Mommy-yeoh

His Arrival and His First Hair Cut

2011-07-08T15:13:00.012+08:00

Baby J is 9 months and 2 days old. And had his very first hair cut yesterday.

I did a quick 'chop' of his hair while he was busy occupying himself with toys. His hair was getting a bit too long at the sides and beginning to curl a little. Some people commented that he looked like a girl! Can't say I did a fantastic job on the haircut but so long as he doesn't look like a girl is good enough for me.

To me, Baby J is growing so much faster than Little Princess. I guess being busy at work and home, I don't realised how much time has passed me by.

It only seems like yesterday that I was pregnant with Baby J. It wasn't an easy pregnancy. With a 4 yo on toll, it literally took my sanity away. It was filled with mood swings and morning sickness (round the clock)! I stare at the toilet 'throne' more than I stare into Daddy-yeoh's face! I felt bloated all the time and shortness of breath was a norm to me.

Since Little Princess was an induced labor, I only get to experince the contractions in the hospital. But for Baby J, he was 18 days earlier and till today, I remembered every moment of his delivery from the time I had my contractions to his arrival and into my arms. It was a moment I could never forget and each time I hold him in my arms, I remembered how the contrations woke me up in my slumber.

On that day, Little Princess was the flower girl for a friend's wedding. It was Little Princess first time as a flower girl. Being merely 3 plus of age at that time, she was timid and shy. I held her hands, as we practiced walking down the aisle the night before. I talked to her and encouraged her so that she will have the courage on the actual day. I told her that I will wait for her at the end of the aisle and that she should walk towards me.

But the morning itself, I had to be admitted for Baby J's arrival. We were making last minute arrangements and decided that Daddy-yeoh is to take Little Princess for the wedding and me to be admitted on my own at the hospital.

Gave Daddy-yeoh specific instructions for the wedding, making sure that Little Princess will do fine without me and I prayed that Daddy-yeoh would be in time for the delivery.

And the rest...as they say is history. Baby J arrived on 9 October 2011 weighing a 2.67 kg almost exactly the same weight as Little Princess when she was borned.

Today, Daddy-yeoh and I, are proud parents of 2 wonderful kids :)

Baby J

2011-03-23T09:55:00.004+08:00

Baby J arrived early October, 18 days earlier than the due date. He weight exactly the same as Little Princess when she was born.

Being 4 years older and having to juggle a newborn and a preschool kid, things were pretty rough and filled with lots of *pulling hair* moments. There is no such thing as settling in with the baby. Life becomes instantenously busy and insane. 'Me-Time' became a thing almost-impossible-to-achieve and even if I could enjoy it, it is an oh-so precious-moment!

Baby J is 5 months plus and another 2 weeks or so, he will be 6. As time pass, he grow into different stages where work and more work for mommy adds on. Sounds like a complain? Perhaps :)

Despite all, Baby J brings such joy to us. He hardly fuss except for milk and when he is sleepy. He loves to smile.

He smiles at you when he wakes up,

He smiles at you when you talk to him,

He smiles at you when you sing to him,

He smiles at you when you play with him,

He smiles at you when you change his diaper,

He smiles at you when you bathe him,

He smiles at you when you show him his milk and the 'mommy cow'

He smiles at you when you caught him looking at you...

It is like as if compensating for the difficult pregnancy I had! He is such a blessing to us all. And we are enjoying every moment with him...

The Wait

2010-10-04T14:46:00.003+08:00

Our baby should be due anytime now. Little Princess was early by 10 days, so we are expecting an early delivery. My doc said that he will be expecting my call anytime from now.

I feel heavy and walking is almost impossible. I am not sure if I could wait till his actual delivery date which is on the 27 October. I hope that he will arrive really really SOON!

Silver Lining

2010-09-01T10:17:00.002+08:00

I noticed that I have more white hair growing on my head. I had that when I was pregnant with the Little Princess and it never did went away. Now with the second pregnancy, it added to the existing ones and this time more obvious than before.

I was checking out the whites on my black hair in the bathroom mirror one day when I noticed how the white hair reflected in the sunlight from the window. It may sound strange, but they looked like shiny silver strings glittering away on my head.

Now I understood the meaning of silver lining in every dark cloud :)

Cough! Cough!

2010-08-05T09:39:00.002+08:00

Just went I thought Little Princess is out growing her cough, she got it again yesterday with the phelgm and all. The doc tor siad its due to her underdeveloped breathing track and coupled with my family history of asthmatic genes, she can be sensitive to anything under the sun including dust. The doctor assured us that this is common among children and they will grow out of it. The bright side, her condition is not serious enough to be out on a chamber. But the BIG question is when will she grow out of it???

I tried all sorts of methods from western to chinese (and even trying suggestions found in forwarded emails) but the cough keeps coming back every 2 weeks or so. The most difficult part was each time she has her cough, she will vomit all her milk or meals. The mess, oh how I hate the mess!

And each time she has the cough in the night, I can never have a good rest because I will be waking up and checking on her throughout the night, making sure she is fine.

Has anyone had such problems with their kids? Care to share the experience?

What Made You Smile Today?

2010-06-24T15:42:00.002+08:00

Took Little Princess for a quick shopping while waiting for Daddy-yeoh who went for a hair cut. Came to the 'Party Princess' store in Mid Valley and saw a tray of little kid's rings for sale.

Little Princess took a peek and I asked if she wanted one. She said yes and Mummy gave her the freedom to choose one that she likes. She looked at it from row to row and pick one at a time and wear it on her middle finger. Each time she put one on she will say "Hmm..this is nice". and it went on with a few other rings until she finally settled down with a shape of an Oreo cookie except it's pink.

She took it home and wore it on her middle finger and said this aloud to her Daddy...

"When I grow up I want to marry you!"

That made me smiled. What made you smile today?

