tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78595250739561488202024-03-13T17:52:12.147+08:00A Day In My LifeThis webpage is all about me and the people surrounding me. May we all find JOY in our everyday adventures...Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.comBlogger510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-60398076864721168862014-04-13T00:11:00.000+08:002014-04-13T00:11:20.855+08:00On this quiet night ... I am sitting here, in the quiet of the night, waiting for my cakes to cool down before I put them into the fridge. I am baking for a very special night tomorrow.<br />
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Tomorrow we are having a special thanksgiving dinner. My little girl, Megan, is going to down her last chemo pill on 14 April 2014, and we are celebrating it tomorrow. It is a big, big deal for me, for all of us.<br />
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As I bake, I remembered how it all started, how we discovered her plight, how unreal it all seemed. It still seemed unreal now, and it is still hard for me sometimes when I watch her sleep and wondered how strong she is to have endured all the pain, the frightening moments, the needles, the lumbar puncture, the spinal taps, the many cries from her fellow hospital mates, the tears ...<br />
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I am so thankful that we have been blessed and we have found our path as we journey these 2 years. I am forever thankful that my parents brought her to Divine Mercy and she found her faith, her belief. In return, Megan gave me hope, joy, strength to endure and fight. Megan gave me Him, I found it, I found my way.<br />
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Thank you Megan, there is much I still have to learn. For now, I look forward to celebrating tomorrow night. I look forward to all the years to come where Megan and her brothers remain healthy and happy. May they always be naughty like little children should be, may they have the many falls and bumps that I will kiss, may they have the memories of being a child as they should be, may they always remain in the watchful eyes of the good Lord.<br />
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Thank you to you who have been wondering how Megan has been, your thoughts have touched us.<br />
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<br />Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-22923107310878310952013-05-14T23:48:00.000+08:002013-05-14T23:48:01.036+08:00Bitten by the bugOk, so here I am, at 11.45pm and the kids are snoring.<br />
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I am suddenly bitten by the rearrange-my-blog-look bug. So, I have changed it to a darker colour. Hmm ... looks like I need some getting used to. But, if by tomorrow I still can't accept it, I will change it to some bright, colourful template all over again!<br />
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Yes, I am a bit mad ... good night!Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-5861288327088887122013-01-04T12:02:00.001+08:002013-01-04T12:02:44.090+08:00A happy new year indeed! Hullo 2013!! It is just great to be able to have another new year. It really is. There is something magical about having a new beginning, a fresh start and a brand new phase.<br />
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Every year since the time I can remember, I have always been haunted by making new year resolution lists. I remember I once was asked to do an essay on that in school - yikes! The danger was that nobody told us why we needed one or why it is so important to have one.<br />
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Moving ahead to the current year (time flew by!), I do really believe that making a list of new year resolutions will help move us in the direction we want. And if it doesn't, well, heck it, it was fun dreaming right?<br />
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My resolutions for 2013 are ...<br />
1) Get fit through more exercises - I have been extremely unfit, LOL!!<br />
2) Get in a slot every other month for a small get away - I think we all need some away time to forget about realities, eh?<br />
3) Monthly trips back to hometown - I have been a horrible daughter last year!<br />
4) Challenge trip achieved by June 2013 - I am in the business where everything is about "show me the numbers!"<br />
5) Pay me first money to be increased - I think I have missed this boat for a very long time. Now, I have to play catch-up.<br />
6) A trip for mum and dad - Parents, first you love them, then you can't stand them, then you can't imagine what life would have been if it were not for them, so this is my little gesture.<br />
7) READ 2 books a month - Ahem, so apart from hoarding them, I'd have to read them too la ... haha!<br />
8) Complete Success Plan - failed to blast off on this plan 2 years ago, gonna start and complete my journey<br />
9) Start and end day with extra hugs and kisses for kids - yeah, I think I am leaving out somebody here ...<br />
10) Practice gratitude giving to people who are in my life - for starters, I thank you for reading my list here!<br />
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So there it is, I should have more to add, but let's start with this and see how it goes.<br />
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Yes, I know, I am mad.<br />
