Life, Love & Family

Its been awhile...

2011-11-17T22:57:00.003+08:00

If you were wondering about Mummy's long absence from blogging, it was largely due to her new job which took up most of her time since December last year and after awhile, she just got lazy and decided to provide updates on facebook instead.

Nonetheless, time does move on and we have just celebrated Ethan's 4th birthday. How time flies!

Here are some videos from our holiday at Club Med Bintan:

We're off...Down Under!

2010-12-08T11:02:00.005+08:00

We took our longest flight yet of 5 hours to Perth this November where we had a week of bliss holidaying. We got to see all the Australian animals (that had been hyped up prior to the trip) like Kangaroos, Wombats, Koalas and Kookaburras. Not to mention, loads of farms animals like sheep & lambs, cows, horses, chickens, and rabbits.

Here is a summary of our journey in pictures!
Perth --> Mandurah --> Margaret River --> Perth

Perth - Wildlife Sanctuary

Mandurah - Chillin by the Pool

Margaret River

- Yummy eats at Berry Farm!

- Having fun at Berry Farm's children playground

- At the Chocolate Factory

- At Xanadu Winery

- At Cape Lavender

- We survived Mammoth Cave!

Strike a pose!

2010-09-17T22:16:00.003+08:00

Evan has been steadily increasing his repertoire of poses in line with his gross motor milestones. Here is a pictorial summary of his achievements:

1) Flipping and Turning
- I got this down to pat at 4 and a half months.

2) Legs in the air
- Not a major milestone but my favourite position by far! Did I mention how yummy my toes are?

3) Sitting unsupported
- I was able to sit unsupported at 5 months. Mummy and Daddy suspect this achievement is due to the steady base I have (in the form of my killer thighs and sexy bum bum)

4) Standing with support
- I love to stand because there is so much more to see when you're standing. Somehow, the world seems different from way up there. This stunt is not for the faint-hearted, all you younger babies out there, don't (and I repeat, don't try this at home.)

One last bonus pose for all my admiring fans out there --> the towkay pose...recall my Kor Kor also fancied this pose back in 2008.
Ethan

Evan

Fun times...by the beach

2010-09-05T22:41:00.006+08:00

Ethan has been down with a lingering cold and cough of late so enclosed air-conditioned spaces and playscapes were out of the question. Where did we go? Back to the sunny outdoors by the beach! We spent the past 2 weekends at East Coast...and it was a blast!

On the second occasion, we remembered to bring along Ethan's tricycle and his sand toys. He had such a blast cycling along and building sandcastles that he didn't want to go home. As an added bonus, they were giving away free frisbees that day and we even had a short game of frisbee.

As for Evan - he had a blast just chillin by the sea and stomping along the beach. Such are the simple pleasures in life! =)

成长,成长...我以成长 (Growing up, Growing up...I'm growing up)

2010-08-10T11:31:00.006+08:00

Haha...I couldn't think of a more apt title for this post to describe the growth we have witnessed in Evan over these past 5 months. Here is a summary of 弟弟's milestones:

At birth
Weight: 2.93kg
Height: 54cm

2nd month
Weight: 6.3kg
Height: 58cm

3rd month
Weight: 7.365kg
Height: 62cm

4th month
Weight: 8.36
Height: 63.5cm

5th month
Weight: 9kg
Height: ??

Evan is a really jolly fellow and is ever ready to offer a smile to those whom he finds familiar. He has started to recognize people now and gets really excited when he sees his favourite toys like his Winnie the Pooh Mobile. (He loves to pull Eeyore down and chuckle heartily afterwards like its the funniest thing he has seen. Don't ask us why.)

He is showing signs of keen observation, just like his 哥哥, where even the slightest sights and sounds capture his attention. (eg: moving leaves, water, TV/Computer images.) He only cries for 3 reasons when he's i) hungry, ii)dirty or iii) sleepy and goes to sleep really quick too.

Evan darling, you are such a joy in our lives and we can't even imagine our family without you.

