Father's Discovery

The 4th coming .....

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:48 PST

It's been decided. Mommy will be getting herself admitted on the 19th November 2009 to prepare for "the 4th coming"! We do not know whether she would beat the Obstetrician to it as every delivery has been unique. Now, where is that book for baby names?

Showers in the alley

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:52:06 PST

I had a pleasant return trip from Bangkok in an Airbus A320 flight last Tuesday. It was a surprise how I was again seated with the same team member when we came from Kuala Lumpur. After our lunch, we had in-flight entertainment by a little girl seated just in front. She was singing all the nursery rhymes while we were wondering how come not much has changed from our kiddy days.

Just as soon as the cabin crew swept by to collect the trays, there was a shower of clear liquid rushing in different directions. Just as I have suspected the girl's little brother was having his diapers changed. His mother was frantically trying to clean up the seats and the hair of adjacent passengers. Reminded me of Benedict when he was the same age. Funny, nobody thought about using a disinfectant?

The Celcom poser

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:55:40 PDT

Yesterday, I thought Grandma was kidding when she mentioned to me that she couldn't reach Grandpa while shopping at Midvalley Megamall. She was frantically searching for him as she had finished buying groceries from Carrefour and wanted to go home. At lunch time I tried calling Mom but she was not reacheable. I tried calling Grandma again and that couldn't work as well. I tried calling the customer service number of the telco network, Celcom and the 1-300 numbers and those didn't work as well. My clients called my office line to inform me that they have been trying to call me all morning and they couldn't get through. I missed the call Clarissa usually calls me in the evening.

I started wondering why I got the whole family to subscribe under one plan and one network. I don't take the lame excuse they gave on the the Star. You mean only this festive season everyone started using their cellular phones?

Looking forward to the Perodua 7 Seater

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:36:29 PDT

Mom and I have some difficulty getting Clarissa (6 yrs), Christa (4 yrs) and Benedict (2 yrs) into the car with our Domestic helper. It's more obvious when we have placed the toddler seat and 2 child booster seats. Come mid-November 2009, we will have another addition with the arrival of our new baby. This would mean we would have to get a 7-seater or travel in two cars.

I heard word from an friend that the Perodua MPV (currently called by its Perodua D46T codename) based on the Toyota Passo Sette will be launched in late October 2009. Maybe this would be a car we would look at!

Reasoning with children - possible or impossible?

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:49:19 PDT

I tried this new approach with Clarissa and Christa last night. We had a short discussion after dinner after which I had a 2 minute 'sharing'. Usually it would be quite difficult to get the elder girl (Clarissa) to get out of bed in the morning. She would also refuse to finish her milk as she 'hated' the taste of it after being exposed to 'adult' foods. After telling her the reasons why we wanted her to comply, she seemed to understand. Christa nodded her head in agreement just to rub salt into the wound.

It seemed to have worked as Clarissa was the first to get out of bed and the first to put on her shoes and head to the car. As usual, Christa would take the front seats and we had to move Clarissa back. She didn't throw up a fuss. Was it the reasoning which worked or the movie we had last night?

Malayan Tiger swimming for the kids!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:30:28 PDT

There are days that you just feel lucky. We felt just that last weekend when the Malayan Tiger decided to take a dip into the pool as we were watching him. He was trying to attract our attention! Soon after he was satisfied with the cooling-off session that he came out totally drenched. Aren't you glad you behaved in the zoo, children?

Touching the ceiling!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:16:42 PDT

I was busy preparing for a lecture when Christa decided that I was to accompany her for her usual toilet visit. "I want to pooh-pooh!", she said. I just dropped her at the toilet entrance and left her on her own. As usual, she would insist that I was to stand there until she finished her business.

I took some time to stretch and accidentally touched the low ceiling. Upon seeing that, she got off the toilet bowl and wanted to touch the ceiling too. "But you only passed urine. Finish the job and I will let you touch the ceiling", I said. It was a good deal I suppose. She quickly got back to 'work' and within seconds, she emptied her bowel.

As a form of reward, she was carried up 5 times to touch the ceiling. That left her smiling with glee. "I touched the ceiling!"

Standard Chartered KL Marathon Treadmill Challenge

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sun, 24 May 2009 06:07:20 PDT

Clarissa, Christa and I had a 5-minute brisk walk this morning at 1U to make it into the Malaysia Book of Records. It was part of a promotional activity for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009. I walked in my leather shoes doing 7.0km/h, whereas Clarissa and Christa did 3.5km/h and 1.8km/h respectively. The girls did the walk as they did not want to be left out in a fun activity.