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<br />Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-46960504050632324612012-09-24T08:35:00.000+08:002012-09-24T08:39:15.002+08:00Dexa Round 2<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my last post, I had mentioned about Megan being on steroids. The whole episode is now over and done with. At the peak of the second round, she insisted to having delicious (the restaurant!) everyday! Everyday she will go and ask for the Homemade pesto spaghetti and crispy fried mushrooms. Usually she can't finish the pesto and will have it packed, but she will still insist on having the carbonara too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After eating a couple of nights with her, we (as in the whole family) could not stomach it anymore and so we had to sit and watch her eat! We were at the same store for 9 out of 10 days! It got to the point the waiters and the waitresses know her name and her orders and the cheese she requests for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At home, she will ask for pizza. We make this with her choice of mushrooms and lots of cheese on bread. She will sit (im)patiently in front of the oven and wait for the dial to sound so she can eat it! Her mushrooms filled my fridge cause she wanted the fresh ones - Japanese ones, enoki, button mushrooms etc. We also loaded up on blocks of cheese for her to scrape and eat. Sliced cheese also came in and got eaten fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She also had a thing for spicy noodles - Cintan. Mamme curry noodles. And she would sit patiently and cut her mushrooms and then insist it is in her noodles. She also drank loads of milk - fresh, powdered and chocolate ones!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eggs are another favourite. She also enjoys her taugeh. Needless to say, my fridge was fully stocked!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last time, her obsession with food was much more specific. She wanted her pasta, cooked with cream. Taugeh, stir fried with mushrooms. She also wanted roti canai and chee cheong fun. Each time we go out to buy her food, she would clutch the food with her hands despite not being able to hold all. The obsession then was very intense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are due for another course of this med next month. Thankfully, it is a shorter dose. We have another injection to undergo for this protocol on Wednesday, and then we are done! The next protocol is easier, just oral meds and lesser trips to the hospital. Hope all will continue to go well for Megan. God bless!</span><br />
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<br />Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-84338094571017902602012-09-04T23:40:00.001+08:002012-09-04T23:40:04.170+08:00Megan on steroids<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My little Megan is on her steroids again. This time, for 2 weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first month, we had it for the whole time and the effects came in after the first week. The most obvious change was her silent mode. She refused to talk nor see me. Her only conversation was to tell us what she wanted to eat, how to cook it and her breast milk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She also became withdrawn. It was very difficult for me to accept my baby has changed. It was like I lost her. Then the next change was her water retention and she became huge. Her dresses and clothes all did not fit. We had to use some of Ryan's clothes on her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her hair loss was bad too and we decided to shave her. In the peak of it, she became violent to her dad as well as to herself. She began scratching and screaming and left bloody scratches on herself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which was why we were worried about the meds this time round. The dose has been increased from last time, although for a shorter period. This is the second week. So far, not much violence nor appetite increase. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some say it is because her body is used to the meds combo and no longer showed the initial signs. But the last few days she has displayed a zone in zone out mode. One moment she will be happy and talking, then the next, she will zone out and give me a faraway look. This look is the killer. Her eyes will open wide and stare at me deep down, as if asking "What is happening to me mama? What is wrong with me?" I always have to look away cause tears will come to my eyes. I hate it. Thankfully, she zones back in fast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then yesterday, her mood changed when it was getting dark. She insisted that I tell the sun not to go and sleep. She wants it back on the sky cause she wants it to be morning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, she asked me to tell the crows to stop making the sound cause it interfered her clothes folding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both times, I smiled. It was so cute. It was also kind of scary cause she was in tears and begging. But this time, I know this period will pass. I know if I hold on, it will come to an end and my baby will be back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish for the week to go by quickly. Can't wait! </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-25294067812560541642012-09-02T23:41:00.001+08:002012-09-02T23:41:27.229+08:00Long Merdeka Weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31st August was our nation's 55th birthday, but it did not feel much of a celebration to me. I remember when I was small, Merdeka Day was a very big affair. Because it is a holiday, I get to watch TV and the parade that was going on live. I loved the different costumes and the crowd cheering and I have always wanted to grow up and go there to witness it live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But somehow, after growing up and living so close, this desire died off. I am not sure if it is because of other things in my way, or Merdeka Day does not seem to be an event anymore. More so, when I look at the state of affairs in the country. Sometimes I wonder if it was better to have been ruled by the British and not gotten our freedom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at how Hong Kong has flourished under their rule. Small tiny dot on the map of the world, and yet they have so much riches. By comparison, we have so much more, yet our country has little significance to the outside world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main inheritance from the British which is the English language itself has been politicized by the ruling party, what a shame. To deprive its citizens of learning the language used by the world in favour of a language used mainly in Malaysia. Isn't that interesting now? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And what about the famous changes which happened to our country's history in our kids' text books? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did not even bother to switch on the TV and show my kids any parade. It is such a pity. All the fights our nation's leaders did over 55 years ago seems to have been forgotten. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about you? How has the long weekend been? My kids had lots of fun. We went to 1Utama, got to do plenty of rides and toy shop visits. Saturday was a day at the hospital for Megan and drama class for Ryan. We had church service and my parents came to visit. Today we had water play at home and Hungry Ghost festival air pollution happening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids are all tired out. I am too. It has been a long weekend. Thank you Malaysia for the holiday, I hope next year we will see some changes. </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-10242591631444283012012-08-31T01:11:00.000+08:002012-09-01T01:12:07.285+08:00Protocol V<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time flew by and we are now approaching the end of our intensive treatment for Megan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On 27 August 2012, we started with Protocol V - two more to go and Christmas this year will have a new meaning to us. This protocol is a little longer than the others and is broken into 2 stages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stage 1 involves a spinal jab, 2 jabs to the hands and 5 dreadful jabs to the thighs. I hate the thigh jabs, they make her lose her leg strength. I was told it is also very painful because the meds is injected to her muscles and sends a burning sensation which can last several hours. Usually she cries and will request to be carried instead of her usual active self. This stage also has a dreadful oral steroid involved. And this causes mood swings, change of personality, appetite and hair loss as well. This time, her dose is higher than the first month, although it is only for 2 weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I sit and write this, I am contemplating if I should bring her for her jab tomorrow or should I have the father do it. I feel awful having to leave her but I also feel terrible to look her into her eyes and say today we have to get the jab on the thighs. I can't bear to lie as well. One may feel I am a bad mother for deserting her, but throughout the months, I have been keeping a straight face while telling her what to expect ... and believe me, after a while, it gets to you. Sometimes I feel very defeated, sometimes I feel helpless, sometimes I feel I should be taking the jabs instead of her, sometimes I wonder why ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't wait till the second stage comes. Stage 2 has 4 straight days of jabs through the line on her hand, 2 consecutive days of drips and 2 weekly jabs on her hand and then we are done. 36 days in total. I like this one. This is an easy one. But this time, we start a new oral drug. And we do not know how she will take it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doc says while the protocol is the same and the meds are the same, he has to feel his way around her dosage since each child is different. Can you imagine that? I don't know how he does it day after day with all these kids, and still smiles each time he sees us. He even manages a joke here and there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all take our health for granted most of the time, let's say a word of thanks and pray that we will continue to stay healthy. For tomorrow, I shall leave Megan with her dad while I get Ryan to his drama class. Hope she will be ace it again, like she usually does. </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-26260013491768547972012-07-08T00:33:00.001+08:002012-07-08T00:43:03.783+08:00My sweet Ryan<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ryan, by comparison to my other kids, is the sensitive one, the one which emotions is played to the max. Very emotional, very sensitive, very quickly cathes on your moods, and also the very understanding one.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Sunday, at Sunday School, the teacher ended with asking if anyone has a person to pray for. Being the newbie, he was very brave to raise his hands and asked that the class pray for his sister, who has leukemia. His gesture touched many people in the class without him knowing it. The teacher made everyone promise to pray for little Megan every night. I felt so thankful for that.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few days later, Ryan asked for some photos to be cut out for his family tree homework. He brought our photos and passed his sister's to everyone in class to show them his sister. I asked why did he do that, he said "So that everyone will know who they are praying for." My heart melted.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just now, I asked if he wanted to eat out for dinner. He said no, I asked why ... he said "Keep the money for Megan to see doctor." I was near to tears when I heard him say that.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His drama class teacher said Ryan is a very co-operative and polite boy. I have heard so many nice things that sometimes I wonder how he can get so nasty with me. I guess behind all those dreadful scenes, there lie a lovely boy which so many people can see but sometimes it escapes me.
