then, now and beyond

Oh by golly gosh! I simply cannot believe that I have not blogged since Christmas! heheh...

I have been, well, err...I've been on other sites. I have been...shopping (but in truth, it's not exactly my idea...*hihihihi*) and I have been thinking of my resolutions for next year. I don't believe I have met all of mine which I set for this year. But, I am determined to carry forward the remaining un-met resolutions to next year!! heheh..Now, that doesn't sound quite right now, does it? heheh...In 5 years, I'd probably accumulated enough to recycle as toilet paper...O_O.

One thing's for sure, something about my blogging here will change slightly. Well, sort of. No, don't get me wrong, this blog will continue, just that I won't be posting photos of Ash anymore on this site. It's just something I told myself to do when I started this blog. You will instead continue to read stories about her. Besides, both Ash and I will be going to her designated playgroup more regularly from next year on. Huh? Why isn't she in school proper? Simple - we don't have that kind of cash :-).

To sum up the year - interesting! For what it's worth, I learned many valuable lessons that will hopefully, carry me through the rest of my adult life. Not that I have that many more years left; I am already what they would call 'middle-age'. Yeah I know - sigh...but I'll never trade this for anything in the world. Sure, if I may, childbirth should be ALOT easier...naturally that is. And that the depleting ozone layer should urm...stop depleting(??!!).

I look forward to sharing more mommy stories with you and hearing about yours too. There's nothing more comforting than to know that all you're experiencing, someone out there is feeling the exact same thing. It's a wonderful calming feeling, that I hope, will continue on for as long as possible.

So, here's wishing you a blessed 2010! Be good and be safe..

have a very Merry Christmas

one more day..

One more day

and that can only mean one thing : I still have time for last minute Christmas shopping!

What do I need? Oh, plenty of stuff like some new clothes, a new hairdo, possibly even a HD TV with a funky tv stand. Get a load of the new plasmas, they are far-out. Yep, far far out of our reach, just too expensive. But, who says a girl can't dream? :-).

Yes, as a matter of fact, I will have to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Wonder why but I do. I kind of dread it because going to the mall during the holidays is like being lost in the jungle. Anyway, that will be tomorrow and after that, it's the day.

are you in the mood for Christmas...yet?

4 more days and...and...it's Christmas!!! So are you all set? I am even though I don't celebrate Christmas. Now, that doesn't make sense does it? Well, you see, both my sisters celebrate so I've kinda joined in the fun side of the yuletide season.

My contribution this year are some hand-made pressies. Decided to do the whole enchilada. Which explains why I have been busy and not posting any recent photos of the kids. I think, Em's 7th month collection is down to only the number of fingers of both my hands! *gulp*. So much for documenting her milestone..

Anyways, this year, I was planning on a family Christmas dinner, just the 4 of us. Em is included even though she only takes porridge. But, it's ok, our table is big enough for 2 adults, a hyper todd and a lil' baby. But, I may have to discard my plan. I have a last minute invite on Christmas evening. I haven't decided yet. I have oh, 2 more days to RSVP. Decisions...decisions...decisions....Man, this is tough!! I haven't had to make any decisions since searching for the best online degree.

Plus, we have that mandatory Christmas lunch at a family friend's house. For as long as I can remember, I've been going and eating and I really love their house. Even if it's a old house, but it's huge and has a pretty awesome view. I always look forward going there.

Well, that's sort of how our plan for Christmas and the long weekend will be; well, sort of.

2 weddings and not a funeral but just dinner

For the past couple of weeks, we have been having an unusual number of functions to attend. For the low profile family that we are, going on an eating feast every weekend is well, a feat! We hardly eat out. That's because we have the luxury of living close by to great cooks aka mom and MIL. So, since their first love is the kitchen, we get home-cooked food literally everyday if we want to.

We've been to all kinds of weddings these past 3 weeks. Seemed as if everyone's just tying the knot this year. And rushing off to so by this month or so. I know why; it's a Chinese thing and I am too lazy to explain it here...hehehe...but trust me, there is a good reason for the mad rush!

As for me, I have 2 more and I am done. No more 8 to 10 course dinners. Thankfully neither requires me to wake up in an ungodly hour for the "chip san leong" thingy. How I dread those things and how I now feel for my family and close friends for doing the same thing at my wedding heheheh...

And lastly, what about the just-dinner? Well, I reminded hubby that his father's birthday is coming up and well, the usual beckons - dinner out. Maybe I'll do something different this year; I'll get him a present. How does spa filters sound? Think it'll be the perfect gift?? :-)

some grossed-out randomness

Ok, so...my pinky is healing. Thank God for that. And because the impact was so great that blood spew out underneath the skin but because there was no opening (no cuts) for it to flow out, I had to squeeze the blood out through the cuticle area. Ewwww......I know. I almost fainted after...like 4 or 5 squeeze! Seriously, I doubt I will ever become a doctor or a nurse or a CSI or anything that involves cutting up of people (dead or alive) or animals (dead or alive). No no...it's not my kind of a job.

While doing all of these gross-ed out squeezing, I told my hubby jokingly that if I was at the hospital having this done on me, I would've gotten a semi-earful from the nurses.."ah, give birth you not pain, why small things like this so pain?" Truthfully, I don't understand it either. WHile it is a fact that I gave birth to my kids without the help of an epidural but it doesn't mean that I enjoyed it! I am not a sadist. And you can't really compare the 2 urm..pains; they are absolutely 2 different sensations.

Anyway, the way I see it, there is a very simple solution to my pinky incident : since it's the long weekend here, all I need is a vacation...by MYSELF! You know, the kind where you just take a good book and your bikini and check into a hotel (similar to Toronto hotels) and just disappear!! Really....D.I.S.A.P.P.E.A.R...

settling down

Apart from celebrating her 7th month birthday (if you can call it that), little Em has settled down on her sleep routine and that is make absolute sure that no one gets to rest during the day, only at night. hehehe...I will admit...I'm kinda ok with it.

