bitter, sweet, romantic

Settling-in New Nursery

2008-11-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

Name of nursery : King's House Nursery
Start date : 8 Jan 2009
Age group : 3-4 years old
Teacher-student ratio : 1 to 6 students

This is a NEW nursery set up by King's House school. Yes, everything is brand new!! Gabriel will be the 1st batch of intake, how exciting!!! KHS is a private school for age 4-13, it is a good school according to what I can read and hear. Well, we will see.

Today Gabriel went for his 1st settling-in. I appreciate the effort Mrs Sally Crawley (head of the nursery and the main carer to be for Gabriel) made to arrange an early trial session for Gabriel as he won't make it for the actual trial on the 6 & 9 Dec. This impressed me on the staffs' enthusiasm. Plus Mrs Crawley and Mrs O'Brien were both teacher in KHS junior so with their experiences I have good feeling and confidence.

OK, what happen today.......

free play...

Mummy truly love this picture that Gabriel drew.....he said to mummy he also draw the hair and leg!! Mrs Crawley said this is an excellant work!!! I took this picture home with Mrs Crawley written remark. Can you see the hair and the leg?....artistic eh ;-))

meeting new friends and trying the 'uniform' - the smock, which cost 25 pounds!!! (my jaw dropped when they told me the price!!)

snack time....

Gabriel likes this cuddly doggy. Mrs Crawley took this pictures so that we could talk about 'going to school' while away for holiday.

Yes these pictures will be good help to prepare my son about going to school when we are away for long break in asia. We have great time today. Gabriel enjoyed playing and mummy met other mummies, hopefully we could become closer sometime in future.

Checking around.....the outdoor play areas is under construction, due completion in 3 weeks.

The overall set up is nice, warm and cosy. I like this nursery. I like the teachers. I like what they have to offer. Nice environment BUT really it is how Gabriel would enjoys and how he could learn that matter most. The previous nursery at Happy Times didn't turn out as what I like. It is a nice nursery with excellant environment but the staffs and services failed me. Gabriel didn't like going to school then though feedback said he is always happy. I really really hope Gabriel will enjoy this new nursery, happy and positive.

It is emotional when I look at this picture. My son is so grown up, he is such a big boy now he is GOING TO NURSERY!!!!! How time flew by just that........

I LOVE YOU Gabriel....no words can express how much mummy love you!! You are growing so fast and that remind mummy to treasure every moment with you.

New friend

2008-11-17T15:33:00.001-08:00

Joshua and Gabriel......are they cute??

They met on 11 Nov with Joshua's mummy, Joanne. We all met for 1st time. Joshua is 2 years old - he is one year junior of Gabriel but they are almost same height and weight. I am glad Gabriel played well with Joshua and shared his toys. He likes Joshua and didn't want him to go home. Gabriel was talking a lot about Joshua when daddy was home ;-)

Aunty Joan connected Joanne and me. We met for 1st time and.....

My heart stopped for moment when Joanne told me she lost her husband.

I crashed when learnt that Joshua only seen daddy for 2 months.

My heart cried for Joanne for the huge trauma she went through.

It is heartening and I know.....

I want to keep them close and help as much I can.

Joshua is a very lovely boy, very polite and very cute!!

Joanne is a paediatrician, she is nice, open and friendly!!

For me and Gabriel, we are very happy to know them as friend and playmate. Thanks aunty Joan for connecting us!!

Look at the boys - they are lovely, aren't they?!

....aunty Joan is a widow and is actively involved in Wicare helping widows. She has 2 sons (Daren's cousins), and she has a big kind & warm heart to everyone. She is an extremely lovely lady that I don't think anyone on earth will find anything bad about her! She has always been our favourite aunty!! I am taking this chance to say THANK YOU for all her love and concern to us all these years.

....no childish frivolity!

2008-11-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

knock knock knock.....parcel!!!

This arrived on Tuesday.

This is not a piece of playful toy....neither a childish frivolity.....

It is a device to help track your child in the crowd.

We have been looking for a wireless device that track the distance of our child and found the following :

(1) Helix PS4070

(2) Wireless Child Guard

(3) Bosieboo Child out of Distance Measure

(4) Digital Wireless Child Tracker

After research of each model we decided to get the digital costing 40pounds (most expensive of the 4). I am not sure how user friendly it is but it has all the function we need with additional strap at separate cost to monitor extra kid (up to 4).

I am taking Gabriel away to asia soon so this will come very useful. I am paranoid about kid wonder away from guardian. With my son's passion to play hide-n-seek, this tracking thingy may be my saviour.

Next.....

I-Robot - automotive vacuum cleaning machine.

We got this last month.

My feedback...

Very good. Very useful. Very very helpful!!!!

My advice...

For family with kids and no maid - GET ONE!!!

I-Robot helps unload floor-cleaning work off your shoulder - that says no more vacuum, no more mopping. Since we got this, we program the robot to vacuum every day at certain time. As the floor being vacuum everyday it save the mopping work too!! Honestly it has saved me huge energy and time!!!! Really should have gotten one much earlier. We were thinking to get another robot with mopping function but with the house so small, one machine work well.

Verdict - extremely useful for busy mum who cried for maid!!

A Perfect Friday

2008-11-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was a perfect day for us.

Daren has a meeting in central London so Gabriel and me tagged along...

First Daren dropped us at Harrods at 8.30am. Gabriel and me spend a warm and luxurious breakfast at Patisserie Valeria cafe. It feel like a breakfast meeting with my son - like those white-collar in ultra smart jacket having their cup of tea with smile chatting away with peers, business partner, or boss perhaps?! I feel very good at that time even I was not in that corporate suit - having Gabriel with me at the 'business breakfast' make things special ;-)

Then we head for early shopping at Knigthbridge. Only 45min to spare. It was enough to window shop with a 3 year old.

Next stop - science museum and Daren proceed for 2nd meeting. It was a gracious 2 hours at the museum. This time we cover things in detail - include the flight, space and ship exhibition. Gabriel enjoyed the flight exhibit most!! And of course, the garden at basement!!

Daren picked us at 12.30pm. I was tired but certainly up for good lunch as promise by him. However we didn't eat out but take away - lame BUT it was the right things. We had sushi, a very very sumptuous set lunch at the comfort at home.

Yummmm.......good food, good time!!

Gabriel didn't rest and waited for Kiddikicks class. We were tired but managed to enjoy the kicks!!

I love this Friday, so much we did, so much we enjoyed!!!!

Little heartfelt words....

2008-11-09T15:28:00.001-08:00

Gabriel has been fair in sharing his love....

mummy : Gabriel do you love mummy?
Gabriel : I love daddy mummy
mummy : who is mummy 'bau pei'?
Gabriel : me only!!

We are working for baby#2 knowing it gonna be challenging. To prepare Gabriel for this, mummy started talking to him about baby....

mummy : Gabriel do you want a didi or meimei...
Gabriel : no I dun want didi or meimei...
mummy : why....didi and meimei can play with you, very fun
Gabriel : no I dun want didi meimei, I want the BIG DINOCO!!!!

We have 2 cars. I drive the Honda and Daren drive the AUDI. Gabriel prefer to sit in Honda as mummy has always bring him 'kai kai' in that car....

daddy talking to mummy : tomorrow I need your car...
Gabriel : NO...I dun want daddy drive mummy car
daddy : why...
Gabriel : I dun want daddy drive mummy car because I need muumy car to go tumble tot!!

Gabriel is a crazy fan of Disney car. He has a huge collection of the toys but it never seem enough for him. At Tesco today....

Gabriel : mummy I want to buy the big Dinoco...
mummy : not now Gabriel....
Gabriel : ok...Christmas mummy buy the big Dinoco for me ok....OK OR NOT!!
mummy : ok, is a promise!

(every trip to Tesco Gabriel goes straight to the Disney car section and ask to buy. It is only after long-hard-persuasion and discipline-with-tear that he come to term with 'buying the extra car for special occasion -Christmas'!!)

It has been fun & interesting talking to the 3 year old. I had once worried my son don't talk and now, he is a little chatter-box. I love you Gabriel, you have grown so much!!!!

The summer that just slipped away....

2008-11-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

A sunny day at Richmond Deer Park.....

Beautiful blue sky......

A perfect day for cycling....

At home....

Gabriel enjoys reading recipe book.....

Entertaining himself.....

Funny shot....

A Friday nite out dinner with daddy - he was so happy!

FARM HOUSE......?? nah......

A FUN FAIR!!!!

This is interesting.....

A beautiful day at Pool by the Park....

