Packing my bag

Well, one of the last things to do just before the big day arrives is to have my maternity bag packed. The last time we had Ryan, I do not remember having my bag packed, I just remembered we had most of what we needed, but I do not remember packing it ... strange.

This time, I googled about it and have most of the things I need on list. Tomorrow, I will start packing and have it ready in the car. I am pretty excited about this week and I am not sure how I will survive next week with all this anticipation.

A friend of mine just gave birth last Sunday and the night before, she was still wide awake and talking to me, telling me how nervous and excited she is and how sleep is not going to come soon. I had jokingly said I will get some wine to help with that potential problem.

I am also going to involve Ryan in this process, it will help him understand why mummy will not be around for a few days while I am in the hospital. I just hope that he will not feel like I have deserted him to be with his little sister.

Now, I just hope that the bag I have picked out is big enough to fill all the things I had planned on bringing.

Breastfeeding amongst Malaysians

Today's article in The Star highlighted that the rate of breastfeeding among Malaysian mothers is “very low” -- a mere 14.5% breastfeed their children up to six months, according to Health Ministry statistics.

I am feeling a little sad about these numbers. Having been a breastfeeding mother before, I find that there is still so much more we can do to improve these statistics. The obstacles highlighted here were mothers' ignorance, lack of support from family members/ healthcare providers, mothers returning too soon to the workforce and the availability of infant formulas everywhere telling the mothers that it is better than breast milk.

When Ryan came some years back, I had the exact same obstacles, but I also had a great lactation consultant whom I called and plead and cried to, even before I met her. Through her support and wisdom, I managed to make it through that horrible first week, and then, the confinement month, then 6 months later and then a year and finally, the God sent 2 years where I had not bought a single can of milk powder. Yeah, I don't think the milk company likes me very much. We only stopped breastfeeding completely when Ryan was 2 years and 11 months. The good doctor was very pleased and so was I. Hubby was extremely horrified when we started to buy milk powder - he wondered why they cost so much!!

I am not saying that mothers who choose not to breastfeed are bad, but what I am saying is that if only mothers were given more support, there would be many more who will succeed. We were led to believe that it is ok to substitute breast milk with infant formula, that a cow's milk is just as good as a mother's milk. Now, how can that be? and companies should stop saying that!

These new codes highlighted in the article are supposedly help in monitoring how the formula is advertised etc. But at the end of the day, if the healthcare providers do not start advocating it, there will not be any improvements.

There was a paed that I went to to get some cough syrup and the entire clinic was filled with every imaginable brand of infant formula there. Sure, there was a small rack set up to distribute leaflets about the goodness of mother's milk, but that was it. And if I were an unfortunate mother who goes there for that first jab for the baby, I would obviously have been convinced that formula will be just as good for the baby, minus the hassle of me waking up at night to feed frequently. With formula, the baby is also supposedly be able to sleep longer because the milk composition is harder to digest and thus the baby feels fuller, for a longer period of time. Now, why do you think having the baby feel fuller because of something that is more difficult to digest be better??

While writing this, I am feeling a little angry for all the little babies out there whose mothers were misled, angry with all the milk companies claming that their milk powder is the best, angry with all the healthcare providers who provides free samples of infant formula (I received 2 cans and they were thrown immediately), angry with the milk companies who have caused so much pain and suffering to the babies in China. Really, I am angry that the public see us nursing mums as freaks, thinking that there is something wrong with us for wanting to have this little thing latched on to us.

I can actually go on and on about this. But really, we have to stop thinking that we cannot breastfeed our babies because the doctor/ milk companies/ friends/ relatives etc. said so. We have to believe in ourselves and stand up for our rights, our babies' rights.

With my little one due in the next 2 weeks, I am determined to provide her what I have provided Ryan with - nutrition, love and plenty of tears. And that's about how motherhood is defined in the first place.

2 weeks more to go

Exactly 2 weeks from today, Ryan is scheduled to have his llittle sister in his hands.

I cannot wait for it to come. And hubby is a little stressed with the arrival of this little one because it coincides with CNY and work has been mouting for him. On top of the little one and me to care for, he also has to take care of Ryan and his school. And then there are his parents too ....

Thankfully, I will have my mum and the confinement lady around. Also, this time I am more prepared with the expectations, so I think I should be ok.

One thing though I am a little concerned with - is breastfeeding going to come easy to this little one compared to Ryan? Sure hope so, what with the recent increase in milk prices again ...

Books reading and stories telling

I have started to read to Ryan before he sleeps at night for a while now.

Before, it is usually I who will pick the book and he will see it together with me. Now, he is the one who will choose the books from the study room and then tell me which ones he wants. There are rhymes books, dinosaur books, games books, sticker books etc. It is amazing that he has more books than I used to have when I was a child. The thing is, I cannot stop buying them because these books also fascinate me!

Lately, Ryan has been asking for me to TELL him stories. And this means I have to spin something out. He will tell me what stories he wants to listen to. For example, these 2 nights has been stories about "Dogs". Yup, so I have to think about stories which has both moral values attached to it and some new words/ concepts that will help him learn more about the world around us. I must admit, it is no easy task, I am really lousy in this. Most times, I just ramble along, hoping that it makes sense to him.

Sometimes, Ryan will stop me and asks some questions. Sometimes he will ask me to re-pronounce the words, because I was slurring - I was sleepy ma ... and sometimes he will frown as he thinks about what I say. Nett, nett, it is a little stressful for me.

But all said and done, I am happy that he has gotten to this stage. It is very satisfying to know that the child is able to understand you and that he is able to question you too. Of course, I also get agitated at times, but then, I still love it.

Have you ever heard of the dog called Spot, who help recovered an old lady's stolen handbag and then got a medal from the police on his bravery? That was the story told just now before his afternoon nap time.

Wonder what tonight's topic is about ...

What my little boy wants for Christmas

Last week, my parents brought Ryan to the church for a Christmas party. Initially, he was reluctant to go because he did not want to go without me (I was too big and the weather was too hot for me). And so he said “I already have one Christmas party in school, I don’t want another one.”

Just now, I was putting him to bed and said that he needs to sleep early because Santa will only come when he is asleep. His remark? “I already have one Santa from school and he already gave me a present, I don’t need another present.”

I am pretty proud with him right now. I am glad he is not greedy, well, at least not at this point in time.

And oh yes, he did go to the party eventually and he did enjoy himself. And I did get him a Christmas present and it will sit under the tree tomorrow greeting him in the morning.

And what does he really want for Christmas? His sister!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Paying more for Hollywood movies

In today's papers, there was an article saying that movie goers may have to pay RM20 for a Hollywood movie versus RM12 for a local production.

The reason? To protect the local film industry. The Malaysian Film Producers Association thinks that by hiking the prices, Malaysians will then go watch the local films. And apparently all the 6 locally produced movies released during the school holidays under performed because they had to compete with Hollywood blockbusters.