Usually, Em sleeps very little during the day. She takes 2 or at times, 3 short naps each lasting between an hour to an hour-half. By 7pm, she's as cranky as any baby gets. By, 8 or 8:30pm, she's out like a light! Oh, so what time does she get up in the mornings? Good question - 6.30 in the am. I know, it's darn early. It's too early even for me. So thankfully, hubby gets the morning duty since he has to wake up for work anyway. He'll feed her, put her back to sleep, and he goes back to bed ahahhaha...talk about a lazy bum! She'll sleep in for another hour or so, (sometimes, less) before she is fully awake and everyone in the house has to entertain her.

So, there. Our sleep routine for Em. It's very similar for Ash during her time as a baby but the thing with Ash is that I had to wake her from her naps and sort of time her napping. I would have to make sure she gets no more than 3 hours of nap in total for the day.

We'll see how consistent Em sticks to this routine cos with Ash, she lost it completely as soon as she turned 2. It's as if, the routine completely evaporated into thin air one day. Sometimes, I wish too that these auto insurance quotes my agent keeps sending me, can magically evaporate too :-). We shall see...

the girl can sit!!

Did you know, my Em can now sit on her own, unsupported. Plus, she's ready to crawl but, still have not found her upper body strength yet. Or should I say, her tiny little arms to lift her shoulders and body up. Knowing my little feisty one, she'll be up and crawling in no time. I doubt 'giving up' is even in her (limited) vocab.

Oh, and she just turned 7 months not too long ago. So, happy 7th month little monster inc! Gosh, how time flies. Soon, she'll learn to walk, fight over toys with her sis, engage in sister-ly cat-fights. Before you can say "ahhh...", she'll be able to conduct colon cleanse review. Yup, folks, with a blink of an eye, she's all grown up. Hmm...strange; it's either I want it to happen or I want to stop time. *confused*

mishap during the weekend

Wanna know what happened?

Well, this momsie got her little left pinky bruised cos she slammed her car-door shut on the little thing. Thankfully, no broken bones. Even so, it's awful! I was in shock for a couple of minutes. What happened was, after putting Emily in her car seat, I decided (very cleverly) to close the door and for only God knows why, my hands never really left the door. I saw the whole thing. And I had to open the door to well, remove my pinky. I wonder if there's insurance coverage for these things; you know, like home insurance?

Anyway, there are no photos cos I'm not in the urm, pink (heheh...pun intended) of health nor in the mood to take any. You'll just have to take my word for it. Besides, you don't really want to look at bruised fingers now would you? :-) Oh and, my nail is black now...eekkk!!

keeping up with the one they call Ash

Oh wow, you know, it is literally impossible to keep up with the little-big one. She's grown (and still growing) up so much that I am already "missing" her. Every time, I stare at her, while she's playing, watching tv or when she's having her meals, she just seems so different each time.

I think, I've been feeling this way for the past 6 months or so. It gets worst because lately, I've been cleaning up my archives of old photos. So yes, I'm at that post-natal nesting mode. And, which is also why if you're on my chat list, you see me constantly online. Must be the hormones going all strange on me. Perhaps, I should consider this : bioidentical hormone replacement austin?

Anyway, as I was saying, it hasn't been very helpful with me looking at Ash's old baby photos. As blurry or as grainy as they are, I totally treasure them with all my heart because even with all the wealth in the world, I can never get it back if *touch wood* anything were to happen to them! Just going through them, reminiscing the events that took place when I snapped them made me realise..man...my baby's growing up and gosh, I am growing old! hehhehe...

It's December

My favourite time of the year. When I was a kid, I used to imagine we'd have snow during Christmas and that there was a fire place at my house where we'd sit and watch Disney movies. Of course, we had nothing of that sort because firstly, it never snows here. If it did, I'm telling you, it will be a MIRACLE!! heheh...Secondly, there is no need for a fire place : it doesn't dip below 80. And finally, we had no VCR (in those days naturally and yes, quite rightly, I am an old hag!) at home. I'm serious! My dad refused to get one. So, no Disney movies unless they were shown on regular tv.

I have done some of my shopping. This Christmas will be a teenzy weenzy different from last. My aunt's moved to her new place and we will be celebrating Christmas over at her place. It's kind of like a house-warming/Christmas celebration thingy. But, I've still got quite a fair bit to be done if you ask me. Oh and my shopping are done online and off. Thank God for web directories! This online thing is really addictive. I bet my hubby's glad that Christmas is a once-a-year affair..hehehe...ok, back to more surfing...catch ya later!

a typical conversation with Ash

Me : wanna mum-mum (eat) ?

Ash : no

Me : wanna pom-pom (shower) ?

Ash : no

Me : wanna orr si (shit) ?

Ash : no

Me : wanna watch Gimme (Mickey) Mouse ?

Ash : ahhhh...gimme mouse!! yes...gimme mouse!!

O_O...Looks like I may need to increase my life insurance premium very soon cos you'll never know; with all this sudden rush of blood to my head..lol

Anyways, it's the long weekend here. Am I looking forward to it or what? You betcha!! Also, I know it's Thanksgiving on the other side of the globe, so if you're celebrating, go slow on the turkey..:-)

Have a great weekend.

the little big sis

I've been meaning to post this up sometime ago but as usual, I forgot about the photos. It's the tennis masters, the year end sale, yadda yadda yadda...and I simply got distracted by the lovely UGG Bailey!!

So, anyway, I'm done selecting my favourite shots and as usual, I'm gonna share them with you here. This is Ash feeding (or attempting to) Em. Too cute :-)

Em seemed to have enjoyed her session with sis

Not enough

think my feet tastes as good...if not better

there are 2 of us

yes, there are.

and sometimes...no, make that all the time...you drive me kakakaraizzzzeeee!!!

And if you think you think that you can run away from home at 16 to 'find myself" or move out of the house at 18 or get married at 21....have a kid by the time you're 22. Although, I must say that the idea of me being a GLAM-MA at such a young age sounds very tempting...but, clearly, you don't know your mama well enough because...

