Understanding My Lil' Angels

Whatever it takes...

2012-01-12T14:06:00.005+08:00

Help! Are we too dependent on technology to discipline our kids???

What happened to good ol' obedience where kids will just obey the parents and do as they are told? It seems that with my kids, everything has to be rewarded with some 'games' time...then only they will listen or adhere to me. During my time, my parents didn't need all this gadgets to make me listen to them. I respected them...that is why I obeyed them. It seems for my kids,they only listen to 2 things... ROTAN and 'play ipad'!!!

For Ally to sit on the jamban...she gets ipad after that. For Ryan to sit down quietly and cut his hair...he gets to play Papa's phone. For Ally to get out of the bath tub...she gets ipad. For Ryan to do his homework and revision...he gets ipad after that. And the list goes on and on.

Teruk, isn't it??? How far can this carry on?

17th Jan 2012-
2 days after I wrote this post...I decided to totally disallow the kids to play Ipad...more to tone down the excitement of playing it. So for 2 whole days (entire weekend)...the kids understood that there would be no Ipad at home. Ally would ask occasionally...but we just told her...no ipad today. And she was fine with it (surprisingly). The only time they played with a gadget was at the restaurant or at my dad's house. It was good actually having no distraction of any gadgets at home. We could concentrate on more things...like reading books, doing crafts and improving Ryan's fine motor skills and the kids just playing with each other.

Ally's Potty Training Journey

2012-01-10T15:16:00.003+08:00

Started attempting to potty train Ally about 2 weeks ago.

Ally has just turned 2.5 years in the new year. So thought that it is about time for her to begin her 'training'.

Got her some underwear.

Used Ryan's old potty and toilet seat.

So far, not getting anywhere.

Problem with this little girl...she rather hold her urine for hours (can be up to 5 hours) than to let it go in the potty or jamban. Every 15 to 30 mins, I will ask her whether she wants to urine. Sometimes she says "Yes!" and I will take her to sit on the jamban. But she starts playing with the toilet paper or just sits for awhile and quickly wants to come down. So, she holds it until she tells me pain and holds on to her crouch. Even at that point, she still doesn't want to let it go in the toilet. Once I put on the diaper for her....within a minute...she lets it all go into the diaper! Even when she really needs to go and refuses to go to the toilet, she will insist "Wear diaper! Wear diaper!"

Any advice?

With Ryan last time being a boy...he will just have 'accidents' on the floor or sofa...that would be easier to train him and let him know the consequences of peeing in other places besides the toilet.

Kids and water play

2012-01-06T11:27:00.002+08:00

I am shaking my head.

You would think that with Christmas just over...the kids would be busy playing with all the new toys??? Nope...those toys are all sitting either in the cupboard now or on the table..not even looked at by the kids. Collecting a layer of dust already.

Sad la. The Elmo guitar that cost me like RM80 only gave thrills to the girl that lasted for a 2-3 days only. The Angry Bird toy that cost me RM100 is sitting in its box in the cupboard. Even the boy doesn't play with his transformer robot at all. Ryan still looks at me and says his bored. They rather just watch reruns of Hi-5 over and over again.

The best thing kids love and can play for hours (not possible though) is water water and water. Water is free ( well, almost!) and somehow kids love it. Actually its simple to make a child happy. I guess me as a parent just wanna complicate things and get more extravagant toys for the kids! :p

Last week being New Year weekend...hubs decided to get a pool for the kids. And boy was Ally excited. Her dream has finally come true! She could finally dip herself in a pool and play water for almost an hour. Scooping water. Splashing. I didn't even want to think what tantrum she would pull when it was time to leave that fun. I left it to hubby and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Surprisingly, no cries were heard. The two kids marched right up to the bathroom and was showered by their father. Came down and played...IPAD! haha...so that was the carrot dangled in front of her....

First tooth out

2012-01-02T23:51:00.004+08:00

Ryan had been complaining that his lower incisor tooth was shaky about one week before Christmas. He kept on touching it and feeling conscious about it. I just reminded him if the tooth fell off, don't swallow it. Spit it out and give it to the teacher.

On Wednesday, his tooth finally fell off in school. So sweet that his teacher kept in nicely in a plastic for me (photo) and passed it to me when I fetched him from school. That night, I told him to put it under his pillow and see whether the 'tooth fairy' would come to reward him. If he was a good boy that night, he would be rewarded well by the tooth fairy. If he was naughty, then he would just get ten cents.