Zoo Negara: Malayan Tiger - what a beauty

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:28:41 PDT

Malayan Tiger

Zoo Negara: Flamingo fear

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:40:28 PDT

"I don't want to take a photo", said Clarissa. "The Flamingo will peck me!", she exclaimed as she saw a Flamingo or two coming closer with their wings outstretched. I couldn't get a clear shot but Mommy and Christa were looking photogenic and I shot the photo anyway.

I've got my cheap Nokia phone!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:41:11 PDT

Now, don't be jealous, because I've got a cheap Nokia phone! It may not be great but it surely works and I can drop it and press all the buttons without a worry. I can even listen to the different ringing tones if Mommy lets me. Mommy, the photo says it all. You've got another satisfied customer, Nokia!

Zoo Negara: The Elephant and mischievous Christa

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:15:20 PDT

Christa insited that Mr Elephant at Zoo Negara bit her with his proboscis (trunk) when she fed bananas to him. She was adamant that the tip of the trunk nipped her thumb and the secretions contaminated her finger. All I saw was this (see photos) and I must admit she fed him half a banana which made closer contact possible. Did he or did he not bite her? The verdict is out, "Not guilty!". Christa, do you wish to appeal?

Tooth extraction by the 'tooth-fairy'

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:20:41 PDT

Clarissa was fiddling with her lower incissors (front teeth) as both of them had loosened. They felt as if they would just fall off with the next Oreo cookies she likes to munch on. After a week they didn't but the gums started to hurt a little and swell.

So her 'tooth-fairy' (Mommy) decided that it was time for it to come off and gave it some encouragement by pinching the little gum attachment off. Ouch! Tears flowed down her cheeks and she as she grimaced in pain. Now that the tooth has come off, she occassionally speaks with a little 'pfff' with every word uttered. Oh, doesn't she look adorable with the new look?

Mommy is lying on my bed!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:35:42 PDT

Everyone managed to get up although it was a quiet holiday morning when peace was disrupted by a squalling sound followed by a thud on the ground. I found Christa twisting and turning on the parquet while fidgetting with her hands. I was checking out my e-mail and couldn't figure out why she was so upset. "Christa, come over to daddy!", I said.

She came over still sulking with tears in her eyes and sat next to me. I just caressed her hair and pulled her head towards my left shoulder. "Feel better?", I asked. She nodded and wanted a little more. Just wondered whether the neighbours cat felt the same way when it purred away while rubbing against my pants. "Mommy is lying on my bed!", she protested. I found out that Mommy was attending to little Benedict while lying on Christa's bed. Now, where did she get the temperament? From me?

Swine Flu - Keeping granny away from travel

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:17:32 PDT

I received a call from granny telling me about swine flu and how I should be afraid of people who have running nose, fever and cough. She told me she is going to stay away from the airports as there may be people coming from USA and Mexico.

With all that scare I looked into just how dangerous this 'pig'flu is.
"Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented".

General information
Human Swine Influenza Investigation
US Travel Advisory
Outbreak Notice
WHO Update

You wouldn't play the game with me!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:53:16 PDT

I found myself at home surround by all three children yesterday evening and my attention was focused on playing with little Benedict. I placed my palms over both my eyes and asked him, "Ben, where are you? I can't see you?". Usually he would drop everything and come scurrying towards me to move my hands away. He would then give me a big smile coupled with a chuckle.

Little did I notice (what was I wondering at that point of time?), Christa (3+ yrs) had been trying to get my attention and was pushing her way through to pull my hands too. She did that several times and didn't get any response from me.

After a few repeats of the 'game', I looked up and Christa started giving a heart-felt cry. I broke her heart and was partial. She didn't need anymore proof that I 'loved' her sibling more than her. I thought, "What did I do? Why didn't I notice her earlier? Was I such a bummer?".

It did take more than a little hug to soothen the stinging hurt. It was then that I had a heart-to-heart talk to let her know that she was also greatly loved, just as God would love His children. Finally, I had to let her sleep with me although Clarissa (5+ yrs) usually shares that part of the bed with us. Now, was I hoodwinked by the tears or just responding as it should be? At least, she knows everyone gets the same amount of 'TLC' at home. Mommy too!

Little Ben is catching up

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:43:55 PST

Just as we were getting worried (since Grandma reminds us that Ben was a bit slow at speaking and responding) that Benedict was having difficulty vocalising and responding to us, we found that he actually knows what we are telling him to do. He gets up fairly quickly to drop his diapers into the basket when Mommy says, "Ben, throw". This morning he set his feeding bottle on the table when I told him to do so.

