk around, and he was just so happy he could do that...

If you look closely at his mouth, he's saying the word-of-the-week: door

as he checked out what's behind the door...

All this while Meredith went to take picture of the pelican which loves to perch on the lamp posts...

such big long beak they have...

We drove to Torquay to visit the most popular beach- Bells Beach. But they had a surfing festival where you need to pay over $30 just to get into the beach. Of course we didn't in the end. We had Fish and chips at another nearby beach. Reegan decided to cling on to Meredith and let her dragged him along. They thought it was real fun.

His latest trick...learning to "pray"...

Just as we had enough of food and fun and some chatting, the rain decided to come. The waves got really bigger. I wished I have had the correct attire. Would love to be in the water...

We got lost trying to get out of Torquay and saw some of the new houses by the beach they were trying to sell...

They all look rectangular...

And this is Aunty Maxine's rented place. St Leonards is a new residential. It is not even in our Melway. It is so new Aunty Maxine don't even have a neighbour.

She has no neighbour on her right...

and no neighbour on her left! Her place just stands alone!

And she had a red Elizabeth Arden door...

A beautiful rainbow after the rain... and Meredith's first rainbow...now how's that!

Nearly there to see the penguins

2008-03-25T13:33:00.004+11:00

So we left Berwick after we had a nice lunch and Meredith had a go at the playground. Berwick is really pretty near the penguin place. However, when we were very close to our destination, we were trapped in a really bad jam.

We concluded it must be the Easter crowd and decided we would turn back and go to see the penguins another day.

On the way, we had saw signs from a farm.."Fresh dairy smoothies"..."Hot scones with jam"...etc every 200m or so. Oh it was too tempting. We decided to turn in and have a look.

It turned out it was indeed a dairy farm, the Caldermeade Farm. And this farm is apparently responsible for a high percentage of Victoria's total output of milk. So we went for their cakes and coffee.

After a nice break, we went to see the animals. Meredith liked the way the sheep rushed when they know food is coming. And she was pretty excited to hear them. The sheep were making a low "mehhh...mehhhh".

Then we went into the 'milking chamber' and saw how they milk the Holstein cows by the number. We saw how the farmer attached the milking equipment (in yellow) onto each cow.

The round container at the bottom is where all the milk will be collected to be pasturised.

It was amazing how the cows know when to get on to the platform to be milked and know when their turn is up and they need to leave the platform. They explained that its because cows are animals of habit, and they can just follow or copy what the cow before them is doing.

It was really interesting and we were glad we turned in to the farm.

On the way to see the penguins

2008-03-25T13:12:00.004+11:00

I was just telling a friend we were going to see the penguins. And indeed we were. On the way there, we were going to stop by one of the suburb to look around and see if we might consider living there.

We went to Berwick, a suburb about 40 minutes away from Meredith's school. It is a rapidly growing suburb and the houses are still decent. We consider living there because it is away from the inner city traffic nightmare and there is a very good school there. We liked the place. There were a lot of new houses and new areas being opened up for constructing these new houses.

We passed by a school, well, we thought it was a school... but it was actually one before, now a cafe with a spanking new playground attached, and right next to a park. We had our picnic there because we had brought our own food.

There was also, strangely, a steam clock, a clock powered by steam. There are only 3 in the world. One of them is in Vancouver, can't remember where the other one is. But this guy is still perfecting the clock and hope someday he'll be successful in coming up with a real reliable steam clock.

Interesting!

The Family Book...everyone has one

2008-03-11T22:14:00.003+11:00

Meredith made a book about Reegan for his birthday. It followed the repetitive style of some of the readers she brings home. Two of the pages made me smile...because they're so sweet...

"This is my baby Reegan playing." She drew his red toy basket...

and the cart that Reegan so enjoy pushing around...in full colour detail...see closely!

"This is my baby Reegan Talking"...with speech bubbles of Reegan's favourite words "Hot! Hot!"

Won't you just want to give her a BIG hug!

One beautiful year

2008-03-10T16:33:00.005+11:00

Reegan turned one last Sunday. We had to celebrate his birthday...he's been such a sweet and funny little guy.

He was born at 0908 a.m. so we had a little cake cutting ceremony before heading off to church. We made a jeep cake because one of his favourite toy is the little zoo jeep. And it sure was a fudgy chocolaty chewy cake. Very yummy! But Mummy has to watch that fat tummy now bulging out pretty obvious!!

When he saw the candles, he said," Hot! Hot!" He was then more interested to put his Mr Cow from his little farmyard onto the plate.

After church, as planned, Aunty Carol invited us to her house to celebrate Reegan's 1st birthday. She had also made a chocolate cake for him. It says "1". Uncle Hon cut out the number from a paper so that we can put the icing sugar on it. Very clever! And that special candle there sang a Happy Birthday tune. Of course, everyone's singing overpowered the poor little candle.

This is a very nice picture Raymond took of him. What a big boy!

Back home, we had balloons...

Oh how can we forget the goody bags we had so much fun preparing! Everyone loved the soccer ball chocolate. Benjamin nearly threw it on the ground thinking it would bounce back. What?!!

Reegan is very clever. We just showed him a few times how to play with his new toys and there he goes!

This little bike is from Big Sister Meredith. And she fixed it up for him! I thought that was very clever.

We slept very early that night, everyone was quite exhausted. But we were very happy. We did what we wanted for Reegan. And the next day, we were going to the farm and boathouse!

Letters

2008-03-03T16:17:00.002+11:00

Meredith came back with a letter last week. It's about Grimwade Club. It's basically a club for after school activities. They have Swimming, Tennis, Gymnastics...etc the usual stuff. After a discussion with Meredith and showing her what she can expect from each activity, I am rather surprised she has decided she would want to take up Chess. Of all the activities....Chess? I asked her several times, but she was sure she wanted Chess. I am still not sure if she will change her mind. But whatever she decides...I trust she knows what she wants.

Today she returned home with a letter and she was VERY excited. She whispered to me,"Mum, I think I'm going to be the next VIP because I have a letter." I knew what that letter was and was quite certain it isn't going to be a letter about being a VIP. I was sad to see her rather disappointed.

Everyone at her year level gets to be a VIP for a week. When you are a Very Important Prep, you get all the privileges. You get to be first in the line, you can bring to school some things that you like to share with your friends...etc. Meredith has already thought about what she would bring when its her turn. I told her her turn will come, its all about turn-taking.

First steps!

