Family Day @ East Coast Park

We went to ECP to attend YC's company's family day. It was raining earlier the day. Luckily the sky had cleared when we reached. The weather was just right then. Only complaint was the muddy field. Our legs and shoes were all covered with mud. Cherylin was having fever the night before. Not sure if it's because she's just recovered, she did not seem interested in the ice cream that I offered her. Cherylin appeared bored too and was asking to go home at abt 4pm plus. YC brought her to the game stalls and they came back with little prizes comprising five stones, paper aeroplane - basically those toys that we used to play when we were young. Buffet dinner was provided. There were Cherylin's favourite food such as satays, longan desserts. Too bad she fell asleep while daddy went to get the food. :P We left at abt 6pm and headed home to freshen up before heading to YC's grandma's place.

Trip to Bollywood Veggies

Luckily I recovered just in time to join YC's family for a visit to Bollywood Veggies. There are many types of fruits, veggies, etc and the kids enjoyed roaming around the plantation. We had an early lunch at the cafe. Simple and tasty dishes. Cost $85 for 6 adults and 3 toddlers.

We proceeded to Hay Dairies Goat Farm where the kids, except Cherylin, had fun feeding the goats. This timid daughter of mine only dare to watch by the side while her cousins feed the goats.

Fever fever go away

Was down with fever yesterday. Temp went up to 39.1 degree at one point. Hence, I had to take paracetamol to lower the fever. I ever heard that it's safe to continue breastfeeding even when you have fever/taking paracetamol. But being ks, i dare not bf bb. Hence, bb was on fed ebm yesterday. I latched him on a couple of times (which was more than 6 hours after i last took my medicine). I continued to pump out the milk else supply may drop. As I dare not feed my bb with the ebm, in the end threw away more than 1 litre of ebm. So sim tia.

This morning found out from a fren that it's ok to continue bfdg even when taking paracetamol. She has been taking it as a pain reliever since giving birth. That sets my mind at ease. So, I'll continue to bf my bb and not waste the bm. :) Temp this morning ranges from 37.1 to 37.6 degree. Hope I'll get well soon.

Mummy's milk milk

My freezer has run out of space to store anymore ebm. Throwing away the ebm is such a waste. Hence, we've been adding my bm to Cherylin's milk lately. First time we added 60ml to 120ml. She didn't notice it. Second time, we added 120ml of bm to 60ml of fm. This time round, while drinking her milk, she commented to my mum: 有妈咪milk milk 味道。 Nevertheless she continued to finish her milk. keke.. :P

Posed like a model

Took a candid shot of Cherylin on her way back to my mum's place after her playgroup. Somehow, managed to capture the model-like pose :P

Mossie mossie everywhere

Ever since i gave birth to Shawn, my place seems to be swarmed by lots of mosquitoes. Previously we only encountered mosquitoes once in a while. Now, we are bugged by these irritating mosquitoes almost everyday. Yday, we killed more than 10 mosquitoes! Horrible right. I really wonder where these creatures came from. Have checked the possible breeding places in our house but didn't find clue. Poor Shawn, kenna badly bitten by the hateful mossie. And for me, i hadn't been having a good nite sleep cos I will be awake a few times in the middle of the nite to catch mosquitoes (not forgetting having to wake up to bf Shawn). :(

Full Month cum Birthday Celebration - Part II

PG couldn't deliver the cake to us at our preferred time slot. Hence we had to travel all the way down to AMK to collect the cake. We left the house at 830am. When we arrived at the shop, we were told that the cake will only be ready in 20mins' time. Due to the delay and the distance, it's already 10am plus when we were back home. Gotta rush to bathe the kids and get ready the stuff for the celebration in the afternoon. Haven't even decorate the function room when the first guest arrived. Anyway, we don't have much deco. Haha, just some simple wordings that I've spent 1 whole day making and balloons for the kids.