I overslept and forgot to put something under his pillow. When I woke up the next morning, I opened my eyes and saw poor Ryan holding his tooth and looking at it. He told me " Mummy, the tooth fairy didn't come. My tooth is still here! There is no such thing as a tooth fairy" I felt so bad. The way he said it like so poor thing. I just told him maybe she was busy or forgot. Try again tonight. But later that night, he said if the tooth fairy took his tooth away, he would cry.

So, hence I scrapped the whole tooth fairy idea and told him I was the tooth fairy and I made it up.

Ugly haircut

2012-01-01T14:05:00.002+08:00

I was looking through the photos archive and saw this photo of Ryan...

...and I thought to myself...

..."OMG!!! What an ugly haircut!"

I don't believe that he actually went around with that hairstyle for awhile. It was in April 2011. I remember telling the hairdresser that we wanted a mushroom haircut.

I guess we didn't realise that it would look THAT hideous as it was growing out.

Speedy year

2011-12-31T00:25:00.010+08:00

Goodbye 2011.

This year somehow went by in lightning speed.

Nothing really particular pops up in my head when I think back of this year.

Being a parent to young kids...somehow my world have revolved around them. All my memories of this year involves them. Ryan's first bicycle. Ally's speech development. The kids health.

Didn't really accomplish much...in terms of personal goals. The only change in my life would be my job. The pharmacy that I have been working for the past 7 years will no longer be my 'second' home anymore due to change of management.Disappointed. So, would look elsewhere for locuming. Change could be good. Look forward to next year.

Let's lift up our glasses...klink klink!
Cheers to a new year...
And may you accomplish whatever your goals may be...

Christmas Plans

2011-12-16T10:16:00.004+08:00

So its about 10 days before Christmas... how are your Christmas shopping coming along? Or it is just enjoyable going to the malls seeing the different decorations??? Or is it odd seeing CNY and Christmas stuff selling at the same time?

Well, at the end of the day, every retailer wants to make a quick buck during this festive season.Don't blame them. It is all about getting us consumers in the mood to start spending our money.

As for me, the Christmas feeling this year is slightly on the 'down' side. Dunno why. I keep my spirit high for the kids. I guess certain changes in my life right now has put a slight dampen on it. But it isn't all that major. As they always say..."View my glass as half full..."

Most of the kids christmas shopping is done. My nieces and nephews also all completed. Just not wrapped. Got Ryan the Angry Bird actual game from Mattel which I think is slightly pricey. But the Toys R Us vouchers did help to pay for half of it. For Ally, I got her an Elmo toy guitar which I know is gonna drive me NUTS hearing the Elmo World theme song over and over again. Now, just need to get for the adults.

For my in-laws yearly Christmas gathering on Boxing day...well, I have the menu in my head. But still testing the menu everyday. Each day, I am testing out one dish for hubby to try. If it gets the thumbs up from him, it will be shortlisted for that day. So, so far the caramelized chicken wings and spaghetti meatballs are on the list.

So, let's jingle bells all the way...still 10 more days. Then, it will be 'chang chang chang' and 'yok kon' and nga koo frenzy right after that...

Escargots anyone?

2011-12-15T14:39:00.006+08:00

Last weekend, it was my dad's birthday. As my 2 sisters were not around that day, I decided to treat my dad to Monte's which they had a branch in Klang.

I have never eaten at the Bangsar branch before but have been curious about the standard of the food.

My dad wanted to eat escargots which I think he apparently likes. I have never eaten one before. And don't really intend to ever try. Snails...slimy slippery creatures! Yucks! He kept on asking me and hubby to eat. I told him it would be a waste if I ate...coz I don't appreciate them. So he asked Ryan. At first, I thought Ryan would decline looking at the snail shell. But surprisingly, he agreed. He ate one and asked for more. He licked up all the cheese and garlic sauce that came with it too.

When we reached home, while changing the boy...I asked him how he liked eating the snails. He shook his head..."I don't like the snail...but I liked the mushroom inside!" *slap forehead!*
I laughed...and told him that IS the snail that he was eating...and he kept on arguing with me that it isn't! Fine...so he was eating mushrooms all along! RM3 for a mushroom!!!

Some other dishes that we ordered...

Fetuccine Carbonara with chicken (for the kids)
-would have been better with beef bacon though

Hubby's charbroiled lamb
-he enjoyed it without much complain

Tenderloin steak - was abit over well done

One for the family album

Obsession with Hi-5

2011-12-06T14:14:00.005+08:00

Ryan is fortunate that his little kid sister loves and is totally gaga over Hi-5 as he is!

The 2 of them can't get enough of this Australian children's group. At the moment, they are watching reruns of the old group that consist of Nathan, Kellie, Kathleen, Tim and Charli. Oh dear! I know their names by hard too! That is NOT good. These are VCDs that I have gotten free with Ryan's FRISO milk like many many years ago! Since then, I have only bought 2 more CDs.