2008-03-02T22:07:00.002+11:00

Reegan took his first steps last Monday! All by himself! I was at James's (or Aunty Claire's) for morning coffee with the mummies. He was playing with little Nick when he decided to take his first stride. Wonderful!

Thursday at church, with the encouragement of Olivia and Meredith, he could walk even further, from one end of the hall to nearly the other end.

It is now officially autumn. In fact, today is the second day of autumn. I told Meredith the leaves would soon start to fall off from the trees. We are expecting more wind as the weather gets cooler. I had to get Meredith a track top (jumper) for her sports. So we went to the uniform shop. In the end, we also got her winter uniform... skivvy, kilt and long navy socks. I'd have to shorten the kilt. Think she can wear that her whole life! It's too long!

Reegan is turning one next week! I can't believe it! I am going to make him a cake. And we will take him somewhere to see the animals and plants...We are also preparing some goodies for the people at church!

2008-02-21T10:40:00.007+11:00

Its nice weather again today. Sunny but cool. Its been of unbearable heat the past two days! We had to turn on our 1960s air conditioner to get to sleep at night.

We are looking forward to celebrate Reegan's first birthday. It would be a Labour Day long weekend and we're trying to see if we can go somewhere.

He is a funny little guy...

Thus far...

-he is only walking while holding on to either the wall or his favourite push cart.
-his first word: HOT, learnt after being overzealous at trying to help me get the dishes out from the dishwasher quite immediately after the wash
-tries to talk or babble a lot and I enjoy listening to the sound he makes
-he helps take the laundry out from the washing machine and puts them in the basket...no kidding!
-loves toast in the morning
-learning to enjoy 'mega lego'
-loves pointing to the sky and tells you what he sees..."shiork...shiork"
-drops things on purpose then say "Uh-oh" with a very rounded lips...
-waves bye-bye...always frantically but with a BIG smile

and of course, he still smiles all the time!

Meredith is doing just as great! The work that she brings home from school has been impressive. I can see how interesting and fun school is. But I am tying to get her to finish her lunch...had given her stern warning...that she has to finish her lunch before getting out to "enjoy herself"...sigh.

She is quite busy actually. We decided she goes to Mandarin class every Saturday afterall. And that means some Mandarin work to do everyday.

She also takes home an easy reader from school everyday. I try to read with her everyday. Its to be a 'me n her' time, without Reegan. We try to do that everyday.

Sometimes I try to take the kids out. We sometimes have dinner at the park or playground, when the weather is good.

I haven't quite found a good solution to marketing. Different places sell different things I want. There's the Chinese spinach that Reegan takes that only Richmond has. Yong Tau Fu, which is good for soup and my beehoon soup which only Boxhill (nearest) has...and the soya bean that I love...Glenferrie would be the best place to buy.

So I go to one place each week to buy all the food.

It's good cooking and looking after the house yourself ...you feel it is your home...

Breakfast

2008-02-10T22:35:00.000+11:00

Daddy left last Saturday and we went for a good breakfast before he headed for the airport. Breakfast was really nice. We sat at the verandah from when it was cold and chilly till the weather became bright and sunny.

The little cafe a few steps away from the beach was actually a milk bar turned bistro / cafe serving real yummy and gorgeous breakfast. You would want to eat everything they have on the menu.

The cafe was much talked about also because its next to a playground and they also provide picnic mats complete with sunscreen. How thoughtful! It certainly is a hot favourite for parents with young kids like us. Luckily we were there early and it wasn't very crowded yet.

The kids had their fun while Daddy and Mummy could enjoy a real good brekky!

We took a slow walk by the beach after eating. It was really nice. We have to do more of this...That's why no weekend Mandarin class for Meredith! But that means Mummy has to do her part to teach her...

Where is Reegan?

2008-01-30T23:12:00.001+11:00

You can find Reegan in the most unexpected places...sometimes its quite difficult to to find him...

He is happy playing and exploring by himself sometimes, but his sister is still his best pal. He is terribly excited when Big Sister plays with him.

His all-time favourite game: Hide n Seek

Meanwhile, Meredith had a short orientation this morning to reacquaint herself with her teacher and classroom before the real school tomorrow...We hope she'll like school and enjoy learning here...

The teacher is all ready for the new year... the pencils are sharpened...

the tubs are labelled...

The teacher even had a wall of pictures of the kids taken during the first orientation...

with pictures the kids drew...Meredith's the biggest one outlined in yellow right in the middle...

I would have done that for my class...but where is that thing called motivation?

2 more days to school

2008-01-28T21:49:00.001+11:00

It's two more days before Meredith goes to school. We decided to take her out instead of getting her to shop and pack with us. We went to the Botanic Garden.

As usual, the cockatoos woke me up early in the morning. Might as well... I started to make sandwiches and prepare Reegan's lunch for our little picnic.

We had to go to the Children's Garden. It's actually quite fun. They had miniature 'dense forest', some rocks and little hill for kids to climb, a little tunnel....etc But I think they can try to expand it. It's too small and you get over with everything in a while.

We managed to get a real good spot under a shady tree by the lake which we shared with a nice Polish couple. They reminded us how important it is to provide our children knowledge.

We were enjoying our little picnic...but of course we couldn't beat the locals who have their wine and cutlery and pillows. But it was still nice. We chatted and Meredith ran around after the birds....until a group of people from a particular country came to our spot. The sort where ladies dress in this particular way...

....umbrellas, 'hip' sunglasses, high heels for the park... They started to take lots of pictures and made several pose (gosh! what are they doing??) for that. They spoke loudly and polluted the peace...sigh...

We tried to put Reegan down on the ground. He was at first afraid and would not put his hand on the grass...

But he soon got used to the new texture.

Almost done...just a bit more

2008-01-26T22:55:00.000+11:00

We are almost done setting up the house. We are so happy. That means we can go around a bit before Daddy leaves again and before Meredith goes to school next week!!

We took a break from all the business and went to Tai Pan for yum cha on my birthday. The food was great great great! No disappointment! True authentic and generous servings! Yum! It was so good we had to take away some to eat at home...I also just realized that here, we need to pack takeaways ourselves...and so we did...

Meredith made little books for my birthday. The books are about our family. She talked a little about each one in the family. She also bought a bunch of gerberas for me at the supermarket. She's wanting to do this since Reegan was born...Now she finally did...flowers for Mum!