The caterer came on time to set up the buffet. However, when i saw the quantity provided, I had a shock of my life. It's so miserable (as compared to the caterers that I've used before). Well, there's nothing we could do then. Just hoping that there will be enough food for all the guests. (afternote: blame myself for being geh kiang and wanted to try something else. so had a tongue lashing from YC after the event :P)

It'll really be the first and last time we'll use this caterer. Not only is the qty and quality of food not up to standard (don't think our standard is too high cos the other caterers were really much better in both areas), there's also several hipcups:

i) the guy did not light up the warmer and wanted to leave the place
ii) he claimed he did not have lighter with him and wanted to borrow from us. We have none unfortunately and he had no choice but to get from his van
iii) he did not provide us with laddles and tongs!

Aiyo, the hipcups above shouldn't have happened as these things are not something exceptional for a buffet setup. I really blamed myself for choosing this caterer. humph.

Full Month cum 3rd Birthday Celebration - Part I

We decided to have a mini post birthday celebration for Cherylin when we hold Shawn's full month celebration. It's to make her happy too in case she wonders how come didi has so many presents, etc when she has none.

Birthday cake:
PG or SO? We can't decide which bakery to choose. One wins in terms of cake flavours while the other has nicer design especially for kids.

In the end, we decided to go for PG. Got a 3 kg cake for her with slight modification to the cake design which the cake shop has emailed to us. After gathering feedback on the more popular flavours, we went down to the shop and bought Lychee Martini and Triple Layer Choco to sample. YC, my mum, Cherylin and myself all voted for Lychee Martini for its refreshing taste (i suppose it's something unusual from the normal choco/vanilla cake that we have).

Buffet:
Wanted to use back our all time favourite caterer but i wanted to try another caterer. In the end, we chose YLS cos I heard of good feedback from pple who have used them. My MIL was not very keen to try a different caterer and kept commenting what if portion not enough, food not nice, etc. Knowing my character, YC went ahead with my preference :P

Cherylin's 3rd Birthday

It's Cherylin's birthday today. YC bought her a set of blocks as he saw her enjoying herself when she was at his friend's place during CNY. Cherylin was delighted when she saw the gift from daddy and immediately asked daddy to open it up for her to play. Nowadays, she'll keep her toys after she's finished playing. Not sure if it's due to her going to school or becos of an incident where YC threw his temper on Cherylin when she refused to keep her toys despite repeated reminders. Any way, we are glad that she's doing the right thing now.

I bought the Leapfrog Wordlaunch system for Cherylin as her birthday gift. Think she's still too young to play with the system now. Nevertheless, she enjoyed meddling with the alphabets. I shall figure out how the system works and play with her one of these days.

YC bought a cake to celebrate Cherylin's birthday. Thus, we sang a birthday song for her and let her cut the cake. She also distributed goodies pack to her classmate this morning when she went to school. This little darling of mine helped in the packing of the goodies bags. See how engrossed she was when doing so:

Sibling rivalry/jealousy?

Friends/relatives had been telling me to prepare Cherylin for the arrival of her didi. We did tell her that she'll have a didi soon before Shawn was borned. But I suppose no matter how much we prepare her (kids will be kids afterall), she will at some time be difficult to handle.

When she's in good mood, what will she do?

1) gently sayang didi
2) gently talk to him/wanna teach him to read ABCs/wanna him to play toys with her
3) help us when changing bb/bathing (e.g. she'll bring my tissue/handkerchief, bring towel to 外婆, etc)
4) tell us when didi cries (her fav phrase: 妈咪，弟弟哭了，快点去抱他)

When she's in bad mood/cranky (usually when she's sleepy/has lack of sleep)
1) purposely disturb/hit didi
2) wanna 外婆carry her instead of didi
3) says she doesn't like didi

Overall, I would say Cherylin has been quite a good gal since the arrival of didi. That day when YC's aunt visited us and jokingly said she'll bring didi home with her when she carried him, Cherylin was so worried and kept telling me to carry didi back. She's afraid that YC's aunt will really bring didi back. Haha...