You will have NONE of the above. It's payback time honeys. I carried you for 9 months in my belly and it took me a combined total of 2 days to get both of you out so I can breath, not have heartburns and get rid of my big fat arse. No...it's not so easy for you to leave me. You are going to stay in this house, teman your old folks till we are 6 feet underground.....*evil laugh*....

See...I told you, I am kakakakraizzzzeeee!!! *evil laugh...again*..

naked

Em at 6 months.

**If you're here because you've googled 'naked' and you're anticipating to get a hard-on - forget it!! Again...FORGET IT!! hahahah...sorry to burst your bubble but this is a family-mommy-kids site. Not what you're lookin' for mister (or miz..if you prefer ;-) )

a page a day

My very first attempt at creating photobook pages for EMily's 1st year album. Hmm...what happened to Ash's photobook? I'm ashamed to say that it's still not done yet because even though we do not have a rackmount lcd, I am still hooked on the tv!!

What happened was that the past couple of days, I've been frantically selecting and processing photos of Emily. And this afternoon, I took one of Emily's finished image and created the page you see above. You can call it a prototype of some sort. So, what do you think? I do plan on creating one (or more) page a day but as always, we'll see how it goes cos as you all know, I'm not very good at keeping up with my urm..resolutions.

Well, you have all weekend to think about it..heheheh...kidding!

Be good and you guys have a good weekend k...talk soon!

Lil Em

I can't believe it myself but this little girl is getting cuter by the day. Of course, I am only saying that because she's my child. Surely I have to be a little bias. hehehe...No, really she is the cutest thing...hahah...there I go again!

Anyway, this collage of photos were taken a couple of weeks back. Pardon the lighting and all but really....seriously...don't you think she's super duper cute??!!! with sugar coating on top??!!

Ok ok..I better stop, lest you stop visiting this site :-)

yummy chili prawns

I am going to do something here that has never been done before *gulp* (pardon the lighting in the photo, my light fixtures wasn't as good as I thought it was).

Lately, I've been surfing recipe/food blogs, sites and whatnot's. The reason is because I, this totally noob cook, have been slaving behind the kitchen lately and I need more variety dishes. And, believe you me, my "cooking" list is getting longer by the day (will tell you all about it in another post).

And so, today, I tried out something new (yet again). Surprisingly, it turned out tasting really good. The "new" is the chili prawns you see above. We had them for dinner and thankfully for me, it was a hit.

Also, I'm particularly happy because it's really simple to make and the dish is so versatile in the sense that, you can have it as part of your main meal or as an appetizer if you're throwing a party. I am pretty positive that this will go down really well with beer :-)

I am all about the simple. Simple but tasty.

So, what's this about me 'doing something different' on this site. Well, I am going to share with you this simple recipe to this dish!! I can't believe it myself. Me...recipe...no wayyyyyyyy!! But, yes, it's true folks, better believe it.

You'll need prawns (duh!). Don't remove the shell entirely. What I did was, I left the tail-end bit of the shell intact.

Marinate : chili powder
chopped garlic
chopped fresh red chili
salt (to taste)

leave it in the fridge for about 20 - 30 minutes and then, pan fry it (or if you have a grill, just go ahead and do that).

That's it. Easy. Now, just sit back and enjoy it with a glass of beer..:-)

another header change

Ahhh...this new one is something that shouldn't be.

Huh? Allow me to explain. If you remember, when I started to upload my own headers to this blog, the size usually covers the entire header space. But, for this particular image, I couldn't get it to fit no matter how I did it. I tried cropping left right and centre but it just didn't look right somehow. And so, I had to improvise with a note with handwritten fonts.

Then, I got carried away. I loved the font so much, I wanted it all over the place hahah...buuuutttt, luckily for you guys, I settled for just the post title..*snigger*.

I am almost afraid to ask you what your thoughts are (about the new header)..So, what are they? hehehe...

You'll get me re-arranging my blog template once a while. Especially when I get bored looking at it myself. Oh and incidentally, the "hands" are Ash and Em's :-)

color - part II

If you'll recall my recent post about me making the "homemade play-dough" for Ash. I only too the photos of the dough but didn't post up photos of what eventually became of the dough.

Well, without further ado, here are some pics of..the time where both father and daughter had fun playing with those ewwy and gweey dough...

Ash's favourite cartoons :

Gimme Mouse (the way Ash says it)

Oswald

Quite honestly, I feel that the father may have had more fun than the daughter..;-)

graduation

We were busy the past weekend. Well, apart from our usual, getting-the-family together, it was my baby sister's graduation ceremony. It's funny how these things work here -- having graduated months ago but the ceremony's being held now. Anyhow, it was great fun for all of us, including lil Em.

Here she is with her urm..cap (I don't remember what they are called LOL). In a way, she's "graduating" herself. How's that so?

Well, for starters, she has started solids. Amazingly, it wasn't so difficult starting her off. And she's beginning to find her own back support. She's gonna "sit" anytime soon.

Most importantly, she'll be turning 6 months in a couple of days!! Imagine - 6 months?? Where did time go?? I can still remember how it felt when she decided that it was fun while it lasted in mommy's tummy and came out that fateful night. Seriously..I can feel the pain...even as I type.

I realise I have been slacking re : blog updates and what-nots. I am. I'll remember to put a note for the coming new year's resolution - to blog more!

i.am.sad

I should just cut through the chase - I lost my necklace!!!

It's one that I've had since birth. And now...gone...

why?

It's my fault. Ash was making so much noise upstairs that Em was distracted and didn't want to continue with her milk. So, I gave hubby a choice to go downstairs with Ash or feed Em. He rather feed Em. So, I came downstairs with Ash. She saw the small little jewelry box which, in my haste to go make Em's milk that I neglected to keep, on the table and took it. She opened it, started playing with it and now, the necklace has disappeared. Vanished into thin air. I've searched all over the room but...it's pointless. I can't find it. I probably will find it when I'm not looking for it. Usually happens but when?