A beautiful mind

2010-07-31T13:27:00.004+08:00

Its Mummy's turn to write from her perspective today. This past month has indeed been a challenging month - grappling with the demands of work, managing Ethan's tantrums and this irrational cloud of jealousy that clouds his good nature. Hence, in order to reassure him of our love, we have decided to set aside more alone time for him and have even instituted a countdown method to help him transition out of his crying tantrums. Its worked well for us so far. *fingers crossed*.

His grasp of mandarin has improved tremendously and now, he can even speak to us a few sentences in Chinese. I will never forget his first sentence as I was rubbing my nose, he asked me "妈妈, 你的鼻子怎么了?"

But most of all, Ethan never fails to amaze me with the most thought provoking questions that you would never think could be uttered by a 2 and a half year old. Just earlier this week, we were walking around the wading pool outside our home and we had this conversation:

Ethan: Mummy, why does the water come out of the pool?

Mummy: There is someone splashing about you see so they pushed the water out.

Ethan: Oh...then why isn't the level of the water coming down?

The next day, he asked me another question after observing the pool:

Ethan: Mummy, why are the waves going in the opposite directions?

Mummy: Well, because the water didn't get pushed out of the pool, it had enough energy to change directions. (Doesn't this sound alot like Physics to you?)

Its amazing how his mind works...I'm looking forward to more conversations with my boy already. Here is my latest favourite shot of him looking all suave and handsome. Love you loads my darling.

One last hurrah

2010-07-14T22:36:00.006+08:00

Who would have guessed that 16 weeks would fly by so quickly? Thus, it was with a heavy heart that mummy returned to work on the last day of June. But before she did, here is what we were up to:

1) Brunch at Takumi Tokyo

This was the first time we have EVER set foot in Keppel Bay. Yeah, we're a little suaku. But everyone had a blast! Ally, Evan and I marvelled at the yachts docked at the marina and Mummy & Daddy enjoyed their Ala Carte Buffet at Takumi Tokyo. The food was overpriced to be honest but we may consider returning for the brunch at Prive Cafe one of these days.

2) MPH Book Fair

It has been a long while since we visited a book fair and Mummy & Daddy decided to take advantage of Mummy's last day of leave to check out the Robinson Expo Sale and MPH Bookfair. We managed to get some books for everyone but it couldn't beat the borders warehouse sale...wonder when that will be.

3) Cheesecake

Mummy has decided to stick to simple recipes and fool proof cookie making till she gets a proper oven as there is no fan in our current oven to help bake her goodies evenly. So here is the first of her efforts - a No-Bake Cheesecake! Yum Yum!!!

Ingredients:

75g butter melted

8-10 Digestive Biscuits

2 blocks Philly Cream Cheese

400 ml Whipping Cream

Juice from 1 lemon

65g white sugar

1. Pound biscuits and mix with butter. Press to form base in springform pan.

2. Mix Cream Cheese and Whipping Cream till smooth in consistency.

3. Add lemon juice and white sugar.

4. Pour into pan and refridgerate overnight.

Mummy received good feedback from this one.

Here is a collection of my treasured moments with my boys...love you all!

Mummy is going to miss you...

2010-06-29T12:43:00.004+08:00

Today is my last day of maternity leave. Where have the past 16 weeks gone? It seems only like yesterday that we returned home from the hospital. And yet, it has been a wonderful time for me to spend more time with my boys (2 small, 1 big).

I will always cherish these past weeks we have shared together...

Look how we have grown!

2010-06-23T15:33:00.003+08:00

Its been awhile since Mummy last updated on our developmental milestones so she thought she would do a quick summary before she goes back to work...(Yes! This is her last week of maternity leave.)

Lets start with Ethan! Here are my achievements at 31 months.