Baby Prince & Little Princess

2010-06-22T14:18:00.004+08:00

Baby bump is a little much more now that I am hitting my fifth month. Detailed scan showed Baby is doing well. He weight about 450 grammes for now...and yes its a HE :). I guess that balanced up the number of genders in the Yeoh's residence.

On the other hand, the Little Princess is growing fine. She loves her preschool and her teacher. Had assessment (exam) in late May. Mummy was at lost not sure what or how to prepare her for the exam since she is (yet) four years old. Decided just to let her be, if she knows the answers to her exam, then good but if she does not, that is fine with me too.

But suprisingly, Mummy got the pressure from Grandma, asking how is she coping and whether Mummy will be doing revision with her! I said no as I have no plans at all.

And guess what, lo and behold, Grandma checked her schedule on the time and day of the exam and the topics and came up with a 'revision-time-plan' for her a week before the exam. I guess its fine with me so long as she (Little Princess) is not pressured in anyway.

Right after exams, Mummy was informed by Grandma that she had plans to do revision with Little Princess for the whole 2 weeks of school holidays. Mummy when like "What???". I have to explain to Grandma to allow her to have her time to play cause she is only like 4 years old. But throughout the entire holidays, I am thankful to Grandma ensuring that Little Princess completed her holiday school work and did lots of arts and crafts (instead) bought and prepared by Grandma :)

And we took Little Princess for Toy Story 3 on the last Friday of the school break. It was a lovely story.

What Made You Smile Today?

2010-04-22T13:47:00.001+08:00

Little Princess and I were watching Tarzan II on Disney Channel last night…

Little Princess: Why is Tarzan so sad?

Mummy: Because no one wanted him

Little Princess: Why no one wanted him?

Mummy: Because he is different from the rest (apes)

Little Princess: But we must love all our friends and make them happy. We must smile like this (used her index fingers and pushed the sides of lips upwards) at them and it will make them (friends) happy.

That made Mummy smiled today...

My Sanity

2010-04-20T13:45:00.002+08:00

Our Little Miracle did not feel like a miracle to me for the past 2 months.

I experienced nothing but (and still is!) morning sickness from the time I woke up to the time I lay my head to rest…

I am constantly tired, fatigue and brain-dead! And I am depress every day. I get annoyed easily and will snap at almost everyone at home.

Poor Little Princess has to endure Mummy’s madness and I think (believed so) that she is a little afraid of me. But I know she tried her best to make me smile…

She will make funny faces at me and asked me if it is funny.

She will stand outside the bathroom door whenever I was throwing my guts out and will wait till I finished and extend a tissue to me.

She will ask if I am OK whenever I my face turn green before throwing up.

We had a little chat the night before…telling her how sorry I was to have yelled and screamed at her because I was not well. She said I must promise not to yell and not sream and not to scold. I said I agree to all but I am still allow to scold if she is naughty. Then she gave me a sheepish smile :)

I do hope my sanity is intact till the baby is due…

Our Little Miracle

2010-03-04T08:49:00.000+08:00

A little miracle...will be due on 24 October 2010

In These Stormy Days

2009-08-27T14:00:00.004+08:00

The Lord promised that He will be there through stormy weathers and calm the storm. But if you were in a boat in the middle of nowhere and have nothing to hold on while being caught in the middle of a storm, how strong will your faith be? Fear may terrorize you and the feeling of desperation may overwhelmed you.

My family is going through a storm of our own but just as we are helping one another to get on our feet, we are swept off once again with a storm which drains us out even more. The feeling of betrayal and brokeness shattered the very foundation which love and trust had once stood on.

Hope is all we need... in these stormy days...

LORD, I NEED a big dose of hope today.

None of the pie-in-the-sky kind.

Not even a pretty-sure guess.

I need the real kind of hope that brings lightness to a heavy day.

I am tired of gritting my teeth, trying to swallow the pain that is my reality.

When I look back on my life, I see how you proved faithful time after time.

There were moments I thought you had forgotten me only to discover you were holding me so close I couldn’t see.

So if the stubborn pain refuses to subside for a while, I will still whisper your name in praise.

Refocus my mind on you, Lord.

Only on you.

It is there I find hope.

- Missy Buchanan

Not Prepared

2009-06-05T17:37:00.003+08:00

Little Lady has not asked to be breastfed for more than 2 weeks. Instead of telling me "Mummy I want milk" she now says "Mummy make milk".

Part of me would love to celebrate for successfully weaning her off without much hasssle but part of me missed those 'moments' together. Those quiet moments of watching her, talking to her and singing lullaby.

She is growing more independent each day. And so does her confidence. She would go for her Sunday classes, participating in all activities without having to hold my hands like how she used to. She will sit on the floor (or on a chair) on her own listening to the teachers telling stories to the class while her peers will sit on the laps of their parents.

She will tell me what she wants and will carefully choose options placed before her. She takes instructions well and yes she still whines which could drive me up the wall at times!

Thinsg that she used to be afraid off now no longer scares her. She has learned to be brave somehow and had once withstand the pain of a needle sticking into her for a regular jab, without a sound.

My Little Lady is growing so much these days that I seemed to have trouble carrying her in my arms because of her weight.

I was told by her Sunday School teachers that she might be ready to be on her own in the class. But I am not very sure that I am ready for that. I guess there is no manual to teach me as a parent, how to let our child to just grow.

When I was expecting a baby, I read books on what to expect when you are expecting, hoping that the very least I will be fully equipped and ready to have a child in my life. But how wrong was I. Those books forgot one thing...they forgot to mention that the moment I conceived my child, my child has never, never stop growing.

I thought I could freeze those moments when she was a baby or when she turned one. Instead it went on so fast that sometimes it was just like yesterday when she was still in her diapers and mittens.

Every now and then I will steal a moment or two and smell her ruffled hair, just like how I used to do when she was a baby sleeping soundly in my arms.

*Sigh*

Weekend

2009-05-29T08:55:00.004+08:00

2 MONTHS! That is how long I have left my blog cold.

Sometimes I wish I could just freeze the time for a moment to take a breather and smell the roses. But time is such a luxury these days.