All things children....

Daddy & mummy love it too...but too hot for mummy!

This is cool!! Look what great fun he had....

Going to School.....

Farewell to Jason, Ayako and Keita....they went back to Japan.

GOODWOOD Festival of Speed

The keen admirer....

The junior....

Couldn't resist.....who could?!

Looking lame with the racer.....he was tired.

At Cambridge Park, we go there often for outdoor play

This Disney Car set of ball & bag is a gift from grand aunty Alison

Happy Sunny smile....

All time favourite - cycling!!

Garden work at home.....

My son love to water the plant and we do it everyday when it is sunny

Trying the new pair of jean....not nice, I returned it but Gaby looking good in this pic!

Funny shots.....

Taken in Old England Hotel at Lake District, this my favourite - he is so cute!

Intimate reading time with daddy....

Benjamin and Gabriel at the hotel lobby.....

August with uncle Lawrence & family.....

Summer is gone....Gabriel wonder why so fast????

updates...

2008-11-08T15:36:00.001-08:00

Long overdue updates on our side...

This summer (hardly summer!!) was busy entertaining. After our trip to asia in May to early June, we set home ready for our 'guests'. We have visitors in a row from June to Nov - and just sent off last batch of guest on Monday. Oh before May, we had seen visitors from Singapore & US in April. Happening eh....

Gabriel was super duper excited having more people at home. It is more busy than usual when you have guests around but really truly....we had WONDERFUL TIME TOGETHER!!!

in June - we had Wei Kiat & Pek Shaan from Philadelphia, only short stay of 4 days. WK is very good with kid and Gabriel LOVE to play with him and yes, he still remember uncle WK! WK & PS has been our weekend dim sum 'kaki' in UK, gone were the good times but Gabriel is eating so well now that having dim sum with him is - FUN!!

in July - we had aunty Alison and Clarinda from Singapore. A week with us and I took the sole responsibility to bring them around - my 1st driving out of London, I didn't lost my way!! We had WONDERFUL time together, the singing and dancing at home was particularly fun!! Gabriel is attached to Clarinda, every morning he would run into her room to wake her up...

in August - we had uncle Lawrence & family from Hong Kong. Not much entertaining but lot of eating out that week, and we had a BBQ at home - very fun!! We went to Lake District, it was not best time to go (with the rain) but we managed to see the beautiful scene of the lake. I love it!! Gabriel love it too!!!

in September - we had Evelyn and Elinus from Singapore. They were on their one-month- Europe-2nd honeymoon so I only met them 3 times. They were here the same time 3 years ago - when they visited me and baby Gabriel at hospital in 2005!! They are back now for Gabriel's 3rd birthday ; -))

in October - we had the Chia's siblings from Singapore and Shanghai. This is the '1st family holiday'!! For a whole week we only eat, talk, laugh, shop, picture, travel. It was GREAT time bonding!!! I became a London guide and also drove them to Stonehenge and Salisbury. We went to Bath and love Sally Lunn!!! Gabriel, without saying, was over the moon but I find him more mischievous than usual - too excited ! When all gone, he asked me 'mummy where is everybody....?' He miss all the uncles and aunties plus some of the grands'.....

NOW, NOVEMBER......

Uncle Lawrence came the next day after all guests left. Daren continue to run the marathon. For me, it is all quiet since his visit is purely business. However this is time to clear backlog, prepare gifts to bring home in asia, meeting up friends before I set for my holiday in Dec. Hmm....I think I will continue to be busy for while.

Flossers

2008-09-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

Just when I was wondering how to floss Gabriel's teeth, I found this amazingly CUTE flossers in Tesco. I grasp 2 packs as they are in sale, down from 1.29 to 49 pence!!

It say the flossers for age 6+ BUT.....

We tried them, it WORK for age 3 too - of course mummy have to do the job nicely!! Actually it work much better than the usual floss, easier to handle and get the little one to co-operate.

Gabriel is very happy to choose from the bag of flossers that come in different colour and shape, obediently letting mummy do the job, and eagerly looking to the next flossing!!! Take a look of the tiny flossers, they are very cute...

The next day, I bought another 6 packs from Tesco, before the sale end!! The flossers is for one-time use, I find it too cute to throw after use so I cut the string and keep the handle for future use - they are good for counting, or art work!!

Good buy, I am chuffed!!

1st Dental Checkup

2008-09-18T14:29:00.001-07:00

I brought Gabriel for his 1st dental check-up on the 29 August 2008. The check-up is long overdue - some parents in UK take their kids to visit dentist at their 1st birthday, BUT I think age 21/2 to 3 is just good time because :

(1) more teeth to check ;-)

(2) kids have better understanding of dental check-up

(3) easier to get active kids to sit still during checking

Gabriel is receiving free dental service up to the age of 18 in UK. Being a first timer to the dental clinic, mummy is acting bit "kiasu" by booking 2 appointments at different clinic - to see how the service differ. The next appointment due 23 Sept 2008.

NOT SO GOOD NEWS.....

The check-up discover an early sign of one tooth decay - mummy was more panic than shock about this. Gabriel love sweets and has the most damaging habit of keeping food in his mouth so it is no wonder he has early decay!!

REMEDY to save the teeth.....

(1) clean teeth thoroughly

(2) floss the teeth...doesn't matter he is 3

(3) change to low fluoride tooth paste *

(4) apply a tiny dot of tooth paste on the decay area after cleaning

(5) limit frequency of food intake

(6) limit sweets intake

(7) intensive education of keeping clean & healthy teeth

*Gabriel been using 'fluoride free' tooth paste as he still swallows some of the paste. A dentist friend advised tooth paste with fluoride will leave white spot on teeth if kid swallow too much. Now that Gabriel needs the fluoride to save his teeth, I started to insist he spit out after brushing!!

Mummy launched a teeth cleaning campaign at home, Gabriel has been responding well!!

Happy brushing.............

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GABRIEL

2008-09-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Gabriel turn 3 today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY darling!!!

We had a party yesterday scheduled in 2 sessions - morning party with Gabriel's little friends and the evening party with his older's friends. The weather was less than pleasant but we had good fun indoor - crowded, messy but manageable for 23 pax at one session in my tiny nest!

Mummy ordered 2 cake for the party. All Gabriel asked is a chocolate cake, so look at this...

Birthday boy welcome guests.....

Mummy also set up the house with all things party, Gabriel was extremely excited when he woke up seeing balloons hanging rounds the house. He was also very happy to see all the sweets.

We couldn't do garden game and BBQ as the weather was wet. For the whole week before party I was stressed over the foul climate in UK thinking how to handle big crowd indoor (hey I am talking a tiny indoor..) but all things ready really turned out so well! We even did the BBQ with the drizzle of rain - to add to its juiciness!!

The crowd, the fun, the noice.....you know what, the kids are all ready to see who blow the candle first, very funny!! We have to re-light the candle so that Gabriel get his chance ; - )

Family shot, the most 'proper' one - Gab was just too busy to look at cam!!

Gabriel enjoyed himself a lot in the evening sessions too as he has always prefer elder playmate so Ruth, Hannah, Aristide and Charlotte complete his day. We have very nice company in the party, I enjoyed myself so much I forgot to take video during cake cutting....

Gabriel's think the bigger people are more fun to play with, at least no one is fighting over puffing the candle, haha..!

The most exciting moment for Gabriel.......

The 3rd Birthday Party for Gabriel...

Thank you aunty May for the ribs, and to all my guests who made the party special, and for their gifts!! To Gabriel's ku-ku and ku-zhang in Singapore, and dua-pek in Shanghai, thank you for your well wishes and lovely thought cross the miles!!

Also not forget Benjamin in Hong Kong - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, you are 15 today!!!! Thank you for your call and the well wishes, we are thinking of you too!!

...Gabriel - mummy is very emotional at this time because time passes so fast, you have now grown from a tiny baby to a 3 year old, growing too fast. Mummy and daddy enjoy you tremendously, you are a WONDERFUL boy!! May GOD bless you with good health and happiness and fill you with his love.

PHONICS - learning the letters' sound...

2008-07-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

Recently I am doing study on Phonics. I am learning the letter sounds and it is not easy for me, maybe I am too old eh...

Phonics is about learning the sound of the 26 letters and blending the sounds. There are 40+ sounds in English. It is crucial to know all 40+ sounds well, plus good blending techniques, in order to achieve fluency in reading and writing skill.

The logic behind this sentiment? Simple!! - just remember 'sounds make words, words make sentences, sentences make stories, stories make book'

So, if you want to cultivate independent reading in your kids at young age, it is very useful to teach them the letter sounds.

