Sneaking out

Hubby & I sneaked out last night for a midnight movie - Eragon at Tampines Mall.


It was a nice movie, the male lead Ed Speleers who played the title role is a fresh face after a global casting search, and he has nice, sexy pout. Jeremy Irons, who played his mentor Brom, is as stylish as he gets. Some scenes have gory creatures that resemble those from LOTR. I remember watching the 1st LOTR when expecting Kieran.

Kieran is not ready to go to the movies as he just can't sit still! We are wondering when that day might come?

Kieran's first spelling list!

We received Kieran's first spelling list as he emabrked into K1 next year, from his childcare centre (*stress*)

As the theme for January is my "My Self", the weekly spelling test beginning on 7 Jan:

1. "I" and "me"
2. "you"
3. "we"

I can already feel the tension of coaching him... one way to de-stress myself is to read, and I had finished reading "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" and have since started the 4th Sophie Kinsella instalment - "Shopaholic and Sister". Kinsella's 5th Shopaholic book - "Shopaholic & Baby" will only hit the bookstores next February, in hardcover :( I can't wait.

Yesterday I spotted a day-by-day 2007 Shopaholic calendar and was so tempted to buy for myself. But I think it will end up a white elephant on my messy office desk.

The kids' Xmas collection

Time to record what the kids received this Xmas...

For a start, Kieran woke up on Xmas Day eagerly checking out what's in his Xmas stockings. Dug them out and realised Santa left him and Raeyen cuddly snoring animals - monkey for him and giraffe for Raeyen. BUT this time, Santa left Kieran a friendly note...

Kieran's collection includes the Yamaha keyboard we got earlier, shirt from Chateau de Sable, Zara sweater, Lego (not shown), books, Origami, stationery sets, Fox apparel, IQ toy, Hot Wheels set.

Raeyen got a set of Chateau de Sable, Mothercare and Fox apparel, books, truck (not shown), Giordano tee, Playskool trucks set.

Kids are the happiest but we mustn't forget those who are less fortunate. We intend to let Kieran buy gifts for needy children next year, afterall Christmas is about GIVING, isn't it?

Kieran's explanation

2 nights ago while changing Kieran into his PJs, I said to him

Mommy: Oh, it rains again!
Kieran: Mommy, it rains so much until flooded right?
Mommy: Yes, especially in Malaysia where many houses were flooded and people have to be evacuated.
Kieran: Luckily we stay in a building on the 10th floor right? So we will not get flooded by the rain!
Mommy: Hahahahaha

Raeyen dearie

Pix of Raeyen taken on Christmas Day

Christmas = Binging Time

Christmas Eve

By tradition, we spend this day with the Yoongs.

This time we spent at their home, warming ourselves up with hot, yummy steamboat. It's kind of different as one would think steamboat is more apt for CNY. After dinner, we played "Open Season" on Yin's new Xbox 360 and it was hilarious. Then we ate the "Pure Addiction" log cake we got from Emicakes. Megan & Kieran were thrilled as they got to blow the candles after we sang "Merry Christmas" to the tune of "Happy Birthday". The finale was gift exchange. While the mommies coincidentally got lingerie, the daddies got book, apparel & cookies. The kids were the happiest with their new toys.

The kids & the log cake

Christmas Day

As with the same tradition, my side of the family celebrate Xmas & Eugene's (14th this year) birthday on this day @ eldest bro's place.

The past days have been grey & wet and today was exceptionally sunny. Hubby decided to bring the boys to East Coast Park for a run. While walking to our carpark, an idea sparked and I told hubby we could detour to Parkway Parade to get fresh sashimi from Fish Mart Sakuraya for this evening event. And so we got swordfish, octopus, saba, salmon for the sashimi plate. We also got some sausages (bratwurst, cheese knackers & nurenburger) for ourselves from Espirito Santo Gourmet & Butchery.

Raeyen fell asleep in the car on our way home. Hubby & I had the sausages for lunch.

Past 6, we lugged all the presents, sashimi, diaper bag (and Raeyen) to eldest bro's place.

Binged all the sinful preparations - potato salad, sushi, beehoon, pineapple fried rice, chicken wings/drumlets, vege, soft-baked choc cookies made by Jenric (I called them cakies) & Bengawan Solo kuehs.

Eugene cut his log/birthday cake & we binged again with cheese bak-gua.

We exchanged gifts & went home for a well-deserved snooze! Ka-boom!

Footnote:
Hubby & I were so happy as Raeyen finally blurted out "Mama" and "Papa"!

Boxing Day

Happy 14th Birthday, Eugene!

Woke up this morning in a daze as Mother Nature decided to give a downpour again, duhh...

All photos can be found @ My Flickr Album.

Last minute Xmas shopping

Had a whole day project meeting on Friday but managed to buy all the balanced presents during lunch, phew!

While on the way zooming to Marks & Spencer @ Raffles City, got some gifts from Guardian @ Citylink for the domestic helpers. Grabbed some cookies from M&S; returned to Suntec City... dashed to 3rd floor Chateau de Sable and got a shirt and matching shorts for Raeyen. Picked up my lunch from KFC and returned to office just in time!