Shawn is back home

Shawn had to stay in the nursery for phototherapy. He was sleeping soundly when we visited him before checking out of the hospital. So poor thing to see him stripped naked with only his diaper on. Was glad that he at least he wasn't crying else will be real sim tia.

During his stay in the nursery, we visited him twice a day. Each time, will breastfeed him as well as bring whatever ebm that I've managed to express out.

PD updated me on his development every morning. As the jaundice level had gone down and was stabilised, Shawn was able to go home on Day 6. Yippee! At least he can spend his CNY eve at home. :)

31 Jan 2008 - It's the DAY!

It's the first time at nite that I was woken up a few times since I got pregnant. Woken up not by bb's kicking but by contraction of my tummy. I thot it's false contraction hence just ignore it and went back to sleep.

Was given 2 days' MC hence not going to work today. Before YC left for work, told him my tummy is 'hardened' (meaning there's contraction). Shortly after, the tummy turned soft again. So I still thought it's false alarm and YC proceeded to go to work.

Shortly after he left, I woke up and had my usual morning shower. Took my breakfast and started to do some packing of bb clothes/my stuff. I experienced more and more regular contraction but kept brushing it off. It was only at around 9.50am that I decided to time the interval. I was having contraction at an interval of 10mins! Still trying to keep cool and think it's 'not time yet', I continued with doing my stuff. At 10.30am, I went to the toilet and realised I had show! It was then I finally came face to face with reality that it's really time to go to the hospital. Immediately called YC and told him that. He tried to rush home asap and informed his parents and brother in the meantime.

While waiting, my contraction got worse, the interval got shorter and I was perspiring all over (out of fear i think). I could feel that little baby is pushing down and had the feeling that he's coming out! Told baby to guai guai wait for daddy's return. Did some last min packing of my hospital bag and got myself changed.

My MIL and WR arrived at abt 11.10am. Told them I can't wait till YC's return. Hence we headed to hospital and informed YC to go there directly.

On the way to hospital, I called Jenny to inform her and that I could feel that bb's coming out anytime. Jenny said Kenneth is at the Woodlands Clinic and would call to inform him.

Reached Mt A. Put on wheel chair and was pushed to the deliver ward immediately. It's 11.42am then. I was already fully dilated but gotta wait for Kenneth's arrival. Hence, I had to 'dong' the intense contraction for another 20 mins. Kenneth reached at about 12.02pm. He broke the waterbag and I was asked to get ready to push when the next contraction comes. Finally, Bb came out at 12.06pm after one push and i was glad that everything was over.

YC and my mum commented that little bb looks exactly like Cherylin when she was born. :)

Checkup on 30 Jan

Went to see Kenneth today as scheduled. Kenneth exclaimed that I'm already 2.5-3cm dilated. Can be admitted on Thu or Fri for delivery! I don't quite believe him and wanted to drag till a later date. Hence, Kenneth suggested next Mon or Tue. Told YC and me to think about which date we prefer and let him know in the evening.

In the end, we decided on next Mon, 4 Feb (i.e. we will go to hospital on Sun midnite). I was thinking to myself, can I wait (or rather can bb wait) till 9 Feb instead? :P

When will bb come out?

Went for checkup on last Sat (26 Jan). Kenneth had been telling us that he will do a VE from week 37 onwards to check for dilation. As it's my second time, Kenneth is more cautious to make sure I'm admitted for delivery when my cervix is already dilated (since 2nd birth can be quite fast and he doesn't want me to garang garbo).

Bb is growing steadily and weigh 2.709kg at week 37. Kenneth checked my cervix and said that it's 1 cm dilated. So I may well pop next week! Gosh, I'm still not mentally prepared for the early arrival of my bb. Still thinking of enjoying CNY first before going on ML :P Will be seeing Kenneth again on Wed, 31 Jan. Believed by then will have a clearer picture of whether I really will pop later the week.