I am no good at Phonics at all, so I am starting from very basic, and....

I make a promise - I want to learn Phonics, do it well enough so that I can teach Gabriel.

I just realized there is a lot to learn, and more to do to teach my son. First thing now, learn the sounds in the respective groups :

(1) s, a, t, i, p, n
(2) ck, e, h, r, m, d
(3) g, o, u, l, f, b
(4) ai, j, oa, ie, ee, or
(5) z, w, ng, v, short oo, long oo
(6) y, x, ch, sh, voiced th, unvoiced th
(7) qu, ou, oi, ue, er, ar

When I first started this learning, I felt very discouraged and scared. But thanks GOD that I was given good supports and resources. Plus lots of free online lessons!! I get back my motivation, hope to finish the whole course, and looking forward to do it with Gabriel!!

...Gabriel - mummy is learning for myself, and more for you. I hope one day you will master the skill of Phonics, and enjoys early independent reading. Love you!

First day, Last day...

2008-07-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

8 July 2008

My hubby's 1st day of 35th....

Happy Birthday to my dear hubby...

Cake from Bonbon Patisseri in Kingston....

A small celebration at home.....

Small but fun, warm & loving....

Birthday kisses.......

...Gabriel is more keen on the strawberry than the cake, good for him!

Last day of Mini Stages in Ham....

Gabriel joined Mini Stages in Ham more than a year ago. We loved the class and enjoyed very much. We are sad it was last lesson on 8 July - Sam is returning school to finish her stage management course, thus terminate the class. I witness Gabriel's growing with Mini Stages, from a timid young toddler to a happy brave little boy in the class. Oh, and the biscuit served at end of the class - that was Gabriel favourite!! We made good friends in the class, and we said we will try to keep in touch!! Now that we are not going Mini Stages, I must do more music and dance at home with Gabriel. Or, another class?!

Miss the class, some sweet memories....

It's time to go home now

It's time to be gone

We've sung lots of song

And we've had lots of fun

It's been nice to meet you

It's been such a treat

We'll all come agian

And we'll see you next week

Goodbye goodbye......

I feel sad when we sang our goodbye song - I know we won't be meeting next Tuesday.

I promise to keep in touch with the people in class.

....MORE Packing!!!

2008-05-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

I find myself always packing things...

Things in the kitchen, in the store-room, wardrobe, drawer, every corner of the house!!

So many things to pack and re-pack to save space, to keep tidy......

It is extremely tricky when you have limited storage space and when you keep buying!!!

What to do????

I said - move to a bigger house!!!!

Daren said - stop buying!!!!

Gabriel???? - move house...more toys!!!!!

....at times I can be very sick of packing and cleaning.....domestic help here is very expensive so I have to take up the 'hard' role of cinderella....sigh!

Packing Packing.....

2008-05-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

I am packing for our trip to asia next Friday, also taking chance to do spring clean of Gabriel's barang-barang...

So many things to pack and old things to pack-away.....

I managed to put all together Gabriel clothes (90%) - from birth to 2 years, in one big vacuum pack. Look at the picture, quite neat eh...BUT a scary scene when you inflate the bag, it is tons of clothes!! ; -)

Gabriel's soft play-mat now goes into storage too...

The vacuum storage bag is very useful especially when you are space constraint. They do inflate and become more bulky after a while BUT it allow us to squeeze many things into bag and save space.

Do not trick into buying cheap vacuum bag as they do not keep air tight well. I have both cheap and expensive version and they have big quality difference!!

Happy Birthday

2008-04-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

26 April is my birthday.....

It was uneventful on birthday but something made me warm and touched...

Last month Daren return from Singapore with an early birthday gift from Si Hui - a pair of earring. Thank you Si Hui for remembering my birthday and the gift. The earring is pretty and go well with one of my dress!!

19 April I received another early birthday gift, from aunty Woon Yeow and family - a NIKON D50!! I couldn't believe when I opened the pink-wrapped during the breakfast at their apartment, my heart melt. It was a used DSLR from Jizeng who intend to put the camera on sale BUT they gave me as gift. Aunty WY spotted my interest in photography and believe the camera will bring blessing in my photography skill and decided to share, what a generous gift!! Daren has always wanted to buy me a DSLR but I do not want it early for fear of not able to do well with the camera. With the gift now I have fresh inspiration!! XIE-XIE to AWY and family!!! (I have brush up my technical knowledge, now left the practical part...)

26 April Daren and uncle Lawrence had meeting in Thistle Hotel. Gabriel and me followed and waited for almost 3 hours. I took Gabriel for cycling and we did others things to kill the waiting time. We had birthday lunch at Marriott's Hotel near Heathrow, courtesy of uncle Lawrence who then flew to Dubai after the meal. It was a nice meal together - a honourable meal from PICO chairman eh....

On way to Thistle Hotel....

...riding round the hotel

.....cheeky little chap

....resting - snack time!!

.....CHEERS to 34th!!!!

.....grand uncle training Gabriel with wine

27 April, we had dinner with aunty WY and family at Strada in Richmond, courtesy of uncle James, also a farewell dinner to Jiming who is flying back to Michigan next day. They bought me a cake, a bottle of champagne, cheese from Amsterdam, tulip bubs and pack of cookies for Gabriel (they just return from Amsterdam) Honestly, I am very very touched by their effort, kindness and generosity - not only for my birthday but for all they have given to us. THANK YOU!!! Again, it was a very good meal together - a honorable meal from PICO president....eh..eh......

Gabriel doesn't say happy birthday yet and I don't think he know what is a birthday. Hubby Daren - unfortunately was too busy to prepare anything for me and was still in long meeting on my birthday BUT I know he always love me and have me in heart. He told me what he will buy for my 'late' birthday gift.....guess what he gonna buy for me?!

My birthday wish - I want my family continued to be blessed with HAPPINESS and GOOD HEALTHY and I want to work on my new prespectivesss!!!

Gabriel 1st attempt with CHOPSTICK

2008-04-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today we have dinner with uncle James, aunty Woon Yeow, Jiming, Jizeng and the Poon family at Royal China. Gabriel did something new that impressed all of us....

HE IS EATING WITH CHOPSTICK!!!

...yes Gabriel is learning to use the chopstick for 1st time, and he can use it quite well!! Too cute, it was wonderful and amazing to see him managing well with the chopstick!! I never teach him, he wanted to follow what we do at the table.

I left my camera at home and missed such wonderful experience...sigh. Waiting for Jizeng to upload the picture, will post it later.

Friend Visit

2008-04-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ying Ying visited us on Friday. We had great time catching up, and Gabriel warm up to her very quickly and got attached to her very much.

Ying Ying is now Gabriel favourite aunty...

Play-play in Cambridge Park....

Dinner at Thai Square, we were so stuffed that no one is keen on the dessert - mango sticky rice. SO Gabriel offered to eat!! Hmmm.....

Looking forward to another meeting like this. I appreciate Ying Ying's effort to drive from Bristol to see us!! Gabriel and me will miss her when she move to Zurich and Athens after her wedding in May.....

New Things

2008-04-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

I blow my budget this month...

I almost complete my to-buy list, and I also bought thingssss outside the list - mainly for Gabriel BUT the highlight goes to my piano!!! I bought exceptionally lots of toy this months, good mix of educational, fun and sport - am glad to have found some good sources and materials.

New piano....

New kid on the key....

New bookcase....

Gabriel read most the books on the case, except few on the top shelves. I like to buy book, this bookcase is already not enough to store but the whole purpose of the bookcase is to encourage him to read and choose his book.

New scooter....

keen rider....

I bought the scooter today. Absolutely love it!! And it is very portable, good to bring along when travel!!!

Daren and me always think that he is a very lucky boy - we never have so many toys and books and holiday, and maybe even love and bonding that he is receiving. Our parents at our time where got so much time for us and take us holiday?! And we certainly dun have so many toys and we dun read many books when young (sad fact).

...Gabriel - daddy mummy are jealous!!!...but you are our precious boy we will love for life!! There goes again, I am waiting for the sort n shape to come in stock. ;-)

I took this bike to the bicycle shop to adjust the height - Gabriel has grown!!! OK, is time for another developmental progress report.

You see, the seat is adjusted two-notch higher....

Gabriel is napping and I probably have another half hour quiet time.....

Back Track....

2008-04-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

This post is another back-track...

On 15 Feb, Gabriel fell from bed and hit the edge of drawer. He has a big deep cut on forehead, I rushed him to A&E. He received an instant treatment - the wound was glued back but the scar is clearly visible.