Reegan is doing great! He is getting a little more greedy and wants to try everything we are having. He would 'bounce' happily whenever we agree to let him have a bite. And he thinks its so cool...eating what the grown-ups are eating.

And this is what he does sometimes when we leave him alone for a while to do some unpacking...

This one is funny...he climbed up the suitcase and didn't know how to get down!
We are almost done though. The apartment is looking good! We went to get sofas today. This weekend, all the clearance sales ends. We are happy we got what we wanted. I think we still have to get a bed for Meredith and that should be it. She wants a bed loft...the sort where she can sleep on top and below, there's space for her to work or put her toys. There are some really good looking ones here...but we are on a budget. Let's see what we can get!

It's been busy

2008-01-17T15:15:00.000+11:00

And so we arrived...some 3 weeks ago...nearly...and this is the amount of luggage we had...just me and the kids first.

So Mummy tried to clean up as much as possible before the shipment arrive ...Reegan had fun with the empty spaces...

Sometimes we take a break from all the cleaning and unpacking and decided to relax at the park. We are at Albert Lake Park, a nice one by the lake.

While Meredith did all the climbing and sliding and swinging, Reegan is just happy to stay by Mummy.

New Year

2008-01-02T02:35:00.000+11:00

It's incredible how time flies! I spent the beginning of last year in great anticipation of my new arrival, and it has been such great joy looking after him. This new year, in a new place, would be a whole new experience. I am not extremely excited, but am happy we are finally going. There would be lots to do as we (hopefully not just me alone...!) try to get settled down.

My dreams for the new year...well, I try to keep my dreams small...

*I hope the children and every one in the family and friends be happy and healthy
*I hope Daddy will have more time with us, especially the children, not just physically with us but mentally and spiritually...
*I want to spend more time taking care of myself...I am getting old!!
*Continue to have lotsa fun with the kids!

Happy New Year one and all! And may your dreams come true/ through!?!

Elizabeth and Anna

2007-12-20T19:25:00.000+11:00

Meredith met up with Elizabeth and Anna for the first time and they clicked instantly. For their mummies, it was a reunion after nearly 16 years! It was nice to be chauffeured to the restaurant in a big "family car". The grown-ups had so much to talk about, the kids had to find their own fun.

The girls were first extremely delighted when they were served with princess cups..."Wowwww!" they all said.

Then they decided to play hide-n-seek...

Hiding under the tables, Xmas tree...etc

Luckily we managed to persuade them to do other safer and quieter activities...

The kids look so cute all squashed up at the back of the car. But you know, they said the car ride was the most fun!

Fire and tears

2007-12-10T19:40:00.000+11:00

How my sentiments exactly!

We have finished emptying our house and its contents is now on its way downunder. It was tiring and nearly stressful.

But the concert we attended was a nice treat. It got better this year, more orderly I think. They had a pram station and had some teenagers to help usher around.

It was splendid to listen to a 'live' orchestra again. Even nicer when you can tap, swing and clap along with your kids.

Like previous years, kids could go up and mingle with the musicians at the end of the concert when the orchestra play their final treat. This time, Meredith was brave enough to go up there by herself. She said she saw the violins, trumpets, double basses up close in action.

What I saw...was quite hilarious. One kid actually went up and close up the score and pack up the score of one violinist. That made the violinist lose his track and had to scramble to his partner so that he could continue to play the music. Some others stand right in front of the musician's music, blocking their view. All these, the musician could not do anything but giggle and didn't seem to mind at all. Some little mess this kids would have caused.

Going home

2007-12-02T00:50:00.000+11:00

We had a lovely flight back. No transits. Reegan decided to greet every passenger as they board the plane and everyone liked this little new flight attendant.

The flight seemed so much shorter. Maybe next time I should pay a bit more for another airline that doesn't transit.

Reegan slept a lot more this time. Check out his hairstyle after the nap. He also had a baby friend, who was sitting next to us and they spoke to each other in baby language, with clear turn taking techniques. It was quite hilarious!

The last but best

2007-12-02T00:39:00.000+11:00

Just before we head back home, Uncle Stanley decided we should meet up. And as usual, he was late. He came at about 1:40pm for our noon appointment. But its ok cos I got Reegan and Meredith to have their lunch first.

Uncle Stanley took us to Springvale, using his new gadget, the navigator. He took us to Gold Leaf for yum cha. I have had so many yum cha this trip but this last one was the best. I was relaxed and could actually enjoy the food and order things I like to eat.

Reegan was also very happy. Uncle Stanley was really good with kids. I hope their plan for next year will come easy.

Visitors

2007-11-25T22:01:00.000+11:00

We had families from Adelaide, Malaysia and Singapore visiting us today. Caitlin got along really well with Meredith. They wanted to sit together at church and sit together at lunch. But Caitlin comes from Adelaide. They are visiting because their uncle had come from Malaysia.

After church, we all went to yum cha. But poor Mummy could hardly eat anything because Reegan and Meredith is keeping her real busy. That's ok though, Mummy just had to eat whatever is given. By the time she is ready to eat, everyone has finished eating and had stopped ordering. It was a big group. And it was nice meeting with them.

Olivia

2007-11-22T23:32:00.000+11:00

Among the kids at Eastside, Olivia is the only girl. Now that Meredith is here, they now have each other to play with. It's great that they are also the same age, and both are starting school next year.

See how they have started to act silly together.

We went to the city today

2007-11-22T22:34:00.000+11:00

We took a train to the city today. We wanted to get a good vacuum machine and Aunty Carol said the stores in the city have more variety. Meredith was excited because it was her first time taking the train here.

This is them at the Auburn station. We were so glad today was nice and cool, just 16 degrees.

When we arrived in the city, we saw Krispy Kreme. When they first opened, they used to have queues and people had to wait for an hour to get their donuts. That's just like the current donut craze in Singapore. But Krispy Kreme was good. Well made and has that nice soft texture.

I think the best part for Meredith must be the rides in the malls. Now that its Christmas, the big stores each set up an area for kids. This one is at David Jones. She had the carousel all to herself. How is that!

Over at Myer, it got better.

They had a mini train that goes round. And the place was nicely set up to look like the real thing.

Even the enthusiastic train driver was looking good!

Of course Reegan would protest. He could only sit in his pram while Big Sister got all the fun.

Luckily, there was a even minier train for him. And he could drive it himself!

It's a torture Malcolm!