Daddy Yeoh will be away this weekend on a photography assignment. So it is just me and the Little Lady. Had planned to spend a little time on Saturday with my sister to do some catch up, leaving the the little ones in the care of the grandparents who self voluntered to babysit them. And on Sunday, Little Lady and I will have some 'mummy and me' time.

Ooh! I just cant wait for the weekend...

A Little Change

2009-03-27T09:26:00.010+08:00

Little Lady is making quite a progress. She has not suck her fingers for the past 2 nights. Sadly I can't say the same for her afternoon naps...yet.

At the same time, Daddy Yeoh and I have been trying to cut down her TV time. For the past few nights, we have refused to turn on the TV for her. Instead, we spend time playing jigsaw, drawing on her Doodle or read a book to her. It is not only an adjustment for her but for me as well.

I confess that I tend to let her sit infront of the TV a little too often, especially on the weekdays, so that I could get things done around the house or just park myself on the lazy chair to have a-no-brainer-moment after a long day at work. Entertaining a kid is hard work! Atleast for me it is :)

This is a list of things that I failed to do...

Read to her every night...
Pray with her every night...
Talk to her as often as possible...
Sing with her all the time...
Dance with her all the time...
And every other thing that a mother should be doing for her kid age 0-3 years.

Yup! I am guilty of all the above cause I am just darn tired when I get back from work. Sigh! That's my motherhood :) BUT I am making a little effort now to change...not so that I can have a genius kid...but just for me and my Little Lady to bond and to make up for those times I am away at work.

A Brave Little Lady

2009-03-25T11:03:00.001+08:00

I was trying to wean Little Lady off from sucking her left middle and fourth fingers. She will suck her fingers two together whenever she is sleepy or upset since she was a baby. It was her way of comforting herself. I have to constantly wipe her hands clean.

Once she found a chewing gum left by some irresponsible kid/adult and I frantically washed her hand in the public toilet over and over again before she pop her fingers in. It was a very stressful moment for me.

I tried pulling her fingers out and telling her no. But she will insist in popping them in and will use all her might to put them in her mouth if I were to hold her hand down. Her constant sucking cause a lump of skin to developed on her fourth finger. I wasn’t worry too much about that but more of what goes in!

Last night we spend a little time together at home as Daddy Yeoh was away for a meeting in Church. We played with her Doddle and on it I drew a man and told her the story of Jesus. Then I explained to her that Jesus loves us very much. I then taught her to ask Jesus to heal the skin on her finger and explained that our fingers has lots of germs and that she should not put them in her mouth.

I asked Little Lady to say “Jesus heal me”

Instead my Little Lady kept saying “No!No!” and said this…

“Jesus heep me!”

I tried correcting her and said “Jesus heal me”

Again she said “No!No! Jesus heep me”

I then asked her this “Are you asking Jesus to HELP you?”

She nodded her head.

“You want Jesus to help you not to put fingers in your mouth?”

She nodded yes.

And that night as I laid beside her in bed, she tossed and turned and pushed me to turn my back towards her so that she could popped her fingers in but I kept reminding her that Jesus will help her. Once or twice she will ask Jesus to help her. Then it came to a point, it was just too much that she cried holding her fingers infront of her. After much tossing and turning she finally fell asleep without her fingers in her mouth.

Looking at how hard she tried, I knew it was it was hard for a 2 yo to control but she was indeed my brave little girl…

A Bible Quiz

2009-03-03T09:02:00.005+08:00

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?
A. Ruthless.

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in
liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan, the banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan .....)

PS.
Did you know it's not a woman's job to make coffee?
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . . . "He-brews"

LOOK OUT POINT

2009-02-22T21:43:00.004+08:00

MIL came for a visit this weekend. We picked her up last Friday after work from my brother-in-law's place. Before we took her back to our place, my brother in law took us to the 'LOOK OUT POINT' for dinner which was somewhere near out place. I am sure some of you might know where it is but it was first time for Daddy Yeoh and myself.

It was up a steep little hill and two restaurants sat on the hill overlooking the KL view. The KL was beautifully lited up. From the distant we saw lighting brightening up the KL skyline every few minutes while we enjoyed the cool breeze blowing at our faces forgetting that we were in KL for just a moment, considering the heat these days.

The restaurant 'Bread n Olive' serves food of Mediterrenan style. They serve really nice pizza and the price is reasonable. Its a place to go for family. Its much quiter, brightly litted and less crowded.

The second restaurant was called 'Gasoline'. It is pretty much a youngster's joint. The setting of the restaurant was dimly litted and have soem scary characters painted on the wall. The music was loud and there were disco lights here and there. Well, it is some place where I will never bring Sara for dinner.

But the interesting about Gasoline, they serve steamboat and diners get to sit in little mud-house-like. In the mud house there will be a table or two for about 8 people. I was so busy looking thorugh the window of those little houses when I missed a step, stumbled and landed on my four.

My souvenire for the night was a bruised knee and a cut toe :)

Little Lady's Milestone

2009-02-19T18:20:00.014+08:00

Not being able to blog for almost 2 months plus, make me feel out of touch. Not out of touch with my friends' blogs (I have been keeping track on my blog buddies) but more out of touch with me doing the entries.

For the past two months, my Little Lady has grown a little more. Her milestone...

She knows her body parts :) except for the *ahem* (if you know what I mean)

take instructions from her Daddy and Mummy

recognise alphabets

learning to use her imagination

a little more cheeky

wants to wear her own pants and shoes

love to take part in activities

most of all...LOVES to watch MAMMA MIA!!! (besides Wall E)

And the best part, Little Lady's hair is longer now...so Mummy can tie pony tails!