It is so funny to hear them singing and dancing to the songs all the time. As you know, since Ally's speech isn't too developed at the moment...it is hilarious to hear her try to sing the words. She is so crazy for the songs...there was one night...she didn't want to sleep and kept on humming and singing the theme song over again...while all of us were already in snoozeland!

I still prefer the old group

So...I have requested more Hi-5 CDs for Christmas for the kids..!

One month before Christmas...

2011-11-25T23:04:00.004+08:00

...It is a little tradition of mine to put up the Christmas tree exactly one month before Christmas.

Today, there was good sunlight. And it suddenly daunt to me that it was the 25th.

Out came my midget tree. With all the ornaments that has been faithfully lighting up my Christmases since Ryan was born.

I am glad that Ryan now is old enough to appreciate Christmas time ( yeah right! Its just presents for him) and Ally too will get excited when she sees the decorations and lights. She loves colored and blinking lights!

So my little helpers helped me to dressed the tree with the gold and red baubles. They were excited. I was happy.

Only thing the lights already konked. So now my Christmas tree is sitting in the corner all dull and colorless.

Pigeon Chest

2011-11-22T16:13:00.004+08:00

Ryan has pectus carinatum.

To read more about it, click here.

It was actually brought to our attention when Ryan was about 3 years old. But since the doctor didn't really stress much about it, we didn't think that it was anything serious. I didn't even get the specific term for his chest protrusion until a week ago when I took him to see the doctor after Ryan complained that his chest was a bit pain.

Pectus carinatum is also known as 'pigeon chest' or 'pigeon breast' where there is a deformity in the sternum where it protrudes outwards. It probably was present from birth but wasn't obvious till he was older. Even when the doctor mentioned to us a few years ago...it didn't look obvious. But over the years, it has gotten slightly more protruding as Ryan is getting older. And now I am getting more worried and more aware of this condition. It worries me whether that as he grows, would this pectus deformity affect the function of his heart and lungs.

So when he complained of chest pain last week,the first paed I took him said that there was probably some inflammation around the cartilage of the protruding ribs..hence the pain. Since at that time, he was having sore throat too. She said as long as he is active and doesn't feel lethargic and breathless, shouldn't be worried about his pectus condition. Second doctor that I asked said that his heart sounds normal, not enlarged...a slight murmur but it is normal. He just advised me to let Ryan do more exercise like swimming. When I asked him whether any corrective procedure can be done like wearing a brace...he said...no need. He said if I want, I can send him for an ECHO to further assess his heart.

Indeed, Ryan doesn't have much stamina since young. And he is always prone to respiratory illnesses. One doctor has mentioned before when he was about one year plus that he has asthmatic tendencies. I am not sure his lung function is also attributed to this pectus deformity.
My next step would be to take him to see Dr. Rosalie Yip at Sunway Med. who is a cardiac paediatrician and see what she advices.

Since Ryan is still young, I think its better for him to get a full evaluation. Next time, if he gets older, it might be harder to correct any problems. Hopefully it is nothing.Perhaps I may sound over paranoid about his condition.But when it comes to our children, we have to do what we can to ensure they are healthy.

Circled is Ryan's deformed sternum.
It would get more prominent as he reaches adolescence.

Long time no blog

2011-11-15T17:19:00.002+08:00

Here I am...experiencing 'bloggers block' momentarily.

This is the longest time for me not putting up a post. Each day passes and I tell myself...better write a post. Better write down some thing. But when I have time to myself...which is quite rare nowadays...I will 'curi curi' play my ipad or the sheep game on hubby's phone.

Sorry for not leaving comments at my dear blogger friends blogs too. Every time I switch on the laptop to go online... Ally now is very very kay po and will always bug me and kacau me. And wants to sit on my lap. Gets me frustrated most of the time.

Now, she is napping. Boy didn't go to school today. I have Tau Yu Bak simmering on the stove. So got spare time for a bit.

I guess after such a long hiatus...I will just write what comes to my mind now.Here and there. No particular topic till I get my blogging mojo back.

Let's see..

...

...

...

Yeah! Christmas is about one month away. Took out your Christmas tree yet? I was rather itching to get a new tree.But after looking at the prices...hhmmm, maybe I will just make do with my 4 feet tree at the moment. All the stores started early with the decorations. To get us in the mood for shopping I guess and to suck our money early too.