Had Xmas dinner with my colleagues @ Raffles Hotel Bar & Billiard Room on Thursday. The main dishes at the buffet was so-so and all some of us could binge (to get the money's worth) were the lobsters & fleshy oysters. Entertainment by Claressa Monterio was great as she crooned the Xmas evergreens in her signature "oh-so-smooth" voice. I was so proud of her that I told my overseas colleagues & my German boss that "she is one of Singapore's finest jazz singers." I remember Claressa was performing @ The Fullerton 4 years ago when hubby & I went there to enjoy the sinful chocolate buffet while expecting Kieran. Hmm... the Valrhona chocolates... hmm...

My boss asked why was I carrying a huge bag (tsk tsk, it's a Marc Jacobs inspired bag). I explained it could store alot of stuff/junk/etc especially my book. Then he realised I am reading the "Shopaholic" book and teased I am one too. I said I am but a "shopaholic on a shoestring budget".

Pass it on

I was in the MRT after work from Dhoby Ghaut towards Punggol. Entering with me into the crowded train were an elderly lady (maybe >70yr) and another (>55yr) carrying a 3yr old girl.

As usual, no one bothered to offer their seats until one gave up. As I was standing infront of a young man who sat on the hot seat (near the door) which is meant for people who need more. I asked him, "Aren't you going to give up your seat to this lady and a girl?" He seemed cross, stared at me, "What?", I replied, "Didn't you see they obviously need a seat?" He got up and muttered Hokkien to the lady gesturing her to take his seat.

Why should people be told? Is it very difficult to give up one's seat graciously?

I remember when I was in my 1st trimester with Raeyen, I gave up my seat for one who's in her advance pregnancy while the rest "acted blur".

I always tell Kieran that we have to give up our seat or lend a helping hand to those in need. Sure, sometimes we are not sure if that someone really needs our help, but there is no harm asking. If the person refuses, ok so be it. There is no shame at all.

Be nice, be thoughtful and pass it on.

Bookcrave...

Finally, I finished reading the 2nd volume of the Shopaholic series - Shopaholic Abroad. My crave for the sequel etched in and I couldn't resist anymore. I went to San Bookshop to rent the 3rd volume - Shopaholic Ties the Knot - yes Becky is going to marry Luke, wow!

As usual, I read while I commute to/from work - bus/MRT or even while walking! I think I'm obsessed. The last time I was this obsessed was when I got hooked on The Da Vinci Code - which by the way, is better than the movie!

Got home & realised Kieran was home pretty early. Yani said the childcare centre driver, Thomas actually brought Kieran right to our doorstep today & yesterday coz he was earlier than usual. You see, when hubby/I couldn't rush home in time to pick Kieran from our service lane, Thomas would call Yani and she in turn bring Raeyen down. Thomas has been very nice, he would bring Kieran to our lift landing and wait for Yani & Raeyen. So I decided to give him a box of Marks & Spencer cookies as a thank you & Xmas gift.

After kids were asleep, I continued to wrap Xmas gifts, gosh... I still have some more gifts to buy!

Tomorrow there's department Xmas dinner (dread... lunch is better), hope I can go home early.

More Xmas shopping!

Eldest sis-in-law called & enlisted me to get Xmas gifts for my boys on her behalf.

Since shopping is my fav, I happily did so at lunchtime. Got a nice checked shirt for Kieran from my fav shop - Chateau de Sable. However, I'm still clueless what to get for Raeyen. Then went to Mango for the same tee that I got for myself, but this time in peach (oh, I feel like keeping it for myself), for hubby's colleague - part of the gift exchange thingy in his office.

Headed to Times Bookshop, I got 2 books for my good pals. This Xmas, I got so many books from Times that I was entitled a free 2 (or is it 3) year membership subscription (yipee!).

Tomorrow, I will storm into Raffles City for more Xmas shopping! Most likely to Marks & Spencer for nice cookies & chocolates! Gotta buy a $5 gift as an exchange for Kieran to bring to the childcare.

Maid scouting follow-up

Kieran (almost 3 yrs old) with Raeyen (a few hrs old, taken on 10 Jul 05)

My agent arranged a conference call for me to interview Yati.

21-year old Yati is mild-mannered. Her command of English is poorer than Yani but better than those who are completely new to working in Singapore. She worked here for 2 years (left in Jun 06) at Bishan Blk 186. Did housework, care for a granny and the employers have a teen. Though she never cooked, she claimed she could and would love to care of young kids.

I gave her a scenario ... if Kieran and Raeyen were fighting for a toy, what would she do. At first she couldn't understand my question until my agent translated. She said she would focus on one kid first and talk nicely to both, making sure things work out happily. She said she would treat my boys as were her brothers.

Agent called me after the interview ended and I decided to hire Yati.

To ensure all goes well at home with a new maid, hubby decided to quit his job and work part-time. This is a huge leap and we have to be mentally prepared. I appreciate very much what my hubby had planned. And, this is the best of all options we have. Once Yati is settled and earned our trust, hubby will look for a new full-time job. At the very least, this will give him a good opportunity to bond with Raeyen.

"Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories." John Wilmot

Kieran's theory

It rained since last evening, until now it hasn't stopped.

While sending Kieran to childcare this morning, he said to me while looking out of the window.

Kieran: Mommy, there is so much rain, you know why?

Me: Why?

Kieran: It's because the sky sucked so much water from the ground.

Me: Yes, it is actually the clouds, like in your Eric Carle book.

Kieran: Yes, like the Little Cloud in my book.

Little Cloud by Eric Carle

Kieran's promotion

Kieran will be in K1 next year.

Last evening, when hubby & I reached home from work, he rushed to us excitedly...