Ever since we've been spending a little more time with the children they've been good! And behaving like angels! Now, let's see whether we could get him to speak some English rather than Indonesian!

Kakak! Kakak!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:39:06 PST

Two nights ago, I came to bed quite late after doing some work on the laptop for my lectures. Little Benedict was disturbed in his sleep and turning from side to side. Was I shocked when he called out, "Kakak! Kakak!" instead of Mommy or Daddy. He repeated it several times and I quickly took him up in my arms to comfort him. He took a peek at me and laid his head on my left shoulder. I placed him on our bed and spent a few minutes patting him on his back softly.

He did not take much notice afterwards and slept soundly as he snuggled against my pillow and bolster. I tip-toed out and went ahead to shower half wondering whether Mommy and I spend enough time with our children. Maybe work isn't so important and family is. The children need more attention.

Neglecting my children!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:14:10 PST

It's been a really busy week running all over getting suppliers to deliver on time, chasing the contractor to rectify the renovations and scurrying for spare cash so that I can start business on time. Both Clarissa and Christa starts with reports of 'who hit who' and 'what little Benedict did' every night when they greet us at the door. Benedict would run in between his sisters to make sure he gets a chance to give say a big 'Dadd-eeee!' and refuses to let go of the door railings afterwards.

After taking a shower and having dinner, all of us would go to the master bedroom for a short get-together. Mom and I would give them a hug and tuck each child in their beds soon after.

Cheongsum sisters at Chinese New Year!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:36:27 PST

Mommy had a way with getting the girls up and excited early in the morning yesterday. They had to dress up in a shiny silk dress enhanced with fine embroidery called Cheongsum(and the guys just went along in their shirts and long pants. What happened to the guy's costumes?).

Christa wanted the slim pink coloured dress but Mommy insisted that she couldn't fit into it. She inherited her cousin's pink-orange dress which made her look just as pretty. Both of them had a tinge of lipstick and they were smiling with glee.

I've added 4 photos to show the mood for just before we set off to visit our family members to wish them a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Loosing my wallet

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:31:23 PST

Fancy waking up to find that your wallet is missing. The exact same thing happened a few days ago triggering panic. I had a situation where I did not have my ID card, driving license, cash, ATM cards and credit cards. Mommy had already gone to work and I was left at home. I somehow got to my office with the car running with the fuel warning signal on (I forgot to refill earlier). I was determined to go through the day without any further distractions and even thought of skipping lunch.

My day started with me calling all the banks to block my ATM and credit cards (that's how I lost most of my credit cards at one go!). I finally decided to cancel the credit cards and stick with one. Anyway, Citibank was kind enough not to charge me the RM50 fee for replacing my card because I was a long time customer.

Little did I suspect, one of my girls placed my wallet in the laundry basket with the other clean clothes. I was relieved that my important documents were intact and I did not need to make a police report. What will they be up to next?

Teething attacks at delicate curtains!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:40:54 PST

It didn't occur to me that Mommy was telling me the truth when she called me during lunch time to tell me that our living room curtains were torn. According to reliable sources (our domestic helper), Christa (3+ yrs) sank her incissors into the semi-transparent fabric and ripped the centre apart. But I was going to ask, "how on earth did she climb to that height?". As it has occurred, Clarissa then followed suit tearing the centre curtain at a higher height (but still at a height which they couldn't reach). Did they do it while standing on chairs to gain the additional 2 feet?

When I saw the damage to the white curtains, the expression on my face turned ugly (because I saw the girls tremble with fear). Little did I know that Mommy had already given them a nice scolding and some spanking earlier. Just like what Jojo Strus would say on MixFM, I decided to look at the positive side of things. I thought they deserved more attention and then probably they would not be doing so much mischief. What do you think?

Beware of roving eyes behind the camera phone

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:56:58 PST

Mom and I have started to be extremely careful when my camera phone is left unattended. Christa fancies taking pictures of moving targets, clothed or unclothed, making lives difficult as she stalks us from nowhere. Maybe I shall resort to a normal cellular phone or bring it wherever I go. Or should I just get her another hobby? Perhaps she should start ballet lessons or piano classes?

Just look at the bright side. At least she has ceased to use my phone for target practice at her sister or at me!

Christmas at Tropicana Mall

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:55:35 PST

Wishing all family and friends A Merry Christmas!

Christa at Christmas!

draston@gmail.com (Aston) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:45:22 PST

A photoshoot using Sony K770 for Christa while taking Wenxiong for a shopping at One Utama on Christmas Day.