Anniversay

2008-12-03T15:18:00.006+08:00

I couldn’t sleep that night. As much as I wanted to but I was full of excitement that my heart could hardly contained. I looked around me and the room was almost in total darkness. The sun has yet to rise for the day. I turned around to turn off my alarm and lie on my back looking up the ceiling. Train of thoughts was running through my mind like a movie clip. As soon as I heard birds chirping, I turned to my side and got up from my bed to make my way to the bathroom. It was nice taking a warm shower before the start of the day.

I slowly made my way to the kitchen to find my mother already awake and was up and about preparing breakfast. I was halfway enjoying my hot piping coffee when I received a call on my cell.

“Hi, I am outside your house”. I was expecting him to come but didn’t expect him to be this early. I opened the front door and we made our way to my parents’ room. I sat in front of the mirror relaxing myself while he did his masterpiece of painting my face.

After a whole 2 hours of make up and hairdo, I was finally ready to put on my gown which I have set it lying on my mother’s bed. My hands ran over it gently, remembering how I have dreamt of this day. I have chosen a seamstress just do this very piece of gown which I have designed it all by myself. It was a simple design and has no value for resale but this is the gown I have chosen for this day.

There were many familiar faces that morning in church. I was nervous to look around until I saw him standing in front with his hands behind him. He looked handsome. His shoes were new, his suit was smart and neatly pressed, and his hair was almost perfectly in place. He caught my eyes and was smiling at me as I nervously made my way towards him. He took my hand and held tightly in his that it almost made me melt. It was a beautiful day. The church was filled with people and there was something in the air that took my breath away.

I took his hands into mine and promised to love and to hold from that day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish him until death do us part.

That was the same day as today 3 years ago.

3rd December 2005.

The day I embarked on a new journey.

The day I will always remember and cherish.

I love you dear…

P/S: We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Victoria Station last Sunday with our Little Lady. To enjoy our meal, we brought along our mini DCD player and put on Wall-E for her. She sat quietly watching the show while we enjoyed our meal :)

A Sick Baby Updates

2008-11-22T07:55:00.005+08:00

My Little Lady last had fever on Thursday morning. We fed her a dosage of paracertamol at 6.30 a.m. and her fever never came back since then. Her swelling reduced tremendously and there were no rashes on her body.

The doctor has informed us that it will take a few days with 2 days of high fever and thereafter the fever will go up and down for another few more days.

We praise God for His healing and that my Little Lady was healed within less than 2 days. Her fever started on Tuesday night and Wednesday was the crazy day and by Thursday early morning it was all gone.

As I write this I am reminded of this verse;-

"I waited patiently for the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40

And thank you all who has kept us in your prayers :) We appreciate it very much.

Got to run for now. Since Daddy Yeoh and Little Lady have both recovered, I will be making American breakfast for them...Smoked English Breakfast Sausages (homemade by my brother in law) yummy!

A Sick Baby Part III

2008-11-20T08:51:00.016+08:00

Yesterday, while at work, I called Grandma to check on the Little Lady.

Grandma told me her fever was very high despite the paracertamol and Grandma was trying to sponge her at that point of time. 10 minutes later Grandma called to say the Little Lady's left eye was swollen and there were red patches on her forehead.

Panic seeps in and in a hurry I left the office. On the way I called the pead in SJMC. I was told he will be on a half day leave, which means I have about 50 minutes or less from my office to Cheras to pick my Little Lady and to SJMC in Subang. I was like "What?!" I told the doctor's PA that I will try my best to reach in time. I called Grandma to get ready.

I sped all the way home (sometime my teenage rebellious and mindless behaviour may come in handy in times like this). Reach home and found Grandma carrying my Little Lady in her arms waiting outside the porch. We strapped her in her car seat, jumped into the car and planned out a strategy (not really but close).

Firstly to find the fastest route...we took Kesas (which by the way is not the fastest to Subang) and sped at 110 to 120. I was praying all the way that God will grant us a journey mercy since this is an emergency and I have 2 lives in my hands. Along the journey, Grandma was twice told to call the clinic to inform them where we were. We reached within 20 minutes or so.

Secondly, told Grandma to take over the wheels and head for the car park while I take my Little lady straight to the doc's clinic on the 6th floor. The nurses were suprised to see me and asked how fast did I go. The moment we were there, the doc was done with the last patient and it was my Little Lady' s turn. But by then her left eye was not swollen anymore nor were there any red patches on her forehead. So we told to monitor her.

After seeing the doc, we went home tired.

At around 4 p.m. my Little Lady's fever shot up again while sleeping. As she was sleeping on her left side, I have to turn her on her back to feed her medication. Grandma and I were horrified to see that her left eye were so swollen until her eye could hardly open. Her right eye were showing some signs of swelling. And the red patches were back.

Grandma panic but I tried to stay cool and called SJMC for an appointment with another pead since its an emergency I just could not think of any pead except in SJMC. My sis called her friend who is a pead in SJMC. Since his clinic will be closed by 4.30 p.m. they can't take any more patients. I got the number of the pead from my sis called him directly and told him that I am worried. As he needs to leave by 5 p.m. for an appointment, he asked me how soon can I be in SJMC. It was 4.25 p.m. when I spoke to him. I told him if I take Kesas and drive at 120 I can reach in 20 mins. He laughed and told me that was not necessary. Out of goodwill he will wait for me.

So there we go again round 3 to SJMC. Told Grandma "Ok mom, same drill!".

But this time I took NPE (cheaper and nearer). We made in on time. On the way up in the lift, an old chinese man came in, said hi to my baby. He wanted to touch her but I said she is having a fever. He then went on and on about a parent's sacrifice. Come to think of it, he is a complete stranger but somehow he seems to be trying to tell me something. Anyway, he got off the lift before we did.

It turns out that since my Little Lady was having some virul fever her body reacted in such. She has all the neccessary medication prescribed by the doctor in the ER so there were no further medications required. Also because we did not give her one prescribed medication thinking it was not necessary which the doctor said it will prevent her body to have rashes and swelling. I think I should just smack myself for that. We thank the doctor and left.