Kieran: Mommy, Daddy, I am going to be K1/K2 tomorrow!
Us: No, you will be in K1 next year.
Kieran: No, my teacher said I will be K1/K2 tomorrow, and today I went to my new classroom with my Teacher Connie and Cheng lao-shi!
Us: Yes, you will soon be in K1 but that's about a few weeks from now, say a few days after Christmas.
Kieran: No, I am already in K1/K2! (pouting)

Shopping & maid scouting

Took Kieran to VivoCity to meet my 2nd sis - Choo by MRT on Saturday. We had coffee (hot choco & cupcake for Kieran) @ Gloria Jean. Was so glad that there's San Bookshop there and rented the 2nd volume of the Shopaholic series - Shopaholic Abroad (also known as "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan) as I just finished reading the 1st volume while in the MRT (see my conversation with Kieran when I was reading).

Kieran: Mommy, why is your mouth not open?
Me: Why should my mouth be open?
Kieran: How do you read when your mouth is not open?
Me: Oh, adults usually don't read aloud like children, we read by heart.
Kieran: No, you must read with your mouth open.

We went shopping as Choo had a lot of Christmas gifts to buy. I managed to buy a brown Mango stretch tee with "MANGO" in diamante iron-on at $23 (original price was $30)! We had lunch at HK Kim Gary (like a cha can-tang in Hong Kong), the service and food were good. Price is reasonable too, average S$8 for set lunch which includes drink, soup and main course.

She sent us home as hubby & I had an appointment with the maid agency at 4pm.

After settling Kieran @ home, hubby & I went to the agency ... looked through the database after the agent understood our needs, ie taking care of Raeyen and conversant in English. We selected Yati, a 21-year old Indonesian who used to work for a family in Singapore for 2 years. We paid the fees, insurance, etc and hope for the best.

If all goes well, Yati may be able to arrive Singapore by mid-Jan. When I told Kieran about Yani's leaving, he went to her "Kak-kak, can you stay?" Sigh...

TGIFunday

Friday 15 Dec was supposed to be a funday for me coz company closed early for its dinner & dance. So, I painted the town red, oops I mean I had my nails painted @ Fave Nails in red - OPI Malaga Wine to be exact. Bought the Puma Sirius Pink with countless Swarovski crystals embedded (see pix, cool eh?) - a Christmas present from hubby and some girly Christmas gifts for my girlfriends from Women's Secret and Mphosis. Got home, played with Raeyen for a while, bathed and got ready for the dinner after Dennis had picked Kieran up from childcare.

My funday hit low when I returned home after midnight from the dinner - because the event was boring, MC has no better adjectives than "lovely", prizes suck and yet I won nothing out of 100 prizes, duhhhh. I should not have waited for the so-called grand lucky draw :(

My Lilypie Baby Days Tickers

Found this cool site Lilypie and coundn't resist posting my kiddos' tickers:

For my kiddo & me

Kieran never watched "Disney on Ice" which performs every March school holidays, as I learned from an ardent fan. I promised that we'd get the tickets when it comes next year.

Ticket sales for the show (featuring "Finding Nemo") next March started this morning. Being the kiasu mom that I am, I checked my calendar and decided to make a booking.

The show will run from 9 to 18 March at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and I booked 2 tickets for 9 March, 8pm show. The tickets are not cheap, imagine my 3rd category tickets already cost me $29.50 each. Even a 15% discount with the POSB Everyday card, it is still not cheap.

However expensive the tickets may be, the show is for Kieran... as for me

...I've finally rented a book @ lunchtime to feed my "nearly-bored-to-death brain while in the MRT to/from work" from San Bookshop. I've always wanted to read the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella but clueless which is the 1st installment. It's The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic also known as "Confessions of a Shopaholic".

I've always like to read girly books, especially this one as it is something I can relate - SHOPPING!!!!! Though I have never spent so badly like Becky and am not aspired to, I can totally fathom the urge to buy something you fancy and people around you just don't get it.

When I bought a bag or a pair of shoes, hubby would ask why did I need another. I would go "well, because I don't have one in this color and it matches well with ...", and he would go "do you need a rainbow collection of sorts then?" Men!

Teeth & fire

Took Kieran to my dentist this morning. Dr Dalilah was nice and patient with him, she familiarised him with her equipment, the chair control buttons and counted his teeth with him. Today, he learned that he has 20 teeth - 10 on each row, and that he has to brush his teeth thoroughly!

While his procedure took about 15 minutes, I was very pleased that he waited for me obediently for about 1 hour as I had my root canal done. Dr Dalilah and her nurse told me that not many kids could behave so well like he did. Hmm, I must have done something right, hahaha :*)

To mark his little milestone, he took a photo with Dr Dalilah (see above, Dr Dalilah will be delivering her 4th child somewhere around Xmas) and will see her in 6 months' time. Kieran told me he likes Dr Dalilah because "she is nice to me".

After that, met my hubby, together we took him to the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery @ Hill Street, as promised. Had wanted to bring him there yesterday but the gallery closes every Monday.

Kieran was thrilled to see "olden days" fire engine, helmet, siren and uniform. He even wore a kiddie fire-fighter uniform for a photo. He even took home a little souvenir after the visit.

Click here for the photos

Oops, sis if you read this, "HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!!"

Making a choice - follow our heart

We had a talk with our helper, Yani one night when the kids were in their slumber. The talk was if she could stay with us for another 2 years as her contract expires mid next Feb.