Potty Training

I've graduated from my small blue potty to my bear toilet seat adaptor on the "big potty". So now, I'm diaper free from pee pees and poo poos. And I've stopped wetting my bed at night! My diaper used to overflow but now I'm able to wake up to a dry bed. Mummy is hoping I'll be able to wake up to a dry diaper soon but hey, that's physiological so she will let nature take its course

Here I am looking delighted that Mummy & Daddy decided to buy a new Polliwogs card for me.

Tricycle

I'm now very confident on my Tricycle and have been brave enough to try out the various undulating slopes near home. Mummy thinks its so cute when I press an imaginary button and declare "I put it to P" before getting off. Just like the gears in the car.

Cars

I've developed this fascination with cars and love to sit in the driver's seat of Daddy's, Grand-dad's and MaMa's car. I even know what the letters P, R, D and N are for and make special requests to drive the car whilst it is at D instead of P. Oh and don't try to pull a fast one over me when it comes to the car brands of BMW, Honda and Toyoyta cos I know the difference!

Music & Rhythm

I pick up songs so fast that once I hear it, I'm able to hum the tune. Of course it helps if its catchy and has a cool beat. My favourite group of the moment is the Wiggles!!! Did I also say that I absolutely adore my Guitar? The keyboard and drums come in a joint second of course. Mummy is seriously considering which music class to sign me up for. But for now, she is teaching me anything that interest me. The other day, she taught me her "SemiTone" song which actually consists of the scales she used to sing back in her choir days and I remembered it!

Here are Evan's milestones at 3 months:

Gross Motor

I'm able to hold my weight on my feet and I love to stand up. I can sit rather well in my Prince Lionheart chair as well and it helps me to learn how to sit. I can also reach out for things put in front or above me like my Winnie the Pooh and friends mobile. Mummy thinks I'm going to flip really soon as I'm already moving all around the bed in my dreams. I've also nearly got my head control down to pat.

Social

I love to go into babble mode especially when you look me in the eye and we can go on forever having a meaningful conversation. Well, at least that is what I like to believe. =)

At 3 months, I weigh 7.365kg and am 62cm tall. Watch this space for more vital statistics when I go for my 4 month check-up!

Evan's Baptism

2010-06-23T12:48:00.007+08:00

My Baptism was held on the 23rd of May at the Church of St Vincent De Paul. (*Disclaimer: This post is a little outdated as we were waiting for photos from Uncle Daryn. Many thanks!)

Needless to say, everyone was all excited to see me decked out in white, all ready to receive my first Sacrament. I must say that I was very well behaved throughout all the proceedings. Ok, except when Father Michael splashed Holy Water in my eyes. Here I am with Granny who was calming me down after that incident.

First things first, we started off with the readings (where Uncle Derek did a great job with the First Reading).

Once we were ready for the Baptism rite, I was first anointed with Holy Chrism.

Thereafter, I was also anointed by my Godfather, John-Paul that God may always be in my mind and my heart.

I also received my white garmet from him to symbolize purity.

And received light from the Easter Candle to symbolize rebirth

My funky godparents Uncle John Paul and Aunty Magdalene.

Finally, it was time for baptism by water - In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit -

AMEN! I'm the newest member of the Catholic Church.

A big thank you to all our family and friends for gracing this occasion, for sharing our joy and for all your kind wishes and gifts!

YoYo Biscuits

2010-06-15T22:49:00.004+08:00

I decided to take on this project at the inspiration and encouragement of a dear friend who baked me the first Yoyos that I've ever tasted. I knew I was hooked for life! =)

Ingredients:.

For Cookies

6 oz Butter

6 oz Self-Raising Flour

2 oz Pure Icing Sugar

2 oz Custard Powder

1. Beat butter and sifted icing sugar till light and fluffy.

2. Fold in sifted flour and custard powder and mix well till combined.

3. Roll into small balls (20 cents - 50 cents in diameter) and press with a fork.

4. Bake at 150 degrees C for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

For Icing

1.5 oz Butter

6oz Pure Icing Sugar (sifted)

3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (You can add milk instead but I love the zesty taste that the lemon gives.)