When I made payment at the cashier, the nurse asked me "Hey you were here today?" SJMC is a very tech savvy hospital and is all run by a system. Even the pharmacist knew I was in the ER in the morning by looking into the system.

By the time we reached home, I was bushed. *Whew* what a day.

But glory goes to God for His mercy and blessing. For watching over us and making everything right for me and Sara, making way for us. Yup! Despite the madness yesterday, deep down there is an assurance that God is in control :)

Perhaps, a little perhaps that the old man has a message reminding us that if us parents are imperfect can do so much and love our children, what more for the perfect Father in heaven.

A Sick Baby Part II

2008-11-19T09:00:00.010+08:00

I was up since 3 plus in the morning. I have 2 down with fever. Dady Yeoh and the Little Lady.

I felt her body warm last night but didn't think much of it. Sometimes baby girls have higher temperature but too low for fever. I am always the first to know if she has a fever (without a thermo). Mummy instinct? Or perhaps breastfeeding helps me to familiriaze with her body temperature? Either way I am thankful I have an in-built thermo.

At 9.30 p.m. her temperature has gone up to 38.2 C. By the way, that was a reading took from a thermo :). Gave her paracertamol from the frigde and put a wet towel on her forehead. When she felt asleep, I put on the Kool-Fever for her.

At around 3 or so in the morning, her body turned to my side and rest half her body on my side. I woke up feeling the heat and realised that her temperature was really high. Gave her another dose of paracertamol. Woke Daddy Yeoh up but Daddy Yeoh was drowsy from the medication he took.

When her fever refused to subside and the temperature was about 39.1, I have to SOS Grandma and Grandpa. We bundle her up and took her to ER. They put a 'bullet' at her other end and sponged her with cold water. The Little Lady was screaming and crying for me. As I was holding her, I got wet myself.

We reached Grandma's place around 5.30 a.m. and tried to coax her to sleep. She thought it was already morning and Mummy was sending her in to Grandma's place for the day and wanted to play with her toys. But thank God she finally fell asleep while nursing and Mummy managed a snoozed for an hour before going home to get ready for work.

I can only thank God for my parents. For being there for me no matter what. Thank God that He has blessed them health. My parents are in their late 60s but yet they are still strong in every way.

Blog Award

2008-11-17T13:03:00.009+08:00

Got an award from Moomykin

Good Morning Lord

2008-11-11T13:59:00.004+08:00

Yesterday morning, I lay half awake on my bed feeling every now and then a warm but gentle breeze of air on my shoulder. The little lady was sleeping closely by with her face towards me almost kissing my shoulder with the tip of her nose. I was reluctant to get up but the stillness of the dawn caught the better of me. I was fighting to get back to sleep when I realized how still and quiet it was. It was as if time stood still.

In the midst of sleepiness, I sensed as if He was there in the room. In the quietness, He is found, a being so great and mighty yet so still and calm.

I tried waking a little earlier today and see if His presence would greet me again. But as open my eyes, I could hear the roaring of the engine of a bike down the road below. Subconsciously I knew He was there but it seemed so dim, so far from yesterday.

My little lady woke up from her sleep and popped her head up and called out to me as I was looking out the window consciously trying to feel His presence. “Ma ma” the little voice broke my thoughts. I lie back down on the bed beside her and fed her while trying to turn off my alarm. After the feed, I got up and instead of seeking Him, I went about the house getting ready for work.

As morning comes along and time began to make its way faster on a highway speed, mind and thoughts are filled with nothing but endless worries.

How easily for me to ignore Him. His presence so strong yet so subtle that I almost and always forgotten that He is there. But all this time, He is always the one and the first to greet His children in the morning. May my mornings never be the same again. And same goes for you :)

An Anguish Heart

2008-11-05T17:17:00.010+08:00

I was thinking about Matthew the whole day today at work. Especially today.

I don’t know Matthew or his mommy, and I have never seen him before but when I read about him, I can’t help but cried silently. I told God I have no words to pray for Matthew’s family for I know how much it hurts. I just kept silent and allow my heart to cry and tears to flow. The only comfort a mother can receive is to know that her child is now safely home with our Lord and he will not suffer anymore in this sinful world. But will it truly comfort a mother’s anguish heart?

I called Grandma twice today. Asking her what is my little lady doing? For today I miss her much more.

It brought my thoughts back to yesterday evening. My little lady did a solo performance for her Mummy by doing all the action to the song of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ with Grandma singing beside her. She ended the song with “(how I wonder what you…) AHHH (are)”. It was beautiful. Her very first performance for me. And I gave her a standing ovation.

May God bless and comfort Matthew’s family at this moment. For Jesus heals all wounds…Jesus is all we have.

The Bad and the Guilty One

2008-10-29T16:32:00.007+08:00

Do mothers out there feel the same?

I feel bad…

When I am tired and go to bed earlier than her
When I have to spank her
When I can’t afford to buy her everything she wants
When she wants me to play with her but I rather do something else
When I could take her out for walks but I rather park my butt on the couch in front of the TV
When I feel like I am not taking good care of her
When I cannot afford to send her for playgroups
When I opt for TV as babysitter
When I am not teaching her about God more often than I should

When I did not even do anything educational or interesting with her

I feel guilty…

When I scolded her for making me angry
When I am too lazy to cook for her and gave her plain oats with marmite for lunch
When I switch on the TV just to keep her occupied so that I can do what I needed to do
When I should be reading to her more often
When I lose my temper because she couldn’t tell me what she wants except for crying
When I leave her with some else’s care just so that I could go out and relax
When I could have spend more time playing with her
When she sick or unwell because of me
When I accidentally injured her

Most times I can’t tell the difference between feeling bad and guilty. And yes I can feel both at the same time, which explains why there is duplication on the list.

I think the list will go on. But I this is all I could think of for now…how about you?

In the midst of busyness...