My sweet little Ryan, I hope he will continue to melt my heart more and more each day ...</span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-45510180978076617382012-06-28T18:22:00.001+08:002012-06-28T18:22:35.172+08:00Almost a year out of employment!Wow!! Time really flies! July 2011 was the last month I collected my employment cheque. Unfortunately, it was credited into my bank account, so it did not made an impact as it should have on me. <br />
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This month, I made my record low in terms of income, could not believe it!! All the hospital visits with little Megan has limited my time to work. But with each visit, we are nearer to the completion of her treatment, so it is worth it. <br />
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Sometimes I question myself - would it have been better staying on a job? Sometimes I wonder if it was worth coming out on my own into the big bad world. <br />
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Then I see my Ryan smiling at me when he comes home from school. I see him when I surprise him and pick him up from school. "Mummy!", he would call out. I wonder how long he will be delighted to see, how long before he becomes a cranky tween, a grumpy teenager? Or when he thinks it is not cool to be picked up by mummy? Hmmm...<br />
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I also see little Megan coming to me in the middle of the day and asking for her "Milk, milk". Or when she lies on the hospital bed, so helpless and depending on me to help her get better. Or those times she will ask me to watch Mamma Mia with her and see her dancing in my heels? <br />
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I also see Dylan more than my other two babies. I used to rush off to work in the morning and send them out early, picking them late. With Dylan, I enjoy the morning walks, I enjoy the fact that I can send him at my own time. I like the fact I can cook his meals, feed him and clean his poop in the morning. All the things which will go by quickly. <br />
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So, is it worth it? Every damn second of it! Money is not as good as before, but the time I get in return is worth so much more. <br />
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As I write this, I remember still being at work and frantically churnin numbers for bosses. Now, I am gonna be playing with the kids in the garden, gonna be blowing some bubbles and cooking them a home cook meal too. <br />
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We need to make choices everyday, make them wisely!Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-30885164512994286772012-06-05T16:45:00.000+08:002012-09-01T01:12:34.448+08:00June 4th 2012 - Protocol MYesterday marks the start of the third protocol that Megan is going through. This protocol is easier in schedule, 2 times hospitalization, 3 days each ... if all goes well. <br />
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I hate the uncertainty of it ... It makes me very uncomfortable, makes me nervous.<br />
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This protocol has a drug - High Dose Methotrexate (MTX) administered intravenously into her for 24 hours. Then it is followed by continuous saline drips to help her body rid itself of this chemo drug, plus all the cells which are killed. This drug kills the cancer cells in her brains. <br />
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The doctor will tell me that there is a certain level that he is looking at when they test her urine after 48 hours - levels of the meds in her body cannot exceed 0.4. If it does, we will have to continue our stay. This happens to 20% of kids. If it does not, we will be given the last dose of Folinic acid to deal with the ulcers that can happen in her mouth. <br />
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And then there is the vomiting and the suppressed appetite and the fever, all probabilities which nobody has given a number to, they say each child is different ... each child is special. <br />
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It sounded so technical to me. It sounded so distant to me. It sounded so unreal too. <br />
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We are now staying in the same floor we did when we first found out more than 2 months ago. The same feeling is there - quiet, eerie, cold, unreal ... This time our room is smaller, although it is still a single room. This time, Megan cried after less than 24 hours in, she wants to go home, she does not like the feel of the room, the loneliness she feels from not seeing her brothers and her sofa and her Lucy ... <br />
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I want to go home too, I want a healthy child, I want the things that so many mothers take for granted - chatty, healthy, happy, naughty, rebellious, screaming children. I did not appreciate them enough before this hit me, I guess I always thought that it will not happen to me. I guess like so many mothers out there, I was too busy to stop and marvel them in their healthy state. I forget ... <br />