I just realised last week that Ryan has memorized the sequence of the alphabets. Like if I asked him...what is alphabet no.18?...he will give me the answer straightaway. Or what number is the letter J?...and he will tell me the answer too.That boy really needs a hobby!! He is growing up and maturing so fast too. I love having conversations with him now. Pity that I don't spend enough time with him.He often asks me now..."How come you love Mei Mei more than me?" or"How come you don't smile so often now?". Sometimes he will tell me..."Mummy, I like it when you laugh!" Poor boy. His mummy needs to be less uptight!

Had a 5 day pregnancy scare last week. Menses was about 5 days delayed. I am not sure whether I would really term it as a 'scare'...but it did half half freak me out if I was pregnant and also half half elated me to have another child. I was even thinking of baby names while showering!
Anyway, the day I bought the pregnancy test kit...my menses came!!!

Ally is at a "NO" stage right now. It is cute when I am in a good mood but it is VERY irritating when I am in a bad mood. Everything also..."NO!" She is into the stage of 'let's beat mummy when I don't get my way' stage too. All these is results from observing her dear big brother.

Ally loves singing the ABC song and twinkle twinkle little star song now too. Probably about 75% audible...and she is totally hooked on the ipad now. That is the only thing that can calm her tantrums at the moment. So ironic isn't it?

The sleeping drama queen has awaken.

Weekend at Port Dickson

2011-10-27T21:34:00.006+08:00

I wanted to use my groupon for this PD one night stay before the school holidays.

It was an OK offer i.e RM180 for a night inclusive of breakfast. Hadn't heard of Corus Paradise but from the photos at the website, it looked alright. What attracted me was its own private lagoon.

When we arrived there...I was pretty disappointed with the place from certain aspects. One of the things that made me 'not happy' was there weren't any towels in the room. When I called to ask, they told me they will be getting the towels only after 5pm! We went out before that and when we got back to the room at 7pm, the towels were still not provided!

But the important thing was the kids had fun. I guess just a break from their usual routine is exciting for them already. And getting to bounce on a proper bed (since we don't sleep on beds at home!).

Here are some photos of the happy kids...

When the fun stops...

2011-10-25T18:55:00.005+08:00

The consequences of taking 'sweets' from a toddler.

This is how a 2 year old looks like...when Mummy takes away her Ipad.

Yes, I finally succumbed to getting an Ipad.

It took me months to arrive at the decision. One fine day, I just said to myself..."Okay!" and headed to Machines to get one. Mainly its for the kids. Mainly as a learning tool.

But now, it seems that the little one isn't interested in the apps that I download for her. She only wants the Elmo app and Angry Bird.

So the 'big' kids will have fun with it. I am just spending most of my time looking around for interesting apps.

In the mean time, I can only play it when Ally is sleeping or is in another room...to avoid a crying frenzy!!!

Long Time Companion

2011-10-17T15:15:00.007+08:00

Ryan and his 'pao pei'. Inseparable.

It will be his companion on holidays, short breaks..even stays at hospitals would be incomplete without his pao pei.

His 'best' friend has been with him since the day he was brought back from hospital as a newborn to this very day. That would mean...his smelly shapeless lump of a pao pei is already 5 years and more!

Oh gosh. I dare not imagine how big the population of mites is happily calling it home at this moment.I do sun and wash it once a week. But with each wash, it is getting smaller and lumpier each time.

At first, he had 2 'pao pei' buddies. They came in a pair.But one year ago, I threw one away... I couldn't tahan anymore. The condition was real bad and all the cotton was broken up inside. Now, just to wait how much longer this last remaining one will persevere on.

What I dislike most is that Ryan would take his pao pei everywhere around the house and sometimes put it to our faces...and constantly asks this question..."Do you want my pao pei?" despite our protests.

Does your child have a comfort toy or pillow that she/he is very attached to all this years?

Ryan @ 3 months old
(see the 2 pao pei at the back)

Ryan @ 2 years old

Ryan @ 5 years old

Missing their cousins

2011-10-10T14:41:00.004+08:00

Ally and Ryan are at the stage where they are very attached to their cousins and their aunties and uncles.

Whenever the Seremban family comes down to visit...the 2 kiddos will cry their eyes out wanting their cousins. Especially when it is time to say goodbye and go home. Ally will say "Don't want!" repeatedly and start to cling to them.

Here is Ally not wanting to come down from her cousin when it was time to go home. After embracing her, Ally refused to let her go.

It aches my heart to see the kids like that. It is normal (I remember I was like that too when I was little)...especially when they are having so much fun with the family. After the family returns back to Seremban, Ryan and Ally are left with TV to entertain them and a pair of constantly stressed out parents! :p

Word game

2011-10-07T21:58:00.006+08:00

Sometimes ( or most of the time)...I really don't know what to do with Ryan. Apart from school homework,watching Disney Junior,playing computer games and doing outdoor activities like cycling and playing ball...he doesn't really have much interests at the moment.