Gabriel has strong tolerance to 'pain'. My heart stopped for moment when I saw blood gushing down on his face. I paniced and started crying. He didn't cried long but was curious to see why mummy looking so panic!

When we return from hospital, he started playing and seem to forget the whole incident. Look at the picture below and you know what I mean....

The next day, Saturday, we went for our usual weekend family outing. At Kingston, Gabriel enjoyed himself at the toy shop, but nope, we didn't buy any toy that trip. The following week was miserable, he was a complete moody brat!!

Daren and me know accident like this will happen at some point of the growing up - especially for boy! It can be a scary experience but when we add all these mishaps, it will be a fun memories to look back and talk about. Of course for now, daddy mummy will keep him safe!!

Snowing in April

2008-04-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today - 6 April ; Weather - 2 degree celsius, SNOWING!!!!

London is in the non-snow zone but I see snow every year since I came in 2002. Today I catch the last bit of the wintry snow - so exciting, albeit the snow stop and melt fast before I can take Gabriel out to play.

Snow in April is weird and temperature drop from height of 14 degree of yesterday to 2 degree today. I really enjoy this kind of fickle climate - interesting.

For today - the most reason to snuggle down warm at home indulging silly again in food!! ;-)

Snow scene in April....

When I am writing this, my dearly hubby and son are napping soundly, I am enjoying the peaceful 'me' time....

Unpleasant Journal 8-29 March 2008

2008-03-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

This Easter was no good. It was freezing cold, wet with scattered snow. There wasn't a sign of spring. And worse, we spent the Easter in hospital.

Gabriel was unwell. I recall what happen...

8 March Sat - we had a lovely day with Jean in central London, and a sumptuous meal at Royal China, all went well until Jean left for Singapore in the evening. Gabriel started to run fever, and threw out food. He looked, suddenly, tired and sick.

9 March Sun - Gabriel running fever, feeling lethargic and grumpy. We had a monstrous nite coz he woke up every 1 1/2 hour, crying.

10 March Mon - recovered after full dosage of Carpol and Nurofen. Gabriel is well and healthy.

11 March Tues - swimming lesson and visited Diana and Lucas. Gabriel starting to feel unwell at nite, we both had sleepless nite due to his stuffy runny rose. I regreted the swim...

12 March Wed - nursery. Gabriel looked sad, tired and unhappy when I collect him...unusual! Daren left for Spore and Dubai that evening.

13 March Thurs - spotted swelling in Gabriel, on both side of his jaw. I thot he put on weight.

14 March Fri - went to GP. Advised to monitor Gabriel further at home. No medicine given, only Calpol to relieve fever and pain.

15 to 16 March - swollen part ballooning....and I was down with flu.

17 March Mon - went to GP, who consulted a senior GP and both GP diagnosed the swelling as MUMPS. I was given 2 pieces print out on MUMPS factsheet and was told there is no treatment, but to monitor sign of complication. I started to retrace how he caught the mumps virus, very confused as he was vaccinated against MUMPS....unless he is pure bad-luck?!

18 to 20 March - the swelling grow bigger everyday, only on the right side but gradually swelling to the left. Despite the pain and mild fever, Gabriel is in good spirit and appetite. He is on Carpol and Nurofen. I cancelled the booking to Lake District. Daren return on 20 March.

21 to 23 March - swelling stop growing but at this time, Gabriel's neck is almost invisible. The swollen part became hard, red, dry and shinny. It was very frightening, very raw, very sore, very painful, as if going to burst...

24 to 28 March - rush to A&E first thing in morning. Gabriel was seen by an ENT doctor. Doctor suspected it was an abscess. Gabriel was send for blood test and scanning. Blood test reveal that it was NOT MUMPS!! Scanning confirm the diagnosis of abscess. Gabriel was instantly given IV antibiotic. ENT doctors decided the need for an incision to drain the nasty fluid collection, which was done on 25 March. Lot of painful wasting of time and energy waiting and waiting for all these to get thru but I feel a sense of relief - to know what wrong with my son and he is under good care!! We were finally sent home by the doctor on Friday nite. 5 full days in the hospital, it was tough but there were warm and friendly memories.

29 March Sat - Gabriel is now on oral antibiotic. The swelling has gone down a lot but the wound is still raw. Need to book a practice nurse on Monday to clean and change the dressing and follow up review with doctor at the hospital on Wednesday - to examine for sign of recollection of the fluid. The main cause of abscess appearing on Gabriel is due to a very nasty virus infection that got out of control. How he got the virus, I don't know, neither the doctor.

So.....

No Lake District trip. No Easter egg hunt.

It was a stressful and tiring Easter.

I pray, Gabriel will heal on the part that is not well. And I thanks GOD for his enormous energy and his bravery. Honestly, he is stronger than I was. The whole episode - I was scared and worried to sick.

Today we took Gabriel to Cambridge Park in Richmond - to keep our promise for his request to go to park to 'whizz down'. He was having a wonderful time breathing fresh air and running all round. Look at the picture, he look very well isn't he...yes, that is my boy!!

A Nite Without Daren

2008-03-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

Daren left for Singapore today, then to Dubai. He will be away for 9 days (8 nights). No fun having him away, Gabriel miss his daddy, I miss my hubby.

I was jotting my thing-to-buy list....gosh, there are so many things to buy this months. I think I have a big shopping bug in me!!

My list goes this way - monthly health supplement (this is ok, it is a necessity), digital piano (this one cost a lot), printer (to replace the old),bookcase (I have been looking for one, now found one), scooter (it is an extra since Gab already have the LikeaBike, may delay but I like it leh...), art easel (may delay too coz Gab maybe too young for it?!), art & craft (since ELC on 20% spring offer, time to scoop up paper, scissors, glue, xxx...), mug & cup (one of Montessori game - pouring water), jacket (for Gab and for myself, if we can get one)

Quite scary when I look at the list. I think about my hubby......that he is working very hard, very stressed, to provide for family. Oh really missing him now....

He just booked a 3 nites B&B in Lake District for the Easter, look forward to the trip!!

Feeling lonely now....ai yaya....

Cheering to Potty Success!!

2008-03-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

After a long-time potty training Gabriel, I finally get a positive response from him!!!

If you are a parent like me who been thru hundreds hours of patient time sitting in potty with your offspring, cleaning up messy smelly shit and 24/7 worry of accident....then it is time to toss the champagne - when my boy did the 1st right potty thingy!! (at 2 1/2 year old, woohoo!!)

Call me a Gina failure but I swear it is never easy and smooth sailing. 'Potty Training in ONE WEEK' is a joke to me, never will I have this luxury, unless I have an army of help, perhaps!

Wednesday was a miracle....

Gabriel told me he wants weewee and was willingly sitting in potty but nope, nothing happened. Again he asked for weewee so I took him, sat with him, encourage him and....HE DID!! 1ST POO ON POTTY!!!! He was confused but certainly proud of daddy mummy big applause and looking very chuffed to be able to flush the toilet.

No star chart award, but flushing the toilet and cleaning up the potty mess seem to be the incentive for him .....very sweet rite???? He is indeed, he looked so cute when he do the clearing up job in the potty. I never expect this, it is a bonus!! Now he feel excited when the need to wee so that he can do something adult. Daren and me praise him dearly for every success!!!!

We are very very happy. This is a breakthrough for the last MANY MONTHS OF HARD ATTEMPTS & STRESS.

This morning, he did another poo on potty....I was smiling in my heart, feeling warm.

Gabriel is not 100% yet but we see positive responses to the ultimate goal, pretty soon....woohoo!!

....@20th month, training to sit on potty.

....@ 2 1/2 year, starting the real potty biz.

....biz done, the proud boy!!

....a smiling & warm reward, from 'My Wee Friend'.

The training process....

Well done Gabriel!!

CNY 2008

2008-03-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

We celebrated CNY 2008 in asia. It was a very warm, fun season and it is my favourite - doesn't mind I spent thousands of dollars on ang-pows and new goodies. It is fun fun fun!!

Great seeing family and relativesss!!

Great meeting friends though not many I met!!

Great soaking in the festive mood eating luxuriously!!

I LOVE CNY, doesn't matter it add another digit to the age....

...Gabriel, for every new years to come, mummy wish you happy & healthy!!

...my dear hubby, I wish you a smooth sailing in your work and most importantly, good health and our romance continue to blossom!!

Sweetheart mummy...