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As I write this, I am sitting beside Megan, she is sleeping. It has been more than an hour. This is her second nap today. She is tired. Doctor said it is not part of the side effects. Nurses said each child react differently. Mine is tired and her head feels warm. Part of it they said. The meds are working on her brains. So scary, so unbelievable, so needed ...Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-11847914859107315162012-05-23T00:18:00.001+08:002012-05-23T00:18:52.405+08:00Dylan walks!Slightly over a month ago, I had written about Dylan attempting to walk. Today, he is walking steadily, and darn proud of himself too! <div>
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After 3 kids and they still continue to amaze me. Small, tiny, little beings, and the next thing you know, they are crawling and then they start to cruise and then, walk!! </div>
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Dylan, by comparison is walking much later than his two siblings, but I guess it is because he is very happily being carried around. He still enjoys it now, despite walking well, so I guess I will continue till he decides otherwise, or till my back breaks!! </div>
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Wonder what the heart breaker will do for me tomorrow?! </div>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-73884328581480958632012-04-17T09:36:00.000+08:002012-04-17T09:36:42.598+08:00A little step, a giant leapLast night while putting Dylan to sleep, he stood up and was trying very hard to balance himself. After a boyish smile, he looked at me as if saying "Can I do it? I want to!" And he did - Dylan took a small step forward, then another, before he sat down smiling, pleased with himself.<br />
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I cheered him and quickly cuddled him up. Darn! I should have made him do it again, but then, I was too excited.<br />
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My baby took a small step forward to start a life of unending journey, one giant leap into the world in front of him. I am so proud of my baby.<br />
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Here's to another day of development, another day of cheering, another day of miracles.Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-26669746366801506352012-04-03T14:56:00.000+08:002012-04-03T14:56:03.608+08:0014th March 2012Hmm ... most days passes by us with no sure meaning except for birthdays, anniversaries, school term start day, etc. Well, for us, we have added in another date to the list - 14th March 2012.<br />
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A day before that, I had brought Megan to a clinic to check her blood as she was bruising in an alarming manner, where her knees and shins are. I had initially thought it was just some knocks she had while playing. When it became 2 new bruises a day, something in me stirred. When the clinic we normally go to did not have the relevant test tube for abnormal bleeding test, my parents came to the rescue and brought Megan to a medical centre where her blood results were known within the hour - she had abnormally high levels of white blood counts (WBC) while her platelets were very low, which explained why she was bruising.<br />
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We got into a hospital in Ampang and were told either she has a very severe viral infection which can trigger the bleeding, or she has leukemia. We were told to be prepared for the worst. Fingers crossed, we prayed hard for the results the next day. I remembered being ushered into the clinic of the doctor and was told "Megan is confirmed, she has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)". I felt the earth moved that day as I burst out crying in front of the doctor. I was clutching Megan with all my might as I wished that it was a mistake. Surely, it can't be!<br />
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After that, we had to move to another hospital in Subang as the current hospital did not have the facilities. Everything became a blur after that moment - the discharge, the drive home to have her bathed and packed, the waiting moments in the new hospital, the wheel chair ride .... to the room - 255. It was night and it was quiet, it was eerie, to think that we have a sick child.<br />
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We stayed a week in Subang, with drugs given everyday, nurses coming in and doctors visiting. We had questions, wonders, regret, what-ifs, unbearable pain and tears. It was too overwhelming, I was in tears most of the time. My hubby said I cannot cry in front of the kids, the bathroom became my solitary place, where I would cry and kneel and beg for miracles. I was so torn, I could not imagine the future and what will happen to my little girl.<br />
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In the last 3 weeks, I have learned that life is very fragile, that life is very precious, that life is so taken for granted that it has a nasty way to shake us up. I also felt very blessed despite this as there were people who prayed for us, friends, family, even strangers, people who held prayer group for Megan, people who included her in their prayer list, people who lent a ear, people who let me cry, people who cried with me, people who brought us coffee, roti canai, chee cheong fun, smiles, to us when we were in the hospital, indeed, these are the people who became angels in our trying moments. Thank you.<br />