Don't you just find this hilarious?? We are comparing movies like Wayang, Selamat Pagi Cinta, Antoo Fighter, Los & Faun, Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam and Histeria against Hollywood big-budget movies such as The Day The Earth Stood Still, Bolt, Twilight and Madagascar 2. Now, really, is there any comparison??

And to a question on why not decrease the ticket prices of local movies instead - it was deemed to be unfair wor. And someone from the association thinks that this move is timely because "... some of today's locally-made movies are on par with foreign movies in terms of quality." Haha ... really ah?

For me, I would NEVER pay even RM2 for a local production. I once went to one for FREE and walked out 30 minutes later. The standards are just not the same and they think that we will switch over once we have to pay RM20 for a Hollywood blockbuster?

Now, don't mistake me for bashing up the local film industry, I am all for the support of the local guys. And there has been some better ones made in recent years. It's just that I find it ridiculous for people to come out and say "let's hike the prices so that the movie goers will come watch us!" I mean, really? Will you go and watch Cicak Man instead of Bolt if you were made to pay RM20 for Bolt? I know I won't.

What I will probably do is to head down to the nearest DVD joint and get one copy for a fraction of the price and then get me and the family some popcorn and drinks and shut the lights and behold! a little cinema for ourselves, minus the insult these guys are trying to inflict onto me.

Another Jusco related post ...

Ok, I am not sure if they will remove/ ammend this link, but at the moment, it is hilarious. Click here to see what I mean.

I was trying to see what I could redeem with 10,000 points seeing that they will expire by the end of the year and I found that their item descriptions do not match the picture.

So, what they have done is to call an item 15kg Chrome Dumbell Set for 12,000 points, but showed a picture of a pink hair dryer. And another item called VALENTINO Ladies Handbag w/Purse but is a picture of a cordless phone.

Now, you would have read about my ordeal with them, plus something from Shopping & Sales Queen and now, I found out that even their website is stupid.

Honestly, someone should whack some sense into them about upkeeping their image perception because at the moment it sounds something like this - slow staff, silly policies, incompetent, badly managed website etc.

Hmm ... should I still venture to their store in an attempt to exchange my points? Wonder what stupid policies/ treatment will I be subjected to??

My Christmas week

This week, I will be at my mum's place. It's Christmas week and I thought that it will be fun to stick around. My parents have a big Christmas tree that Ryan will have fun with - and that does not necessarily mean decorating it.

From the time we arrived last night till now, half the ornaments are missing. And all the streamers are on the floor - Ryan had used it to dance to the Christmas music!

I always enjoy myself here because mum usually takes care of the cooking and so, I do not need to think much. Besides, here I can really rest because I am not allowed to do much housework. I usually want to throw things away and hence, mum says "Stop!"

I also have additional pair of hands/ ears for Ryan and that is great since I am not the only who gets asked "Why? Why? Why?"

Hubby was a dear again for sending us to my mum's despite being tired from work last night. He has since left for home and he will be without us for the week. I am not sure if Ryan will start to whine for his daddy tonight like he usually does.But I take it as a sign that he is getting closer to his dad. It is great to see that although the whining can sometimes be too much to bear.

Anyway, after this week at my mum's, I will be back home with another 2 weeks to go before the new baby arrives. In that 2 weeks, we will have to finish all the cleaning, attend Ryan's orientation session and send him to his first day at KG4. A trip to the dentist is also scheduled, besides visits to the gynae. Phew, still so much to do!

Thank you dear

Ryan was crying to go to the pool for many days now. I have told him that I cannot bring him because I am too big and also, I have been too tired.

This morning, his cries turned to wails. And it was heart breaking, although I did ignore him. I told hubby to come home earlier so that he can bring him to the pool. Ryan's wailing did not despite me explaining to him that it is dangerous for me to go to the pool, I might slip and fall. His response was that I can hold on to the raillings and then walk carefully. So sweet, but I was still reluctant to go.

I was counting on hubby to come back, usually he does not, because of various commitments and customers etc. However, today, he made it home in time for the little boy. Ryan was full of happiness and I am sure he enjoyed it very much.

Seeing the happiness they both had was just touching for a mother like me, esp. in my current pregnant state. Thank you dear for doing that for Ryan, for me.

What a baby looks like to a 3 year old

WSL just got a niece and she was saying that they look alike when D was a baby.

I showed it to Ryan and his immediate reaction was "My sister will also look like that?" When I said yes, he said "Looks like a tiny rat, ya? My sister will look like a tiny rat, ya?"

So there, to a 3 year old, a baby looks like a tiny, little rat.

And I am still laughing ....

Things Ryan cares about

There are some things which Ryan say which are very funny. I have termed them as things he cares about simply because he keeps talking about it:

1) Whether his poo poo is going to be hard or soft when he is eating certain kind of food. He dreads getting hard poo, so this is his main question whenever he eats something.

2) Whether he/ the sister is growing well.

3) Whether watching TV/ computer will spoil his "beautiful eyes" - that is how he has termed it.

4) Whether his milk bottle has remnants of milk powder - he hates it. I used to love it when I was young, wonder why he has that reaction.

5) Whether the Halloween ball (this is a small soft toys which has some scary Halloween face on it) will become bigger (because I told him he has to behave, else this ball will become big).

6) Whether today is a school day or not.

7) Whether it is sleep/ nap time.

8) Whether his mouth will have worms/ bacteria after eating ice-cream/ chocolates etc.

9) Whether his food contains animals.

10) Whether he is a big ko-ko or not.

For each of these situations, his actions will depend on the answers provided. Most times it is funny how he reacts but I am happy with these few things that he is particular about. He has come a long way since he was a baby. I am looking forward to many more days of his development.

Reply from Jaya Jusco

Jusco replied to my mail which was sent yesterday after my unpleasant experience. Read here for the previous day's incidence.

Their reply was standard and it goes like this ...

Dear Sir/Mdm,

Thank you for contacting AEON Careline.

We have receive your email and we appreaciate for the suggestion/feedback.

With regards to the matter that you highlighted, on behalf of Jusco Mid Valley we sincerely apologise for the inconvinience caused.

Pleased be assured that the relavent department will look into this matter, and to ensure such incident would not be repeated again.

We appreciate if you could furnish us with a few details as required below in order for us to assist you better in future. 1) Contact Number 2) JCard (If any)

Rest assured that your best interest is our utmost priority.

For futher enquiries, please contact us at feedback@jusco.com.my or 1-300-80-3535.
We looking forward to serving you better. Thank You.

See, the Engrand also wrong. My boy can speak better tenses than that.
I have already given them my contact number and JCard number ... let's see what they do about it.