After much discussion/persuasion, she sounded adamant that she would like to go home for good, after almost 4 years with us. It was a difficult moment for us as Raeyen is still very young and we will have to make new arrangements or even sacrifices come Jan/Feb. Options we have are:

1. No new helper, but Raeyen goes to a full-day childcare
2. Get a new helper before Yani leaves, hubby stays at home for at least 6 months while Kieran continues his Kindergarten but stops going to childcare

We discussed and may choose option 2 as we cannot bear for another child of ours going to childcare as I could vividly remember myself weeping when Kieran entered childcare at 3 years old (2 months after Raeyen was born). It was a painful decision to put him there, seeing him cry and wanting to go home.

Option 2 is not the best but we can't risk putting Raeyen alone with the new helper while we go to work. Hubby volunteered to quit his job and stay at home supervising her and to bond with the kids, especially Kieran. Personally, I like the idea of Kieran quitting childcare. However, that would mean one income less and I may most likely have to kiss goodbye to indulgences such as Biotherm skincare, facials, manicures, pedicures, L'oreal Kerastase haircare, etc. BUT one thing I will not scrimp is to let Kieran continue his classes at Yamaha or any other classes that will benefit him.

We have a choice to make, that is already a luxury. Like the old saying goes, when there's a will, there's a way. Together with my hubby, I'm sure we can make it work and to bring our kids up the way we want. Fingers crossed :*)

"If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise." Robert Fritz

The SSO, kids & cake

On our way to the SSO Babies Proms with the kids on Friday (1 December) morning, dropped by my office @ Suntec City to collect my laptop as I'll be on leave next Mon & Tue. Took Raeyen there and this little guy charmed my colleagues with his mumblings, fiddlings the computer, cabinets, etc. We then drove towards Coleman Street, parked at Funan (IT Mall) and walked to Victoria Concert Hall.

We were there exactly 30 minutes before the concert, for a pre-concert storytelling on the 3rd level. Gosh, it was packed and definitely wouldn't pass our fire department for "safe fire escape route" for the event room only had one narrow door as entrance & exit. I wasn't at all pleased with the arrangement and felt that the organizer did not consider everyone's safety. The storytelling was at least interesting, teaching the little tots about different musical instruments, such as the strings, woodwinds, etc and how to conduct.

At the end of the program, the whole group thronged to the concert hall, a chaotic manner no less.

We were lucky to have bought good seats where there's a wide walking area. Raeyen couldn't keep still and made us chasing after him around the hall. When it started, the conductor Peter Moore, entertained the kids, who were allowed to get near the stage. Highlight of the event was when the SSO played "Flight of the Bumble Bee" with the violinists as lead, it was arousing!

While the format of the concert is the same as last year, Kieran would still like to attend once more next year.

We walked to Funan IT Mall amidst the drizzle, had lunch there and bought a pair of "semi cooler balls" for our MacBook from Challenger. We then headed to The Patissier @ Ann Siang to collect my birthday cake - Tiramisu.

Got home, played with the kids and celebrated the usual, simple way like we always do for me and hubby @ home. Kieran blew my candle before I did and everyone enjoyed the cake!


Click here for the photos.

Trouble that lucky draw brings

Yeah, hubby won a return airticket to Melbourne by Emirates at his company dinner & dance recently. When we first knew it, we were elated because we would love to visit Australia again! Then we are troubled by it ...

1) the ticket is only good for one passenger, taxes & fees are excluded
2) my Krisflyer miles are enough to redeem for one adult return Singapore Airlines airticket to Melbourne BUT the flight time of these 2 airlines are world apart, both ways (Emirates only flies once a day)
3) if all (2 kids & I) were to go by Emirates, the airfare will be high*

Question is, shall we go via Emirates? A check at Zuji website, the return adult ticket for late April departure is S$910* without taxes & fees; or shall we wait for some promotion at Emirates nearer to date and take the chance of unavailable seats for the required travel dates?

Then we toy about the idea of selling the winning "ticket" @ eBay, BUT who's gonna believe us that this "ticket" in a form of a letter from Emirates, is for REAL?

Are we lucky or asking for trouble?

*S$910 is high compared to Singapore Airlines @ S$850 (non-promotional fare) and SQ has 3 daily flights!

Pak-tor time

Hubby & I left Kieran @ Joo's place this afternoon and went to Marina Square for great Japanese food @ Waraku. We had mixed sashimi, cod kaminabe (paper pot), beef curry with soba and unagi don. It was really satisfying (especially being alone without the kids).

Usually mealtime with them is a struggle, either Kieran doesn't want to eat or Raeyen wants to wriggle his way out of his seat. Thanks to Joo, Connie & Jamus for helping us take care of Kieran and Yani of Raeyen. In fact, today's lunch was meant to be an early birthday treat from my hubby. When the kids came along, having time alone becomes a luxury.

After the sumptuous meal, we went shopping for Christmas gifts and a cuppa and cake @ McCafe before fetching Kieran. We chatted in the car and felt that somehow whenever we were out alone, we feel a sense of guilt for not bringing the kids along, and couldn't help thinking about them. In fact, after Raeyen was born, we have been bringing Kieran out more often and leaving the little one at home. Seems unfair but ... what can I say?

We now look forward to spending time with the kids on Friday 1 December as we've applied leave to bring them to the SSO Babies Proms concert at VCH. We will then have meal @ Raffles City before collecting a cake from The Patissier, to celebrate my slightly belated birthday @ home. The kids like to blow the candles but Mommy is shy to place oh-so-many candles :*)

Kieran's 2nd Concert

Brought Kieran to his concert at Spore Power Auditorium yesterday morning alone as hubby was at work (*sigh*). Took a pix of him in light make-up outside our home (see left).