2007-11-21T08:20:00.000+11:00

One of the things we need to do before Meredith goes to school is to make sure she is fully vaccinated. So we visited the clinic to get a certificate from the GP. Then we realize Meredith is still short of 2 needles. In Singapore, these would be administered when she turns 6. But here, kids need to get it in before they start school.

So there Meredith had it, 2 needles at one go. Of course she went hysterical. The whole clinic could hear her screams.... "We could hear her..."....

But Malcolm was patient and really good with kids. But it was still a torture to Meredith. 2 needles...of course.

Today also I started to give Reegan red meat. I think it went ok. And this is the bag that came with the meat I got from a 'good butcher'.

MGS

2007-11-17T20:16:00.000+11:00

We attended an Information Session for parents. And got to take a look at the school. In the morning, we met with the head of the Junior School. She asked Meredith some simple problem solving questions and had Meredith draw a picture of the family. Meredith did very well and the Leonie said she is all ready for school.

This would be the classrooms...

This is like a refurbished chapel. Nice.

Its got a big field. So unlike the school I came from.

We didn't know its the culture that kids should not be present at such meetings. Indeed no kids were there except for one baby. We met with other parents and the teachers. Hope all will go well from here...

A new era

2007-11-17T19:37:00.000+11:00

We have been here for a week. Daddy has got a place and a car for us. We have done most of the "7 things you must do when you arrive". Meanwhile, I've been going around getting to know the place and to see what the shops here have. Its always interesting when things are still unfamiliar. There are many wonderful things here for kids and the house. I just love it.

This is us at the Singapore airport checking in. You can see a group of very tall basketball players. They were travelling with us. They are very tall!

The kids did well on the plane. It's Reegan's maiden flight, and he was good.

Here's the frustrated Reegan at Perth. He was finally contented after I passed him the biscuit. Perth was 39 degrees that day!!!

Here's the lift to our rented apartment. It's uncommon to see lift in old apartments. And ours come with one. We live on the 3rd storey.

This is the inside of the apartment. We are still thinking what to put at this big space... piano and dining table? Computers? Printers?

We have not moved in to the new apartment. We are only getting the keys next Saturday.

Meanwhile, summer is well on the way and it is certainly getting warmer.

More teeth

2007-11-11T00:19:00.000+11:00

Reegan is getting good with his bicky. Today, we spotted the two top teeth. No wonder he has been making the strange tsk tsk noise...

What's become of an Old School

2007-11-10T03:42:00.000+11:00

The place where it used to be my secondary school, has yet again changed hands. At one point, it used to be an international school for Indians.

Today, its called the Old School, and is housing art galleries and restaurants. The place has been refurbished. It looks very neat and clean.

The Clock Tower, where we had our weekly chapel, and where we took the 'O' Level examinations, together with the birds fluttering and having their own game of chase above our heads. And very frequently, they splatter their pooh on us.

This used to be the classrooms, now housing individual galleries and art or design studios.

Look at the evenly-spaced trees, now aged but still standing tall and strong.

This is where we had our dinner. The restaurant is called Recess. They serve simple food like sandwiches, pasta and snacks. The food is simple and good. The restaurant was barely two weeks into operation and we were told the furniture just arrived.

The only thing I do not like, besides not having the very basic chilli flakes... they do not have a non-smoking zone for alfresco dining, ans indoor, there's only 2 tables. What a waste. When the crowd started to come and the smokers started puffing, we had to go.

We hopped over to the next restaurant, where they have indoor dining. It used to be our Science Laboratory. This one is a little more upmarket, and had interesting decor.

They still kept the now ancient iron doors and windows...

And look inside... check out the hanging lights...

Its like going back to time. It was a cool and peaceful evening catching up with friends. The kids had a great time... and some drama. When we were leaving, the Malay waiter could say, "Bye bye Didi!"

Hi! Are you my friend?

2007-11-03T02:13:00.001+11:00

As the books say it... babies love mirror... Reegan had so much fun here!

Trick or Treating

2007-11-01T02:31:00.000+11:00

Meredith sprung out of bed at 7 this morning. Way before our usual wake-up time. We were quite excited that it's Halloween. There was going to be a party at the Function Room and we've signed up to be part of the Trick or Treat.

Naturally, Meredith was going to be a ....

The venue was spookily decorated. Pretty impressive.

But the crowd was better...

This little policeman was rather grumpy throughout.

And this little pumpkin was my favourite.

In the end...the party was nothing much. Just about a handful of stalls of either trick or treat. This was what Meredith made at one of the stall. Ghost Lolli - Lolli wrapped with tissue...

This was our Trick. The worm was supposedly buried under the 'soil'.

This is my first time getting involved in anything Halloween. I enjoyed planning about what to trick or treat and looking at what the store has to sell for the occasion. But we didn't have to buy much. Actually, we only had to buy the worm candy.

Reegan loves to stand

2007-10-30T03:20:00.001+11:00

These days, wherever we leave him, he'd always try to stand.

But sometimes, he decides to be a woodpecker...

He tries to read everyday because reading is so much fun!

I try to let him play a little longer in his little tub...

Everyone is happy he is mobile now. He can come to look for Mummy on his own!

Mum turns 60

2007-10-30T03:01:00.000+11:00

Mum turns 60 today. When I was younger, whenever I hear people turning 60, they were already wearing the Ah-Ma clothing and looked somewhat old. But Mum certainly don't look like that. We all three sisters decided to get her a U-squeeze and surprise her when she returns home from work today.

We went to Canton Wok for dinner yesterday. She liked the food. That was good.

Meredith made Popo a card and wore the hair band she made herself that night.

Reegan was still hungry after dinner and decided to check out what else he could eat from the fridge.

When the craving kicks in

2007-10-20T18:35:00.000+10:00

We have to get those Tau Sar Piah again. This is the Loong Fatt piahs at Balestier Rd we are talking about. You gotta try it if you haven't. It's going to be one of the things I will miss soon. We managed to get a parking lot easily. There were no lorries around to disgustingly cut the queue and snatch a lot. But we were surprised by the unusual large crowd at the store. There were lots of aunties buying by the boxes. This is something I will not miss. But despite the crowd and the seemingly tired expression on their faces, the people in the store were still very polite and patient to their customers.

We got what we wanted. And enjoyed it with a cup of green tea in the afternoon.

When boys are still boys

2007-10-16T22:49:00.000+10:00

Met up with the boys. It was two years ago when we last had something like that. They are my first batch of boys who went through band from P3 to 6.