And apparently, our best interest is ther utmost priority. Does that explain why I was told to go to their HQ to apply for a supplementary card for my husband??

Melman's spot

Today, I not only look like a hippo to my son, but he also asked why I have Melman's spots on my face.

I think I will stop him from watching anymore Madagascar so that he will not remember the lines!!!

I am sending this to Jaya Jusco

I had met with a friend for lunch just now and then proceeded to pick up some stuff at Jusco.

I have to say that when Jusco began its operations, the perception was that it was a mid to high end brand, what with being Japanese and all. Some even said that it was an expensive brand.

However, I thought that it was worth going there despite the reputation in exchange for a wider choice of products and brands. I was also convinced that the customer service was better.

Through the years, they have evolved to being a more mass brand. They even have their own house labels and the prices of these items, esp. the kids' PJs were good. Some of the promotions they ran were at prices cheaper than Carrefour or Giant. Great, all these savings are great for us consumers. But then the service standards also dropped.

Just now at the Mid Valley branch, the Jusco was a circus. First I went to the fruits section. There were 2 guards standing in front of the mango shelf. I was standing like half a foot from them attempting to choose my fruits. They did not even looked at me and proceeded to talk and talk, until I said "Excuse Me" and then, only did they got their fat bum away. Really, I am not sure if being thick skin and blind are criterias which were used to employ them.

And then I went to the supermarket and did my shopping in less than 30 mins. However, when I hit the queue section, I was shocked. How can there be such a long queue at 4.30pm? There were an average of 5-6 loaded carts at each of the 5 opened lanes. And the cashiers were taking their own sweet time to charge and bagged the stuff. On lanes with one person working was even more ridiculous. I am not sure if that is the fastest they were trained to work, or they just do not care.

At this particular Jusco, they have a PRIORITY LANE for the pregnant, wheel chair bound and the elderly folks. But there were a huge crowd there which DID NOT fulfill any of these criterias. And here I am queuing with the rest of the folks who really did not gave a damn about these priority lanes.

When I questioned why they cannot open more lanes (and it was clear that there were sufficient staff to operate them since they were hanging around their closed lanes), the person there just shrugged! And then I also asked why the priority lane is not serving its rightful customers ... the person told me that "Kita sudah ada papan tanda, tapi semua orang masih pergi sana." OMG, I almost smacked her - "Of course la, you have to enforce it ma, else what is the point of having a priority lane??" And the cashier there, together with another more senior looking cashier, just looked at me - without a note of apology or explanation!!!

Ok, I can accept that Malaysians are sometimes rude, illiterate and downright selfish, but that does not stop a company like Jusco to tick them off and only get the appropriate people in the priority lane!

Then I went to the kids section to buy some PJs for Ryan. When I asked where the boys' PJs are, this Malay sales girl just waved her hand, indicating it is somewhere at the end, near the cashier. I asked again if it was right, since I did not see it earlier ... she sighed loudly and then went to show it to me. Besides walking too fast, she actually took me a round - because she did not actually know, she had to ask. And this is despite her working at the kids' section.

And when I did see the PJs, it was in a total mess. All sizes and age groups were mixed up and we had to dig all of it up to get the sizes we want. It was pretty dusty too, so imagine what this will do to someone with a sinus problem?? And the queue at the counter is another story altogether ....

I think Jusco needs to do something to beat their staff in the right place. Cashiers who are sullen looking, working like they just started to handle a plastic bag or those who don't know where things are should be re-trained. Jusco has to know that there are plenty of choices today for us consumers and something like this will turn people away.

I know I will not go to Jusco again unless their diapers are dirt cheap, else I would be glad to pay a premium and shop at places like Isetan, Village Grocer, Jaya 33 etc. where the crowd is thinner and prices are slightly higher, but at least their customer service is relatively better. Also, I will not be subjected to a fictitious priority lane which does not work.

Yawn ...

Lately, sleep has been alluding me.

Although I am on leave now, I tend to get up earlier than when I was working. And I feel a little miserable during the day when I am super duper lethargic.

Hope sleep comes back to me quickly .....

My Eventful Saturday

On Saturday, I went for my routine gynae check-up with Ryan in tow. As usual, Saturdays are "bad traffic" days as there will be many many patients waiting. To kill 2 birds with one stone, I had gotten an appointment with the orthopaedic for my fingers aches.


With my gynae, Ryan was very excited to go because he was convinced that he was going to see his baby sister on that day. When the doctor put the tool (I cannot remember what it is called) on my tummy, we could hear the heart beat very clearly. Ryan was happy to hear it and was beaming all over his cute little face. But then he left the doc's office with a disappointment - his sister is not ready to come yet.

The visit to the orthopaedic was a little different because the doc had to administed a steroid jab into my fingers. Ryan was looking at me, looking out for signs of pain/ discomfot. In the end, everything went well, but Ryan was concerned with the blood that came out of my fingers. He kept asking if I was in pain.

Next on the list was a visit to Delicious at the Marc Service Residence. I figured that since Ryan had been so good, I would reward him with his cupcakes that he has been asking for. Also, that place is a little quiet, so I can live with it.

The lunch was good, we had pasta, cupcakes and hash browns. We also ordered water and a strawberry milkshake. I thought that even if Ryan does not end up with all the cupcakes, the shake and the hash brown could at least fill his tummy.

The pleasant thing was that Ryan DID manage to finish all 3 cupcakes, one hash brown and a third of my pasta. He even down a glass of water and half the shake. Lesson learnt: I can no longer afford to just order for one and have him share with me. I have to order for 2 and then sees him eating more than his share. And they say kids are not expensive ....

After filling our tummies, we were going to head home and sleep. This is where the "eventful" starts to kick in - my car battery went flat. And I mean really flat - not even a single sound was heard. All the lights went dead, even the car alarm did not work.

I was in a state of panic, I really hate these sorts of incidences. I called my hubby, then my brother, then some friends. In the end, I figured that the auto assist made more sense, after all, the services charges were borne by them, I only had to pay for the battery.

The horrible thing was that it was going to be another hour to wait before they get here. And seeing that I had no choice, I agreed. The wait itself was also eventful as I had to deal with a hyper kid running around the lobby, then my own body who was dying to lay down and sleep. Soon after, it began to rain and then Ryan had to poop and then he had to pee etc. When he finally settled himself, the mechanic came.

It took him about 10 mins to get the bonnet opened and figure where things were. Then another 10 mins to conclude that my battery is really flat beyond any jump start chance. He then proceeded to change the battery, this took like another 15mins. All these while, I must say that Ryan was very well behaved despite being so late in the afternoon and all the discomfort we were facing. Finally, all was done. It was already 2 hours since this ordeal started.

We drove out on the street - and it was jammed. Really jammed at 4.30pm - why do people automatically slow down when there is rain??? We got home at about 5pm, tired, worn out, agitated, looking forward to a clean bath. Ryan fell asleep soon after while I pondered over the happenings of the whole day.