Ah...nevermind. It's probably a better solution for me to go sleep on it. Perhaps, I might find it in my dreams...zzzzzzzzzzz

what's up with Em?

Little Em is 5++ months. In fact, she'll be 6 months in less than 3 weeks. And, I will err...be alot older in less than 5 days.

Hubby took the day off today. I asked him to because I don't like going to the paed alone with Em. Yep, she got her monthly needle-sticking thingy again. If you ask me, I really don't like seeing her being poked. I don't think any mothers do really. So, I honestly feel for those moms whose kids are sick and are constantly being "treated" at the hospital.

I am happy to say that she did well today. Sure, there were tears, but her cries weren't so bad; they were bearable this time around. It was a good outing to the paed for sure heheh...and, the other good news is that this will be her last. yay!!! Well, at least until next year when she turns 1. Now that is a biggie - the dreaded MMR!!!

So, anyway, after the paed and already reeling with good news, I went a-shopping!! hahah...Bought myself a lil something something again. Of course, hubby was grumbling along the way and because he'd rather be at home than at a ladies' shop. But, what choice does he have? None...really...**evil laughter**

weekend surprise

Ash stuck the candles all by herself. Which is why some are a senget

We celebrated hubby's birthday on Sunday. I did surprise him...with a honeymoon suite from Myrtle beach vacation rentals!! Yep, that was one birthday celebration which will be oh so hard to forget...hahaha...Nah...I got him a cake *singger*.

He was surprised. That was the goal.

We all ate at my mom's place on Sunday; which is pretty usual for us because that's where we hang out once a week and because that's when everyone's home - my sis, my mom, my dad...everyone. So, yeah, that's our Sundays basically.

We brought the cake out in the evening. Just before dinner. I know, shouldn't it have been after dinner? Technically, yes but the kids were sleepy and we knew they'd get cranky so we thought we had better get the ceremony over and done with...quickly!

As soon as Ash saw the cake, she went all hyper and super excited. She wanted to put on the candles, blow the cake, eat the cake, eat the candles (?)...she wanted to sign, clap...it seemed as though we were celebrating her birthday instead! LOL...

So, anyway, we sang, took photos. My poor Ash was trying so hard to blow the candles out with her tiny mouth. But she did...yay Ash!!

We all had a good time...including lil Em. Just a pity that she's way too young to know what's going on. But I tell ya, when she's grown up enough, I know there will be havoc!! Oohh...I don't know whether I should dread the occasion or look forward to it..I really don't know.

this is where the "other" one went..

So..yau yeng or not??

Only possible with the snazzy fingers and hands of this momma.

A very very big thank you!!

And...for the rest of you guys...have a great weekend!

a lil' something something

Bought a little bracelet for me-self.

Tell you the truth, I'm not a jewelery person or an accessories person. But, once in a while, I like to indulge myself. Plus, it's been a while since I've bought something for me. I mean, when you're a mom, the things that on top of your shopping lists are your kids' stuff. When I am at the mall (if I am at the mall), I would normally go 'hmm..I think Ash will love this" or "wouldn't this skirt look cute on lil monster". It's no longer "would my ass fit in this". Worst...I no longer buy things for hubby heheheh...

So anyway, I like Dinah's bracelets. They are pleasant and soothing to the eyes..not loud like some. Nor are they too boring.

The one which you see on top is called Forest Treasure. Actually, it's a variation of Forest Treasure cos the original design was sold out. I emailed her and asked if she could do a remake of it for me. And she did...with a slight twist cos she ran out of some of the beads that were used previously. Nevertheless, it's nice. You wouldn't have known it wasn't the same if I hadn't told you, right?! heheheh...

And, trust me, they are nice. I wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't...or buy one for myself. One other thing, you gotta be fast, cos the designs are pretty much limited. So, if you see something you like, you better make your reservations otherwise, they get sold off rather quickly.

As for me, I'm off to whip something up for dinner. Darn....its so difficult to think of what to cook each day. Why don't someone invent a meals pill or something? Sure saves a lot of time and energy...don't you agree. OK...talk later.

the man's big day

the Man's big ngau yat is coming up....real soon. As a matter of fact, it is this Sunday. I was hoping that it'd be a weekday so I could go get a cake for him and surprise him when he comes home. But, since it's the weekend, I can't go out discreetly and come back hoping to hide the cake behind my back, now can I?

So, what I plan on doing however, is to order it in the next couple of days and then I've summoned by sister to go get it for me instead. And, seeing how we always spend SUndays at my mom's place, she can just leave the cake there and well, surprise him then.

I think, a cake will suffice as a birthday present. I was actually thinking of getting him a self-made present. I was going to print out one of my pictures on the special iron-on papers, and iron my photo on a white T-shirt. After that, I'd make him wear it to work!! LOL...That'll just kill him...*snigger*. Ah well, what does a 35 year old man need these days anyway; a fat burner perhaps??

color

So, last weekend, before heading out to MIL's house for dinner and celebration, I made the above for Ash.

If you're wondering what they are, I will tell you what they are - they are homemade play-dough. I spotted the recipe a couple of months back on a lovely mommy's blog. And, I've been wanting to make some for Ash.

If you must know, I am trying to avoid Toys R Us, or any toy store whatsoever. I do not want to drag a kickin' and hollerin' toddler out of the store in case this mommy thinks that what she's picked out is just too expensive. So, I'd rather not. Seriously.

Does this mean that Ash is toys deficient? Not to me she isn't. She has plenty at home. Toys that she'll play for 5 seconds and then dump them aside. I've given up. And her stuff's taken over my once bachelorette pad. So, I feel, enough is enough. I am tired of picking her stuff after her.

And if she needs anymore toys, she'll just have to ask her Dad. If he gives in, I'm gonna demand for my orlando vacations..PRONTO!!