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These trying moments have also brought us closer to God, the one source of life which I have also taken for granted. I have felt his presence in the quiet of the night, in the halls of the hospital, in the deep sad part of my heart, in my little girl. I once read that "He will not put on us something we cannot bear", and I have held on to it. I believe that everything happened as a piece of His puzzle for us, that this is part of a master plan for us.<br />
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We are moving into Week 4 now and will stay on course for the next 100 weeks. It will take us 2 years to kill it off, we will have a lifetime to tell our story. For now, we will take a day at a time, we will continue to pray, we will fight this, and we will triumph over it.Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-44265670598550279342012-02-13T12:34:00.001+08:002012-02-13T12:34:46.603+08:00So far ...It has been almost a year since I left my job. It was about middle of February last year when I left for my pre delivery leave and since then it has been a whole year of adventure for me.<br />
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How do I find it so far? Hmm ... I must say that it is very liberating. Liberating in the sense that I do not have to plan my errands and children around my office hours, nor the official 5 days of the work week. I know that if I have a 3 hour lunch, I can, and nobody is going to give me some sarcastic remark. If I want to cut, dye and highlight my hair, I can do it in the middle of the day when the crowd is lesser and I do not have to leave work early nor steal time away. I can show up at pre views when the doors open and not have to worry about my work, conference calls, meetings, bosses, etc. etc.<br />
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However, as with all things, this does not come without any cost. Sometimes, when you have so much flexibility, you inadvertently head towards a lot more tension relieving activities rather than goal achieving ones. Like, you tend to take more naps, watch tv in the middle of the day, go for tea and then shopping ... or you get carried away with the kids, and then there is the meal preparation which takes hours to prepare and minutes to finish!!<br />
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But all in all, life has been good. So now, I have to start recording some of it here .... can't believe it has been over a month since I last updated!!Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-48430468976587396492011-12-30T10:52:00.000+08:002011-12-30T10:52:01.730+08:00As the year ends ...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today shall be the last Friday of the year. It has been a really long and eventful year for me. So much has changed and so much has happened. But, for me, the good memories are to be shared, while I wipe out the nasty ones. The positive ones for me (in no particular order) are: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) I celebrated one year in my new house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Dylan was born, safe and healthy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) I had a good confinement lady.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) All my family members are healthy and happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) I achieved my Hollywood challenge trip for this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Ryan breezed through his entrance exam for Standard 1 and was accepted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Ryan completed his kindergarten years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) I attended both Megan and Ryan's orientation days, signalling a new phase in both their (and my) life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) My help at home has been good to us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) The sales bargains (esp. books) has been awesome this year - we need this from the way the income and expenses has been behaving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11) Dylan started teething, sitting, crawling and cruising ... with relatively little pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12) I had 3 months maternity leave, which gave me the opportunity to do the one thing that this year has so far been the best ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13) I quit employment after 13 years in it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure there are plenty more but this is what I have at one sitting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to 2012!! </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-3592364723438970742011-12-29T08:15:00.001+08:002011-12-29T08:36:34.386+08:00Dylan sits ... and crawls<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dylan has progressed so much in the last month or so. At 8 months plus he went from crawling to sitting almost over night. And this boy has lots to look forward to especially when his two older siblings are so active. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpaIeog310w/TvuytrU6V0I/AAAAAAAAAa0/ONcl9h_PVGk/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpaIeog310w/TvuytrU6V0I/AAAAAAAAAa0/ONcl9h_PVGk/s320/IMG_3798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here he is seen under the Christmas tree where he finds it most amusing with the lights, colour and the many ornaments that he can pluck off the tree. His hands are really strong and he is able to prop himself up and is really very steady indeed! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekoXuw2l8AM/TvuyopnodcI/AAAAAAAAAas/sqdKY2v1mJ4/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekoXuw2l8AM/TvuyopnodcI/AAAAAAAAAas/sqdKY2v1mJ4/s320/IMG_3795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dylan has a very different way to sit - he is usually one sided ... I really love this pose. Apart from giving me so much pleasure to see him sit, he is also relatively safe ... cause he will not fall behind or by the side when he sits! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After kid number 3, I still never fail to be amazed by the way they develop and learn. They really demonstrate a strong will to persist and learn - I hope to be able to preserve this in them for as long as I can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Till another development then ... </span></div>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-48582157814964711172011-11-24T23:00:00.000+08:002011-12-29T08:39:11.207+08:00My baby leaves school<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was just like yesterday when I sent Ryan to school for the very first time. I still remember all the guilt I had when I sent him at 3 years old. He was still a baby then, still nursing and still with diapers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 4 years there, today, we have to move on and close this chapter of his life as we embark on the next phase. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, I will pick him up on the first and last day of the year, today I did that too. In the car, I explained to the best I can for him to understand that the journey has been long and was filled with joy, laughter, tears and sometimes frustration. But I said that this part is now closed and we will move on to another school with good things to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure if he understands it fully, but he expressed some sadness as he said he wants to always remain where he is ... he loves the play concept very much! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow marks a new journey for me as I will undergo orientation for Megan ... and I am sure it will be an eventful journey for all of us. </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-17845635587046393052011-11-13T09:12:00.001+08:002011-11-13T17:45:42.241+08:00Ryan participates and wins!In this last week, Ryan has taken part in 2 quiz sessions and he won! Ok ok, some may say it is no big deal, but I am his mother, and I think it is a very big deal!<br />
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So last Tuesday, after we finished his music class, we hung around till about 7pm where the centre had a pretty Japanese girl come to perform and sell the features of their electone and piano. After some playing, she announced that there will be some questions and if the kids answered them correctly, they will get a small keyboard like pouch.<br />
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When she played that Korean song "Nobody Nobody But You", Ryan's hand shot up and answered the title of the song. He got a red pouch. Then he said "I want one for my sister". So when the next quiz came on the instruments that was played on the electone, his hand shot up again and he answered "Piano". This time he got a block pouch. He happily declared that he was going to get another one for Dylan.<br />
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Unfortunately, on his third attempt, the lady said that they have to give other kids a chance ... so Ryan's hopes were dashed. No matter, I still praised him for a good effort put in. The pouches were later filled with sweets from the centre and presented to the sister - both were delighted!<br />
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Yesterday, we participated in another one. It was the cast of Aladdin at MPH Mid Valley. They came to introduce themselves and later tell a story. After that the kids were asked questions.<br />
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The first question was answered wrongly and Ryan felt his ego hurt when kids laughed at him. Early start to teaching him it is ok to be wrong and laughed at so long as learn and move on.<br />
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The second one was answered quickly when asked who did Aladdin love, or something like that...I was too excited to remember the exact thing. For getting that right (and the effort put in), he won 2 tickets to watch Aladdin the musical at Sunway Lagoon. But hor, they are very clever, give you 2 tickets ... you still need to buy extra ones if you want to go as a family. Which makes me think now ... should I buy 2 more or should I just make do with 2 tickets? Meaning I will just bring Ryan to the musical since he won it ... Hmmm ...<br />
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But coming back, Ryan gave good tries to both and I am really proud that he did not need me to poke him into participating. He did that all by himself. Looking forward to the next ones ...Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-12378419967728255302011-11-11T20:16:00.001+08:002011-11-13T17:50:49.172+08:00111111Isn't that a special date? I am out as I am posting this, gonna buy chocolate ice cream to celebrate with my brood later.