Combine all ingredients until it becomes smooth and spreadable. Sandwich icing between 2 butter cookies and viola! You're done!

Pat a Cake, Pat a Cake Baker's Man

2010-06-07T22:47:00.005+08:00

Mummy had 3 bananas that were bordering on over-ripe and she didn't want to throw them away. So what did she do? Bake a banana cake that's what! Since I have been doing well these days in following instructions, she decided to test my listening and implementation skills by appointing me sous-chef of the day. Needless to say, I was absolutely delighted that I was involved in this project and got busy scooping out the sugar into the weighing machine. Mummy thought I did a decent job without spilling too much.

My next task was to skin the 3 bananas and cut them up into small pieces using my plastic knife. Of course, who could resist popping a few pieces into my mouth. Mummy was extremely proud that I completed this entire task all by myself!

I even helped in dropping them into the mixer as it stirred.

Mummy also asked me to help her chop up some walnuts. Of course, I gladly obliged whilst popping some into my mouth.

I even helped to sift the flour but mummy was so busy guiding me that she didn't have any time to take pictures. Finally, after somemore mixing, the cake batter was ready to go into the oven - and Viola! We have yummy Banana Walnut Cake.

Banana Walnut Cake

Ingredients:
125g Butter
150g Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Essence
1 egg (room temp)
3 bananas
1 cup chopped walnuts
185g Flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup milk

1. Chop the butter into small blocks and melt in the microwave.
2. Mix melted butter, sugar and vanilla essence together at low speed till light and fluffy.
3. Mix in Egg
4. Sift flour, baking soda and baking powder
5. Mix sifted ingredients into mixture (half a cup at a time)
6. Mix in chopped walnuts
7. Add milk and mix lightly
8. Bake at 160 degrees celsius for 40-50 minutes

Enjoy!~

The return to baking

2010-05-31T22:11:00.003+08:00

I had wanted to teach Ethan to bake some cookies this past weekend but realised that all my baking ingredients had been sitting alone for so long that they were long expired. Feeling really shocked that I've stopped baking for such a long time, I decided that it was time for a long overdue return to baking. So I headed down to NTUC with Ethan to grab some ingredients and promised him that he would have cookies when he returned from school today.

Ready - Set - Dough!

Fresh out of the oven!

Yummy Cookies!

Chocolate Chip & Almond Cookies

350g Plain Flour

200g Butter

200g Sugar

100g Chocolate Chips (You can add more if you like)

100g Chopped Almonds

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

2 eggs

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and start by mixing the butter with the sugar till fluffy. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add the Vanilla Essence to the eggs. Add this mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing well. Next, add the sieved flour followed by Chocolate Chips and Almonds. Scoop out the cookie dough (about half a heaped tablespoon) onto greased pans and bake for 10 minutes. Cool then enjoy!

Ivan and Venise's Birthday Party

2010-05-24T17:05:00.000+08:00

Ethan attended the birthday party of his classmates Ivan and Venise which was held on the 23rd of July. Here he is with his classmate Marcus - both boys were scared of the screaming and noise in the other function room as there was a bouncy castle and a magic show going on. What did they do? Entertain themselves with dessert bowls by playing a game of guessing which bowl contains a hidden item.

More clowning around outside the function room. What can I say? These boys can really have fun doing nothing!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:53:00.000+08:00

This is the first ever Mother's Day card and gift that I've received from Ethan. He came running to me after school and told me that he had something to give me. Then he reached in his bag and produced a card. GrandMa realised that the flower was missing and went back to the carpark to look for it. Then finally after a short wait, I received the beautiful flower.

But the best part of all was the smile on his face, his outstretched arms that pulled me in for a warm hug enveloped with love and the whisper of "Happy Mother's Day" into my ear...who could ask for more...

Lights Camera Action, Evan!

2010-05-06T17:24:00.005+08:00

Here are some adorable moments caught on video that we would like to share.

Scene 1: Evan makes adorable noises after he is cleaned up and fed.
Footnotes - Notice the wordings on Evan's PJs, no stress boy...