P.S : Ash calls them "color".

testing...1,2,3

This is a test post to see if I can upload photos now.


So far so good.

This was taken in Swiss during one of my walks near where we lived. Some wild berries. No, I didn't take any to taste, for fear I'd get highly intoxicated..hahhaha...

Anyway, I am feeling kinda high. Must've been the crabs I ate yesterday. I am telling you, when you've abstain from the best foods of the world, one bite can send you to heaven and back and to heaven again. My mom, she made my favourite. Plus, the day before, we celebrated the lantern festival and yes, ate some more. MIL made her signature Hainanese chicken rice. Not even a drop of artificial flavouring. Talk.about.pigging.out!!

Say...anyone knows...what these video cards are for???

my rickety ol' machine

Today, I'd like to talk about my...washing machine. It's 8 years old. A very big girl in the err..wash world. Kind of like in dog years which is possibly equivalent to a 50 year old lady I reckon.

Anyway, why do I need to talk about my err...suds machine? Well, I'm about to give it away and I feel sad. It's been with me since I got married. Now, through thick and thin, dust till dawn, however slow poke it takes just to wash one load of laundry, someone will adopt her. Feeling heavy.

Funny as it is..even to me that I am so sentimental.; which by nature I am not. Back track 10 years ago, I'd be happy to get rid of old stuff. You know, the "out with the old, in with the new" thing. love new things : new clothes, new hair, new everything...and sometimes, a new hubby LOL...(sshhh....not a word from you guys). Soon, it'll just be a thing of the past. Luckily too I don't have the urge to get rid of my home, otherwise, not only will I be laden with debt even in my after-life, I will need a motorhome instead because getting rid of one is easier with motorhome towing.

This whole new phenomenon is probably a growing up phase. Is it? Or, likely, a growing old phase. OMG...is it true? it can't be...I am turning into an ol' hag too soon...*shudder*


p.s : this horrible nightmare...I cannot load anything up. No photos no comments. I am talking to myself...aaaarrrggghhhh...

the conversation

I don't remember alot of things lately. I'm especially forgetful like an old woman. But, I do remember specific things like having extreme stomach ache in Penang when I was 6, and damn it, I had to pose for a picture. So, can you imagine, me sitting on the rocks somewhere and having to balance looking all cringed up because I was ready to explode any minute while smiling as if I was having the best time in the world.

Or, blow by blow account of my birth story, what was going on in my head as well as what was happening to me.

And not to mention my hubby's look each time (only twice by the way) I told him I was pregnant after secretly urm..diagnosing the pregnancy myself. So, anyway this is how it went :

Me : I'm pregnant (with Ash)
Hubby : Oh really (with delight in his face)...group hhug!!

Me : I'm pregnant (with Em)
Hubby : Oh..(like someone told him his dog died)..but group hug was given

Me : So, do you still want a 3rd baby?
Hubby : No...no...no..no more...mou kao siew...

O_o

ps : no photos. I haven't the slightest idea what happened to good ol' blogger these couple of days. I am not sure if it's just me or it's a universal problem. I haven't been able to upload photos. Neither have I been able to see nor publish comments. I can only view them on my gmail. Arrrggghhh...

my little helper

Since I don't have a maid, everyone in the house needs to chip in (read : everyone else does the work while momsie sit back and relax).

Also, it doesn't matter how old you are or if you're tall enough, everyone works.

The only one who gets to escape (for now) is miz em. In 2 years, she'll have to chip in as well.

So anyway, in this photo, Ash is helping me to wash up. She's washing (or attempting to) Em's bottle. This event took place last Thursday when she was with me the whole day. After lunch and after washing her hands, she took the liberty of rinsing Em's bottle which was lying on the dish rack because, it was the only thing she could reach. Of course, serious washing only lasted about oh, 2 seconds. After which, 'playing with water' ensued and that lasted for more than 5 minutes. It would've lasted longer had I pry her away from the sink.

Note to self : remember to supply workers with work gloves.

lil miz boz

Here is a recent photo of Em sitting on her grandpa's lap. He is her favourite. That's only because he carries her all the time...ALL.THE.TIME.

Which brings me to this - how do I do it with 2 kids?

The answer is pretty simple really...I don't. Half of the time, Ash is with her paternal grandparents. I did say how difficult miss em is (much like doing colon cleanse reviews). She really is. She won't sit still and wants to be carried all the time. As such, there is no way in PJ that I can handle 2 kids alone without help.

Yes, I have a sling, a really pretty one I bought from Chin Nee but I hardly use it. Not because it's not nice or anything of that sort, it's because Em wants to be carried upright facing forward. So, the sling is...well, in the closet.

I'm not sure what it is. But this is the only way miz boz will calm down. It's the only method of soothing her. I try not to indulge her too much though but it's hard, she'll bring the house down. I'm serious. The neighbours (the real ones...not on FT) are saying something about it too.

So, there, I can't do it alone. I really need someone to hold my hands. We're thinking about the possibility of a maid. But, the cost factor, the stranger in the house, the I-can't-walk-naked-anymore fear. It's not as easy as 1-2-3. We'll see how it goes.

Oh, and Choong asked me how do I handle jealousy among siblings. Ok, now this is something I want to know as well. Because, fortunately as of now, it's not happening yet in this house. Luckily for us, Ash is pretty good with her sis. So, I'm hoping it'll be this way for a long time to come but you know kids, things changes rather quickly with them.

Ok, gotta stop here. Ash needs to go to bed. Talk to ya later.

a quick one

I am really tired today even though, today was considered a good day in that I shouldn't be tired but I am. Mentally and physically. And, I haven't even begun my weight loss programme.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to those who have followed me on Twitter. I must apologise because I don't twitter no more. I did sign up last year and I found it hard to follow so I stopped. I think I only twit twice. After that, I left it alone. Also, I wanted to delete or remove my account but I forgot my login user and my password *duh*.