He changed into his Indian costume, had his hair fixed while I put some glitters on it (see below). Tsk..tsk, in fact I secretly rubbed off some rouge from his cheeks which his teacher applied, I found him looking too wayang. I left him there and went to Killiney Kopitiam for a cuppa and kaya toast.

Kieran performed 2 numbers - an Indian and a Chinese. Armed with the videocam, I was surprised that he was placed in the middle front - hope that means he could dance well. Indeed, he was all smiles as he danced, wriggled his torso while partnering with a girl. They ended the Indian piece with a loud "Namaste" - an Indian greeting. At the opening of his Chinese performance, he spotted me, waved and shouted "Mommy!", his friend asked "Where's your Mommy?", Kieran pointed at me "She's there!" ... I was a little embarrassed as the whole audience could hear their "in-their-own-world" conversation, but proud of him at the same time! He had afterall performed well. After the 2hour show, we walked along Orchard Road, had lunch with his aunts and cousins @ Coffee Club, Kinokuniya. Bought a book for Raeyen and headed to Borders. Got him an Eric Carle's book - Ten Little Rubber Ducks (comes with a little surprise on the last page) and one on "Reptiles & Amphibians".

Kieran infront of a decorated tree along Orchard Road

In between, my vanity couldn't resist browsing at some boutiques and I bought a skirt @ Southaven, Wisma Atria.

In the evening, we had an impromptu dinner @ Joo's place as we binged on local fare such as beef hor fun, har jeong kai (prawn paste chicken) , BBQ stingray, etc. All delivered to us piping hot in less than 1 hour by dabao.sg. The food was sinfully yummy!

Sunny Sentosa

Brought our brood to Sentosa Palawan beach on Sunday morning, it's the first for Raeyen. He was at first skeptical about being barefooted and walking on the sand. Yani took him to the hanging bridge and he enjoyed it so much that he didn't want to return. Click here to see all the photos.

Kieran took a dip (oops in his brief & tee, coz we forgot to pack his swimwear) in the water feature, he clearly enjoyed that very much.

Ivy and clan arrived as they couldn't find the right car park (by the way it's CP3 - covered and only $1/entry).

Favian and Dillon joined Kieran in the water feature, while Raeyen played sand.


















The sun was scorching (luckily the haze was gone) and our moods were high. The adults chatted while the kids played together. Raeyen joined them in the water feature wearing nothing but his Mamy Poko pull-ups (with Winnie the Pooh at his cute little bum)!

We were all "burned" and tired, had lunch at Koufu (air-conditioned, yeah!) before heading home for a much-needed snooze (*zzz*).



The kids with their rosy tan (at home)


The next day, I had sun-burn on my shouder blades :( ouch!

Kieran's first keyboard

Kieran learned his first do-re-mi & mi-re-do fingering sequence at Yamaha Junior Music Course last Sunday and I was pleasantly surprised (happy of course) that he could grasp & coordinate well from his thumbkin (do) - pointer (re) - tallman (mi) and backwards.

Feeling and reeling with motivation, I decided to get him a keyboard first (well, as an early Christmas present). We went to Tampines Mall after his music lesson today and headed to Yamaha. We bought the basic model PSR-E203 at an offer price of S$205 (usual S$250), a stand, and adapter was free.

Excitedly, we assembled it upon reaching home but realised one rubber cover of the stand was damaged, which I will call the branch tomorrow if we could get it changed at a convenient time. We played the keyboard and Raeyen was so excited about the new "toy" that he "pounded" on it rather hard (*heartache, ouch*).

Hopefully this little musical instrument will help Kieran develop a stronger interest in music as I promised to get him a piano when the time is right. He would boast and say, "Mommy, I can play the piano so well." I can't wait for him to become a real pianist some day!

I want to leave home WITHOUT my Amex

My company makes us use the Amex corporate card for all business-related transactions, and this card is on personal liability.

Having an extra card in my nearly burst-out LV monogram purse is a chore, not only it is not widely accepted in many establishments, it gives me no perks but embarrassment. I used it for a business meal in KL but was denied after 3 tries by the cashier, alternatively I used my reliable MasterCard. I tried to use it again in HK at Crystal Jade, but it was not accepted; again I used my MC.

When I forgot to pay my Amex bill, I was charged a late payment fee of S$37.50 even though their officer promised to waive it off a month ago. Now Amex said there was no such "promise" recorded in their system but insisted I pay for the penalty. I was very upset as other banks willingly waived such penalty for me in all occasions, so why this exception at Amex? The officer simply apologized by saying "Sorry M'am but this is a company policy." repeatedly. It was clearly a scripted apology and his supervisor (Abigail) promised to revert with their "management's decision" on the waiver within 24 hours. Days passed and I heard nothing from them. I will not pay for the penalty though Amex said they would still impose 2% on the penalty every month. Will they even bother to sue me for not paying S$37.50?

What should I do? My company insisted that we use Amex for all business transactions, but I want to boycott it for good!

Parent-Teacher Meet

Kieran's kindergarten and childcare centre held PTM today which was a good coincidence as I could "kill 2 birds with 1 stone". Went to the kindergarten first at 10am alone as hubby was at work, and left the kids at home since having them around would have been chaotic.

