Selamat Hari Raya!!!

Before we start the day wif visitings n good food, just wanted 2 wish everyone a simple greeting.

"Selamat Hari Raya! Maaf Zahir & Batin". Salah dan silap seluruh tahun harap dimaafkan, makan dan minum harap dihalalkan, kalau ada yang tersinggung dan terlebih harap di lupakan. Akhir sekali, semoga berbahagia disamping keluarga yang disayangi. Jumpa lagi tahun hadapan!!!

I'm sure I will get 2 snap lots of good new year photos n vids 4 2day. Hopefully I can load them up soon. Meanwhile, happy eating n drinking n merry-making!!!

Its Saturday morning n I can forsee that this weekend will be a tiring one too. Why? Coz Hari Raya's round the corner n knowing me, I feel the need 2 scrub, dust n clean the whole house spick n span. Why do u ask am I doing the whole works when we know we r about 2 move? Well, as years past, house-cleaning is a tradition in my household coz it usually gets us (me especially) in the mood. The fasting, cleaning, buying of new clothes n goodies definitely brings about the festive mood.

As years b4, we r being thrifty n recycling what we can coz we dun believe in wastage n besides a lot of stuff r useable n still in good condition. As for my son, I dun think he knows the significance of the occasion but he smiled happily when he tried on his baju the other day. He wouldn't take it off (I had 2 pry it off him!). I'm glad he enjoys wearing his baju coz its long n thick n I'm sure he'll sweat plenty too. I'm trying 2 instill in my son the little traditions that we practise as a family. Thou I'm not the all-out person that most are, I do revel in the little things that marks the occasion. Like wearing the baju kurung, making or buying kuehs, washing the curtains n even mundane things like dusting dusty things. When ours bajus r washed n ironed, all hung up for the big day, its when I feel a sense of nostalgia coz now in our 11th year of marriage, we have an extra outfit 2 iron - Ryan's.

Hari Raya will neve be the same again. Thou Ryan was around last year he was much too young n afraid of strangers 2 really enjoy the new year. I hope this year will be different. I strive 2 be a better photographer this time round as I want 2 get good pictures for the blog ... n of course for memory. Its a wonderful feeling 2 be able 2 go out as a family n now that we have a son, its wildly different ... in a good way. It used 2 me a breeze 4 the 2 of us but wif a toddler in tow its a different ball game altogether. Thou I can't help but feel a bit sad ... for if Megan was here, she would be bout 6 mths old n life would be even more different. I feel a bit sad that she can't be here wif us but I know that she's in a better place. Mummy love n miss you ....

OK b4 I get all mushy again (I dun know why I'm like that these days?) I better go n do some of the housechores that await me. Catch up another time!!!

My angel baby ... reminding me what Hari Raya is all about - Family, traditions, get-togethers, delicious food n most of all LOVE!!! Happy cleaning every one, see u on Hari Raya!!!

My Hubby, My Son ...

Got lots of new pics n vids 2 post, just gotta find the time 2 do it. I realise that I've been rather diligent in taking photographs n videos of my family these days. I guess having a blog "inspired" me 2 record my family life 4 all 2 ponder.

Sometimes its just in the little things that we do - like bringing Ryan 2 enjoy water fountains (or any water feature for that matter). Haha! I guess I just wanted 2 record our simple lives for I know it will pass by soon enough. I just wished I had started sooner 4 it would have been a worthwhile adventure. I know one day when I look back, my son will be a grown young man ready 2 tackle the world n I would be glad that I took up blogging 2 record my son's n my family's journey into the future (or is that the past?).

When Ryan's all grown up n sees this blog, he will be equally embarrassed wif half the things he did as a child but I hope he will be equally touched that Mummy has tracked all his little smiles n it was all part of HIS-story. I love you Ryan! Mummy doesn't say it enough but I do. I love you too Daddy (my hubby Steven). He's been my pillar of strength all these years.

I know I have been blessed by God, wif a wonderful husband. Though we have our ups n downs sometimes, he's been there 4 me when I most needed him. He's been ultra patient when I'm being stubborn, he's been forgiving when I wasn't being Ms-Nice, he's been firm when I was being indecisive, .. he's been my guiding light when life has been so dark n miserable. He's was there 4 me when we lost our baby - through my darkest, depressed days when I couldn't n wouldn't accept the reality that I will never get 2 hold Megan in my arms ever, he let me cry buckets n held my hands ... telling me that everything will be alright. He's been my ardent supporter n listener. He's been my loyal companion n faithful critic (when I needed 2 be chastised). He's been my best friend, all these years.