I was still feeling tired, but could not sleep. Rain continued and it was all dark and gloomy. I am glad that Ryan was well behaved the entire day, I was glad that I had been well fed before the battery died on me, I was glad that it had happened in a nice basement instead of the car park at the hospital, I was thankful that there was an ATM machine in the lobby so I had no problems in paying the mechanic. I was thankful that the auto assist came on time, that he was patient and that he had to go through the rain in his raincoat on his bike to come to me.

In the end, I think the main lesson was that although some things do happen to us in the most unexpected way, if we look hard enough, there are always things that we can be thankful about.

Oh No! I AM a hippo!

Just as Ryan correctly predicted that he is going to have a sister, he also correctly predicted that I AM a hippo, not only look like one, but also eating like one!!

I just finished 6 "siew mai" all by myself. I had to shoo hubby away from my food. And after finishing that, my stomach is still growling.

And I think I had better go to sleep now, else I will start on my ice cream. And I also had this sudden flash of Coke going across my mind.

OMG! I AM a hippo!!

I think my baby has engaged!

Technically, I am supposed to be in Week 34, 35, thereabouts. The last I checked, the baby has not engaged itself yet.

However, this morning, I had gone on another shopping spree again with hubby, parents, brother and Ryan. After 6 hours of shopping, I think the baby decided that the exercise was enough to put her into the engage mode.

I was walking and then I heard a "Click", rather loudly as I was also able to hear it. Then it struck me, I think the baby's head had gone into the deeper end of my uterus. I am quite sure of it and hubby was quite shocked that I could just continue walking and walking.

I would know about it by this Saturday when the gynae will give me another round of assessment about how far I am into this pregnancy.

Till then I guess.

Of spots and sorts

Yesterday, my parents were down in KL for some shopping. We had a good dinner at the newly opened Food Garden at The Gardens - relatively cheap and filling.

We then proceed to Isetan as hubby had wanted me to buy him a wallet. According to him, it is considered to be good luck for a pregnant lady to buy wallets for family members. Just to save me the need to walk up and down again, I had my parents down so that they too can buy their wallets. We ended up buying 3 wallets for hubby and one for my dad.

Mum was happy not to have any seeing that she still has 6 in her stock. So, she helped take care of Ryan while I went round paying the bills. Mum said that he was naming her all the main characters in the Madagascar and he was going on and on about it.

Hubby got me a perfume from Estee as a Christmas gift - I had originally wanted 5 lipsticks in a set, but I think this was much better.

We then went home and stopped at a mini market to buy some food - I was already hungry by then. Traffic had been slow when exiting Mid Valley, that did not help to the fact that my stomach was growling.

While dad and hubby went to get food, Ryan was talking to mum. Mum had asked "Poh Poh pretty or not?" Ryan was quick to answer "No." When probed with a "Why", he responded by saying "You, see, you got spots on your face!" I could not help but burst out laughing. I know, it is not funny to have him say that, but my mum also thought it was funny.

And guess, where he got that from?? Madagascar!!!

Conversations about Auntie SL

This was a conversation I had with SL when I was sick the other day. It was one of those things that make me smile everytime I think of certain people.

Ryan seems to have developed an unexpected liking to SL, despite her thinking that he used to be anti-her at one time.

Now, Ryan talks about SL quite a bit and usually, out of the blue too!

What does the sun look like?

Ryan did this last night.

He had placed a ball in the middle of an overturned stool and declared that to be the sun.
Then he put the green pieces of a dominoes puzzle by the side to make it his "steering wheel". Yup, so at any point in time, depending on where you want to take the sun, you just have to touch the dominoes pieces and it will steer you in the right direction!

So, to a 3 and a half year old, the sun does look pretty easy to him, what's more, you can even control its direction!

Madagascar 2 - Escape 2 Africa

Last weekend, we went to watch Madagascar 2 and Ryan thoroughly enjoyed himself. It was the first time that he got a seat on his own - at half the price!

The main cast were a lion, a hippo, a zebra and a giraffe. After watching the movie, Ryan was grinning when he said this to me "Mummy, you look like the hippo, your stomach is so big!"

There, so much for being pregnant and trying to look pretty at the same time. After all that effort, my son thinks I look like a hippo!!

My Starbucks 2009 diary

I have attempted to sustain a diary for many many years now and I have always been very disappointed with myself for not being able to do that successfully. The excitement of it all - finding a new diary, filling out the details, putting in the important dates etc - usually fizzles out by the third day or so. And then I wonder, what had started it all.

Last year, there was this motivation tape that I was listening to which prompted me to re-think about the entire concept of diary as I know it. Instead of just writing in the history of the day, it should also contain future actions, plans, concepts, little things that excites me, memories etc. And so, I looked around.

One day at Starbucks, I was buying one of my "once in a blue moon" coffe and this little diary was staring at me. And I knew I just had to have it. After downing many litres of coffee, I got my hands on this. And I have managed to sustain this for 2008. Look how worn out it is now? I had to tape the sides together so that it will still bind together!

For 2009, I again embarked on a search for my ideal diary, one that probably says "Busy mum's diary" or "Diary for the woman on the go". As if to answer my call, today, there was a Starbucks ad in The Sun which was promoting their diaries - pay RM18 on top of a grande drink - and you will get this leather bound diary.

I was very excited and spent a good 30 minutes marvelling at the diary before putting in those little details on contacts, important dates, leave plan etc.

The next thing to put in? My 2009 resolutions - and this is something I have always put up, but cannot achieve. In 2009, I will have the achievement of my resolution as my top top priority. And it cannot get any easier than penning it down in my lovely Starbucks diary.

Books Books Books

At the beginning of 2008, I have decided that I would complete at least ONE book a month. This is to make up all those years I had spent working and not catching up with the wonderful world of books.

To date I have only completed 8 books and I have exactly 1 month to go before the end of 2008 is here. And so, how am I going to complete all these books by then??

Surprise!

DY introduced me to the concept of "Surprise!" when dealing with kids, esp. hers. When I heard about it, I did not have Ryan yet and so, this concept was difficult for me to accept.

However, hearing about all the wonderful feelings that this concept evokes, I decided to try it out with Ryan. Starting from about a year ago, I also practised this concept with Ryan with stickers, CDs, toys, music sometimes food etc.

Hubby was of the opinion that I was spoilling him, that it would get into a habit and then we would all be in trouble. However, I insisted as I thought that it was a brilliant seeing his delighted face. I was also being selfish, thinking that all will be ok when he outgrows it.

Last weekend, we were preparing to put up the Christmas tree and I told Ryan that we need to wait for his daddy to do it. Surprisingly, he told me that he wants to do it first to "surprise papa" when he gets home from work.