I hopped over to the chidcare centre after 45 minutes and returned home with files of his work and photos.

I will scan his kindergarten class photo and his self-portrait and upload here when free.

I could summarise our discussions here as all 4 teachers (a pair of Chinese/English teachers each school) had almost the same observations. Kieran was said to have improved in terms of attention span, focus, work tidiness. They said he likes outdoors, music and movement, very "garang", inquisitive, not afraid to express and ask questions BUT doesn't know how to resolve problems with friends during play. He mostly resolved the problems by "physical expression" instead of talking it over. While his teachers are trying to guide him, I am at my wit's end how to help him overcome it. Apart from that, I am happy that he enjoys school better now and did his work well. His kindergarten English teacher, Miss Foong said Kieran would be able to do well in K1 next year.

His childcare English teacher said he danced very well in an Indian number for the concert and she put him in front due to this. The concert will be held on 25 Nov, and I will definitely capture his kiddie performance in our viewcam! I can't wait.

3G - Good friends, Good food, Good fun

We are finally back to school/work/routine after a 3-4 day holiday in Chiang Mai.

We flew by Tiger Airways on Saturday 4 November at 6am, which means getting up at 3.45am to get everyone ready! We met our friends, another family of 4 (plus 1 on the way who is now nice and cosy inside Ivy's tum) at the Budget Terminal at 4.45am to begin our little getaway. Going for a holiday with the kids is like going to a combat; armed with water bottles, hot water flask, snacks, milk powder, diapers, mosquito repellant, sarong, stroller, etc.

We arrived Chiang Mai on schedule and were driven to the Sheraton for our 3-night stay. We took things slow and had a wonderful traditional Khantoke dinner (Northern Thai dinner) at Khun Khantoke under the starry night. The stars have company as people celebrate Loy Krathong by releasing floating lanterns into the air using hot air combustion as wicks are lit. It was a beautiful night but my little Prince Raeyen was in his slumber not knowing what went on. Each family sat around a low tray table with food on it and watched the performance by the very hospitable Thais.

Raeyen at the pool at the Sheraton


On Sunday, we went to the Night Bazaar for shopping and the boys released the floating lanterns into the dark sky amidst many other lanterns. Kieran wrote his and Raeyen's names on it and we watched it floated into the twilight in awe!

We had a full-day tour to the Karen/Long-neck tribe, Monkey school, Mae Sa Elephant camp, Orchid farm, parasol and silk factories on Monday. The long-neck tribe is unforgettable as girls as young as 5 years will start wearing a 1kg iron coil on their necks! We took a photo with a young long-neck girl. Kieran asked me how could they possibly turn their heads, I replied that they could surely but slowly. Their culture thinks that it is beautiful, and we should respect that. There was another tribe where the women wear huge tube-like earrings which punctured a big hole in their lobes. All these are strange to us but hey, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The huts that they live in are very sparse with no furniture. Even the baby cot is laid with rice sacks and held on by a pulley-system, amazing!


At the Monkey school, Kieran's leg was caught by a wild monkey. Thanks to his Crocs shoes, that monkey only managed to pull his shoe off with no apparent injuries on his leg. Afterall Crocs shoes do have some credits even with the escalator saga that was reported recently.

Raeyen fell asleep when we reached the elephant camp. So Kieran took the ride with his Daddy. Kieran enjoyed himself very much and the ride was about 30 minutes.

Kieran and Raeyen had great fun with Favian and Dillon as they are companions to one another. The older boys entertained Raeyen with Peek-A-Boos and "Catch the Baby" game, so cute!

Click here to view the holiday photos.

Good Morning Vietnam!

I came to Vietnam (well, Hoi An, Danang to be exact) on Sunday from Singapore - HCMCity. Yes, Sunday is a dreadful day to travel for business :(

While I took Singapore Airlines to HCMCity, the experience on the domestic flight with Vietnam Airlines was a far cry from my national carrier. The attendant literally shoved the boxed meal into my face without a word! The wrapped up sandwich tasted weird and definitely didn't look appetizing but the 2 tiny bananas were good. The seats are very cramp as the leg-room is ultra narrow. Thank God the flight was only an hour and the pilot gave a smooth take-off and landing.

It rained in Danang and our transfer took about 45 minutes to Hoi An, Palm Garden Resort. After our whole-day workshop on Monday, together with 2 other colleagues, we went shopping in the evening and I bought 6 shawls at average US$5 each. I also took photos of an old local cafe.

I miss my 3 boys at home, especially Raeyen as he is still nursing a cold and runny nose. Hubby said Kieran was very cranky this morning and didn't want to go to school. I remember Kieran said to me on Sunday "I want Mommy!" as he knew I was departing later that day. I assured him that I love him and asked him to countdown to Friday as we will go to Chiangmai for holiday the next day with our family friends!

I really look forward to the holiday as it coincides with the Loy Krathong festival.

Kieran's 1st Concert

Kieran performed in a school concert for the first time on Friday 20 October evening at Victoria Concert Hall. We only bought one ticket for the concert as we were not sure if I could make it in time from my return flight from Hong Kong.

In true motherly spirit, I sprinted to VCH after dropping my luggage at home. Hubby fetched me from Raffles City and I managed to catch the whole show, which started at 7.30pm till almost 10pm. Kieran's number was the fifth, and I had a hard time searching for him. When I spotted him, his performance was almost near the end, but I was already beaming with pride seeing my little boy performing lively and smiled at the end of the act. To me, it is an achievement on his part.