So, anyway, I just thought I'd let you know here. Because I should be following you guys back but I can't cos i don't use it anymore. You can remove me from your list or whatever. Thanks though and sorry I won't be reciprocating.

em

Little monster inc here is now oh..a rough 4 and a half months. I haven't been keeping tabs on her her developments and er..her in general as much as I had on Ash. I've just been plain lazy. However, what I do know is that, this girl, she's one tough cookie. Would you believe it if I tell you that I'm almost at my pre-pregnancy self? And it's taken me less than 6 months to do it. Plus, I did it without the help of crazy diet pills.

You'd probably figure out by now that 1 - taking care of em is no monkey business. 2 - taking care of 2 kids is no monkey business. 3 - I am totally tired out at the end of the day.

Honestly, I don't know how people handle 3, 4, 5 or 20 kids... One thing's for sure, if it were me, I'd raise the white flag and get the hell out of there!!

the eyes

one of Ash's favourite things (apart from her torchlight...don't ask me why, how or what...it simply is) is her sunnies. Or, should I say, anyone's sunnies...especially, her aunt's.

She'll wear them, parade around, laugh and then, you'll never see them again. At least until I bring it back for you without her knowledge. I don't know where she gets the fashionista genes from because I can tell you, it won't come from me. And, I seriously doubt it's coming from hubby. Maybe, the genes skipped a generation. Really, really baffling...to me, this strange phenomenon is like me, trying to figure out what you can get from a disability appeal. And, the best part is, I don't think I'll ever figure it out at all.

stuffs that are in her bag..

you have no idea..O_O

good news..bad news

very co-operative the girl that night...rarely happens

My little girl, Ash. She did something very very interesting today. She, the girl who can barely string a sentence coherently told me that she had tummy ache. She lifted up her shirt and rubbed her tummy saying "tou thung".

Wow! I am sure, if we are wired in a way that we can smell too, you'd be able to smell my excitement. It's as though I had won a million bucks in ToTo.

You might be wondering "So...what?"...Dude, it's no secret that I'm the laziest mom on earth. I don't cook, I don't do ironing, I can't even take care of 2 kids (but I farm...???). And, my girl will turn 3 next March and she's still on full-time diapers. It's costing a lot of $$ for us but you know, I just..I am just to lazy. I am afraid of spills, the fact that I have to clean up, stuff like that. I don't even want to think.

The strange thing is, I did try...once, to get her to sit on the big people's seat. But she got scared and refused to plant her bum on it even though I was holding her the whole time. So, I didn't want to force her after that. I just let her be.

So, anyway, the fact that she wants to urm, do her business voluntarily..is a reason enough for me to celebrate like it's Christmas! I led her to the bathroom, took out her diapers and carried her onto the toilet seat. Of course, I had to continue holding on to her..else she's fall right through..lol..

The other surprising thing was, she didn't protest. She allowed me to do all that. And she was ok. Well, that's the good news.

The bad news is, she didn't do anything. Nope, she just sat there..no pee, no poo..NOTHING. We err..sat there for about 10 minutes, and finally, she said she wanted to shower instead.

What a let-down; on my part that is. I thought I was going to witness what most people have witnessed already : a big show down the toilet. But I didn't. I honestly thought this was it you know. This was the moment. The end of wiping down smelly and disgusting poo right in front of me.

I probably will have to do more now. I probably will need to start asking her to go to the bathroom everyday now. Or something which I dread - off with the diapers. Not an easy to task to accomplish but I think it's time.

another header change

The night before, for some reason, as I was lying in bed, I needed to come up with a new header. I'm not sure, but it looks like this changing-thing'll be a periodic thing. Of course, that and provided I have the urge to do so.

Ok, so about the header. It's cropped from a self-portrait I did while the Monster (ok, this will be the last I call her that) was asleep. If you want to view the entire photo, it's on flickr.

You know, actually, this was not the photo I had in mind to upload initially. Nope. It was one rose picture or something like that. But it looked weird and so, I went flipping around for another photo until I came across this one. Not the best but I don't know, I kind of like the mood.

Anyway, let me know...whaddya think? Like it? :-D

the wriggly bunch

Bloggers are very fond of taking photos because they make postings alot more interesting and attractive. And, when you're a mommy blogger like err...yours truly, you take loads and loads of your kids pics.

Again, like yours truly.

Then, you find that your kids don't like taking photos. But, you still snap away regardless. And it gets bad when they move about, laugh...and worst, when you start laughing. No matter what camera you use or the kind of lenses that supposedly helps to stabilise your shaking hands, you'd still get blurry pics. But, maybe a higher end single reflex-lens camera might solve the puzzle, I won't know, I don't own one. Still, it's so difficult capturing the kids in their moment.

This is exactly what happened to the photo above. Yes, the kids were laughing cos I made them laugh. They were wriggly as a result. And I was laughing as well. So in the end, the photo came out extremely blurry. I still love it though.

being happy, being grateful

Today, we had the most exhausting day. We were out of the house early, dropped Em with my mom and we just took off..the 3 of us. By the end of the day, we were knackered. I still am to be completely honest.

If you're wondering what we did the whole of today - we went shopping. Not your everyday, ordinary shopping at the malls but shopping for plants, pots, potted plants, furniture. "Shopping" that more often than not isn't very appealing to kids; especially to 2yo toddlers.

But, as I've mentioned before, Ash has changed so much. And, she's still changing. Actually, the precise words we used were that she's grown-up alot. Sometimes, I feel she's like she's like an adult. At times, even adults don't behave like she does.

She was great today. We dragged her all over town, missing her naps while we were doing all the err...dragging. Even when we had our lunch, she ate by herself, not messing too much of her shirt. Not demanding for attention even when we gave her none. I mean, she was as enthusiastic as we were when we saw a couch we liked or a table we fell in love with. Watched attentively when we were at our friend's shop. Waited patiently for us while we finished haggling prices.