I could not believe that he actually said that! I am thinking that he probably got the idea that surprises are giving such great feelings that he wants to give in return to all the little surprises we have been giving him.

Needless to say, I used this to gloat to hubby saying that he has been wrong about spoilling him and that it has actually turned out to be a good thing. Hubby did not say anything, but this non-stop grinning gave him up - he agrees with me.

Anyway, the Christmas tree is up and we are all marvelling at the wonderful looking tree despite there are holes here and there to patch up.

Here's to the next surprise then!

The BIG "R" Number

Sometime ago, I had written about the campaign which Prudential was running called What's your number?

Today, I took it's calculation on the net and found that my retirement number is a staggering RM3,487,456 in today's dollars, assuming that I retire at 55 years old, giving me 21 years more to accumulate this amount.

Now, at the first glance, this may seem to be a really big sum, but after thinking about it for a while, this amount may actually seem reasonable. Look at all the things that are currently priced out there, everything from the basic necessities to the not-so-necessary items. Everything is going up in prices year after year, if not by the months.

And this amount is only taking into account what I would need, and have not factored in hubby's numbers nor has it taken into account the kids' education funds. I am guessing if I relay this info to hubby, he is going to freak out and reinforce his thinking that we do not need to think so much about the future and the numbers etc.

But then I am thinking, if both of us are not concerned about these numbers, who will be taking charge of it? And more importantly, how will we make it? I guess that is why so many people nowadays either cannot afford to retire or they face difficulties in their retirement years.

For sure, I am not willing to compromise my healthcare nor my nutrition in my older years, nor do I want to give up my house nor the little things that makes me happy, so I am determined to meet these projected numbers of how much I need in the future.

Now, do you know what is YOUR RETIREMENT number?

Starbucks' To: You From: Us Promotion

I saw an ad yesterday in The Sun which has a promo where you buy a Dark Cherry Mocha Frappuccino and you get a Pomegranate Peach Frappuccino for free, just for today. It was great and I was excited about it seeing that I will not be at work today and will likely be swiping cards at Mid Valley today.

And so, I diligently cut out the coupon but forgot to bring it with me this morning *Doink*. But anyway, I tried to see if these guys at Starbucks would be willing to let me have it despite the little fonts there stating that the coupon has to be presented upon purchase.

I went to the outlet at The Borders, The Gardens. There were 2 guys there - one did not know what I was talking about and the other knew about it but was a stickler for rules. "We need to have the coupon, else we will be in trouble with the accounting procedures" he said to me. Something made me feel that this guy is from the Accounting/ Finance line with a part time job at Starbucks. After a minute of asking if he could bend the rules/ if he has a copy of The Sun ... I decided fine, I don't need that coffee anyway.

I then went to the other outlet they have in the main Mid Valley building. Guess what? They had The Sun there and I went to get my drink. The guy there said that they were running low on the Pomegranate Peach and asked if I would like 2 coffees instead. After explaining that I didn't want my kid to have any caffeine, he then offered to exchange it with a Dark Cherry cream based drink, but I was warned that it would taste funny. Later, they offered me to exchange it with another fruit based blended drink - great, I took the Mango Fusion.

After all said and done, they did not even bother with the coupon and just said "Have a nice day ma'am, enjoy your drinks!"

Wow, talk about the difference in service levels. And it was just a wlk across the buildings. The guys at Borders not only made me give up on my drink in the outlet, but also made me gave up my purchases in Borders. I actually had some books picked up, but then left it all when I could not get my coffee.

Lesson to learn: Outlets with franchise license especially, should have their act consistent, else it will only drive away customers.

Oh ya, the 2 drinks were great by the way and served to be the fattening food I had promised my kid on his last day of school/ camp etc.

Happy 6th Anniversary

Todays marks the 6th year that we are married.

November 24th 2002 was the day that we decided that we should embark on this journey in life that would take us to places where we did not imagine to be. Many of those places are filled with memories, emotions, hopes and wonder. These places in many years to come will be the stop over points to our destination.

At the moment we are building a family, one which we may not always agree on, but one which we want to be in. There are many misunderstandings, arguments, squabbles, hurt but there are also many moments which I would not change/ exchange with, many laughters, joy and love which has made these 6 years full of adventure.

On this day, I am entering my 34 weeks of pregnancy with our second child. This child would not have come to be if we had not decided to embark on this journey together.

May we have many more stop overs and many more adventures, but no more babies please ...

Happy 6th Year Anniversary Darling!

Pretty mummy

This morning, we went to Kiara Park with WSL and Ryan gave me his feedback after seeing her as "auntie SL not pretty today bcos she didn't wear a dress"

This is not the first time that he has given comments like these about my friends after an outing together. And so, some of my friends already know that some sort of comments will come when the outing ends.

After a quick afternoon nap, Ryan was in his usual happy mood and was posing for some photos I was taking. Then he came over to my side and said "Mummy, picture (short for taking a photo) me and mummy together." I was in my hair clips and was feeling like I was going to pengsan from all the work, so I said I am not pretty today in the picture. His reply "No mummy, you are very pretty today" ... while stroking my face too!

Ok ok, so my son is bias and the following photo came to be - so is mummy pretty or not?

Mummy dear

Half the time I cannot hear what Ryan says - yeah, I know, I am a bad mom.

But then this evening something caught my ear. He was busy with the Christmas tree and I was busy tidying up after him. And I must have said something (yes, I also cannot hear myself sometimes) because Ryan turned to me and said "Put this one here ok mummy dear?"

Aiyo, I felt very very happy about it and thought that he was really really very sweet.

Sigh, does not take much to melt me does it?

Last day of school - 21 Nov 2008

Ryan started school this year on 3 Jan 2008, at 2 years and 10 months - after a month of deliberation on my part. I had taken leave on 3rd and 4th to send and fetch him from school. No, I did not hang around, but I did worry about how he will fit in. A year later, it was proven that I did not have to worry about him in the first place.

His first day was a happy one for me - hubby managed to be there with him. It meant a lot more to me than it did to Ryan I think. Ryan was also very happy to be in school finally - after a month of crying to go to school.

Here is a photo of him on his first day, happily riding the yellow snail.

This is him and his new found playmates in the field. This is the start of his many days of socialising, wonder how he felt.

This is a photo of his class on his first day. This is the class where he has learned to eat and play, count and read, write and draw, sing and dance and and not forgetting fight with his class mates for the whole of 2008.

21 Nov was the last day of school. I also took leave to send him to school and later, to fetch him from school. He has been asking me to fetch him from school for ages now, broke my heart every time he requested that. Must make sure that next year, I will do this at least once a month - how long is he going to ask for me anyway right?