2008-02-27T15:39:00.001-08:00

Today my son was demanding for snack from the outside gate at kitchen. It was a usual thing - he doesn't like the idea of mummy staying in kitchen while he is out and decided to make mummy life difficult.

But today was different....

I heard him saying 'mummy pleaseeee.......sweetheart mummy.......' when he asked for more tomato.

My heart melt. It was the loveliest thing happened to me in the last 2 weeks. He is drop dead GORGEOUS & SWEET!!!!!

I can't ask for anything more in life, except....perhaps....another gabriel??!!

Long silence...long holiday

2008-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

A long silence in my blog.

We have been away to asia for 2 months, from 29 Nov 07 to 10 Feb 08. Long holiday eh....but no, it wasn't a relaxing holiday at all. Quite stressful and tiring with all the pack-n-go trips between Spore, Msia and China. But I must say, it is WONDERFUL seeing family and friends. I want to say sorry to friends that I didn't meet this trip, miss them a lot but with Gabriel, really can't do much.

There is no internet access in my KL kampung so I stop doing anything online....now back to my life in UK, kinda enjoy the IT freedom - just completed a purchase with Mannatech and GLTC...hehe..

Lot of things to sort out in place, and the house is overhead by spider's wed....and Gabriel gave us a BIG SCARE on Friday - he fell from bed, hit hard to the edge of drawer.....a big cut on his forehead, bleeding heavily, scaring me to hell. Rush him to A&E and he was treated immediately, no stitch but glue, it was bad enough to put me in tear!!!!!!

Meal Time Battle

2007-11-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

Recently I found myself in constant battle with Gabriel during meal time. I also found that I am getting a lesser degree of patience with my boy, so there is lot of stressful times.

My sweetheart is becoming very very fussy with food. Gone were good days he ate everything -I was once proud mummy of my boy being a keen & easy eater. BUT NOW, thing is at opposite end - he choose his food extremely carefully. That say -no carrot, no pea, no broccoli, no blueberry, no apple, no kiwi, no courgette, no tomato, no sweetcorn....gosh, it is awful if I go on the list. He watches every spoonful of food going into his mouth, any green or red he spotted declare start of food-battle or end of meal time. He is so picky, so choosy, so fussy that it is so difficult cooking for him and even more stress when he reject my yummy food!!

His favourite food now are very limited... yogurt, peach, cheese, meat and he can eat them for a meal. I don't like his idea. So I decided to change approach - if he refuse my food, then no food for him. I am testing this out, no idea how it would work. Meantime, I am trying new dishes, it is difficult when you only have so little choice of food. sigh..

Oh another thing, changing clothe now also becoming a big challenge. Imagine a 2 year old refuse to wear this jumper and insists on the other jacket?! Or one bringing a pair of jean to you demanding to change so that he can go out?! Or refuse to cleaning up because they thot after cleaning up will be nap time??!! oh....all is real, no joke. And it is very frustrating when you want to get things done.

Fortunately, daddy always has this magical authority to get him co-operate. Daren's been my saviour during these battles but I am starting to wonder how I can cope without Daren on the upcoming trip to asia in Nov?!

Little Artist at home

2007-10-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to do some art work at home with Gabriel so there I went for my little boy's art shopping at ELC. I got some basic art equipment and a very nice art apron (I like it myself!). So there it goes.....our budding artist Chia junior.

Will show his work in future post....now just warming up to the fun but mummy has well prepared for the big mess!!

Embarrassed but Not Wrong

2007-10-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

I took Gabriel to St Stephen church last Sunday. It was our 1st time to church on our own. Eunice, Ruth and Hannah were there. Gabriel refuse to stay at the Creche so I took him with me at the service. He was good, surprisingly, but his patience ran out in the mid of the service.

I took him back to the Creche, and met a new friend there. Then it was time for the Christian's tradition - 'the bread and the wine'. they called it Communion. Honestly, I didn't know a thing about this. My new friend said to me to go out with her if I want to receive blessing, so I did.

At the stage, I followed what others did, together with Gabriel. I put Gabriel's hand out and the Christian people put some bread on Gabriel's hand. My little boy ATE THE BREAD AND BURST OUT LOUDLY- 'MORE', AT THE STAGE!!! It was completely embarrassing!!!! Then followed by the wine - it was offered to me but I didn't know what to do so I said 'I don't know what to do....'

I felt completely silly and ignorant but I know in my heart, this is not wrong.

I am not a christian. I am not any religion. I am open to all good teaching but for some reason I feel there is one very powerful person over me - watching and guiding me....I like to find out more.

Mummy the chocolate is so yummy...

2007-10-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Daren came home from Cannes with 2 huge block of chocolate. Our dear son wanted to eat but I said to him "honey, no, this is not for you, you can't eat this, and it is dinner time now".

Then, I was doing the washing up in the kitchen while Daren in the room doing some work, Gabriel was sitting quietly on the high-chair at the dining table.

It was extraordinary silent, I came out from kitchen to find this.......

He tore the nicely wrapped chocolate and helped himself to the sweet - happily munching the big chunk of Toblerone - the 100 years limited edition 'Fruit n Nut'. Before I can say a word to him, he happily raise thumb-up to me - telling "IT IS YUMMY"!!!

He was just too cute for me to get crossed!! So there, his 1st bite into the Toblerone...

Good day Bad day

2007-10-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

I had a very good day and a very bad day over the last 3 days.....

ON SATURDAY, I went out with my 2 lovely freinds - Michelle and Patricia. Daren stayed home looking after Gabriel and for Michelle, Gavin took over the job (what a great husband they are eh....we certainly are very proud wife!!) We went for Spore buffet at Royal Garden, it was a good pamper indulge in the vast variety of Spore food (though I must say the food at the buffet weren't great) We had LOT LOT LOT of FUN catching up - chatting away sharing our ups and downs in everyday life, girlie talks from beauty salon to mowing lawn, lot of laughters, jokes & fun, shopping, coffee....it was truly a GREAT GIRL DAY-OUT!!! I enjoyed so much that I wish we could stay longer (and wonder why we hadn't done this earlier???)....never mind now we promise to meet again next month!! woohoo....

Michelle, Patricia....you are just wonderful. Our friendship is very magical.....we don't know each long and don't see often but we are so closed and comfortable that we can talk literally everything and anything. Michelle is right - 'we have the chemistry'!!! Thank you friends, you made my day - a wonderful day I truly enjoyed!! We parted at High Street Kensington station after cup-of-coffee at Nero, each to our own way home carrying tons of fun, sweet and warm momeries....only waiting to meet next soon...

ON SUNDAY, Gabriel gave daddy mummy extra shots of stress and troubles. We spent the morning at A&E - he has this minor injury turned virul infection that cause open wound on his face. It spread very quickly, really scared me and Daren. Doctor said it was a skin virul infection, and it is contagious. Gabriel was put on antibiotic for 7 days, 4 times a day. And no outdoor activity until he is well. He refuse the medicine and is not easy to trick him. It was my 1st time handling a situation like this (Gabriel used to love medicine...) I was madly calling for help on how to make him gulp down the medicine.....it was extremely stressful on the Sunday, indeed....a very bad day after my wonderful day out with my girlfriends!!...sigh

Anyways, Gabriel is recovering well, the antibiotic work magic. The thing is he has to finish the whole course so that say - another 5 days of medicine-battle...oh dear...anyone any brilliant trick?!...I mixed with ice-cream, no good, he is too smart!

Gabriel's Developmental Progress

2007-10-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today, Gabriel is 2 year 1 month old. This post is written on his developmental progress.

Height - 83cm

Weight - 12kg

Language - Gabriel comes pretty slow in talking, and nope, no sentence yet! His mini vocabulary consist : daddy, mummy, baby, wah ma, yiyi, koko, meimei, kaikai, car, carkey, door, go, out, eat, dog, cow, mau (cat), hou (hot), cool, clock, no, more, nomore, moon,me, meat, star, nice, please, peach, pear, bread, ball, bubble, bee, book, toot-toot (train), teeth, gurt-gurt (yogurt),tea...and many more of his own kiddy words!! Recently we notice he is saying more words and is more keen to talk...

Motor Skill - His physical development is more advance than his linguistic intellectual. He is a very brave and confident child and not afraid of falling. His limbs/eye co-ordination is good. He can eat by himself and hold fork & spoon pretty well. He tends to use more left hand than the right - we will monitor this...

Understanding - He understands far more things than he can say. He can point to his body part to my demand but do not say any of them. He understand instructions, and most importantly, he understand his boundary and recognise the power of authority (especially from his daddy) -of course he is continually testing his limit from time to time which drive us mad!