Visit to Alexandra Fire Station (19 Jan 08)

Thanks to Sandy who organized a visit to the fire station for the Feb 05 mummies. The session started at 10am and ended around 11.15am. It was a nice experience for everyone, from the kids to the daddies. YC, especially, enjoyed the visit very much from the way he participated in the activities: spraying of the water nozzle, taking the ride and going up the gondola. Cherylin on the other hand kept saying ‘怕怕’ and sat in her buggy for 90% of the time. She enjoyed watching daddy go up the gondola though. Every kid was given a key chain and a fireman hat as souvenir.

1st Day at Playgroup

YC and I took leave to accompany Cherylin to her playgroup session. Wanted to just 'dump' her there but realised it was impossible to do so as she kept clinging on to me! Hence, I was with her throughout the 2 hours. As there were other parents/caretakers around too, I don't feel that bad staying back with her. It's also an opportunity for me to know what goes on during the 2 hours that Cherylin is in class.

The kids started off with playing with blocks. They were then asked to sort the blocks in colours and put those of the same colour into a container. It's snack time at 10am and all the kids were asked to wash their hands. Cherylin went to the sink, washed her hands and came back to her seats. When all the kids are done, the teacher and assistant distributed the snack (they were having the Want Want Rice Cracker on that day). Cherylin had 3 pieces and wanted more. Told her she had enough for the day. The kids then drank from their water bottle before they were asked to place the water bottles back to the shelves.

Following next were songs and story telling sessions. Somehow, Cherylin preferred to observe from the back instead of participating. Knowing her character, I tried to encourage her to participate but didn't force her to do so. After the lesson had ended, the kids started to wear their own shoes. Cherylin happily put on her shoes, carry her backpack and got ready to go. They were lined up in a straight line before going off. Cherylin waved bye bye to the teacher as we left.

The afternoon was spent in Orchard Road with my mum. We had lunch at Grand Central Restaurant and went shopping thereafter at Robinsons and John Little. Took a break at Ah Mei at Paragon before heading home.

It's a well spent day with Cherylin. Luckily I heeded YC's advice to take a day's leave instead of just half day. :)

Swissotel the Stamford

Yippee! The day that I had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Went for gynae checkup early in the morning (29 Dec). Bb’s growing well and weight 2.137kg at 33 wks. J

We planned to take MRT to City Hall as the hotel doesn’t provide complimentary parking coupon. It would be too expensive if we were to drive there. Reached City Hall at 12.20pm and we proceeded to The Plaza Market Café for our buffet lunch cum hi-tea. The spread was quite good. Cherylin munched a little here and there as usual. We redeemed a wine using the Feed at Raffles voucher. Cherylin was talking about Christmas tree that she saw earlier. But I had no idea what she was referring too cos I don’t see any Christmas tree around (furthermore Christmas was over). YC took the miniature Santus Claus and Christmas tree for Cherylin from the new log cake that was being served at the buffet table. Only then I realized that Cherylin had earlier saw the Christmas tree on the log cake and was taken away by another kid. :P

At 2pm, YC brought our overnight bag and went to check into the room. After the meal we went to the room. It’s very spacious. The king sized bed was much bigger than ours, must be those super king sized type. Cherylin run around the room, enjoyed the scenery from the balcony. I was rather tired and took a nap. As I was half a sleep, I knew that Cherylin was jumping happily on the bed as I was napping. Gotta tell her constantly not to jump onto mummy. Hee..

We went out of the room in late evening. Went over to Suntec City. Yung Chih bought a grilled chicken from Carrefour for supper. I was still very full so didn’t had any. He and Cherylin shared the chicken. We stayed till quite late. I slept at about 1am while YC stayed on till 2am as he was watching a movie.

The next morning, we lazed around in the hotel room before heading down to the swimming pool for a walk. There were lots of people there and Cherylin enjoyed herself just by people watching. Wanted to stay on watching when we told her that we were leaving. Cherylin was very happy whenever she’s in the room. She can easily entertain herself by running/jumping here and there. Told me next time she wanna stay in hotel room again!