It was like going back to the old times. They talked back, argued...etc. But the sweet ones are still sweet. The quiet ones are still quiet. The blur one is still as blur. And the dragon who used to spew out fire in his speech claimed he has toned down a little. But they have all grown up....physically.

Here, they were trying to build the next tallest tower in Asia. And then they next sort out the plates according to their colours...pink, green, yellow...etc. Jacintha said its a boys thing. Must be.

While we are waiting...

2007-10-12T00:41:00.000+10:00

We are still deciding when to move. Perhaps there may be changes to our plans.

I just realise today, that I should be feeding Reegan with more vegetables. I think I have been doing fine but I am going to really cut down his fish or chicken intake. He is otherwise going real well. Just today, he started to stand on his own holding to the sides of the bed. Now the bed is no longer that safe. It used to be the safest place but now we would need to watch him.

He enjoyed his first swim last weekend...ya, we need to get him some swim gears...

He is funny when he does his can-can with his right leg. He always does this kicking movement as if doing a can-can.

And he loves his yoga. He is even doing it in his sleep...

He also started attending Bible Class. But the older boys seem too loud and noisy for him. He is real quiet in class and is happy playing by himself. I was imagining if he would be like that when he attends school some years from now.

And this is Preston, one of his friends from Bible Class. He is very happy here with his miniature basketball. And no, he wouldn't share anything...yet...and he loves o-yange.

And this is for breakfast

2007-10-03T12:51:00.001+10:00

The house (for the family) we've been talking about...

with pink hearts on the roof...

Meredith's Children's Day

2007-10-03T01:19:00.000+10:00

Meredith has been looking forward to this day. She got to go back to school again, what more, and go on an excursion with her friends! The kids went to Snow City for their Children's Day celebration. She talked about the trip the whole night after she came back home. And one thing she learned very well - the temperature there was about 5 to 12 de-grams.

She got up early in the morning too to make a surprise breakfast treat for her friends. We call it the 'Zoo', made simply of biscuits, peanut butter and celery.

We nearly gave it a miss but were glad we made it for their last performance. The Athenarts Performing Troupe put up a Children's Day special at the Esplanade. They were singing selections from musicals and Disney cartoons. The songs were strung together by a simple storyline.

I have not heard about the Athenarts but must say the soloists had indeed strong and powerful vocals. And its easy to tell why they were given the soloist parts. I do not know their purpose for putting up the performance, but I think besides training up the vocals, they should really also work on the props and costumes of some of the kids.

By appearance, I thought this girl was the most inappropriately dressed and look at the broom she was using! She was supposed to be Cinderella, but she looked just like any kid out on a normal shopping spree and the broom would need some dressing up!

However and however, she was the one who moved me to tears with her "Think of me.....think of me fondly..." Her voice was strong, sweet and beautiful...wow! I was blown away.

We thoroughly enjoyed the show. We now can't get the music off our head...

Our day out

2007-09-29T01:59:00.000+10:00

We decided to go to the library after receiving a fine...of $0.30. It's been quite a while anyway. It turned out to be a nice, relaxing day although a little tiring.

We could take forever at lunch (but I still had to hurry Meredith or else she would take hours!). But she was really good taking care of Reegan while I tried not to wolf down my Vietnamese noodle, singing loudly at the food court entertaining him.

We could take forever looking at the interesting things in the mall. It's been a very very long time. But we were very disciplined. We did not buy anything, except the Pocky at the supermarket, our favourite snack, which was going at a very low price.

We also took forever at the library. And after so long, Meredith and Reegan finally got their membership cards...from the machine! We certainly had no problem choosing 12 books!

Meredith took forever at her Water Art. I had no more excuses this time. So she could finally sit there and very carefully finish her art.

There was no rush...no pressurizing "Are you done?", "How long will you take?" or "Hurry up."

What a day! We should do this more often.

Ten years...of many precious moments

2007-09-24T16:18:00.001+10:00

I knew I had to get this when I saw it at the shop. It shows where we are now...ten years on...Meredith at 5 years old and Reegan at 6 months, still an infant-in-arms. And it came with a tag..."Thankful for my family"...indeed I am so very grateful for that. I just wanted to be happy on this day...and it was great! We had a full of fresh, juicy, sweet, refreshing oysters dinner at the Shangri-la. We had to cheers to Meredith's 5 years whenever we clanked the glasses to our ten years. Meredith just wanted to be fair.

Are you crawling?

2007-09-21T01:49:00.000+10:00

We think Reegan is getting ready to crawl. He's in the crawling position a lot these days, and can nudge his way to the desired objects.

And Meredith has been doing a great job taking care of him while Mummy cooks or clean up. Reegan certainly enjoys the silly acts Big Sister puts up for him. Meredith can always make her brother laugh out loud. I am so thankful Meredith loves her brother so much.

Today also, Meredith received an email from her best friend, someone she'd expected who would write to her. She promptly replied the email and sent her a photo they took together on Father's Day.

I am growing up!

2007-09-19T15:47:00.000+10:00

Reegan is 28 weeks and yesterday, I spotted his 2 front teeth! Wow!

He is also beginning to be able to sit on his own for longer periods of time.

Snack time!

2007-09-18T16:55:00.000+10:00

We've been making quite a few things these few days. But we have to be quick in all these or else Reegan will protest being left alone.

We visited a local baker's store and bought a few tools to make some local snacks. We were excited to try a few things.

I love pineapple tarts, but just the pastry and not so much the pineapple paste. So we only made the pastry part from the recipe. This one is of a better recipe which claimed to be melt-in-your-mouth pineapple tarts. I was glad I found this recipe. It's simpler and healthier and its got the right texture I like.

Here it is...unglazed, but yummelicious....!

We also tried Ang Ku Kueh. And I explained to Meredith how this kueh got its name. She thinks it's silly! Anyway, it was quite fun knocking out the kueh from the mould and then see one of my favourite snack there staring at me. Quite unbelievable at first. I used to drive all the way to Jalan Bukit Merah to buy it when I have the craving. But now I can make my own. Just that I need to find a more natural ingredient for the colouring, don't really feel good using the articficial colouring.

Inspired by a friend, I tried making mooncakes. I did quite a bit of researching before my attempt. I think the pastry part was ok but I did not like the ready-made filling I bought from the store. But anyway, I have got a few mooncakes from friends and relatives. So I think that's enough of the mooncakes for this year.

These are my mooncakes, from a traditional mould and a Hello Kitty mould...