Likes - food (Gabriel ENJOYS FOOD A LOT!!), car, ball, penguin, bubble, bath.....daddy is his all-time favourite play mate and mummy his full-time on-call-maid!!

Dislikes - shower running over his face, mummy shouting and daddy angry.....

Favourite book - Not Now Bernard, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, You are All My Favourite, Guess How Much I love You, Dear Zoo, Bible Favourite Story (with the goggle eye), Good Morning Engine....and many more - I am glad he like books, hope this continue!

Activities - nursery, art, gym, music, swim, play in the park, shopping at Kew retail with mummy, dancing at home with mummy, playing at home with mummy....and DISTURBING mummy!!

Gabriel, my sweetheart....he is getting more cute and fun to play and be with. I am a very lucky mother to stay home to look after my child (albeit lack of domestic help!!!). I truly appreciate the chance to watch Gabriel's developmental progress at every stages. I love the close knitted bond we build. I enjoy watching my son and hubby - my new hobby now is to watch them and spent time together laughing.

Car Lover

2007-10-05T02:51:00.001-07:00

My son love car. He love car a lot...

Everyday he calls 'carkey-carkey' and demands to go to the car.......

He also thinks of car in his dream coz he calls 'carkey-carkey' while sleeping.....

I found a way to please his car-dream and to save taking him to the car everyday......

This is a toy, for budding car-racer!! It is very handy when my little man craze for car, and this is good to keep little girl and boy entertained when travelling for long journey in car

It worked!! See my lovely boy enjoying the new toy......

BUT IT DIDN'T WORK LONG, he soon discover it is not fun as real car.........

There he goes.....can you see the excitement of him holding the car key.......

He love car.....he like them a lot.......

...dear Gabriel, mummy will remember how much you love car. You demand 'carkey' days and nights and you are extremely good spoting AUDI and HONDA on road. Mummy think you will grown up liking car a lot. Tell mummy, by then, what car you like....mummy waiting for the day you can drive mummy around!! For now, mummy will be your driver for the next 17 years...

Welcome Winter

2007-10-03T05:45:00.001-07:00

I turned on the radiator yesterday. For the last six months.....finally it is time to turn on the heating system. Let's welcome the winter!!

I like living in a four seasons country. Really like it!! Imagine....the smell of tree in the spring, the hot & breezy day in the summer, leafs turning yellow in the fall, the crisp and cold in the winter....Though there are likes and dislikes on each season, I still think it is very interesting to have 4 seasons. I like the changing of season. I like the need to dress up for different weather, I enjoy the different style of fashion. There are more to look forward or hope for on the climate, so it is not boring....unlike the all-year-round hot climate in tropical country....sorry I say that even I come from Msia.

Spring is always good, I bet it is everyone favourite!! This summer, unfortunately, hardly a summer-too much rain!! Whenever the weather permit, I like putting Gabriel out in the garden for play. We specially love this mini paddling pool, so much fun we all had!! I can still feel the joys from the pictures!!

It was very nice eating alfesco during the summer. We had meals in the garden, Gabriel love it, and the adults too.

I signed up to the Kew member this summer, so we been to the Kew garden a few times. These pictures were taken with Lisa and baby Aurelia, we had a great day out in Kew Garden!!

These activities are now cease until the next spring. We are now into winter. I am all gear up to the chilly weather, and prepared to take Gab to expereince winter at Kew (since paid, must go again...hehe)

These pictures taken last winter......

I love these winter shots!! Gabriel looking so cute in the puffy red jacket and I guess I did a reasonable good-job in the snaps...hehe...Now waiting for the snow to come, look forward to another winter-wonderland photo-shot!! Maybe a digi-SLR will do me good!?....hmm...Daren would loath to read this.

Time to wave bye-bye to the summer.

We will make the most of this winter!

Enjoy the chill........

Assignment by dear Michelle

2007-09-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

Title : THE AGE THAT I WISH TO GO BACK TO

If you read Michelle's blog, you can read her post on this title. Now I have been tagged by her, and I feel obliged to complete the task. Mind you, this is my 1st tag - I don't know what a 'tag' is honestly. But I decide to continue. Plus, this is an interesting topic, which spur great thought.

I ponder very long but couldn't come out the age I wish to go back. But I say I enjoyed college and university time most. I enjoyed the carefree teenage time, very green, very naive, very happy. I love the powerful energy at that stage. I lived in a very simplify world - see no evil, no pain, no hardship and hardly know what sadness is. I presumed everyone was at their most genuine course for one another, everything build from honesty. I was a very lucky girl, then, never got to worry for money, very very blessed. My days were just to focus on my own life - no family pressure, no peer competition, no aim in life, no dream for future. Just CAREFREE, not the slightest taint of stress. (except the exam madness of course!)

Despite the blank happiness I enjoyed, I did reasonable well in my exam too-not the super grade but enough to get a degree. However, I guess I didn't achieve my grade the smart way. If I turn back the clock, I wish to go back to school time - to expand my study outside the book, set a goal, dream future, do a science degree, finish my piano grade 8!! So given a chance, I WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AGE - to relive my carefree day, to make the aimless days more directional. I enjoyed being a student but I do not like living in complete ignorant of the world. I like to be a more informed, more solid teenager who is able to plan, dream and acheive goal. I like to take my study more seriously, especially English and science. And I certainly want to complete grade 8 piano!!

SO, there is no particular bright period of time I want to go back. If I do, it will be for re-living to make my life more memorable so that when I next write this topic, I will have a direct answer.

For now, I am very happy with the present. Learn to accept the fact of ageing but must live to the fullest, everyday. To many of us, life is just starting to get very joyous and meaningful.

Messy Eater

2007-09-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

For the past many months I was always busy cleaning up mess after every meal, and still, I am!! Not particular happy with food mess but with help of anti-bacterial wipe, I survived. Feeding kids is much easier than kids feeding themselves BUT these 2 issues standing at a very thin line - save trouble, or to encourage independence?!

Look at these pictures....

What do you think?! Food wasted more outside than going in the tummy....so many kids are on 1st option - be fed. I also find this interesting trend - more asian kids are on 1st option than the western kids. Simple rationale behind - the west strongly believe learning through play and play come with mess so mess is good!! Asian, on the other hand, tends to delay exposure to nasty germ in mess?! So many choose to feed to avoid mess plus cleaning.

We took the other route (largely we want our meal-time freedom!!) - Gab feed himself. But still, I find myself busy during meal time - to stop him from playing, throwing, squeezing, spitting food! It can drive any mummy MAD but this is part of learning process, so I have came to term with - 'MESS IS GOOD'!!

Mid-Autumn Festival

2007-09-26T05:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the mid-autumn festival, it was a quiet day, nothing more than normal in UK. But our day was special - we received parcels and warm wishes from family in asia. It was for Gabriel birthday presents, and we also found lot of extra goodies for the festival - lantern and snack!!

Thank you very much to Si Hui and aunty WY, you are very very thoughtful. The electric octopus lantern is very cute, the Mickey lantern is very modern & nice, and we love the magic ducky that light up by fingertip - all are sooooo nice!! Daren asked to keep them all!!! Another heart-warming festive-wish was from A Joan. She wrote us a poem using chinese "ping yin". It took us a long while to figure out the poem (neither of us read well in "ping yin"). It was very lovely, and you know, our dearly A Joan now learning Mandarin, I am very proub of her progress. Thank you for the poem!!

This is cute, isn't it? It sing well too 'twinkle twinkle little star....'

This is mine now....since Gab doesn't appreciate (yet)....

I talked to Gabriel about this festival but he doesn't know a thing and he ignored me ; -(

It is ok, at least he know what a lantern is - he likes them, he played with them but he seems to enjoy more smashing the paper lantern?! ....boy!!

In the afternoon...
In the night after dinner.... Our quiet and chilly mid-autumn day......
When I see the lantern, my thought was full of idea organising a get-together with friends. I know children will be thrill to see the lantern, plus it is fun to have more noise and people on the festive day but nope, I didn't do anything. Shame.....

...Gabriel, you smashed 1 lantern and spoiled the octopus, now it don't sing. Mummy want you to know, you are a very lucky boy. Even we live 3000+miles away from home in asia, we are always in their thought. This festival only reveal how grateful mummy feel.

steamer, grill, bread maker

2007-09-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Now that our kitchen spare us extra space, we bought a steamer, a grill and a bread maker. Not all at once but one at a time. These keep us amused for while but Daren's interest died pretty soon on bread maker. For me, they are savior in my cooking. Steamer is specially helpful in preparing meal for my boy. Most importantly, they are healthier choice of cooking. Oh, not forgetting slow cooker too, these are the MUST HAVE for busy(and lazy) cooking-mum like me!