We checked out at 1pm and proceeded to Marina/Suntec. Had lunch at one of the restaurants at the fountain area. Wanted to arrange dinner with my mum and bro/SIL but YC said he’s tired and wanted to go home early to rest (sounded as if he really just came back from a holiday trip :P). Hence, I dropped the idea and we had my long awaited Milo Dinosaur at Coffee & Toast before heading home.

Xmas Day!

We went to Vivocity today as we were planning to visit Sentosa. Decided against the idea when we reached the Sentosa Visitor Centre. The queue for the monorail is so long and the weather looked as if it's gonna rain any time. Hence, we decided to just roam about in Vivocity. Brought Cherylin to Toy r Us to look for the Thomas the Train handphone which she had been asking for. YC bought it for her as a gift though she already had lots of handphones at home.

YC met with his family aXmas t the void deck of the relative's house at abt 6pm. We then proceeded to the venue. Soon after we arrived, Xmas carols were sang, prayers made and the feast then started. The food was good. I especially liked the walnut bread and the curry. Cherylin had her fill of honey baked ham and beehoon. She had a fun time at the playground playing with fireworks and the slides (YC accompanied her). Before we left the place, Cherylin was showered with little Xmas presents. She happily opened up all the present when we reached home before she got changed and went to bed.

Cherylin is beginning to enjoy the festive seasons more as she grows older. She loves the song "Jingle Bell Rock" and kept asking YC to play (repeatedly while in the car). Another few of her favourite xmas songs include: Santas Claus is coming to town and Jingle Bell. :)

Xmas Eve

Part 1

My dept had the Year End Party on Xmas Eve. Brought Cherylin to my office this morning to join in the party. As I had prepped her days before the event, she was ok when we woke her up and changed her (no fuss/resistance, phew!). Took the MRT to work and Cherylin guai guai sat on her buggy.

Cherylin saw the tray of chocolates when she entered my office. Angie kindly brought the tray down so that Cherylin could select the ones she likes. With Cherylin around, I could hardly work. Briefly went thru my emails and before I know, it's party time!

During the 2 hours of fun, Cherylin was rather obedient; sat quietly on the chair (as I've told her she can't speak loudly at the party. keke). She ate some food and got a big pooh bear from my colleague (she kept saying she wants the pooh bear when my colleague won the lucky draw prize and my colleague gladly gave it to her!). Lucky star must be shining on me that day (and of cos my little baby and Cherylin must have brought me luck too), I won the 6th prize in the lucky draw, it's a Siemen Digital Cordless Phone. Something which I had been been eyeing for.

Went to meet my mum after knocking off from work (it's half day today!). Cherylin slept while I pushed her to Suntec City in her buggy under the bright hot sun. She woke up upon reaching MacDonald's and had her favourite MacDonald's fries before we left for shopping at John Little.

Part 2
YC came to pick us from Holland after work. We had potluck and gift exchange at YC grandma's house. Cherylin feasted on the turkey slices and honey baked ham, and happily went around distributing candies to the kids in the house. We got ourselves a pooh bear tissue box holder, towel, milo, cup and plastic containers during the gift exchange.

BBQ

The weather had been wet of late. Were telling Cherylin to pray that it won't rain so that we could have a BBQ in the evening. The sky was great in the morning and early afternoon. However, it started to pour in the late evening. We arrived at my brother's place at 615pm. It was pouring then hence we waited in the house. The rain stopped after a while and we thought we could proceed with the BBQ. Who knows, it started to drizzle when the guys were starting to BBQ. The rain started and stopped several times and we ended up going to and froth the BBQ pits numerous time. Nevertheless, Cherylin enjoyed herself playing with the umbrella, sparkles, and running/playing with Jiu Jiu. Jiu Jiu and Jiu Mu bought her a Strawberry Shortcake Trolley bag as her Xmas gift. She already had one such bag previously when we went to Perth in May this year. When I asked "which one do you like?", she replied "Liang ge dou xi huan" :)