Have a good night ahead!Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-71700243080113401662011-11-08T23:58:00.003+08:002011-11-08T23:58:46.573+08:00Gymboree, here I come again!Today I decided to enroll Megan into Gymboree, after more than 10 months of deliberation. Yes, you can call me a terrible mum ...<br />
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When Ryan was 2 years old, we made a choice to enroll him because he was the only child then and he did not really have any exposure to other children. He was all alone, to my eyes and I figured then he needed to know that there are other little children in his world. So, that decision was easy.<br />
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This time round, with Megan, it was different. The reason for sending Ryan did not exist with Megan. She grew up with Ryan fussing and fighting with her, so she is very aware of other children. She also made friends with the kids in the park, so much for other children.<br />
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However, I was afraid that she may not really understand or share similar things with Ryan. Gymboree was really fun. If we did not send her, she would not know who is Gymbo the clown, she will not be enjoying some of the CDs we have bought for Ryan to jump and sing and spin. She won't also enjoy life under the big tent ...<br />
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So, today, the decision was made. We will send her for 12 short weeks and then she will be off to school. Hope she will enjoy herself and learn from the whole affair.Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-28680804331364566942011-11-05T07:12:00.001+08:002011-11-05T07:12:04.657+08:00Morning before 7amDylan woke up with a leaked diaper and fever. Vomited when I fed him medicine, so we all got to change.
Then I fed Megan ... And she says "thank you so much mummy". All worth it, all before 7am too! Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-14292330295330610892011-10-27T19:40:00.001+08:002011-10-27T19:40:08.945+08:00I am lost without my kids<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So today, my older 2 decided that they wanted to spend time with their grandma and off they went back to PD. Hmm ... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I think it is healthy to have them going off once in a while to be with their grandparents, I cannot help but feel a little lost without them, like part of me is missing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is now 7pm, usually it will be the time they get back from the park, all sweaty and dirty and screaming for food ... but now, it is all quiet.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so I feel terrible ... cause I have nobody to cook for!! The father said he is eating out tonight since he is gonna be late ... looks like I am going to be eating simple sandwich today. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such is life ... when you have kids, you live so much for them that when they are away even for a few days, you feel lost. So in preparation for the days when they finally leave the nest, looks like I am gonna have to make lots of friends and indulge in many hobbies. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Argh!! Can't wait for Saturday to come! </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-44526136442826485482011-10-25T00:01:00.000+08:002011-10-25T00:01:00.693+08:00Singing princess<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Megan is a very happy girl. She sings a lot and she dances a lot and she is not afraid to show it off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And she seems to take on music and pitch singing well too, courtesy of Ryan's influence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And sometimes she will burst out into a tune and sing some lyrics I cannot understand. When we ask her what song is that, she says - My Song! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And I am amazed that she can twirl around and not get dizzy too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am amazed by her everyday, my little princess. </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-16794654627750416422011-10-24T11:58:00.000+08:002011-10-24T11:58:00.315+08:00Dylan got teeth!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... weel, at least he is growing some. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday while playing I stuck my finger into his mouth - something sharp is in there!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">No wonder he was all upset and cranky these few days. Poor boy probably felt it coming but could not understand it at all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hopefully it passes quickly so that he is not so uncomfortable for him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My little baby - moving quickly now into another phase of life - whip out the toothbrush now! </span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7859525073956148820.post-71041753503681655842011-10-23T23:50:00.002+08:002011-10-23T23:51:15.155+08:00Clucking at 6.5 months<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My little baby has quickly moved into a new phase - 6 months! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a little celebration on the day he turned 6 months - we gave him steamed pumpkin - yucks! So the next day, I gave him some organic cereals - loved it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dylan kept opening his mouth like a little bird and kept following the spoon! It was a proud moment in his life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the last few days, Dylan started clucking ... like a baby hen! And he was mighty proud of himself too! Clucking clucking all the way!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to the next milestone!</span>Busy Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979232211220363913noreply@blogger.com0