2008-10-28T10:07:00.005+08:00

One of our subsidiaries is in the midst of launching a project. Hence there were Agreements to be fine tune and meetings after meetings to attend. I tried my level best not to stay over the required time but for the past weeks or so, I have been staying back after office hours for ‘unexpected’ meetings. I came to a point that I flatly told my boss no more meetings please!

When the pressure goes up, frustration sets. Daddy Yeoh would agree with me how much complain I made back home about work and the people that I have to deal with. Time with Sara on weekdays is more limited that usual as Mummy tend to get really tired. Sometimes I just decided to heck with things during office hours and head downstairs to our café for a nice cup of hot ‘teh-tarik’ and cheeseeeeeeeee cake. (My best bud will know why I need a cheese cake to de-stress).

In the midst of busyness, I found comforting news.

1) Moomykin’s pregnancy is going well; and
2) My friend is pregnant.

When we hear news of answered prayers, it encourages us knowing that God is always here just as He promised. Moomkin’s pregnancy reminded me of my own pregnancy with my little precious. How God had placed His wonderful hands and answered our prayers but that might need another page to blog about.

About my friend, she has been married for a few years. But she and her husband are under some circumstances that she is not able to get pregnant by her husband. The doctors have closed all doors including IVF. Her husband was really broken hearted to hear the news. Without her realizing, her husband has been praying faithfully every night that they will have their own child someday. It sounded so impossible for everyone.

But 2 weeks ago she found out she was pregnant and tried not keep their hopes too high. We shared and we prayed. Should this pregnancy is for real, then it is a MIRACLE. When we came together to pray, I was just lost for words. I didn’t know what or how to pray. But deep down, I knew that God had blessed them this child.

She went for a check up after the prayer and her pregnancy was confirmed and the fetus is 6 weeks old. This was a message to her husband’s parents who are non believers whom they decided to share with about God. A message that our God is real and all things are possible with God especially when it’s impossible for us.

Raya Week

2008-10-08T08:57:00.003+08:00

The Raya holidays were over a little tad too soon.

On the first day of Raya, the Grammies, Sara and I packed a bag full of snacks and munchies and head for the road towards Malacca. Our first stop, A’famosa Resort. The drive was slow but smooth despite heavy traffic but we reached our destination within an hour and 45 minutes.

The resort was packed with people of all sorts. We have to pay an unbelievable RM38 per head just to get inside. Its one place I have to say regretting going for it. The place is poorly maintained. The animals looked dirty and hungry and some of them seem to have some skin condition. The place smelled horrible too. The one thing that turned me off is the fact that they chain a tiger to a tree, in the tiger’s den with zero chances of the tiger escaping its den.

We finished the little adventure within an hour and left for lunch in Malacca town. We were hoping that we could have some nice peranakan lunch in Jonker Walk but decided to abandon the thought when we saw the multitude of people flooding Jonker Walk. But we did manage to get have some nice baba nyonya food in one of a cozy restaurant.

We left Malacca with our tummies filled and a tired baby!

The rest of the holidays were mostly spent with the Grammies as Daddy Yeoh was busy attending weddings. With Grammies, we were either window shopping and mostly eating out. From Mid Valley to Jusco Maluri and Bangsar Village to Bandar Utama. If we were not with Grammies on one of those days, Sara and I will be either doing some finger painting, playing masak-masak or watching telly.

And for two days Sara refused lunch, as all she wanted was to have a nice long nap. I guess she just wanted to catch up on her sleep after a long tired week with Mummy :)

Praise God for God

2008-09-26T16:27:00.003+08:00

Back to work after a long break. I was on leave since Monday to Thursday as Grandma flew off to Bangkok for a nice holiday.

I was looking forward to the time with Sara but she was sick on Sunday and was planning stuff for us to do. But Sara got the bug from me during the weekend. So there were a lot of sniffling and block nose and a whinny baby.

Took her to see the pead and out of the blue, I asked the pead to have a look at Sara’s eyes. I noticed there was some spot in her iris (ever since she was a baby) which are a little lighter color than the rest. The pead had a look and suggested that we take her to an eye specialist for check up since he thought that it might be an isolated case, meaning he cannot find any other pigmentation in her body.

On hearing that my heart took a leap. What is that supposed to mean? Is it common? Anything wrong with her. The pead could not and would not comment further. Fear overtook me and consumed me. We quickly took her to the eye specialist which is on the same floor as the pead and was disappointed that it has a long waiting list.

We left for home and in the car, I cried my heart out. Because of fear and worry. I told God that I cannot take it if I am given a bad any bad news about my baby. I told God that motherhood is so painful. Worrying for my child seems endless. I just could not stop crying and cried all the way home from SJMC. Not knowing Daddy Yeoh was worried about Sara too.

That night we decided to take her to the specialist and made appointment for Wednesday (SJMC appointment line is 24 hours). We prayed and asked God to give the doctor the wisdom and that Sara will be cooperative to the eye examination and that the results will good and conclusive. I told my friends to keep Sara in their prayers.

That same night God reminded me that when Sara was in my womb, I was send for a 4D scan and was later told to return for another scan. I was not told as to why I have to be back for another scan but was later told that they found one of her heart valve was smaller than the rest. We prayed and at the appointed time for the scan, her heart valve has grown to the normal measurement as the rest. It was God’s way of telling me that He has always been taking care of everything. But as a mother, I just could not stop worrying.

On Wednesday morning, expecting to have a long wait, I cooked her porridge for her lunch, lots of snacks and toys to keep her occupied and smarties to coax her to cooperate during the examination.

God took care of everything and Sara’s turn was within half hour after we reached. We had the chocolates ready and gave her chocolates to keep her still while the doctor did all the examination on Sara.

The doctor told us that it’s a pigmentation of the eye. It’s something like a birth defect. But when I asked if it will affect her eyesight in anyway, she firmly said “No!” loud and clear. At that moment all fears and anxiety just left but at the same time, somehow at the back of my head I knew Sara was going to be alright. The doctor assured us that everything is fine and just to bring her back one year later for checkup.