The above photo was taken when I came to fetch him yesterday. Holding him is dear Mrs. Menon who is his first teacher. I am very grateful for her patience and her teaching, I am sure she has helped shape Ryan in many ways. Ryan has taken an affection on her and many of her (and the principal's) words are taken more seriously than mine!

After fetching him from school, we went to lunch before sending him to nanny's. We had western - fries and pizza for Ryan and a burger for me. I intend to make this a ritual for my kids. Mummy taking leave on the first and last day of school and then on to something sinful and full of calories for lunch.

Here is to a whole year of joy and happiness and some anxieties.

May Ryan has a better year in 2009!

Major nesting phase

When I was pregnant with Ryan, the only thing that was out of norn was that I must be silent by 11pm and must be out of bed by 7am, else I would get major kicks from Ryan.

This time round, I feel that my nesting phase is super dominant. I have started cleaning like 2 weeks ago and I even have a list of to-do things which gets a date next to it.

Seriously, I did not even bother with it the last time round, just thought that all is well and clean. Now, I feel like I do not have enought time to do it all. This is despite having Wati to help me out - groan.

Today, after a walk in the park with WSL, I came back and started cleaning and cleaning and cleaning - just managed to sit down and do some blogging and chatting. I was up and down the step-chair the whole day. There were some periods of time that I thought I was going to force the baby to come out with all the stepping and lifting and moving. But luckily, all is well, although there is some pain noted, somewhere.

On Wednesday, I actually had a contraction at the office, then it went away. Not sure what I did that day, but some cleaning and rushing of data took place. Today, after the park, I also noticed some mild contractions, but it went off.

Hope my cleaning today will not trigger anything tonight .... till tomorrow then and another round of cleaning ...

Nobody loves me!

Yesterday Ryan was drumming his fingers on the dining table and I scolded him for being rude. He then tried drumming it lightly and still, he got scolded.

He then hurriedly left the dining table and went to the sofa sulking and pouting his lips ... and then he said "Nobody loves me!". This is because I told him his daddy also had the same stand on the manners as I did.

I was trying very hard not to laugh and hubby hurriedly went to reassure him that we do love him although his manners are also important. He burst out crying while hugging hubby, all the while claiming nobody loves him.

This, emotional blackmail, coming from a 3 year old. Aiya, they do start young don't they?

Ryan's thinking

On the way home from buying the baby's stuff, he asked me in the car ....

RYAN: Mummy, the doctor will cut your stomach to take out the baby?
ME: Yes
RYAN: Then he will cut my little sister?
ME: No, no, he will be very careful, he will only cut mummy's stomach, he will not hurt the baby.
RYAN: Oh, then how will he fix your stomach?
ME: (I stopped to think about his question for a while since I had not thought that he knew what "fix" was) well, he will stitch mummy up with a needle.
RYAN: Then no blood ah?
ME: Got, that is why you cannot jump on mummy's stomach lor.
RYAN: Ok, I don't do that. I sayang only.

Wasn't that sweet? Sure made my night despite being awfully tired.

Buying baby stuff

Yesterday, we brought Ryan to a baby store in ss2 to just get some basic stuff for the baby – clothes, powder puff, blanket etc. I had told Ryan that we were only going to get the baby stuff and there will be no toys buying for him. Of course he would have said “Yes” and agreed.

After playing with the toys there for about 20 mins, he came to me and asked what I was doing. He then proceeded to take a basket and began to load stuff for the baby – clothes, poder puff (he even got one for himself), then he also got her some shampoo, baby bath, baby oil etc. He even got a water tumbler for himself (a blue one) and a pink one for the baby (apparently it is the colour he thinks it is for girls).

It took me some 5 mins to convince him that the baby does not need all the stuff and he happily settled with some basics.
Check out his happy face with the basket in his hands : )

Ryan says ...

Ryan said this out of the blue one day … “Water is life, don’t waste it!”

But that did not stop him from playing with it every weekend in the tub, in the shower etc.

Mamma Mia!

There is something about this movie that is captivating.
Perhaps it is the songs that are sung, perhaps they stir up memories of yesteryears.

No matter what, it is still a wonderful movie. Unfortunately I could not catch it on the big screen, so I am watching it now on DVD.

I had wanted to go watch the musical, but it is so close to my due date that I was afraid my waters would burst while I am happily cheering and dancing!

Week 32?

I went to see the gynae on Thursday and he said that I am in my week 32, so much for helping me figure out my correct week number.

But anyway, I have already decided that the baby will come early January (depending on the date that the feng shui guy gives me) and that it will be a caesarean with a GA. That's that now.

The weeks leading up to that is another thing though. There will be a whole lot of cleaning and preparing and also not forgetting getting Ryan in the mood too. There will also be the pre-opening of school and orientation for the parents on the 2 of Jan 2009, hopefully I can settle Ryan in his KG 4 before i go off to get the new one in.

I have also started to buy presents and wrapping them up, to be given to Ryan when he meets his little sister. I have yet to bring him to buy her the coming home suit and the present he will be giving her.

So, if Week 32 is correct, I have technically 8 weeks more to go, so much things to do, seems so little time since I am only giving myself 6 weeks as a date line. Till my next gynae visit then.

Week 30

I am a little confused about the week I am in.
Some websites say that I am in Week 30, some say Week 31 ... so I am somewhere there.

At this time, I have been relatively active and can still go for my shopping walks, except that after a while, I feel really tired and will lose the mood to shop. So, I have to shop for all the necessities before I shop for the rest.

I also have better stamina than the first pregnancy, not sure if it is because I have Ryan to deal with or the trips to the gym paid off.

With the first one, I was nervous with the all the fuss and the care and the worries about the baby. With this one, I am less nervous with the baby care, but more worried with the finances and of course the health of the baby.

Nowadays, I spend more time reading about investment books and parenting books rather than baby care or motherhood books. Sometimes I feel guilty, like I am taking the baby for granted, but I was assured that it is because I am already a "seasoned' mother.

With this one, I also feel that I am eating more, this morning I ate more than hubby during breakfast!

We'll see what the doctor says in the next couple of days during my routine gynae visit.

No, that is my little sister!

When Ryan was very little, he used to have a fascination with his poo. There was once where he poo-ed in my mum’s house and decided to plaster it on the wall. When my mum found out, she said that if he did it again, she would hang him on the crane. Naturally, it never happended again.

Last week, during one the many conversations, my mum told Ryan that if the baby does the same thing, she would also hanged the her on the crane. Ryan was shaking his head while answering “No, you cannot hang her. She is my baby sister. I will take a paper and throw the ng-ng in the toilet and then use the wet tissue to clean the wall. You cannot hang her. She is my sister!”

I was so proud to hear that. Hopefully he will also be as protective as now when the baby is finally out.

So far away ...

Last week we went back to my mum’s house and it was at night that we drove. The whole journey took us about 1 hour but Ryan was getting a little restless.