Just a reminder...

2007-09-17T02:48:00.000+10:00

Meredith has been patiently waiting for Daddy to bring back her printer from the office. She came up with the idea of putting a note in Daddy's bag. She drew up this picture as a note to remind Daddy.

Here, Daddy is wearing jeans. Yes, Daddy always wears his jeans to the office.
He is using the computer. Working for Daddy means using the computer.
The 'lips' on the top corner? That's the air-conditioner. Daddy always needs the air-con when he is working.

Someone is watching and observing you Daddy!

Are you guys going to the ZHOO?

2007-09-06T15:59:00.000+10:00

We went to the zoo, the Singapore Zoo. The weather was too kind. It was cool and breezy in the morning and rained most of the afternoon. We had a leisurely breakfast at Casuarina before driving up further to the zoo, just me, my sister and the kids.

Meredith took notes of the names of the animals. It was helpful.

She was always confused between the panda, koala bear and polar bear. When I showed her pictures of the polar bear and she said koala bear, she could check at her notebook. Very good!

We took lotsa of pictures and here are some interesting ones...

This little fella had just pee-ed and poo-ed...ya, in mid-air, and now he is airing his armpits. Must have had the best release of the day!

These two rhino have been fighting and pushing each other since we arrived. Just don't bump into me...yucks!

And we heard the lion's roar. Wow, how majestic! The King of the jungle indeed!

The elephants sure work hard for their food. They are trying to get the bananas in the pail to fall out. We saw this when we stayed on after they told us the show was cancelled. We think this was already good enough to watch!

It rained most of the afternoon...boo boo...and all the scheduled animal shows were cancelled.

They said come October, this amphitheater is going to be torn down to make way for a weather-proof dome. What a good idea!

Last day of school

2007-08-30T17:33:00.001+10:00

Today is Meredith's last day at school. We made the decision about a month ago thinking that things has firmed up, but obviously there are now changes...again. I do not know when things can be finalized. It is really difficult living in this uncertainty. We do not know when nor how to get ready. It is very difficult...and somewhat frustrating!

Meredith started full-day childcare when she was 18 months. She still wears the same uniform and we only need to upgrade her t-shirt up a size once. Here's some pictures of her when she was younger...

She made some keep-in-touch cards for her friends. We printed them from the computer but she painstakingly cut and personally autographed every one of them with her drawing.

Meanwhile I have to plan how to occupy her days at home. I have some ideas, but we'll see how it works out...

Pearly shells...by the ocean...

2007-08-28T15:22:00.000+10:00

Meredith loves this song. And for those of you who have heard it, its set as the ringtone of my mobile, with Meredith singing it.

These shells are another of those things that brings a big smile to my face.

We were at Bintan, for a rather desperate Chinese New Year getaway. Those days when I was still at school, I just couldn't wait to go away for a quick break.

So we were by the beach and Meredith was just about 2 or 3 years old. She picked up these shells and said the biggest one is Daddy, the medium one Mummy and the tiniest is her.

How sweet.

I promised to frame them up. I will, one day and soon.

This is NOT a mushroom

2007-08-27T23:35:00.000+10:00

We were doing a little packing and a few things brought back fond memories.

One of them is this little cutesy. Do you remember this Aunty Wendy?

We must be at Coffee Bean with a few friends lamenting about the realities of life...We were then having some coffee and cakes. This little mushroom came with the cake I ordered and we had a good time figuring out if this was edible.

We examined it, smelled it, hit it, even attempted to bite it, thinking that it could be a candy since it came with the cake... all this, to the bewilderment of the waiter, who must be shocked when he saw what we were trying to do. He promptly warned us that it's NOT edible and is just for decorative purpose.

We all had a good laugh after that. Ha ha ha!...and yes, how embarrassing...

It's time for a good dinner

2007-08-25T18:17:00.000+10:00

It's been quite a while since we have a satisfying eat-out dinner. Yesterday, we were to meet Daddy at City Hall but the horrible traffic jam and long queue to the car park simply put us off.

We heard about the revamped Dempsey Hill and decided to head there. Parking was equally competitive, and the place was indeed transformed. The time we were there buying furnitures just about under a year ago, we could still see some roosters and hens and their little chicks roaming about. Today its just house and house of upbeat and posh restaurants.

We were at CA California for a sandwich dinner. Its in the same house as Ben n Jerry's. Are we lucky or what...last night was the first night they serve dinner. Otherwise, they are open only for lunch, till 3:30pm. The high ceiling, fans and simple decor make the already air-conditioned place airy and very pleasant.

We ordered a burger set and Meredith had her own miniature kid's Hamburger Hamburger. We had to place our order at the counter although there were abundant waiters. They say its Californian style.

We love restaurants that serve bread before the main course. And this one does. And the warm bread was very good.

Everything we ordered was good ...unpretentiously good! The beef patty was 'homemade'. It wasn't the MacDonald's full-of-fats patty. And we love the soup. It's called the Ferry Plaza Garden Soup, which, in simpler terms, is called pumpkin soup.

The service was also superb. The waiting staff were friendly and were eager to tell us more about their food and store.

Meredith dropped her burger and got it replaced ...no questions asked...and not that we asked for it. The waiter took his own initiative to give us a new set. Bravo on that! And to make Meredith happier, there was also a play room for kids...with the big slide as the main attraction.

All in all, I would give the place and food 5 big stars! On the receipt, it says The Ranch Home, The Happy People Co. Pte Ltd. All of us came out happy and very satisfied indeed. We will go back there again for sure. What a HAPPY dinner!

Send in the Clown

2007-08-23T01:21:00.000+10:00

This is what Reegan wore to sleep tonight. Meredith thinks he looks like a clown because the pants is too high. That's very true! Clowns always wear their pants high to look silly. So why does Mummy wear Reegan's pants so high??

And here...after storing it for three days! I was getting a little worried. And then it finally came. Good that it came while he was standing up. It was so overwhelming the diaper could not take in all. Phew! What a GREAT relief!

Warm, rich and creamy! Bubbles included...Anyone??

It's nice to meet you!

2007-08-18T00:53:00.001+10:00

We were all at Jessie's wedding last weekend. Was a good excuse to dress up a little...do up my hair, put on nice clothes etc...It was nice meeting up and catching up with my college friends. Some of them I have not met for 14 years! Wow! Everyone's doing really well. We observed that its one of those rare wedding dinners where guests actually stay on to chat after the last dish instead of rushing off like so many other dinners we've been to.