Kieran in his costume after the concert















Come 25 Nov, he will have to perform in another concert by the childcare centre. As Daddy will be working that day, I will attend and as usual, arm with videocam and digital camera to catch his little Kodak moments.

My Angel's burning hot

Raeyen woke up at 6 this morning and his temperature was a high 39.6. We gave him brufen and I SMS my boss that I had to take urgent leave.

Brought him to the paediatrician and he was shivering - a shock to Yani and I. PD said it was bacteria infection (as molar eruption does not cause such a high fever) and he has tonsilitis - tiny whitish ulcers in throat. She inserted paracetamol depository as his temperature was 39.1. We then gave him Augmentin antibiotic, actified syrup for blocked/runny nose and nose drop and he is now napping.

I hope he gets better tomorrow as it is hard for me to take another urgent leave tomorrow since I will be travelling next Monday. He is supposed to take his MMR jab this Saturday but deferred till Monday, 23 October.

Poor baby, all we can do now is to monitor and make him as comfortable and cool as possible.

Molar eruption

Hubby realised Raeyen had high fever (38.8 degrees Celcius) this evening when we returned from work. We gave him Brufen and checked his healthbook if it was due to new teeth growth. True enough between 12-14 months, 1st molars at all four corner would erupt and Raeyen (who turned 15 months yesterday) has been so far quite slow in this department. Hubby checked his gums and found one molar already erupted and the other three corners have swollen gums.

Raeyen was his usual self until later in the evening that he became clingy to me. We will monitor him and if his condition does not get better tomorrow morning, I will bring him to the paediatrician. And if so, it will also mean I may have to apply urgent leave - a norm for most mothers and some fathers. How I wish our companies allow us to use our 14-day annual sick leave entitlement for child sick leave. It is an uneasy feeling whenever I have to apply for urgent leave. Work environment does not make it an easy and comfortable choice to make.

Raeyen with his fav Barney!

Life is like a box of ...

... fortune cookies

I was shocked when hubby told me last week that 4 men were hit by a sudden wave somewhere in Perth and were/are employees of a Singapore aerospace company. My 3rd bro Joo works in the same company in Perth and I quickly SMS his wife.

While Joo was not fishing with them, he was deeply disturbed by the mishap as he knows all 4 men. Life is not exactly like a box of chocolates though they may be bitter or sweet; it is also like a box of fortune cookies, no one knows what's coming to you tomorrow or even the next minute.

Last Friday, my company had an annual flu vaccination exercise for all employees, I went for my shot as usual. One of my good friends at work didn't want to take the jab for fear of the needle pain. I know her predicament but it's only a one-second shot of pain. Life is so unpedictable, we should really cherish what we have and seize every second and opportunity we have got to do what we want. Take a break and smell the roses. Watch the kiddos grow and learn from them as much as what we can teach them.

Kieran came home this evening with a packet of Hello Kitty marshmallows from a friend who just returned from a holiday in Japan. I promised that he could eat it after dinner. After dinner, he quickly dashed to the fridge for his candy and his happy face delighted me. He made me happier when he offered one to his little brother Raeyen. But when Raeyen wanted more, Kieran couldn't bear to part with his last mashmallow. Nevertheless, it is my fortune to be able to watch them grow together and love each other.

My 2 starry angels, taken on 24 Jun 06:

* Smile *

Yipee, Joyce of Tangs Vivocity called yesterday that while she could not locate the lady who probably found my purchase, she had arranged for me to pick the same jacket compliments from Tangs at their Vivocity branch!

I was pleased with the superb customer service Joyce has rendered. She really made my day though I was not feeling well.

I will be going to Tangs Vivocity this weekend. *^^* By then, I hope Gap will be opened though it's published that it would be opened on Sun 15 Oct. And, if the sky is clear, I will go to Pacific Coffee on the 2nd floor and sit outdoor.

Raeyen wearing a lion dance gear I got from Shanghai

Vivo "va va boom" experience

I brought Kieran to VivoCity on Saturday morning for its opening day.

As Kieran did not have breakfast, we went to Coffee Bean on the 2nd floor. Kieran was obedient enough to "guard" our table while I ordered food & my cuppa. After two reminders to the staff about his breakfast, it was still nowhere in sight. The server said due to huge orders, we had to wait despite already waited for almost 30 minutes, and it was not crowded! I told her we did not want to wait and asked for a refund. Miraculously, she returned in less than 2 minutes with his breakfast! I did not like the fact that after kicking a fuss could we then get our food. So I told her we had no appetite for it and wanted a refund. It was an unpleasant experience. I mean, they could have stopped taking breakfast order if the kitchen could not manage or at least inform customers the estimated waiting time, certainly "your food will be served shortly" is not good enough.

Then we went to Tangs on the 1st floor and were "refreshed" as the staff gave us a tiny Tangs bag with 2 Mandarin oranges. While I dislike its new papaer bag as the handle is uneasy to carry, I love its retro decor and nice clothes! Kieran was a dearie as he accompanied his "vainpot" mommy from fitting room to the next as I tried oh-so-many nice outfit. My second sis joined us shortly and I introduced her a label "IE", abbreviation for "Individual Expression". Their clothes are unique and reasonably-priced. The promoter told me they have an in-store at Taka and a boutique at Heeren. I couldn't resist and bought a nice light peachy pink jacket at $89, kept in a larger Tangs paper bag. God I hate the paper bag handle as I could not hang it on my forearm so that I could continue to browse at ease! My sis bought 2 skirts from them at $59 and $79 each. We paid and was rewarded with a nice tote for having spent a minimum amount of $120 at Tangs.