We thank the doctor and left the clinic with teary eyes and at the lift lobby we hugged each other and thank God for His goodness and grace. Miracles do happen and it’s happening everyday in our lives, especially fro my family.

Tagged #3

2008-09-09T09:23:00.010+08:00

Tagged by Infant

Name: Mummy Yeoh (I like to be known as this)
Sisters: 2
Brothers: Nil
Shoe size: 7 (38)
Height : 1.68m

Where do you live: In Cheras…where traffic jams are my every day life
Favourite drinks: Ice white coffee
Favourite breakfast: Having English breakfast outdoors with the morning breeze blowing at my face…hmmm
Have you ever been on a plane: Y
Swam in the ocean: Y.
Fallen asleep at school : N but yes in college, countless
Broken someone’s heart: Y
Fell off your chair: Y and not because I fell asleep…the legs gave way…and not because I was heavy
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: N
Saved e-mails: sometimes
What is your room like: A queen size bed in the middle with dark colored furniture, warm lights and light purple painted walls. Would have been romantic if not for Sara’s pillow and bolsters on the bed…he he he
What’s right beside you: My coffee mug and other loads of stuff (in the office)
What is the last thing you ate: Had some fish biscuits and coffee in the morning.
Ever had chicken pox: Y
Sore throat: Y
Stitches: Y
Broken nose: Injured yes, broken no. Fell flat on my face when I was a kid
Do you believe in love at first sight: Never
Like picnics: LOVE IT especially if its beside a lake
Who was the last person you danced with: Sara
Last made you smile: Sara
You last yelled at: Sara

Today did you:

Talk to someone you like: Y. Daddy Yeoh and I spoke on the stupidity of our higher authority on earth (know what I mean)
Kissed anyone: Y planted one on Sara when I said good bye to her before leaving for work
Get sick: N
Talk to an ex: N.
Miss someone: Y, Sara
Eat: Breakfast
Best feeling in the world: When Sara hug me and called me “ma ma”
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: All the time…its actually Sara’s Dog Dog (as she calls it) Its perpetually with us when we sleep in the night
What’s under your bed: Nothing
Who do you really hate: No one.
What time is it now? 9.20 a.m

Random

Is there a person who is on your mind now: Y. Sara
Do you want children: Have one now
Do you smile often: Hmmm…I guess with Sara I always do
Do you like your hand-writing: Nope
Are your toe nails painted: Y

Whose bed other than yours would you rather sleep in: None.
What color shirt are you wearing now: Black with white little tiny heart shapes all over
What were you doing at 7:00 p.m. yesterday: Chatting with Grandma while waiting for Sara to get up from her nap
I can’t wait till... : Work is over!!!!!!!!!!!
When did you cry last: Yesterday

Are you a friendly person: N. I consider myself shy and I need loads of time to warm up
Do you have any pets: Used to
Where is the person you have feelings for right now: In PJ
Did the last person you held hands with mean anything to you now? Of course
Do you sleep with the TV on? Seldom

Have you ever crawled through a window? Y. It was a church leader’s retreat and I tagged along with my parents. I was bored so was my friend (she is a church elder’s daughter) We decided to entertained ourselves. I stepped on her shoulders and climbed in a window thereafter pulled her in.
Can you handle the truth? Y

Are you too forgiving? Not before but yes for now when I began to understand and appreciate God’s forgiveness on the cross.
Are you closer to your mother or father? My Mom
Who was the last person you cried in front of? No one.
How many people can you say you’ve really loved?: Daddy Yeoh and Sara and my family and my close friends

Do you eat healthy? Not at all but trying to now
Do you still have pictures of you & your ex? I have threw them away when I got married
Have you ever cried because of something someone said to you? Y
If you’re having a bad day, who are you most likely to go to? God
Are you loud or quiet most of the time? Depends. I think I am quiet but my sis thinks I am loud.
Are you confident? Truth no. But people seldom see through that.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Doing my law degree
2. Marriage is not in my list
3. Still clubbing into the wee hours
4. Enjoying single hood
5. Looking very lost in Church

5 things on my to-do list today:
1.Finish up drafting 4 agreements on my desk
2. Do an investigation report on an assault case and to come up with a strategy on the prosecution
3. Have salad for lunch
4. Read my Bible
5. Ah…going to mid valley with Daddy Yeoh and Sara for dinner.

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. cream crackers with jam
2. Double Decker chicken flavor
3. apple pie
4. ice cream
5. chocolates

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Take my family on a holiday around the world
2. Buy a home in Switzerland and New Zealand
3. Run a boutique and a café with my best friend (so that we can reach out to the ladies)
4. Run a law firm with my best friend and we will give free legal services to the women in domestic violence, abused, migrant, uneducated and poor. Then help with a make over in our boutique.
5. Build a shelter home for mother and children who has no where to go.

5 of my bad habits:
1. Procrastinate
2. Tend to be too careful with my feelings, can’t trust anyone too easily
3. Will keep silent when I am angry
4. Get irritated easily
5. Will munch before and after main meals

Mummy & I

2008-09-08T08:51:00.014+08:00

I took leave about 2 weeks ago, to take care of Sara while Grandma made a mad rush to the immigration department to renew her passport for her overseas trip end of this month. So it was just me and the Baby.

Took Sara to the in door park in Bangsar Village II. It was her first and mine (as in taking Sara to an indoor park). They charged a whopping RM10 per entry per kid but the parents go in for free. So the kid gets to play the whole day and we can go in and out of the park for a little shopping and meals.

Being first timer in an indoor park, all Sara did was to pick up all the balls she found on the floor and threw them back into the ball pit. After a good fifteen minutes, did she then dipped herself in the ball pit while Mummy looks on. We were there for an hour or so and left for lunch. But before that Sara refused to return the ball into the ball pit and held on tightly. Since it is a kid’s zone, the staffs were equipped for situations like this and swiftly took out a balloon in exchange for the ball.