The grilling machine is superb - it is simple-mess-free to do meat, minus the the fat!! The fat melt under the hot plate, dreadful to see the amount of fat dripping down but you can eat more meat feeling guilt-free. We use it for toasting bread too. We made a modified ham & cheese panini, yummy, Gaby like it!! Daren like the grill a lot. His verdict - fantastic, mess free, fuss free!! Now that our oven is not working so the grill come in extremely helpful....and you know it only cost us 10 pound - from Sainsbury.

Thumb up for the steamer. I strongly recommend if you want to cook easy and eat healthy. It is silly of me not getting it much earlier....anyway, now I steam almost everything, every meal. I promise to keep food tasty and creative with steamer but quite a challenge so my wok still a major part in my kitchen!! I just whipped up a delicious lunch this afternoon - cauliflower cheese salad. Nice, yummy and healthy.

Bread maker - our latest toy!! It is very satisfying when you hold the warm bread in your hand, and the smell of the freshly baked bread is very aromatic - it wake you up, jumping out of bed to eat-bread!! The machine is idiot prove - you follow instruction, get the right ingredients. We can do a lot with the machine, yet to explore... At moment I still find bread from outside taste better (I love British bread!!). Will continue to test and trial until I get 100% right taste and texture. Just bought 2 pack of different flour, let see how it make a change. We bought the Panasonic SD-255, it cost 90 pound, expensive but we are sure we get the right one. This is not a must but if you fancy making your own bread, this is good.

Armed with these new gadget, I want to be an amateur chef. I love baking and cooking, but a shame I can't afford much time after I became a mother. I want to re-new my interest. Now only lacking a maid to do all the washing up ;-))

Our next thing to buy? The "Trunki' for Gabriel.....I think he is a very lucky boy, I never got so many things at his age. These days there are a lot of wonderful mothers eh!!!

My Girl

2007-09-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

I watched a few movie recently, I like this one the most - My Girl. This is a Korean series, a comedy about love and family. I have never like a Korean movie like this one - I like so much that I watch for 2nd time ; - ) My Girl is very un-Korean - you don't cry but laugh through all way until the last bit of show, your heart wrench. A good mix of fun for laugh and moment for tear. The story line is unique, and I really really enjoyed the chemistry between GongChan and YooRin. YooRin (by Lee Da Hae) is so beautiful - she is drop-dead gorgeous!!! I love her images in the show and it make me want to change my outfit for this winter and laugh sweetly like her. She fit impeccably in the role as YooRin, her acting skill is GOOD. I like GongChan (by Lee Dong Wook) for his mature and inflexible self but bring you sense of security and romance. I like the rest of the characters too in the show...JungWoo is cute, YieYie is funny, even the secretary is so nice looking. One last things, the songs are very very nice!! You know, I guess I will probably watch for 3rd time...silly me, ha!!

Legoland - Windsor

2007-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

We went to Legoland last Sunday, part of Gabriel's birthday treat. It was a very nice day out, weather was perfect - warm with gentle breeze. This was our 1st trip to Legoland, we like it!! It is a good family destination, with lot of green for picnic, rides for thrilling scream, things to see, feel, touch and enjoy!! We will visit again next year, and plan to purchase the annual ticket - cheaper!!

Gabriel and Thomas in the souvenior shop...

Daddy and baby in the green...

Mini Legoland - London miniature...

Few things that we learnt from this trip, not to repeat the 'mistake' for next visit :-

...Pack your own food for picnic. We tried the food there, sorry to say, it is completely tasteless!! Sitting down on the green having your own big feast is far more fun!!

...Visit the shops 1st thing if you intend to buy any Lego things!! as in the end of the day, there will be big rush of visitors poping in and hanging round to buy souvenirs.

...Avoid visit at peak period, the crowd is big even during non-peak!! Queueing for ride is a pain, so if you don't mind a few more bucks to spent, get the priority ticket, you can junmp the queue, save the time.

...Bring extra clothes for kids, there are water-fun play area, too good to resist, adult like it too...so why not get wet.

I think Gabriel will enjoy more when he get older, so next year.....I will do all the above, but not priorty ticket. We are not too far away, plus the annual ticket, we can visit anytime!!

Gabriel love the wheel and the car....

The handsome horse-riders....

If you have not planned Legoland this year with your boys and girls, do so soon before they close for winter. It is good time to visit now, sure you have fun!!

Ghost

2007-09-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is a documentary about the tragic of 23 Chinese cockle-pickers who drowned in Morecambe Bay in February 2004. They are illegal immigrant. This documentary highlight the reality of their life - the works they do and the living condition. It gave a clear and honest account of the terrible plight these Chinese immigrants are shouldering. They are burdened with huge debt when they sail painfully to UK - a big sum money the 'traffic-agent' charge for the logistic. This film uses non-actor cast. The people are immigrant themselves and one of the cast, AiQin (one of the lucky survivor), is the real person in this incident. She travelled 6 months from Fujian to UK. It was heart-wrenching to watch her story and her experiences. The cruel separation from her young baby is enough to put you in tear. These immigrants have no social status, no identity, they are a shell the society do not recognise - they are what the documentary named, "Ghost".

We watched this last nite on Channel 4. This is a very powerful and moving documentary. It touch me and Daren very very deep, and put us in extreme sadness for the people and their family. We would like to lend a helping hand but do not know how and where. This film help reflect our life, help remind us we are very blessed to live in a comfortable zone, indeed. So next time when I complain, I must think of people who live far far worst than me. When I see AiQin in the show, I cried. As a mother myself, I can sense her desperation for her son. The amount of stress and fear she carried was enormous. Alone in foreign land in her condition is complete hardship and pain. AiQin make me feel DEEPLY GRATEFUL to able to stay together with my family, in touch with all my love ones.

Daren and me think that this film should be broadcast in China. To let the Chinese know that 'the grass is NOT always greener the other side'. Chinese like to think that the 'west' is easier money but this is not true. The hardship we see in this film tell us it might not worth the cost of leaving family behind, let alone when they risk their life for the extra money?! I hope all 'potential immigrant' can see this film and learn the lesson. For now, I want to hold a minute grief for the 23 Chinese who died in this incident. For their family, we feel extremely sorry, great sympathy for them.

Happy Birthday

2007-09-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

Gabriel turn 2 on 7 September. Time whizz by incredibly fast, two years back I was holding him in my arm, now he is a full grown happy cheeky boy! It is very emotional when I recall my journey as a mother, I feel proud!! Now, everyday is full of challenges, fun and pain. The learning curve is huge and steep but I am very blessed to have strong support from Daren. I won't be able to sail through this far without him. We enjoyed Gabriel from day 1, and our love grow everyday. He bring enormous joys to our life. Happy Birthday Gabriel - our angel, our sweetheart!!

Baby growing at an amazing rate......

...new born

...one year old

...two year old

See how much he has changed - the charm is always the same, only get more cute! His smile is the sweetest things anyone could resist!! Daddy is truly deeply madly in love with him!!!

Gift from daddy mummy....

We had a small celebration at home, very exclusive family time, very warm, very loving. Mummy brought him big presents, daddy took him to Legoland, we went Tooties for birthday lunch and Indian Memory for birthday dinner, plus pre-birthday treat at William Curley - wow, long enough list for his birthday?!...quite eventful huh!!

I made a resolution at Gabriel's birthday - to treasure every moment with my little boy, less angry, less temper!! Time is a cruel factor and only when we live to fullest that we could prove 'past' is fully worthy, with no regret. This is hard. Now I need to tame my temper.

Birthday fun.....

And more fun..............

...Happy Birthday Gabriel!! Daddy mummy want you to be happy and healthy,our love to you is indescribable!!

William Curley

2007-09-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

I ordered a birthday cake for Gabriel from William Curley in Richmond. This time I ordered the Strawberry Frasier - not the signature dish but perfectly pretty to attract me.

William Curley is famous for its die-for-it chocolate and pastry. If you are a chocoholic, it is a must, I think it is better than Godiva. The truffles....melt in your mouth, and not too heavy!! They are very expensive but I assure you, it is worth the taste.

Don't think any girl (boy too) on earth could resist the deliciously splendid look of William Curley goods. So I decided to sit down, have drink and a cup of the chestnut mousse that I have been eyeing! This is a pre-birthday treat for Gabriel, not really, mummy love it too!!!