He doesn't enjoy playing Lego and reading books which I wished he did. I would take him to the book store and ask him to get ANY books he wanted...and he would just shrug and say Dunno.

Ryan spends most of his time playing what his sister plays...or watches what his sister watches. I wish that I had more time to spend with him...but unfortunately, I don't.

The other day, after seeing a mother's blog on home activities with her kids...it gave me an idea to play this word game with him. I think I read this activity from her blog...but anyway here is the link to 'The Activity Mom' blog. It is a great blog to get ideas on what to do with your little one.

Here is my version of the word game that I play with the boy...
Choose 2 alphabets ...and try to make as many words starting with that alphabet. Since Ryan loves to count, I made it into a battle between the 2 alphabets. And see which alphabet will have the most words. He gets to practice his spelling,widen his vocabulary,writing and also to think quickly.

Btw, the timetable that I wrote about a few months back...no more following. After some time, I couldn't keep up to it. And got abit lazy too. :p When he asked why we are not following it anymore, I told him that I am coming up with a new one soon!

Faking it or real?

2011-10-04T15:25:00.003+08:00

Took this photo of Ryan
last week in his school's Family Day.
He looks so convincing blowing the balloon.
...NOT!

Ally's visit to the Speech Therapist

2011-10-02T15:35:00.003+08:00

Thursday 29.09.2011- was Ally's appointment with the speech therapist at Sunmed.

I have been planning this for quite a while but only made the appointment in September.Was pretty glad that I got a slot quite fast as normally sometimes have to wait for 2-3 months.

Ally's speech development has always been slightly slow. Our paed had remarked about it when she was about 18 months.I tried to be optimistic about it and just wanted to give her time. But as she is getting older....although there is improvement in her speech...it is still slower than other kids her age. I know a lot of people tell me...its okay...so and so kid could only talk when he was 3...etc. Or I am over paranoid or over worrying.

I just feel that a mother can sense if there is some thing lacking in her child. And since now with professional help around, I rather just seek their advice since Ally is still young and let them assess her condition.

I requested for a young friendly faced therapist...as I know Ally is one girl who is TOTALLY not easy to warm up to strangers. So, when I met the therapist, Ms Chee...she was a cute young girl. She brought us to a small room. At first, Ally didn't want to go into the room...and I started worrying about how she is going to co-operate for this assessment. Eventually,I managed to get her in. With the help of my handphone of course!*roll eyes*

It took Ally about 15-20 minutes to finally warm up and start to play with the toys there. Throughout the session, Ms Chee was observing Ally and asking questions to her. Mostly showing the toys and asking Ally to name them. She named the broom 'toothbrush'!*slap forehead*

The entire session took almost one hour.

The speech therapist then told me...that from the assessment and evaluation....Ally's speech is about 5 months delayed. Meaning that her speech is at the stage of a 1 year 10 months child (Ally is 2 yrs 3 months). Then, I asked her...is that critical stage or okay in their standards? She said...normally about one year delay...then is considered critical. So, for Ally's stage..just have to monitor and she will give me some advice and tips on how to help her.

She also commented that I speak too much details to her. And that may confuse Ally. She advised me to speak simple words to her...and focus on just 2 words first...for e.g want book, keep toys, eat bread. And then build from there. I know that I have always tend to speak to Ally like an adult with no baby talk. Just like how we spoke to Ryan when he was young. But now, I guess due to Ally's inability to grasp words clearly...I have to speak slower and more simpler.

There wasn't enough time as there was another part she needed to evaluate. So she asked me to come back for another session. I saw she ticked in the column 'complex'. I was quite surprised with the fee...RM280! But when she told me, the follow up session would not be charged...only if it exceeds the time...I felt better! Haha! No la...already expected that it would be around that amount. Anyway, if the tips that she gives would help Ally...it definitely would be worth it.

I am glad that I took Ally to see the speech therapist. I know she will eventually be able to talk smoothly and link her words. When..I don't know.But I won't rush her.

No more free BabyTV?

2011-09-29T17:56:00.005+08:00

Oh no! This can't be happening!

Too little time to condition the little's girl mind! Just saw the ad that Free BabyTV ends by tomorrow!!!

Ok la. If I was really needy and desperate, I would just pay RM5 for a month's subscription. But then again, I am half glad that I finally have an excuse to tell the girl that her favorite TV channel is no longer on! *evil grin* And we all in the house can breathe a sigh of relief that we no longer have to watch all the reruns of Trulli, Oliver, Pitch and Potch...over and over and over again!!!