Frankly, she's always been like this - being a co-operative kid. Yes, she does have her moods. I mean, she's still a kid whatever it is. But, usually, when it comes to the crunch, when we really needto rely on her to be good, she gets the job done. Like today.

Yes, I am proud, I am happy. Sometimes, when I feel this way, I wish I can tell her how much her good behavior means to me. And how if I can make her understand how thankful I am and how much I appreciate her for that, I will..in an instant.

Also, while at the nursery today, I had a good workout. Chasing a toddler who runs faster than you, beats any diet regime or even downing weight loss pills. Really, this is something I have to thank her for :-D.

a community message

**UPDATED WITH PICTURES**

I am rather busy...with my farm...the virtual kind..lol.

I'm sorry but this game is insanely addictive.

But, I do have time for a rather quick announcement. This post isn't paid and no, I do not get any commission from the number of people joining. So, do not worry no?

Anyway, a friend of mine, who, incidentally is in the beading/jewelry business, has started a beading class but this is no ordinary beading class. This is a class specially for kids from the ages of 4 and up. Of course, if you'd like to join your kids, you are welcome to do so.

So, if you are a little bit urm...curious and wonder if your kid is up to beading you something for Christmas, please check out her blog.

Go ahead, check her out...ask her for more details if you're interested..she won't bite.

As for me, I'll catch ya later...back to my farm...lol

Monster Inc is 3 months

How time flies...I am still holding on to the hope that by next week, she's in school, the following week, she'll be off to college and the next month, she'll get married...:-)

Anyway, some photos of errr...the feared one! (note : I think I should stop referring to her as MI cos well, hubby doesn't think it's funny and seriously, I don't think she is...she's just being herself i.e a baby).

some B&W action goin' on right here - I was trying to "hide" the huge comforter I plonked
on the arm chair you see on the far right, which was inadvertently included O_O

chicken....fried

I didn't tell you this but whilst in Switzerland, I had a massive postpartum craving for fried chicken. Actually, any chicken that is crunchy, tasty and junkfood-ish...except KFC.

You know, in Swiss, at times...for dinner, I'd "ta-pau" this roast chicken from a grocery shop called Migros. Sounds Greekish or Italianos', I have no idea but the roast chicken is fah-reekingly awesome! I'm serious, it's really nice. I would get the half chicken, which cost me about CHF6++ (about RM20). We'd have this chicken with pasta or bread and soup (canned of course. The apartment kitchen was too small for me to boil soup), after which hubby will play his PS3.

Now..you know.

Anyway, this postpartum craving I was having, I brought it home with me. Just 2 weeks ago, I asked my mom to buy only chicken for me (she goes to the market every Sunday and she would normally buy my fresh groceries for me...I know...I'm hopeless). I specifically wanted the thighs and chicken wings, nothing else. If you can't guess it by now, they are my favourite chicken parts *smile*.

So, every day, from that day, I had baked chicken wings or thighs for lunch. I'd marinate the pieces differently each day. Cut up the spuds, carrots and onions and just plonk it all into the oven for a couple of minutes and ta da....I have my lunch. Fairly quick and easy which works really well for me because with Em, I no longer have the luxury to "cook". She's a real fiesty one I tell ya. In the end, I got my food satisfaction, and she had my attention.

Finally, one day, I ran out of chicken wings...or thighs. I had my last piece in the freezer; one miserable looking piece of leg. Plus, I also ran out of spuds and carrots. Only some 'yin choys' were left in my fridge.

"I'm not about to bake the yin choys. That'll be suicidal. Not to me but to the greens. They'd all come out looking ugly. And I would imagine that if I was a yin choy, and I was on my death-bed, I won't want to look ugly isn't it. or come out dead looking ugly."

I finally decided that I will fry this last leg instead. No point urm...baking this one lonely meat.

As for the yin choys, I decided to boil soup. I sauteed my last packet of ikan bilis and threw it into the pot of boiling water disregarding the fact that it will taste extremely fishy and I would have nothing to combat that fishy taste (I ran out of ginger too).

As it turned out, the soup was ok. The chicken wasn't. Here, I'll show you :


I left the lid on for too long.

So, moral of the story : frankly, there isn't. I took this photo cos I was testing out my lens but as you can see, it's totally blown out. ANd blurry. And I need more practise. And never to buy manual lenses even though they were a steal.

And, I'll have you know that as of today, my postpartum crazy craving is gone! Yippeee....:-D

Trying out...on her own

well...almost..:-D

a good friday

Today we had fun. In "we", I mean Ash and I. Em was at my MIL's. Yeah, sometimes, we swap the kids. A little troublesome I know but easing my burden a little will have long lasting happiness in the household heheheh...

Anyway, this afternoon we paid a visit to Ashley and her mom. I didn't tell Ash about the visit of course. I merely told her we were going 'kai kai'. Then again, I had to repeat myself many times cos she keeps forgetting.

The cleaners were at our house in the morning. So, I had to do everything else like eat lunch, shower and get ready after they leave. It was a good thing too cos we were scheduled to meet Barb after lunch anyways.

Ash is quite shy when going into people's houses. She takes a while to warm up. Sometimes, that can be a very long time. Fortunately for me, she warmed up pretty easily with Ashley and at Barb's. Soon, they were playing; one following the other. Plus, Ashley had so many lovely toys (I wanted to ask her if she had any golf training aid also heheh..). She even showed Ash around the house...so cute!..So, Barb and I got to chat a little.

It would've been a perfect way to end the visit with hugs and kisses. However, these the two buddies had other ideas and decided to turn on the tears instead. Nothing major la. Normal occurrence especially with little girls. Perhaps, I need to visit them more so the kids will get used to each other. Yeah, maybe that could be the solution.

We had a nice time no doubt. Barb even bought us tarts which were yummy. And I had "longan"..don't be jealous ya..:-P

I took my camera to snap photos. Here are some of them :




It was great meeting you and Ashley again, Barb. We should really do this more often.