Upon reaching my mum’s house, he asked my mum “Poh Poh, why your house is so far away?” To which my mum asked “Why don’t you buy a house near me?” Ryan said “No lor, only YOU stay so far away!”

I was very tickled by that conversation.

Phew!

We were about to get in the lift just now when we got home when we heard that a small boy was calling out to his parents. I think he was just calling out to them and not meant to get into the lift.

However, Ryan became very eager and quickly jumped into the lift when it came and quickly pushed the "10" button. He also wiped his forehead and said "Phew! We got in first!"

I was surprised at his action and reaction to the whole thing and just burst out laughing. Although I know I should not encouraged it, it was rather funny to see him reacting in such a manner.

Ok, so tomorrow I will talk to him about it, just let me laugh it off for now.

Week 28

I am going into my third trimester now and I really feel that this pregnancy is passing by very quickly. With Ryan, it had felt long and the end was like a moving target.

This little one is already going into the third and last stage. From now on, the growth will be great and I will feel the kicks more.

With Ryan, he seemed to have a fixed schedule. No noise after 11pm, else he will kick me hard. And I had to be up by 7-8am, else the kicks will come. Pretty much like how he is now and since he was born.

This one though is a little different. If I move, the baby will movee with me, no matter the time of day. I could be just getting up for a midnight toilet trip and the baby will be moving too. Thank goodness, it rests when I lay down. At least that is a consolation. And I wonder what the kid will be like ....

Lately, I have been eating like nobody's business. Literally every 2-3 hours, really. Else I will feel very hungry and will not be able to function. I think that is why I have been feeling really big, although I have only put on 8kgs. My tummy skin feels like it is about to burst soon.

Anyway, I am looking forward to enjoy the remaining months of this pregnancy. So far, it has been good, although a little tiring for me.

2 laughs & a tumble

This morning, Ryan has managed to make me laughed out loud and also gave me a heart attack.

After coming back from the market, I found Ryan and hubby in bed already awake and were talking - different indeed from the usual screaming between them. We were roughing around in bed when Ryan stood up and said loudly (while clutching his heart) "Oh, my poor heartbeat!". I was laughing while asking him where he got that from. Apparently his teacher says that in clas. Poor soul, guess the kids are really taking a toll on her heart!! But the dramatic way he said it was really funny.

The other incident happened while I was preparing breakfast. Ryan was observing me and hubby was talking to him. All of a sudden, Ryan was on the floor - he had slipped and fell from his little chair. The chair has a pointed corner as it was one of those sturdy wooden chairs from Ikea. He started to cry and I had a scare, thinking that he may have fractured a rib or cracked his skull or something, judging from the way he was crying. I was relieved when I found that it was only a scratch on the back, although I do think that it is painful.

After some ice and a lotion, he was up again. Some ice-cream on his milk helped too I guess ; )

After breakfast, he was in his little pool playing with some water balloons and talking to himself. Then when I started to hang clothes in the balcony, he said loudly to me "Oww ... pain pain". When asked where his pain was ... he said "On my beautiful body lor". I immediately burst out laughing - I did not imagine he would be able to say that!! He started laughing too when he saw I was so tickled, although I am not sure he knew what I was laughing about.

All in a morning's worth of parenting - it sure is rewarding!

MPH Warehouse Sales

Yesterday I went to a book warehouse sale hosted by MPH. I must say that although I am a huge fan of books, I have never really gone to any of these sales because I had always thought that it was going to be a bunch of really old books and dirty.

However, EJ told me that it was great and that the discounts will be fabulous. So, I went. I reached at about 9.30am and already there was a crowd. I had to park some distance away and silently thought that it better be worth the walk, it was hot!

When I reached, EJ was already there and we went inside. Wow! I thought, it was really huge. A little dusty perhaps, but it was good. Although there were many people, at least they were organized and everyone was in a generally good mood. I did see some silly people with their strollers, why would anyone want to bring babies to a warehouse sale?? The dust is crazy!!

I went only looking at the book shelves although the books in the boxes on the floor would have been better bargains. Somehow, I do not think I can just squat there and search in my condition. Maybe next year, promise I won't bring the baby along.

I ended up buying like 7 books for myself and 4 for Ryan, including 3 colouring books which were a steal at RM5 per book. And it all cost me only RM200. There were some sticker books there but they were no different theme than what Ryan has now. There were also a range of kids' books organized into junior readers, teen, etc. and they were the most organized of the whole lot! Says something ain't it? I will buy these next year when Ryan (hopefully) would have learned to read by then.

There is something about books that gives me this therapeutic feeling. It is always a good feeling, sort of like they are my friends, my reference ... if only there is a talking book!! The best part of buying a book is in the wrapping part. I find this really relaxing. And over the years, I have found some new ways to wrap them too, so it is very interesting for me. Of course, the reading part is a given la, then why buy it in the first place right?

Hmm .... wonder if I can go again today, I missed out 2 gifts for Ryan's classmates' birthday coming up.

I love you

I love to see Ryan sleep. Many nights I would spend some minutes before I sleep to just stare at him and touching his face and smelling his hair. Last night, I whispered into his ear "I Love You" ... and he whispered back "I Love You" ... with his eyes close and sleep still underway.

I was thrilled, sleep well my child.

Kids should go to school everyday!

When Ryan first started school, hubby had a theory that he is better taught at school than being taught by us at home on matters like manners.
While I had disagree then, I must admit that it has some truth to it.

This morning, when I called Ryan to get up and changed, I was very surprised that he actully jumped up and wished me "Good morning mummy!" He usually will sulk and whine and cry. So this was a fresh change. He even willingly let me change him, drank his milk and came out of the room smiling. He also willingly went to brush his teeth!!

When we got to school, his teacher told me that actually she told them about this yesterday. She was telling them that when they wake up in the morning, they should be all happy and cheery and not whiny and crying. And the message stuck to them!! Can you believe that? Somebody they see for 4 hours a day versus us who they see more - they actually hear the teacher better than me!!

Hope he still remembers her words tomorrow morning.

Kids then and now

Ryan is now slightly over 3 and a half years old. Time really passes quickly when you are running after a toddler. It seems like it was just yesterday that I had him in my arms in the hospital. I remember not being able to bond with him immediately though, it was one of those things which I needed time on. Now, I cannot bear to be apart from him.

My mum says that Ryan is more active and more talkative than me or my brother was. Yup, I acknowledged, time has changed. Kids nowadays are really different from our time, they learn so much more and they know so much more than what we used to know.

Ryan can express himself very well and we will know exactly how he feels or what he needs/ wants most of the time. Even when he is agitated, he will still be able to articulate himself.

His vocabulary is also better than when I was 3 years old. He knows what a Sphinx is ... I hadn't got a clue till I was able to read leh.