I am just worried that after tomorrow...I would have to handle a bawling tantrumy toddler for a couple of days crying out for "Baby! Baby!"which she usually gets when she wakes up or while having her meals!

I am sure hundreds of mothers all over Malaysia who are not continuing with the subscription of RM5 per month are worrying like me too about handling the transition.

2 Oct- Noticed that the channel is still on. Have to call Astro to ask or not they might just charged automatically in the bill. So far, Ally has only asked once...but I quickly put on a VCD for her. Weekends are okay but see how on weekdays.

Hooked on Group Coupons

2011-09-26T14:40:00.007+08:00

I never really bothered about checking out more about Groupon or the other sites until recently. The ads are always popping up in almost everyone's blog nowadays. So hard not to ignore.

Now, I find it so addictive. It is fun scouting around for a good bargain. I am more interested in the restaurant offers and always look out for nice places to eat which is nearby. So far, I have bought 3 coupons but haven't used any yet. Two is for makan and one is for a one night stay in PD. Figured the kids just love water and sand...so saw the offer and quickly bought it.

I guess it can be rather dangerous too...like will spend and spend...just click and can get a good offer.I must make sure I use the offers and not just buy buy buy.

Anyone had any negative experience purchasing these group coupons? I wonder whether if any quality or service will be compromised because of such a good offer.

This is also making me lose a bit of the momentum in blogging.

Here are some pictures to share...

Ally in her new Angry Bird T from Bangkok

Ryan at his School's Poetry Competition

Ryan sitting like an Ah Pek eating mooncake

Kids enjoying their mooncake festival celebration

Ally the animal lover

2011-09-15T22:10:00.003+08:00

Ally loves animals. But mostly dogs and cats. Wherever we go, if you mention ...dog or cat...she will perk up and looks out for them.

She will look forward to walk to my neighbour's house a few houses down the road to see the dog every evening.

So unlike Ryan. He TOTALLY has no interest in animals.

Seen here is Ally feeding my MIL's dog Cheerios...after she dropped all of them on the floor while eating them.

Thailand trip 2011

2011-09-04T15:11:00.008+08:00

Putting all the health episodes aside...

I would say I did enjoy myself to a certain extent. This would be the holiday planned for this year. So nothing much to look forward till Christmas. Any trip would have been exciting...a break from the daily mundane routine that we all normally face everyday.

My only regret was not buying any stuff. Did not have any time nor could I go out to all those night markets. The rest went. But with a toddler and a diva 5 year old...very very susah too. Ryan hated to walk and would grimace and whine whenever we said we wanted to go out for shopping. Bangkok is a haven for shopping. Great for bargain hunting too. Just not so suitable for a 'family' trip. Lots of walking and people everywhere. If a single couple or older kids...probably easier to move around.

First day was in Bangkok. Then for the next 2 days, we were in Pattaya. I liked that place much better than Bangkok. More spacious. More relaxing. More suitable for kids to run around. The sad thing..went to a beach tourist spot and didn't even step on the beach. I spent the time there stuck in the hotel.

Then, we went back to Bangkok for the 4th day and flew off the next day. Sounds like many days there but it was very packed with activities. Will let the photos do the explaining.

Memorable highlights from this trip:
When we checked in to our hotel room in Bangkok...there was a 'welcoming committee representative' waiting for us in the hotel toilet! A big black cockroach...the flying type...on the toilet wall! It was HUGE!!!! My greatest enemy staring at me in the face! Luckily for MIL who was nearby and hearing me make so much noise, came to the rescue. Thankfully, FIL was kind enough to let us swap rooms with them! I know that if there is one cockroach, there will be more...

I found the language barrier between the locals and us tourist could be rather frustrating at times. I do expect the locals who are working at hotels to speak some minimal English. But some don't understand anything at all. For eg. the receptionist at the hotel that we stayed in Pattaya. I think I had to ask for extra pillows 4 separate times finally before getting them.

When we arrived at Bangkok Airport, there was a long long queue at the passport counters. Ally was getting restless and started to throw a tantrum. Screaming uncontrollably and struggling as I was carrying her. An immigration official took us aside and away from the crowd and opened a new counter for us. Nice of him...or was it that we were violating the peace at the airport???

I am not sure if it is just in Bangkok or the places that I went...but the toilets are EXTREMELY odorless! I would think that with all those people and crowds at the tourist places that I went...the public toilets would be in a terrible state...but to my surprise...almost every toilet I used was clean and dry. The thing is the toilets were working well and no smell at all!!! It definitely put Malaysia to shame in that category. Malaysia public toilets are mostly in a terrible state!!!