I love the colour, the look, and the taste...........

See the following expression.......

.....wowowow......

.....ah....yhum....

.....hmmm....yummy!!!

OK, the chestnut mousse is not bad, the taste is good but I don't like the chocolate chunk bottom, it don't go well with the mousse - oh not that I am a chocolate connoisseur ; - )

100% Daddy Mummy

2007-09-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is fun - you can see your child look more like daddy or mummy...the meter determine and let you know. Gabriel is 50% daddy 50% mummy, very fair! And I wish he is 100% daddy brain plus 30% mummy hardwork....superb ideal!! ; - ))

Will do another check next year, see how he grows.

Holiday?

2007-09-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

We just came back from our short trip in Barcelona. Should we call it a holiday?? Mmm...Daren and me ponder for a while and decided it was not - not with a 2 year old, or to be precise, 3 days to 2.

We don't mind the extra trouble manoeuvring our little sweetheart, but because he reach the age of massive exploration, we had 10 times extra effort to get him to listen.

Gabriel fell in love with 'boat' in Barcelona. When he saw them, his mood heighten and he ignored us completely. His 2nd love - car. When he see AUDI and HONDA, he call 'daddy' excitedly to tell us it is daddy's car. If you ignore him, he will explode into a monstrous state. His 3rd love - ball, this include anything come in the shape of ball. If he see any of them, you are in with him for a roller-coaster ball-search ride! SO....on top of our sightseeing trips on foot, our days in Barcelona were to deal with his interest chases, plus his occasional tantrum outburst - by end or mid of day, we were a wreak.

The beach.......

Barcelona beach is beautiful. It was packed with beach lovers, largely holidaymakers. We are not beach person, so no sun bathing. We stroll along the beach while Gaby slept soundly in the buggy. By time we came to end of beach, he woke. I brought him to the beach - for a fair bit of Barcelona-sand experience.

Barcelona is a seafood paradise, but no chilli crab for Singaporean ; - ) Market Boqueria is very interesting and attracting. It is a good place to have seafood the local way. We didn't experience eating in the market, no way with a 2 year old!! We love seafood paella, so does Gabriel. You can find paella everywhere but taste vary largely. We were disappointed as the seafood weren't fresh as we expected. Must go to right place for good taste. This restaurant is good, must rememeber in case we visit Barcelona again, it is call ' '.

We had good time in Barcelona as a family. Most memorable was the nite at the beach, daddy and son were playing catch with the penguin. The scene is warm and beautiful, with Gabriel giggling loudly. City walk was not easy with Gabriel, but the running about at the port proved to be fun, and challenging.

Generally, holiday with toddler is tricky. You get to learn the challenge but before you are able to respond, new things come up. Everytime I said 'this will be last'....but it is hard to say no. Before I recuperate energy, I think for next holiday, swear to be a better one. I must say for all trips we did last 2 year, despite the catastrophes we attracted one after another, we never fail to enjoy our time with Gabriel, however short and exhausting! When you see his smile, your heart melt.

...the following photos are edited, they are my favourite.

We concluded from this trip - no more city tour with Gabriel until he is older. So next holiday we will be planning around Disney....until then, next travel to asia in Dec, visit home.

The slide is a good memory for Gabriel for his 1st visit to Spain.

...Gabriel, you drained daddy mummy completely during this trip but you had good fun. You were excited to see boat, you enjoyed so much at the port. Mummy wonder would that be an indication of you becoming a sailor one day?! Please let mummy know how you think. I love you.

Frequent Traveller Jr.

2007-08-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am bit jealous....baby can travel to so many places at such young age while mummy only get to see the other side of world much later. Daddy said the same but we agreed to take him along whenever possible, it is heart-pain to leave him behind, plus we don't have babysitter. We enjoyed all the trip though there were few minor catastrophes. One particular incident was Gabriel crying non-stop at the last hour of flight back from Johannesburg, the young passenger sat next to us shoot dagger at us, very hostile! As a new parent we care and were panic to calm our baby. But for now, we don't care, baby come first!

List below are places that junior set foot in...

Malaysia - Gabriel was a little star in KL, huge fun with everyone!!
Singapore - home sweet home...another shinning star...good fun too!!
Johannesburg - fantastic trip, better than we can imagine with a 7 months old
Korea - not baby friendly but heaven for shopaholic mummies
Prague - beautiful and romantic, our 14 months old enjoyed running at the bridge
Slovenia - not much to see but what you can see and eat last for life
China - family visit to Xiamen and Shantau, invaluable experiences!
Hong Kong - just a nite for dinner, Gabriel had his 1st taste of lamb at the Jap res.
Phuket - good spot for family, great time at Marriott, we will go back!!

...not much travelling in early 2007, nearest trip coming this Saturday to Barcelona. Another trip to Haikou in December and seeing family in KL and Spore,can't wait!!
Cannes trip in October yet to confirm, finger cross!!!

Kudos to this young traveller!!.....or rather, to the parent!!!

Fretful Mummy

2007-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a bit strange. Everything went as usual until dinner time. Gabriel threw a sudden 1st degree tantrum - rejecting food, crying and screaming for cuddle. He looks sick and weak. Suddenly I recall he fell from highchair this morning. Fear and guilt washed over me instantly - horrible thought of internal head injury flash clear & loud in my head. Daddy managed to cuddle him to sleep....I told Daren about my fear and he said it can't be. I was not assured so I keep checking to make sure he is alive....Yes he is breathing hard - good boy!

This is the silly mummy who always think the worst when things goes wrong. Gabriel is just tired - after a 40min swim and a 50min play in the park. It is funny to find my over-zealous son to sleep at 7pm (for the 1st time). We feel strange but relieve to have a peaceful nite. Believe it or not, we are already missing him....

No idea what would happen tonite. We are betting he would get up at 1am, catch up his dinner, then back to sleep. Honey we love you, big kiss.....muak!!!

....this is Gabriel new hair style,took him to the salon today - tough job!!

Root Searching

2007-08-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

I have just compiled all my pictures taken last year, and intend to display them on slide. I made a special clip on our trip to Shantau, titled Root Searching. This was the family annual holiday for 2006, taking the whole Chia's crew to visit the family root in Shantau - the Chia's 'kampung'!

It was a very fulfilling trip - we got to see the places our ancestors lived, taste the local food and most importantly, meeting up with the extended family, this include Ah Ma's brother. It was kinda of a family reunion!! Credit to our Chia uncles & aunties who done the retracing to make this trip real.

We travelled from Xiamen to Shantau, 2 hours coach journey. Thankfully Gabriel was not difficult on road, and we had lot of help on hand. I must also say thanks for the car seat specially arranged for him. Everything went well, and we had load of fun!!

The 'Youth Forum' was introduced in this family retreat, where the young are given chance to share their thought, opinion and idea. This is another good bonding especially for the elders to understand the need of the youngs. Smart move!

I look forward to the next family gathering - distance make heart fonder!!

Family Visit

2007-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

My family visited me in May, for 3 weeks. And my mum stayed until August. It was great having them, my house was crowded with noises and mess, laughters and fun. It was amusing watching Gabriel and Fiona playing together, and they fight too. But also scared me and Daren the challenge having 2 toddlers under one roof...no joke!! Miss them...I wonder when they will visit me again. I made my mum promise to come next year(even she is not keen),at least I have a potential visit to look forward to. Lot of fun pictures - sure these last for decades.

...Gabriel - mummy is very happy to see you in Wah Ma's warm cuddle and care for the last 3 months. You had a wonderful time with her. Sometime you bullied Wah Ma, making her goes round the merry to meet your demands, but you never forget to kiss her whenever you kiss daddy and mummy, that was very very sweet!! When you grow up you can see from the picture and video, sure you have big laugh!!

new kids on the blog!

2007-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey I finally did it - my first blog! It has been long overdue!!

Truly inspired by how much we can do in Blogging. I hope to do more on this and transcribe my experiences here - as a keepsake for family! Lot of work to do as I don't know (yet) where and how to start. Need to sort out the picture first!

This blog is dedicated to my son, Gabriel, and hubby, Daren. I am a very lucky women-blissfully gifted with these 2 men. Thanks to honey Gabriel, you gave mummy the taste of bitter & sweet; and for sweetheart hubby, you given me all that a women can ask for. I know our romance will continue to flourish.

Life is very fulfilling when a new life entrusted entirely at your hand. There is no time for oneself with the incessant stream of demands from baby & family. All I need is to sit back, rest and dream.