Here's a picture of the kids: At the forefront, Lynette's new baby boy, born a month earlier than Reegan, Oliver.

Welcome to our home

2007-08-17T18:19:00.000+10:00

We were wondering why people were all taking photographs of the wall. When we decided to check it out, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves in the Simpsons' living room.

Looks like only Lisa is interested in having a picture with Meredith. She is the only one sitting nicely and looking at the camera.

Look at Bart! Aint behaving!

And nice hair there Marge! Unbelievable!

Clipetty Clop

2007-08-13T15:44:00.000+10:00

We went to see the horses. Some kids were having their lessons when we were there. They looked really graceful riding the horses.

Can you spot which is a female and which a male horse?

The one on the left is the female one. See how feminine this gentle mare looks as compared to her male counterpart.

Check out the way she stands...dainty!

Didn't manage to get their names but we know Meredith was riding on Ninja... What a name!

We had a lovely time together... sigh, cept for the hot and humid weather of course...

We know its NDP

2007-08-06T17:05:00.000+10:00

The TV's been trying to tell us how best ever the NDP this year is going to be. I've always enjoyed going to the stadium with the boys and watch the show LIVE! Have been doing it the past 3 years! This year how ever best it would be, I get to watch the flying pass of the national flag...LIVE too! ...at the comfort of my own home! And its been for the past few weeks! Ha ha ha!

I usually can see it big but this one is taken after taking a while hunting down the camera...

He's got the whole world in his hands!

2007-08-06T16:42:00.000+10:00

We have a very upbeat version of this song in our system and everyone loves listening to it. But this is now also apt to describe what Reegan's been up to.

He's discovered that his tiny thumb tastes really good!

And sometimes he has a feast...

Sometimes he would observe and see what the toy can offer...

before venturing into it...

He multitasks sometimes...

And this is what happens when Mummy leaves the room for a second....

he'd lost his hand!

A holiday by the beach...

2007-07-23T16:23:00.000+10:00

We needed a holiday, a time away together. We decided to book ourselves into a beach resort at Penang. Our stay there coincided with the Middle East holiday season, so there were lotsa of them, even some of the signs in the hotel were in Arabic. The ladies were very fond of Reegan and would just pick him up to kiss and play.

The resort was nice, the staff were very helpful and friendly. We like the hotel although it’s a bit pricey. Sunset just by your balcony…isn’t it beautiful…

We were also impressed with the breakfast…freshly baked warm croissant, my favourite!

And freshly squeezed juices!

The first day was exploration out of what I read from the internet. We went to Gurney Drive and enjoyed the local food and did a little shopping.

Second day, we had fun with the water. Meredith enjoyed the slide. I had my go. And hey, it was really scary the first few tries because you literally just slip down really fast, like those roller coaster ride that stops you from breathing. But Meredith was not even afraid even the first time. I think she is all grown up, and I am getting old...

Meredith and Daddy also went jetskiing. Lucky them!

After a disastrous dinner, we asked the staff to recommend some places the locals go, no tourist trap. We were recommended Jalan Selamat for lunch but the place would be too hot for the kids. By chance, we spotted a crowded coffee shop selling chicken rice. We were lucky cos we found out later we were indeed at the best chicken rice stall in town! It’s the Goh Thiew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice at Chulia Street, founded by Mr Goh himself and now run by his three sons. It was very good!

Not forgetting also the famous Penang Tau Sar Piah which I have been dreaming about. We were told to go to Him Heang at Jalan Burma. Lotsa of Penang aunties were buying by the dozens. It was really good though. The store did not even have a chance to put the baked piah on the shelf! It was straight from the oven to the customers. We had to queue for a while to get ours. And when we have it, it was freshly baked, still warm from the oven!

Dinner was just as herbalicious. We went to a seafood place at Jalan Tokong near Gurney. The best dish has got to be the drunken prawns. Think there were about 20 fresh juicy prawns well soaked in XO and herbs…all for RM30!

We stopped by Malacca for a night before heading back home. All the hotels were fully booked so we paid a bit more for a club room. It was luxurious! We loved the room! And the view was awesome!

It was five days of listening to the Malaysian accent and almost getting a hang of it, and trying to comprehend their bizarre dress sense...but more importantly, it was a relaxing time together with the kids.

Here, the kids... and Reegan with his newest toy - his feet!

So what do you do nowadays?

2007-07-10T16:05:00.001+10:00

This has got to be the top most common question I get these days...

Someone sent me this picture and boy am I glad I am not 100% like her...just maybe 60%. I do treasure the time the baby is asleep so that I can get the whole world moving.

Things have kind of settle into a routine. In the mornings, if Daddy sends Meredith to school, I'll take my shower and bathe Reegan. Then I'll watch the programmes in the morning, Martha Stewart, David Gale and Discovery Travel and Living, all these while entertaining the baby. When Reegan naps in the late morning, I'll get lunch and dinner on the way.

These days, without the maid, I get to cook. So I at least try out one new recipe (for mains and sweets/ dessert) every week.

I try to think of something to do with Meredith when she is back but sometimes she has her own ideas.

We sometimes watch a movie as a family at night. And Meredith having several cinema experiences, works our the schema and would prepare chips and bicky, dim the lights, turn on the air condition...etc.

Money and job aside, things are just going great. I am staying at home...and loving it.

Reegan @ 16 weeks

2007-07-07T19:29:00.000+10:00

It was about a week ago when I first had a long, serious conversation with Reegan. He is getting real good with his consonants...'mmm', 'gng...', 'air', 'or 'mmm-air'...etc. Last week, he looked me in the eye and responded to me as if he was seriously telling me something. Perhaps he was telling me about the pictures on the wall, or perhaps about his toys or things that he's been thinking about. It was fantastic.

Since few days ago, he's been into his new stunt, rolling over. But when he does this, his legs are also lifted, so he is finding it difficult to balance himself and gets frustrated quickly.

He is also getting easily distracted as he gets more interested in the world around during feeding. He stops at every noise. Sometimes, he looks at me and laugh out loud, and I was not playing with him, and it was difficult getting him back to feed. He is playful.

Psss...your service is different today...

2007-06-27T18:42:00.000+10:00

We go to McDonald's at Shaw House every week to have dinner before Meredith's class. I do go to a few McDonald's every now and then for cheap and convenient meals. The one at Serene Centre has all the aunties. They are a bit slow but service is still ok.