He can also remember most things after being told once or twice. He also remembers what we say and so, we cannot go say something and then change it midway - he will remember and asked you about it and then get irritated at you for changing the rules midway. Really.

He is also able to eat on his own, although at home he wants to be fed.

He is also able to help me scrape the potatoes and mash them with mayonaise. Sometimes he is also able to help me with the dishes, after much water and soap of course.

Ryan understands rules very well - "no tv on a school nite" "no eating animals" "when i count to 5, I want you to ..." etc.

Ryan is a rules person (till today anyway), he always wants to do things in a certain way, have a certain set of processes to follow - oh dear, I hope he will not end up to be an accountant or a compliance person!

And Ryan is also into girls, pretty ones at that, especially if the girl has long hair. He will be extremely pleased ....

Oh yes, kids nowadays really know and understand so much more.

My baby and Ryan

I am not sure about this, but it seems that whenever Ryan laughs out loud, the baby seems to move quite a bit.

Just now, while playing, Ryan was laughing out loud and I felt the baby move. I had Ryan put his hands on my tummy hoping that he will feel the movements, but the baby stopped.

And because my tummy was exposed, Ryan said "tsk, cover your tummy, must keep the baby warm, else the baby will be cold."

He said it with such emotions, it was difficult not to feel touched.
Hope Ryan continues to love the baby come January 2009.

My very pregnant Ryan

This is my darling who is supposedly pregnant. Here he is saying that he needs to sit for a while.

This is him all happy with the pregnancy : )

Selamat Hari Raya

Today is Hari Raya for the Muslims in the country and around the world. We are very fortunate here in Malaysia as we get to have all the holidays of our major festives and this is one of them.

Recent developments in the political scene has prompted us to remember those who are unlawfully detained in the Kamunting lock-up. My wishes to their family and their loved ones who could not be there to celebrate together.

And today, our PM said that this is the time to forgive and strengthen ties. Well, Mr. PM, why not show that by releasing all those in there whom you think is a threat to national security, but in reality not so??

Selamat Hari Raya indeed.

Pink and dress

This morning I told Ryan that we would be going to buy the baby some clothes.
He was happy and agreed to come along too.
I had asked what colours should we be buying .... he thought about it for a while and then said '"PINK!" When asked why he said that ... he said "Only girls wear pink and only girls wear dress!"

Hmm ... looks like I have to teach him a thing or two about colours and gender.

Singapore Night Race

Yesterday, a new chapter unfolded in F1 racing. And Singapore got to be part of that history.
It was the first night race held and it was in Asia!

I tried to watch as much as i could, but trying to share the TV with a 3 year old who thinks Mickey Mouse is talking to him can be quite a task.

I am enjoying the replay now and it was indeed quite a race. The Ferrari team must have felt quite a let down - Massa sped off with the fuel pump in his car and Raikkonen banged a wall in the last 4 laps. Ferrari used to be my favourite team when Shumey was there. Now, I just watch for the sheer excitement of it.

Looking forward to the next race .....

Words Ryan can spell

Ryan has known his ABCs for some time now.

He now knows how to spell a few words ...

R-Y-A-N
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

So there, hopefully he will learn more than that in the near future ; )

17 September 2008

I should have blogged about this on the same day, but I was too tired.

17 September 2008 marks 12 years of hubby and I being together. It sure sounds like a very long time, but it really felt like it was just yesterday.

I always wonder if there will be another one next year. So far, it has been going on.

We went out to dinner that night, with Ryan too. Before we were married, we used to go on elaborate dates with movies and dinners and usually long walks. And we had gifts exchange too. But then we got the kid and all the stress of everyday life and all the long walks and gifts were exchanged with just a simple dinner with a cranky kid. I am not complaining, but neither am I terribly thrilled with it. But then, to put things into perspective, this is actually something good.

I mean after 12 years, do I realistically think that I no longer want the long walks and dinners and movies etc. Instead, I want something realistic, something real, something full of stress and something meaningful ... I supposed I am still discovering about it now.

Until next year, here's to 12 years of relationship.

I have baby too!

in the last few days, Ryan has been having this thing abut putting in a bolster into his pants. And it must be 'big pants" in order that he is able to put the entire bolster in it.

The reason?

Well, at first he says that he has a baby in his stomach (much like mummy). Then I think he got a little shy from that and then he said it was a big diaper. But he admits that this big diaper is not very useful because he cannot wee wee into it.

Then last night, he said that he has a "bear bear" in it. I think he wanted to say baby, but was too shy.

And oh yes, he seems to be having difficulties in sitting too, he says because it is too big.

Imagination, the world flourishes because of it.

Afternoon without diapers

Nanny told me some months ago that Ryan has been sleeping in the afternoon without his diapers. I was impressed. It meant that she was diligent enough to wake him up and then take the risk of him not re-sleeping. I had none of those thoughts. I figured that when the time comes, he would know to let me know.

However, yesterday afternoon, Ryan said himself that he did not want the diapers. So, I tried. And it worked! After about 30 mins, he woke up himself and decided that he wanted to wee wee and then 5 mins later, he was back to sleep for another 1.5 hours! Wow!

And then I got greedy and tried to repeat the same success at night. No such luck, he peed after 1 hour and the whole bed was wet. So much for being diaper free at night and saving me a few bucks.

But anyway, I will try again this Friday night, I will have more flexibility to stay up a little and also to wake up more often without risking myself to naps in the afternoon at work.

Anyhow, it was a big step for me with Ryan.

This is my magic finger

Ryan has this habit about pointing at people when he talks, especially if he is angry/ annoyed. I am thinking that I may also have an influence on this ...

Yesterday, over dinner, he was trying to tell his father not to buy him the blue Doremon sweet anymore (which came with the cake) because I had told him that the blue colour on his mouth will attract the blue eyed monster to eat his teeth.

And so, he pointed his little finger to his father and said sternly "Dad, don't buy me this sweet anymore!". Before anybody started shouting, I told Ryan not to point ... to which he said "I am not pointing, this is my magic finger. This is to put magic on papa. This is my magic stick. Pipety, poppity poo1!"

I laughed out loud (although I am not supposed to since this is a discipline issue, but then ...).
And this idea came about after he watched Cinderella on PHDC yesterday evening.

Wonder what he will come up with today.

Ryan is sick too!

Ryan started to have fever and flu yesterday. He said that he was not feeling well and we gave him some medications. Although he slept through the night, he still woke up with a fever this morning.

He continued to be in a sleepy state throughout the visit to the doctor's and when we sent him to nanny's. I had felt bad leaving him there, but I myself needed to rest as well. I can already hear my mum saying that I should not have left him in the moments that he needs me. But I also know that a healthy mum will be more valueable to Ryan than a sick mum trying to cope with the tiredness and the stress.

Hopefully Ryan will be well tomorrow too.
I am going to fetch him now.