We went to Pacific Coffee on 2nd floor for cakes and realised the outdoor seating has a great view overlooking Sentosa BUT the haze killed the climax! We sat indoor and enjoyed the cakes before we headed to Tangs Home. Kieran pestered to go to Toys R Us and we parted ways with my sis as she needed to rush for a show. As I was helping Kieran tried on a helmet, I left the Tangs paper bag on the floor. The helmet fitted him well and we headed to the cashier and the queue was long. When it was nearly my turn, I realised my Tangs carrier (and my dear newly bought jacket) was not with me. We hurried back to the helmet section but it was gone. I alerted the staff and left my phone number with them. It was in vain as no one returned the bag to their info counter.

I was very disappointed and we went to Tangs customer service counter to report the loss. My mood was down and we decided to go home. Kieran fell asleep in the train and hubby came to SengKang station to fetch us home.

The haze was so bad (PSI at 143) we ordered pizza for dinner instead of eating out. Wonder why is Indonesia always having fire? And since it's not raining, why couldn't our government sprinkle some water over the sky by enlisting help from MINDEF?

At about 9.30pm, Joyce of Tangs VivoCity called and said that they would investigate about the loss. But I think the chances are quite slim. Then she called less than 10 minutes later that a female shopper just called that she realised she had an extra shopping bag from Tangs but the item wasn't hers, and it seems that it's likely my jacket. Joyce promised to pick it up from the lady on Monday and feedback to me.

I'm crossing my fingers! I hope it is mine so that I can sashay my new "found" jacket.

Kieran (taken 2 weeks later @ Swensen VivoCity)

All Blacks

Kieran & Dad in All Blacks (31 Jan 04), originally uploaded by Mom to Angels.

Hubby is a fan of the All Blacks rugby team of the Kiwis, well what can I say, it's a real tough men's game! When he watches the match on cable, I watch too and I enjoy it more than soccer. While his jersey was from Adidas Singapore, Kieran's from New Zealand when my second sister travelled there. Kieran was about 17 months old in this photo and now Raeyen is wearing it. I remember vividly that Kieran puked like a Merlion when we arrived at Bintan and Dad's jersey was not spared. Yikes!

Coming back the All Blacks. What captivates me is every time before a game begins, these toughies would do the Hakka - sort of a Maori warrior dance, and it's spectacular to watch them doing it - so inspiring. I wish we could have the chance to watch one of their matches LIVE! This November, they will be playing in Europe. But I would prefer to watch the game with my hubby and kids in no other place but New Zealand.

My little angels and my MacBook

As I mentioned in my previous entry, we signed up with Singnet broadband for 2 years and got a free cool white MacBook.

So while exploring its functionalities (our first experience with an Apple), the kids and I tried this cute icon called "Photo Booth". It's like those Japanese photo taking booths you see at shopping malls. We positioned ourselves and snapped a pix to see how we look. Hey not bad I'd say, you see for yourself above. At least I'm glad my face didn't look so puffed-up like a chipmunk. Though I probably looked quite daudy without make-up. Well, that's how I look when lounging at home with my brood.

Ouch!

Hubby wanted to spend some time with Kieran alone and decided to pick him up from childcare at 3pm yesterday. When they reached home, Raeyen was so happy to hear his brother coming home and dashed towards him .... boom! Our poor baby fell and knocked on the floor and now nursing a swollen upper lip.

Raeyen has a few falls on his mouth and I am now very fearful whenever he decides to zoom around the house. I also learned that on Wednesday (a day before my return from Germany), he managed to climb over his cot into our bed as his cot is placed next to our bed. To prevent him from falling from our bed, we had to move his cot to an awkward position in our bedroom. We do not want a deja vu as Kieran had a bad fall from our bed at one year old.

We realised that once kids turned one, they are more accident-prone.

Hot hot hot

Warm heat greeted me upon exiting Changi Int'l Airport T1 last night from my trip to Germany. I was in Mannheim/Ludwigshafen on a working trip since Sunday and the cool weather there at about 20 degrees Celcius was fantastic! It was a long trip from Singapore as I took a connecting flight from Bangkok by Thai Airways. All direct flights were fully-booked, wonder if the recently ended IMF/WB event had a part to play?

As I landed at Frankfurt Airport past 6am local time, I called Kieran as he would have finished his mini graduation concert at Yamaha with his dad (Singapore is 6 hours ahead). He was elated when I called. I told him I had just landed and he asked if I would be taking the return flight right away. I laughed at his naivitivity.

Water Tower near Rosengarten:















We went to Heidelberg but I did not go up to the castle as my friends were there for many times already. For lunch, we had bratwurst with saurkraut and kartofen, it was yummy, see photo:















Most shops are closed on Sunday, except for the eateries, so it was kind of boring as I could buy nothing much basically. As berries are in season, we also had a mixed berries cake, see the window displays of a bakery:
I returned yesterday via Bangkok and was one of the first passengers arriving at the new Suvarnabhumi airport. It was spacious but the walk to my departure gate was a very long one and some airconditioning was not working. Our flight was delayed by 30 minutes as we waited for the bus to bring us to our plane. Not a smooth start I must say for the new airport. I have taken some photos as my transit time was almost 4 hours!