Scene 2: Evan enleashing his blistering kung-fu moves on a poor unsuspecting Tiger.

Scene 3: Stealing smiles with newfound friends at the Gym.

Brothers United

2010-05-06T12:39:00.006+08:00

As Evan is still really young, we have decided to give crowded places a miss for now. That means more "home" time for the boys with occasional outings for Ethan.

Here are our first shots of our boys together. Please don't try this at home. (And blame Daddy for Evan's head support or lackof...)

Lets see how Evan is growing...I weighed 4kg at the end of 1 month and 6 kg at 7 weeks old!

Here I am at 4 weeks.

And here I am at 7 weeks.
The pictures speak for themselves. =) Overall, I'm a very happy baby!

I'm growing too!!! The last we measured, I'm now 94cm tall. My hair is also getting a little unruly. Here I am before and after haircut. Still handsome as ever! (or so Mummy thinks.)

Evan's 1 month Celebration

2010-04-09T09:31:00.006+08:00

Time surely does fly when you're having fun and it has been a great 1 month having Evan around as the newest addition to the family.

We had a little 1 month celebration amongst family members for the little one and yes, his "fans" turned up early to get a glimpse of him and some even sms-ed and facebooked to take queue numbers in advance!

Evan and Ethan's biggest fans of the moment are Aunty Angeline and Yi Poh Diana...Please feel free to come by anytime to play!!!

Here is our first family portrait with our boys - Ethan and Evan.

The Grandmothers also got in on the action to carry Baby Evan.

As did the Yi Pohs - Aunty Eileen and Phyllis...

Of course, Ethan was well entertained that day as well. What a proud and guai kor kor...

Thanks also to Uncle Derek and Jie Jie Aileen for taking care of Ethan and loaning your Iphones...=)

Happy Birthday Uncle Derek

2010-03-22T11:32:00.003+08:00

Its Uncle Derek's birthday and because Mummy is still in confinement, he and grand-dad came over with a scrumptious Chocolate Banana cake from Awfully Chocolate. It was such a nice treat since Mummy had not tasted any chocolate for ages...Thanks for thinking of us Uncle Derek!

Of course, I sang my Uncle Derek a "Happy Birthday" song and even helped him blow out the candles!

Happy 26th Birthday Uncle Derek! We love you...

Welcome to the World...Baby Evan

2010-03-09T09:44:00.005+08:00

Today was a special day indeed as its the day our second little prince, Evan, was born.

The day started off with the same as most days with Shang going off to work and Ethan going off to school and with myself being scheduled for an elective C-Section the next day (the 10th) so imagine my surprise when I started to feel contractions right after breakfast at 8am at 10-15 minute intervals.

The next thing I knew, I was advised to head down to the delivery suite. Once there, I was made to wait, and wait, and wait some more as I had breakfast rather late that morning so they couldn't decide when they should administer epidural for me and because Evan was breech, and without a consultant in sight, no one dared to check how much I had dilated. So as the labour progressed and I started to holler for pain medication, a consultant finally hopped along and found me to be 8cm dilated!!! It was only then that an emergency C-Sect was called for and I called Shang to "Come down to NUH right now!" The rest happened in a kind of a blur as I was wheeled into the Operating theatre where 2 spinal blocks were performed, where my water bag burst on the table and I nearly delivered Evan legs first. Yes...just your typical DRAMA filled morning. So as the pain ebbed away and Prof began the Op, everyone began to chase down the father of the child who appeared in glorious fashion just minutes before his son was delivered (thanks to Prof Rauff who tried to delay the delivery by cutting very slowly).

At last, after 4 hours of labour and a morningful of events, Evan Chua Yin Sheng was delivered at 12.08pm weighing 2.93kg and measuring 54cm tall.

Here I am with my proud daddy.

Some of my first cheeky shots.

And you know what? Despite all that Mummy had to go through, you are more than worth the effort. We love you so very much my dearest Evan...Welcome to the family!