What can I say about my son??? He is an opportunist, an actor, a diva...throughout the trip, he really made my blood boil. From start to finish. There were good moments with him and I love him dearly. But the boy really knows how to be a wet blanket. When he doesn't want to do something that is against his liking...whine whine grimace grimace wail wail! And he knows that he is with such a big group of family, he will DEFINITELY get his way!!! Someone will scoop him up and the look he flashes back to us...like he has risen victorious over his parents! Ryan would refuse to walk...so he will be carried all the way...whether is walking in the streets....or walking at the mall....or walking at the zoo! I told hubby...next time wherever we go ...must bring a trolley and put him inside!

Kinda of inspired by Thai food at the moment.Been digging out my old Thai cookbooks and looking through them since coming back. Thai cooking is definitely very flavorful and interesting. I love the taste of coriander or basil in their cooking. Pity it is spicy most of the time. I was pretty surprised by the amount of Bangkok street food available. Almost every street and every few meters,there would be a vendor selling food. Didn't dare to try though. Since Hubby just recovered from gastroenteritis before the trip.

OK...here are some pictures for memories...

Waiting to board the plane. I am hungry, Mummy!

Cheerios to keep the kids happy and distracted before take off

The boy would sleep anywhere. Here at this Platinum Fashion Mall.
He was drugged...I gave him some cold medication.

Famous temple near the river. Sorry, don't know the name.

Safari Park- Cars and buses could go into this park and the animals are
roaming free all around us.

Boy been carried by his father. Having fever at this time.

Exhibitionist

Pattaya beach

Bye bye Ally. You have fun with everyone while Ryan and Mummy stay behind ok?

The family at the Tiger and Crocodile Show. Can you spot me?

Farewell, Thailand.

2 Hospitals. 2 Countries. 24 Hours.

2011-09-03T16:53:00.001+08:00

I don't know which is worst...

not going for the Thailand trip and seeing the money fly out the window

OR...

going for the trip and enduring the emotional stress that I went through.

I would say I probably did have a good time only up to the part when Ryan's fever suddenly came back on the 3rd day when we were in Pattaya. Woke up and felt his body. It was warm all over. Fever was over 38 degrees celcius. Stucked a Voltaren supp and stayed with him at the hotel while the entire group (27 altogether) went ahead with the planned activities. It was quite a bummer. Nothing to do while Ryan played Angry Bird the whole time...apart from napping. Everyone only returned back after 9pm.

So, Ryan's fever lasted for almost 2 days.Then he was OK. Cough and cold persisted.

Then, it was Ally's turn. She was a happy tantrumy toddler throughout the trip. Until the day before we were suppose to go back to Malaysia. We were traveling on the bus back to Bangkok from Pattaya and she felt hot. Took her temperature and it was 37.9 degrees celcius. OK...not too high. Gave her paracetamol. But starting from then, her fever would NOT subside and continued to climb to above 38 degrees Celcius. It just won't go away. Up until I had to alternate between paracetamol and ibuprofen every 3 hours...but the fever still persisted. Even with Voltaren 12.5mg supp...the fever managed to go down just for 2 hours ..then it would spike up to 38 degrees celcius or more again. The entire night, hubby and I were taking turns to sponge the poor girl and checking on her temp. The next morning...the day we were suppose to fly back to Malaysia at 3pm...Ally was weak and I was worried about all the fever medication that I have been administering to her within 12 hours. I was also worried about her condition while we were waiting at the airport and how to get medical attention there. So, made the decision to take her to a private hospital (Bumrungrad International Hospital) in Bangkok early in the morning and let the child specialist have a look at her. After paying 500 Baht for a taxi to take us back and forth, we got there within 15 minutes. The staff there was very helpful and friendly. I was very impressed with the place and the service. The pediatrician examined Ally and said everything was fine. Only her throat looked red and prescribed her Augmentin. Total bill was about RM190.
They gave her sponging as her fever was 38.4 degrees Celcius and a dose of paracetamol.

Here we are waiting for the taxi to take us back to the hotel.

So, we would think that having taken Augmentin...and being checked by the doctor...our fears would be rested right? I was relieved and didn't want to stress to much after that. We continued packing once back in the hotel and proceeded to the airport. Got on the plane...which was almost an hour delayed. Before leaving the hotel, Ally's fever spiked again. Gave her Voltaren supp. In the plane, her fever spiked again. Gave her paracetamol. When we landed back in Malaysia around 8pm.. after reaching my MIL house in Seremban, I checked Ally's temperature again. And I got a panic attack when I saw 40 degrees Celcius!!! We quickly sponged her, stuck a Voltaren supp ( that was the 3rd dose that day already- max dose) and start to worry what to do. It was Hari Raya night and it was 10pm already. I was only worried how to get through the night. It was either Columbia Asia in Seremban or drive back to Sunway Hospital.