The one at King Albert Park, or as the students call it KAP, has a lot more energy. They have the youngsters there and the kids always get a balloon there. The worst, I always say, is the one at Shaw. It's got to do with the employees there. It's a pity, middle of town, but the service is rotten.

Every week we are there, I will place my order while Meredith looks for a space. And for the past three months, I have to push the pram on one hand and carry my tray of food on the other. And when we have 'Special Order', I have to go back to the counter to collect. Bad life.

Yesterday was different.

As we were approaching the store, we knew there were some VIP around. Lots of men in shirt and tie around one big shot with blonde hair.

When we arrived at the store, the big shot was at the counter. Immediately, the men nudged the manager, pointing at us. So the manager quickly asked

'Mam, ah you eat here or takeaway?'

'Ah you take a seat I get someone to take your order'

What a show for the big shot.

And more...the other man even came and got us a seat.

And more...he pulled out the chair for me...huh? am I in Black Angus?? Then where is the napkin and dimmed light?

Anyway...'Thank you very much'...I kept saying...

I asked the manager who took my order and who dutifully delivered our food what was going on...

It's a visit by their CEO, a CEO from another country.

That's why.

Bet I will not get the same type of service next week.

More smiles...

2007-06-27T02:15:00.000+10:00

Reegan is 15 weeks. He had his 3rd month jab delayed because of his cough. He has doubled his birth weight. So that is good. And guess what? He did not even jerk or cried. He could even give Daddy a BIG smile after the jab!

And more smiles for Mummy...

....and there they met for the first time

2007-06-27T01:51:00.000+10:00

When I was pregnant with Reegan, two of my cousins were also carrying their first child, and we were all expecting boys. Relatives were already anticipating a 'Three Musketeers' at next year's CNY gathering.

We went to the SRC for dinner last Sunday. Coincidentally, we met my aunt, with my cousin (one of them), and the new baby. Its the first time the babies, as cousins, met. They were born just 3 days apart. Here's the photo (courtesy of my cousin): my aunt and my cousin with the babies.

Wesley (L) Bday: 12 Mar 2007

Reegan (R) Bday: 9 Mar 2007

The other baby, Ricco, was born a month after Reegan, on 9 Apr.

Reegan certainly does not look like the Da Ge Ge...

A Day With Chicky!

2007-06-27T01:13:00.000+10:00

Meredith had another birthday celebration at school. We invited the team from KFC to help get things organized and had invited Chicky along too. I never believed I would go to such extend for her birthday, neither had she specifically requested such celebration. But she had such high hopes of her birthday, imagining how it would be...and she's always telling me about her friend's birthday celebrations at school. Just by that, I knew I would not want to disappoint her. Afterall, that's what childhood are made of...

She prepared well for the day. Had her goodie bags packed, got her cardigan and 'wings' ready the night before. She had her idea of how a birthday girl should dress...like a princess, special, certainly not in uniform.

So the team came and they had some games...

Then when Chicky really appeared, Meredith was just too afraid. She freaked out. Chicky was like a MONSTER!! But the other kids were just too excited. After some persuasion, she was at least brave enough to take photos with Chicky.

The kids definitely enjoyed the meal...

And they prepared presents and cards for Meredith...that's really sweet...

All things end well. Towards the end of the party, the teacher asked Meredith to give out her goodie bags to her friends. I was most impressed as she was well organized, she knew which bag to give who, even the balloons, she did not allow anyone to squabble. She was stern but steady.

One more scoop please!

2007-06-22T17:57:00.000+10:00

Following the previous post about Icekimo, I must add at this point, among all the ice cream/ gelato (makes no difference to me really) parlours I have set out to try, I still give Tom's Palette at Shaw Tower the top of the notch. They have the varieties and the quality, although not the capacity for people to sit down and enjoy. What I like about it is also that customers could post their desired flavours on the café’s board and might just have their wishes come true a month later. At one time, they had a Tau Sar Piah flavour, even a Lavender and chrysanthymum flavour! I tried the banana walnut and something cheesecake. The walnut was nutily fragrant and the banana unpretentious. It was truly luxuriously homemade and natural.

The one at Greenwood Avenue, Estivo, is simply boring. They have a whole host of fruity sorbettos, which I don’t fancy at all. And they do not have any exciting flavours.

Island Creamery at Serene Centre....hmmm....the store itself has a soury smell, must be the daily troops of students who patronize the store during the day. The cold hard décor made for a really bad acoustics. Its even ranked as one of the 'Best Study Places' or places to study....!! Its always packed with hip students (or they think they are) By the way though, you can find the not-so-hip students at the next store, McDonalds, savouring the 50¢ ice cream cone. The staff were proud and couldn't be bothered. So we didn't bother to try any of their flavours too, although we have heard of their local flavours like cendol and teh tarik, pineapple tart pieces in vanilla ice cream, and even funkier flavours like Tiger Beer sorbet and Guinness Stout ice-cream. The whole place just wasn’t quite right.

There are tons of ice cream places out there. I'll try them....one scoop at a time.

Up above the world so high

2007-06-22T16:07:00.000+10:00

We took Meredith to the DHL 'hot air' balloon ride on her birthday. Its actually not a hot air balloon but a tethered helium balloon, which means it uses helium to rise to the atmosphere and has a cord (tethered) attached to the balloon.

It was quite cool as the balloon was certified as an 'aircraft' and we had air tickets and flight numbers...

She was not afraid at all and roamed freely round the balcony, taking in the 360 degree panoramic view of the city at as high as 150m above ground.

So there we were, rising to the air. We could really see lots from up there. Meredith could spot some of the buildings, like the quaint red, blue, yellow and green HDB flats at Rochor, OG, Sim Lim Sq etc. We could also see that some buildings has got a whole host of sports facilities on their rooftop, tennis courts, pools, playground etc.

Reegan must have been affected by the change in altitude. He fell right asleep for the mere 10 to 15 mins we were up there.

Dinner was disappointing but dessert was good.

We finally made it to Icekimo and yes, I tried the blueberry cheesecake and Meredith had her cookies and chocolate. The cookies were actually Oreo bits, so it gives it the taste and crunchiness, unlike some that we had tasted which were bland and crummy.

Dessert was just simply yummehhhh!!

We had a little cake cutting ceremony at home.

She wanted a ‘treasure hunt’ to look for her presents and so we did, placed the presents all over the house for her to hunt them down...