Its in the little things that he does 4 me n Ryan. Like bathing Ryan when I have stuff 2 do, amusing his son when I try 2 blog online, changing his diapers when its needed, being the clown just 2 put a smile on Ryan's face or even buying a card 4 me 2 say thank you 4 taking care of him n his son. Am I a lucky gal or what!

Steven does almost anything without question n when he sees something that needs work or attention he does it automatically, then tells me bout it. I guess that's the mark of a good man huh. My hubby does things in his own quiet way n doesn't need fanfare nor acknowledgement but he definitely deserves them. He buys my favourite snacks 2 surprise me (especially when I was expecting Ryan), he cleaned our home from top 2 bottom when I came back from hospital from asthma, he writes me cards 2 cheer me up (or 2 tell me he loves me), he holds my hands eventhough we've been together 4 more than 15 years. He's the sweetest most considerate man I know n I thank my lucky stars I met him that fateful day. Now that we have a son, I know how I want my son 2 grow up into.

Everyday I see more n more of him in Ryan n I know no matter what I do, Ryan will turn out 2 be a good man. Maybe its presumtious of me 2 say dis at this time when Ryan is just a toddler but I can see Steven in him. His mannerism, his hyperness, his fingers n toes, his teeth, his eating habits ... but most of all I can see his love 4 me in our son's eyes. If Ryan becomes the man that his father is ... then I know that I did a good job in raising him - a man that loves his wife n family, a man that respects women, a man that sees no shame in saying "i love yous" in cute cards, a man that is loyal, faithful n devoted 2 his family. Like his father, I hope Ryan will be a honest n hardworking man who's not too workaholic (like his dad) n I hope he gets Steven's sense of direction n deft hands in doing stuff. I hope he gets his daddy's "quick-2-pick-up-things" n I hope he'll treat his future wife wif love n respect (just like his father).

Why am I writing all dis down? Because I want 2 remind myself how lucky n blessed I am. I have been rather tough on him lately - snapping n bitching around. We've been having a rough patch 4 the longest time n I haven't been a very nice person 2 be around. I am tough on him n even tougher on myself. I know I need 2 pitch in more n be more patient n more gracious. I know I need 2 bite my tongue when its called for n I know I need 2 be a better wife n mum.

I am eternally grateful 4 his love, care n devotion 2 me and now, 2 our son. Though I don't announce 2 the world, I know I drew a wild card when I married this man. Though I have neither beauty nor riches, I have been blessed wif a beautiful family n a life rich in love ... n for that I will be eternally grateful 2 God ... for giving me a chance 2 love these 2 wonderful men in my life, who love me for all my imperfectness, my ugliness n obsessive-eccentricities.

I love you darling!!!

(OK OK enough mush 4 now.)

Busy Busy Sunday

Wow, today was a jam-packed (hence tiring) Sunday. Early in the morning we decided 2 bring our lovely son 2 'The Airforce Museum'. Recently Ryan has been extremely obsesssseeeed wif the helicopters that flies above our block of flats (we stay near an airbase). Everytime 1 passes thru (he hears them a mile away), he'll say excitedly "copter!" (that's what he calls them). He gets rather upset n has shed many-a-tears when the choppers stop flying.

Though its rather amusing that he loves those helicopters, I'm tickled that he's sooooo obsessed by them. I guess its better than loving soft toys (which he does). I'm glad he's taken an interest (thou its overtly obsessive) in stuff that little boys like - choppers, cars, etc. Maybe he'll love dinosaurs too, we'll just have 2 wait n see.

In the afternoon n evening, we had several house viewings (sooo not fun!). I wish we can quickly sell our place coz we've found a suitable new apartment that we've fallen in love wif. Hmmm ... I'm praying very hard everything works out so that we can quickly move on into our new place. Meanwhile, the viewings continue .... arrghhhh!!!

Here are some photos taken at the musuem. The choppers are all grounded n sealed so as much as Ryan wanted 2 climb in the copters, he couldn't. Thou that put a dent in his masterplan, we could tell he really enjoyed the trip (thanx Daddy 4 promising 2 bring Ryan there, n 4 keeping his word). I will try 2 upload the vid too but I may have 2 do it next time as sometimes it takes eons 2 download them on the server, n then they hang (dunno why). Well, hope everyone had a great weekend too. Take care!!!