So, straight away, we packed all her things (and mine)...and headed straight to Sunway. Arrived at midnight and went to the A&E. It took about an hour to get all the admission work done. And at 1am, poor little girl was in the room. And that time, her fever had gone down. Hubby went back home and I stayed with her. I felt relieved that we were in safe hands. After about 30 minutes, Ally began to shiver uncontrollably. Almost every 15 seconds. I panicked. I called the nurse. She checked her temp. Still normal. They said it is normal when the fever is about to come. 15 minutes later...her fever shot to 39.4 degrees Celcius! I panicked more. She was shivering and not attentive anymore. Ally wouldn't respond to me when I slapped her face or called her name. I pressed the nurse button and asked the nurse to do something. They brought a machine to check her oxygen level in her brain...thank God it was in the normal range. I continued to rub her chest and her feet to keep her warm. The nurse gave paracetamol syrup but Ally vomited it all out. After checking with the pediatrician, she gave another dose of Voltaren supp. By 4am,her fever went down and her shivering stopped. What a relief. I cried and cried during that time...I was frantic and felt so scared for Ally.

Anyway, blood test showed that the Mycoplasma level in Ally's blood was high. She was given 2 antibiotics and was discharged 2 days later on Thursday. Augmentin(Co-amoxiclav) would not work with mycoplasma.Want to read more about Mycoplasma infection, you can click here. Hospital bill was almost RM2000 plus but with insurance, I paid close to RM400. Now Ally has to continue with another 5 days Klacid.

So, that is the story, my friends...if you managed to read this far. Sorry. Very long winded. I just want to record this episode. Pre, during and post holidays...all filled with health adventures. Not holiday memories! haha! After this , I told hubby, just go for local holidays la. At least on local soil...not so much expectations and planning.

...next post only write on the trip.

THIS cant' be happening!!!

2011-08-24T07:25:00.004+08:00

As I am writing this post...

hubby is at the Sunway Medical Hospital with Ryan....waiting to see the doctor.

I don't know whether it has happened to you...but for me...I kind of believe it now. The power of the mind. The power of fear. Negative thoughts emit negative energy.

As you know we are suppose to go to Thailand. This Friday in fact. But since last week, almost every day ...some unexpected turn for our health will occur.

First..last Tuesday, Ryan started vomiting after eating his yogurt and banana. Turned out to be food poisoning and wind. It stopped by Thursday.

On Thursday night, Ally started getting a high temperature. With paracetamol, the fever still persisted. Turned out to be a throat infection and was administered Augmentin on Friday. But she developed severe diarrhoea from the Augmentin and had to be stopped after 2 days.

On Sunday...thought everything was fine. Looking forward to trip. Went to eat steamboat at a new restaurant near my area.

On Monday...hubby comes home early from work. I see the gate opening at 1pm...and I am thinking..."Uh-oh!" Turned out, he was having fever and purging since morning. Then, later in the afternoon just about for me to pick Ryan up from school, his teacher calls and asks me to come soon as Ryan has been complaining of dizziness. My heart drops. I pick him up and he is running a temperature too. No other symptoms.I give him paracetamol and his fever goes away.

On Tuesday, Ryan starts coughing! Oh man!....

Hubby is weak and can't go to work. So he rests for another day. Ryan's fever comes and go whenever the medication wears off. Took Ryan to GP...and he couldn't find anything wrong with Ryan that would cause the fever. He said maybe he got the bug from hubby.

On Wednesday(today)...hubby needed to go to work after 2 days on MC. I was on duty today. I couldn't not go to work today. I wake up at 6am to check Ryan. He has a temp of over 38 degrees celcius. Stick a Voltaren supp in his buntut. Same time, hubby stomach gives a turn again. Oh man! So...I told hubby better take Ryan to Sunway A&E and see what the doctor there says.

At the rate things are moving...I don't think we will be going for our trip. There goes all the moo-lah out the window. I am sad that all this had to happen right before the trip. One month before this trip, I was all excited and thinking that we better NOT be sick! And that...it has been some time since the kids and hubby had some sick spell. Since May actually. What frustrates me is more that almost everyday, something new unfolds.

Well, as for me...been bloated and gassy since Monday too.

Got to get ready for work now.

Still keeping my fingers crossed.

ps: Hubs just called. Doc says Ryan has throat infection (why din the GP see that yesterday???) and gave him Zithromax. For hubby...doc also prescribed antibiotics which the GP also refused to give yesterday. One more day to recuperate.