A Playdate with Chloe

2010-02-20T18:05:00.007+08:00

It has been awhile since we last saw Chloe since her family moved to Boston. Recently, we had a short opportunity to meet up during CNY, so Mummy and Aunty Karen decided that we should organize a proper playdate before they head back to the US in April.

Where did we go? Polliwogs of course!

Here I am getting a headstart exploring the playscape whilst waiting for Chloe to arrive.

Though a little apprehensive at first, Chloe warmed up really quickly and before you know it, she was having fun climbing, sliding and running around.

Though we didn't really speak much to each other, the fact that we were following each other on slides and into the ball pit speaks volumes on how comfortable we were with each other. Mummy can't recall me warming up so fast to another toddler. Hmmm...maybe more playdates should be in order?

And who could forget the sweet 3 month old Zachary! Just take a look at those adorable cheeks! What a darling...I think Mummy could not get enough carrying him.

Before you know it, it was time to leave.
Mummy:"Ethan, did you have fun playing with Chloe?:
Ethan: "Yes!"
Mummy: "Ok, come give Chloe a hug goodbye then"
And the rest is picture perfect...

Till our next playdate Chloe!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-16T13:18:00.003+08:00

Alas, I was down with a high fever, cough and runny nose this CNY which prevented me from doing as much visiting as I wanted to. I know I was dearly missed by all who kept asking "Where is Ethan?" to my grandparents. Here we are all ready to set out on the first day to visit "MaMa".

All smiles after being cooped up at home for too long.

Gong Xi Fa Cai to all and best wishes for the Year of the Tiger!

Resorts World - A sneak peek

2010-02-09T12:21:00.006+08:00

Daddy suggested going to pay a visit to resorts world the weekend the hotels opened for operation. Since its opening in phases, I don't think it would be wise to be around when the Casino and theme park opens - just imagine how crowded it would be?!

First we headed to Vivocity for lunch as amazingly, all the restaurants were closed at 2.30pm and only opened for dinner at 6pm. Daddy & Mummy thought that it was absolutely ridiculous not to provide at least 1 restaurant for whole day dining. What would the tourists think? Sheesh!

Anyhow, here we are posing around and about the IR...

We'll definitely plan a trip once my little brother is a little bigger. =)

My new milestones

2010-01-24T22:23:00.007+08:00

Riding a Tricycle

Mummy & Daddy got me a nice sturdy tricycle for Christmas and so in the new year, I have been hard at work practising on getting from point A to point B on my new bike.

Mummy decided to film me one Saturday when Daddy was at work so that she could showcase my progress. Not to bad considering its my 2nd time on my bike. But these practice sessions don't last for long as I get a little impatient and conclude that running around would be much faster.

Learning Mandarin

Mummy and Daddy have been nothing short of amazed at my progress in learning Mandarin at school. Now I can name some body parts in Chinese such as ear, mouth, eye, nose. I have also managed to learn the full first verse of "Gong Xi Gong Xi".

Potty Training

I'm now more willing to sit on the potty and am able to produce "results" on demand but only for pee though...I still am in denial when it comes to poop and I love to expound the convenience of diapers to my loved ones. Who needs a potty when you have diapers right? What a hard argument to drive home. When will Mummy and Daddy ever give up? =P

Happy Birthday to...

2010-01-22T21:00:00.003+08:00

This month truly is a month of birthdays! First up is Grand-dad's 60th birthday which we celebrated at Hua Ting@Orchard Hotel. What a feast we had too! Good choice of restaurant Granny. =) We started off our meal with the customary longevity buns.

Of course, my favourite part of the meal was singing the "Happy Birthday" song and the blowing of the candles on Grand-dad's cake. What fun! Now whenever Mummy mentions that its someone's birthday, I always ask where is the cake and candles.

I behaved extraordinarily well considering that we only got home at 9.30pm when my usual bedtime is at 8.30pm so I guess today is really a special day. Happy Birthday Grand-Dad!