Barney, The Dinosaur

I've decided 2 put up a vid of Ryan n his fav ride coz he just looveeessss Barney n he loves the Barney rides even more. The only other thing he loves more is his smelly Barney bolster (it really does emit a "lovely" sour smell - I've tried washing it several times, n the smell still sticks) that he hugs lovingly at night. His best buddy "sleeps" wif him every night, even when he was hospitalised a couple of months ago. I hope 1 day he can go 2 sleep without his trusty Barney but until that day comes, we all just have 2 suffer in silence ...

Ryan loves these biscuits. They are called Organic Healthy Handfuls -Lucky Duckies (Cheddar Cheese). Available in a smaller pack n the box pack. Once u like it, its actually worth buying the box pack as it works out cheaper per gram. They are not easy 2 find, I usually find them at Organic stores n they r not that cheap either but they taste great (n equally addictive). They r not too salty n good as finger food 4 our children. Most kids love them.

My son is virtually "addicted" 2 Delrosa Concentrated Rosehip Syrup. He now refuses 2 drink plain cooled-boiled water or even the organic barley I made 4 him. At one point it seems like Singapore stopped importing it. I started panicking ... badly! What was my baby gonna drink! All our usual haunts like NTUC, Sheng Siong, Giant, etc did not stock it. Now after several agonising months, its back on the shelves of certain supermarts but at an exorbitant price, jacked up (due 2 inflation??). At the moment, I may not have a choice but 2 purchase it coz it's his favourite. I wish he will try other drinks like baby fruit juice or other non-sweetened drinks but alas he's reluctant 2 try, n even if he does, he squirms n squints his eyes. I wanted 2 give him Ribena but hubby refuses 2 let me give it 2 him, saying that it might give him flam (I dunno, does it?). Well, as long as Delrosa survives, I'm OK, at least 4 now.



If anyone has any other ideas on syrups n drinks 4 toddlers, tell me ok. Meanwhile ... may Delrosa live on ........ forever!!!

Arrghh!!! It's been an extremely hectic week. What with medical appointments n running around doing errands, not 2 mention looking for our new place n viewings from potential buyers, its been a very draining week. I wish I can say looking for a new place 2 stay has been fun but the reality is ... its damn tiring n cumbersome! The constant smiling n looking into strangers' homes is not exactly my idea of a good time.

Some of the units we've been to r not even fit for humans, whilst some think too much of their homes, asking for the sky. On our end, its always a "chore" when you have potential buyers coming. The key word being 'potential' - coz many are just wasting their n your time when they cannot really meet your budget or have soooo many weird conditions that you wonder if they are looking for a flat or a magic castle. Frustrating!!!

I can tell you selling n looking 4 a flat aint no picnic. I'll be glad when its over. Meantime we have 2 pray 4 a quick buyer at the right price and look 4 a good home 4 our family 2 live in. God help us ...

Meanwhile, hubby n me r trying our best 2 spring-clean our house in preparation 4 the new year n moving house (its a lost cause I tell u!). Looking at my home, I am throughly amazed 2 see the amount of junk that we've accumulated thru the years. Now wif another extra member in our family, I can already see it piling even more. Not that its Ryan's fault that him mum think that he needs countless outfits - sleeve-less T's, polo shirts, bermudas, etc. Not 2 mention the small mountain of toys, books .... I've lost count.

Special thank you goes out 2 all the fantastic hand-me-downs that baby has received since his birth till now. I can't tell u how much money we've saved from the generous "donations" n gifts from lovely Aunt Rina, Aunt Idah, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Lisa, Auntie Jess n even Kakak Ayra - Ryan loves u!!!

Ryan, Mummy n Daddy appreciate all your love n support - n dun 4get 2 pass us even more stuff u dun need anymore - "wink wink".

Ryan Is A Boy!

On a separate issue altogether, I was reminded again yesterday that some people think that Ryan is a girl. Virtual strangers have commented that Ryan is a "mei mei" or girl. I mean does he look like a girl to you?? Duh! Even if I weren't his mum, Ryan looks n acts like a full-blooded BOY. OK maybe its those long beautiful eyelashes of his but being a girl is more than bout lashes right. A friend commented maybe its because he has a sweet face. Well I hope in time 2 come people will stop mistaking him for a gal but I sure hope he won't lose his sweetness within ... sugar, candy, honey!!!

OK, u be the judge. Here's a look at those famous lashes ...

Ryan's Special Dance

We decided 2 eat out yesterday (our usual simple fare of foodcourt gourmet, mind you) since it was Ryan's monthly bird-day n we usually try 2 humour him by bringing him out 2 "kai-kai" (outing). I managed 2 get a few cute pics of him.