Favorite activity

Em's favorite activity, apart from crying, is having a bath. She is one clean baby; can't stand being dirty, can't stand being sweaty, can't stand...well, urm not bathing.

She takes her bath in the morning, as soon as I get up (I am clearly not a morning person) around 8:30am or 9. Sometimes, if she wakes up late or if I am late in doing the laundry or washing the dishes, she'll have her bath later.

After smelling clean and nice, I'll put on a tuxedo shirt for Em.....lol. No, of course not, I am only kidding. I'll just put on whatever and she'll be all set for.....bed! Huh? Yep, she wants her bed. One thing's for sure, this girl can really sleep. Her sister never slept so much during her err...infant years. I told you they are the exact opposite of each other.

I look forward to them growing up. Not because I want to watch them claw at each other or yank each other's hair out. Just that, you know, it'll be interesting to see the kind of personality they'll each develop into. I can see one in Ash now, it's Em's that I'm curious about. I'll have to wait some more...about a year or two, depending on how quick it shows.

Then, it shall be interesting times..I can assure you.

About mom

is

tiring, but rewarding

frustrating but satisfying

un-nerving but challenging;

makes you wanna scream yet makes you extremely happy

you are relieved when your kids are asleep, that they are tucked safely in their beds

you miss them when you are away (but I don't miss insurance agents who keeps giving you life insurance quote), you talk about them, you reminisce, you think of them 24/7 even though, you told yourself not to

it's true, what they say about being a mom and when you become one, your entire world changes. the feelings are hard to describe. only moms will know and it doesn't matter how you became one, you'll know.

My girls

Lets take a break from all the ainz, twinez etc...and get back down to earth for a bit here.

Lets talk about my girls.

I went through my hubby's external drive to look for old photos of Ash. OMG...you mean, you haven't gotten them printed out?? hahah...yes, I haven't done it. Ash doesn't even have a photo album. *shameful*.

So, anyway, about them girls. I realise that they are as different as night and day, the sun and the moon, ebony and ivory, chicken and duck...you get the drift don't you?

Ash was much skinnier, taller and fairer than Baby Em when Ash was her age.

Besides that, Ash was less talkative and always smiling. Whereas, Baby Em, is extremely talkative to the extent that if she is "talking" to you and you ignore her, she will scream her head off. Baby Em is not so smiley. She gets irritated with the slightest discomfort - wet, hot, hungry, sleepy, dirty.

And to think...they both "came" from the same place, conceived by the same people (ts true folks, the last time I checked hehehhe)...O_O

Ash at 2++ months

Taken today. Baby Em, 1 week shy of being 3 months old.

The one who loves coffee

This one's for you, crazy-coffee-loving-mama..., as promised :-D

Actually, it took me forever to find it. I caught a glimpse of one...somewhere once while on the train but I couldn't find it anymore. Until we walked along the city streets of Zurich. The city of the rich and famous. Switzerland's equivalent to NY's 5th Av. But somehow, compared to our urm..indoor equivalent i.e Pavilion, KLCC etc...doesn't feel so 'hot'.

I didn't go into any of the stores that's for sure. Well, maybe one where I bought an ancient used AF lens. I'll tell you about that later and post photos of Zurich later. It's very European city-like. Alright, so what on earth is an European city like? I have no clue. I've never been to Europe, London yes but not Europe. My hubby made that statement.

Did I enjoy it? Yes and no. Yes, because even though with scores of buses, cars and trains passing through the city each and every minute on a Saturday, the air feels and smells clean. Try walking along Pudu and you'll faint within 15 minutes! No, because I'm at the age where walking alongside buildings and more buildings (even though, I've been told that walking is best when you want to lose weight; better than the best diet pills in town!). Not exactly my kind of a holiday. But that's what you get, when you have limited time, and lazy bodies..heheh...:-D

This is definitely not Zurich per se. We only saw probably a fraction of it. Saving it for our next trip..heheh...

Oh and I'm feeling alot better. Thank you for asking :-p...Sore throat's gone, jet-lag's gone, exercising has also gone...Back to my boring life..*sigh*

A sore throat

That is what I am having right now - a sore throat.

Not the best time to be ill. It all starts with a sore throat, then the cough, then the fever, then the sniffles. By the time, everything else have healed, my cough will continue to linger. Very much like my stubborn blackheads, to which I will need a highly effective blackhead extractor.

I can't be ill. Not now. Not for the next 100 years! Oppss...if I am still alive by then...

Alright. Time to drown myself with more liquid. Arrgghh...

Is it not summer?

Perhaps the tail-end of it but nonetheless, it's still bright at 5 and only gets dark at 10.

That was how I remember what it was like during the summer and it was exactly that during my Swiss trip. A pretty good time to be on a holiday if you don't mind the crowd and er...more crowds.

One of the highlights of the trip was our journey up the Swiss Alps. One of them at least; there are 3 different mountains in different locations. I mean, it's either the mountains and lakes anyway but beautiful.

We went to the nearest (to where we were) and more popular touristy one. I was a little bit disappointed because it was way to commercialized and unfortunately for us, on the day that we went, the weather wasn't so inviting. It was cloudy the whole time with smattering of rain.

To get there, we had to travel approx 3++ hours. Going on 4 different trains just to get to the station below where we would take 3 cable cars to Mount Titlis. In terms of efficiency when it comes to public transportation, the Swiss ranks second, coming pretty close to Japan. Ok, so I thought I'd just add that in. It's that or a run down of what Decaslim can do for you? LOL..

Alright, so..train ride and then cable car. I particularly enjoyed the last leg of the ride simply because the track passes through the old settlements at the foot of the mountains. And the train that we rode on was the old vintage ones. It makes you feel like you were warped back in time and living in the good old days. I was told that the houses are occupied by mostly people in their 70s, 80s etc...The younger ones have all gone to the city.

The view from up above, is nothing short of magnificent. If only I had wider lens, more time and better weather. It's cold (-5) but still breathtaking.

Before I end, some photos.




More here if you are so inclined.