Should we? Should we?

Our family is growing, and with it means that we are looking for a bigger car to drive all of us around.

I had not planned for a change of car since I got mine some 3 years ago. I had originally thought that it would last us a good 10 years or something.

Obviously now, with the anticipated arrival of the little one, we would have to consider a bigger car which can accommodate the additional car seat.

My original thought was a Toyota Wish or a Mazda or even a Chevrolet, but my hubby decided that those were not big enough. No, no, he is not thinking of something like the Ford F-150! That would be quite a bit of a trouble for me if there was a need to go to an auto shop!

He was actually thinking of the Estima. While I quite like the idea, it would also mean that the monthly commitment is much much higher than now. And I heard that the maintenance is not cheap either. And I have not seen many workshops where they can check engine light easily!

Can you imagine if anything goes wrong and I am stuck with the kids? It would be like I am looking for a San Diego auto repair shop!! Err, scary!

But anyway, we are not in a hurry though, we are merely looking around to see where the best deals are so that we are prepared when the time comes and we really really need a car.

So, you guys have any ideas on what is a good 7-seater to consider? Low maintenance and reasonable prices are key to us.

My 5 year old hero

Yesterday was Ryan's Sports Day and I had spent the entire day on my feet. I was really tired. By the evening, my legs were so sore that I could not feel them. Slumping on the sofa felt really good ... and I did just that.

The kids were in the TV room playing, while I was trying to catch a quick nap there, although the kids were noisy!

I had told the kids to leave me for 10 minutes because my legs were sore. And after 10 minutes, I will do their wizard hats for them. Now because they did not know how long is 10 minutes, I managed to get time exceeding this!

And I did get up after my so-call 10 minutes were up and were doing some artwork with them. Their daddy came back and sat himself right in front of the TV and started to dictate some work to me about his product photos.

My 5 year old hero spoke up for me and told his daddy "Dad, don't ask mum to do anything. Her legs are sore. She deserves a rest!"

Wow, when I heard this, I was so happy that despite scolding them the most, I think they ultimately still believes that the mum is the best!!

Megan's first movie

Last weekend, we brought Megan for her first movie at the cinema - Sammy's Adventure. I have been meaning to bring her earlier, but there was not really a movie which I thought would appeal to her.

However, when this one came along, I was really excited that she could see the sea creatures that we have been introducing to her. Among the animals she knows are fish, turtle, dolphin, crab, octopus and all of these were in the movie!

She was able to sit for about an hour before she became restless and started to climb and walk around. At some point, I realised that she was actually squatting on the ground and not standing anymore, I had thought that she was tired.

But when I reached down to pick her up, I realised she was actually picking up popcorn from the floor and into her mouth!!! Arghhh!!! Thankfully, she did not develop any stomach infection after that.

Ryan went to this movie as well and could not wait for his sister to follow suit. He was enjoying his popcorn and sat through the whole movie.

Even her daddy could not pacify Megan after a while and thankfully the movie ended shortly. Overall it was quite a fun outing and I was so glad that Megan did not kick up a fuss about the dark and all.

Looks like another kid-appropriate movie is in the pipeline then.

I think gender dictates which toy section you go to

Ever since Ryan was a small boy, our visit to the toy shop has always been to the normal baby/ toddler toy section and as he grows, we will be heading to the Lego/ PlayDoh and more recently, to the computer games section.

Megan, on the other hand, has no interest whatsoever in any of the above sections. The last time we went to Toys r Us, she headed straight to the dolls section and began to press and cuddle the dolls there.

Hmm ... isn't that curious? I never thought that the kids are so different at such a young age.

But for sure, I will not buy any Barbie dolls for Megan. I really think that that doll promotes unrealistic views about the fairer gender.

I am wondering now, in a month's time, if we go to the toy shop again, if this behaviour will reveal itself again ...

5 months on ...

Time flew by really quickly when you are healthy and happy.

It has been more than 5 months since we shifted to the new house. Ryan is still asking if the house is still considered new. He can still remember the condo which we have stayed in for about 8 years.

Megan is oblivious to the whole thing. She cannot remember the condo and I don't think she cares. She just wants to be around us.

Me, I am feeling happy, although I can do with escalators in the house. I really can use it. But I shall not complain. I got what I wanted.

Hubby ... is adjusting well. He says it does not make sense to go out when the house is so cozy. I think he is secretly happy that we moved, despite earlier objections.

Contrary to what you may think ..

I have not stopped blogging. I just have loads to do and the internet connection at home is limiting my time even more!!

Anyway, I have decided to resume putting down my thoughts and following what my kids are up to.

Plenty have happened and I will try to remember as much and put them down before they outgrow the stage and this poor old lady is left wondering where the time has gone!

For now, let's take a day at a time and hope you are having a ball of a time!

Ryan is in love ....

Well, Ryan started to notice girls very early on, think round about when he was 3 years old and first started school.

And throughout the years, he has been having good friendships with girls and you can tell that he is rather fond of them. With the boys, they are his fight mates, really. When he talks about a boy, it is usually the one he fights with. The girls, well, he usually has nice things to say.

Last weekend, he had asked me to wrap a present for his class mate. I had asked "whatever for? and he said it was his gift to her ... and it was ball which I bought him, the kind which bounces and has a blinking light. All throughout the weekend he was very excited.

Yesterday, after getting up from bed, he immediately went to look for his present and proceeded to give it to his friend in school. And this morning, he told me that he loves her ... oops.

I met the little girl's mum in school and she said ... "My little girl says Ryan loves her but she wants to marry Christophe!"

We were both laughing hard about it. Isn't it cute? Kids, they really make your day. Of course, it is a different story if this happens in 10 years' time.

Megan runs

I have been totally slacking these last few weeks cause I was so caught up with all the packing and unpacking and moving and shifting etc. that I have totally forgotten to document all the development that the kids are going through.

For starters, Megan started running beginning of May, right smack in the middle of all the chaos. She decided to amuse us with her legs stunt that I was utterly impressed with her.

She started with little steps, walking really fast and then it went on to almost skipping and then it went full on to really lifting her legs off the ground and running with little steps!

I know I am darn proud of her, but I also anticipate that mischief will follow her ... and it has, but that is another story all together.

I am 36

To many females, age is not something to be revealed.

For me, I am proud to declare my age because to me, it means I have another year to enjoy my kids and my family. It also means I have another year to work on my future.

I think, ageing is great, although I can do with more stamina and less wrinkles!

Have a great birthday to me!

We are shifting house today

Although the new place is not fit enough to be slept in yet, we are holding the prayers and move-in-house ceremony this morning.

I have a mix emotion in me - a little bit of sadness and happiness and excitement. I think generally, this is going to be a good move.

Will update with photos soon.