The vid is of him doing his "special" dance (it always cracks people up when he does that).

Today Ryan turned 20 months. Wow! how time flies! It wasn't too long ago when he was still bundled in our arms, gurgling n drooling, not making real sense of his surroundings . Now ... he's a super-hyper-active boy who cannot keep a-moment's-still n constantly challenges the boundaries of his parents' patience n sanity.

As I write this, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. We've made it through this far, with our baby. We've had a tough couple of years (even b4 his arrival) but we're still standing. Infact, I think all the chaos in our live has actually made us closer as a couple. Adversity definitely has made our will stronger.

I dun know ... I can't explain it but Ryan was more than just a child ... he was the catalyst that we so badly needed. He cemented our resolve to be better human beings. I now want to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and though I'm not really there yet, I know I'm doing my darnest.

OK ... I can't go on too long as my little prince is pestering me for attention (so much for being contemplative huh). With a toddler, you steal whatever time you have for yourself but now mummy-duty calls.

Happy 20 month baby! Mummy n Daddy love you lots! Hugs n kisses!!!

Peekaboo

This is a vid of Ryan doing his best peekaboo impersonation (taken at Vivocity - his fav mall). Notice his one legged stand (he does that all the time). Cute huh?

OK OK I can't help it. Here are some photos of my little munchkin. Enjoy!

BIG MEAN MACHINES

Here are some pics of my 2 boys ... driving big mean machines.

RYAN'S FAVOURITE PLAYMATE & BEST BUD

Here are some pics of 1 of my son's favourite person - Kakak! (My ever lovable niece Ayra). These were taken when we took them to Qian Hu Farm to look at the fishes. They thoroughly enjoyed feeding the tortoises & kois. We decided against catching the longkang fishes as I doubt Ryan had the skills to scoop those tiny creatures. Besides some of the kids & parents were like commando-tag-teams, trying to corner those poor creatures into a tight spot just to catch them. I think we'll spare them the torture & feed the fishies instead.

KIDDIE RIDES GALORE

Here are more shots of Ryan enjoying himself at the various rides at Great World City before we saw the fireworks.

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY, SINGAPORE!

OK, this year I was trying to be adventurous & dragged my son & hubby to see the National Day fireworks. Eventhough I enjoy fireworks, I never really bothered about those gigantic crackers until today. I guess as a mum, I wanted Ryan to experience all the simplest things in life - a huge explosion of lights (that was free of charge "wink wink" & easy on our pockets). Unfortunately, half of Singapore had the same idea. We tried to stay and shopped nearby at Great World City coz the idea was to go to Fort Canning Park to see the fireworks. But of course, hubby had a better idea. He said "Let's go to the Padang side". Yah right, half of Singapore thought it was a good idea too. Traffic was snail-paced and the road-blocks were at every turn. At wits end, we ended at Golden Shoe carpark, and decided to walk over to Boat Quay. Here the crowds weren't that bad. Ryan did his "best" impersonation of "The Patriot" but as you can see he has lots to learn - like never to put the National flag upside down. Oh well, he''ll learn eventually.

What we didn't realise was that there was a reason why the Boat Quay area was relatively "deserted" compared to the Padang area. We soon found out the reason why, the fireworks started at 8pm but all we could see were the tail ends of the the blasts. Our view was totally blocked by the huge skyscrapers. Arrgh!!! Unfortunately, Ryan didn't quite enjoy the view because he was overwhelmed by the loud booms. Oh well, we''ll try again next time when he's much older. Until today, whenever Ryan sees or hears anything remotely similar to the fireworks display, he will get terribly upset nad keeps on uttering "Ssccaarrreed!!".

All in all, it still a fun experience though it did feel like a wild goose chase, running after balls of lights in the sky.

A pic of my lil angel, Ryan.

FIRST BLOG ENTRY

Hhmm ....

My first post on my blog. What do I say? Well my sis has been encouraging me to do up a blog since my little rascal, Ryan was born but I've been too busy and lazy to bother. Now the time has come for me to "torture" the world with my endless ramblings about my mundane live, the loves of my live - my husband, Steven n my son, Ryan; my extended family and friends.


I hope that this blog will be able to shed some light on the on-goings in my life - though so ordinary, its the only one I know. Hope if my family and friends are busy, they can always look up the blog and get updated on me and my 2 boys. Well happy reading and take care!!!


P.S : As I am typing this up, my lovable son is busy unraveling the stacks of CDs and passing them to me, with much glee. Ok I gotta go and put them back in their rightful place. Arrgh! ... I had them in alphabetical order even.