We went to Chatterbox (it’s the only place that serves rice and cheap) for lunch and we shared a plate of pineapple fried rice.

After lunch we went to Cziplee (a stationery shop across Bangsar Village) to get her some art supplies. Got her:-

1. Paints for finger printing
2. A smock apron to keep her clean while painting (so that Mummy will not get a headache) and
3. A paint brush

Later, I decided not to return to the indoor playground but instead took her to visit my mother in law, who was in KL for a visit, and Sara’s cousins from Daddy Yeoh’s side. By evening, Sara and I were too tired to join Grandma and Grandpa for dinner.

Took Sara home and by 7.30pm. Sara hit snoozy land without taking her dinner. I have to wait for Daddy Yeoh to come home around 12 to have my dinner from McDonalds.

We had loads of fun, just me and her. But I was worried of one thing…me having to visit the loo with the little one. But that was all sorted out *whew*

Below are some pics of Sara in the playground

Tagged #2

2008-09-04T09:52:00.006+08:00

Tagged by Ann...

1. In which month and year did you meet your husband for the first time?

Somewhere in 2002 (I think). We met in Church. He was the Cell Leader of our Young Young Adults Cell group. He was known as “President” by his members. He was trying to rope me, a lost sheep, to be part of the cell but he he he …see what happened??? Disclaimer: I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, IT WAS ALL HIS DOING

2. In which month and year did you two officially starting dating?

Late 2003. He was the bestman for my Sister’s wedding and I was the Bridesmaid :) Must have been the romantic mood in a wedding…

3. Where was the first dating place the two of you went to?

Can’t remember…

4. What was the most touching thing he did for you when you two were still dating?

There 2 occasions…

Occasion 1 before we started dating: Met him for his birthday dinner (our office were nearby) He bought me a nice bouquet of gerbera flowers and bought me HIS birthday dinner :) So I need not spend a single cent on him for his birthday. Muah ha ha ha. But that took me by surprise…and the rest is history.

Occasion 2 after we were dating for about a year: It was Christmas Eve party at my parent’s place with relatives and friends. We sang Christmas carols when I was put in a spot. He gave me a big box of present. I opened it to find it filled with roses (from the same florist he first bought me flowers) and inside was a smaller box. Inside the small box was a groom bear and around the bear’s top hat was a diamond ring. He took the ring, went on his knees in the middle of the room with everyone getting excited and…like I said before the rest is history :)

I was touched because he is shy person and not a romantic kind but he has gone all out to give me a sweet memory which by the way it was my ONE AND ONLY diamond. (Darling I hope you are reading this)

5. How about after your marriage?

He does all household chores, including my laundry (and Sara’s) and washes the bathrooms. When I was pregnant and was throwing most of my guts out, he makes sure that the bathrooms are clean for me all the time. He was a good catch *wink*

6. Share your lowest period of your life with him.

When I was going through a depression period

7. Share your happiest moment with him?

When I was pregnant. His knees went weak for a moment when we got the result and he had to lie down for awhile.

8. Share your saddest moment with him.

It was his saddest moment when his dad passed away. But at the same time we rejoiced for my father in law is in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

9. Share your angriest moment with him.

When I had to be ‘confined’ after giving birth while he gets to go out to work and talk to other adults. I was jealous and was angry at him. Poor Hubby, he was my punching bag at that time. It was actually a mild post natal depression.

10. Share your funniest moment with him.

There were lots of funny moments but cant remember all.

The recent one, was a night he came home late, Sara and I were sound asleep. When I opened my eyes, I saw him leaned over and kiss Sara. I got up, in my grogginess scolded him for kissing her ONLY and not me…he, holding his breath trying not to laugh, tried to explain that he did kiss me but I was in deep sleep to notice. After hearing it, I tried not to laugh either because I was wondering why I scolded him for that…(it was really funny then, ok)

11. Share your most frustrated moment with him.

Once we were arguing because I was angry for something he did, he then turned the focus around and make it my fault :( before I knew it, we were arguing about my fault!!!

12. Lastly, when was the last time you two hold hands and walk under the moonlight, like how you used to do?

Moonlight?! What moonlight? We held hands last 3 or 4 weeks ago when we met secretly in Mid Valley after work. We did not pick Sara up from my mom’s place and sneak away for a movie together. Muah ha ha. Yeah we felt guilty but it was nice to hold a familiar and bigger size hand other than one which is tiny and keeps tugging away.

Mom & I

2008-08-25T11:19:00.006+08:00

I cannot remember when was the last time I went out with Mom just the 2 of us. Dad was away in Kuantan for a wedding and Daddy Yeoh offered to babysit Sara.

Mom and I went to the Parkson in Overseas Union Garden or better known as OUG along Old Klang Road, for she wanted to do some quick shopping on Saturday. We had ‘bak kut teh’ for lunch in a small quiet restaurant in mall itself. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant but it’s the only one serving ‘bak kut the’. We ordered a plate of veg, a small clay pot of ‘bak kut the’, a small claypot of pork cooked with spring onions and dried chilli (this is good). We ordered yam rice to go with the dishes instead of the normal white rice. And all these for just RM27 plus with 2 cups of ‘leong chah’. I will recommend this place for anyone who wants to have a not too heavy ‘bak kut the’.

After lunch Mom and I did some shopping in Parkson. It was such bliss because 1) there is no crowd and 2) no kids to hurry us off. For once she was able to shop without having to mind my kid or my sis’s kid. She got herself 2 shirts and a pair of shoes. After she had paid for her purchase, she waived her shopping bag at me with a GLEE. By the time we reached home, it was raining cats and dogs.

While at home, she was going on and on how glad she was with her purchases. She tried on the 2 shirts she bought and went on and on (Round 2) how nicely it fitted her and so on. As for me, I was just nodding my head off and on in agreement with her.

After all the excitement, Mom and I were too lazy to cook or prepare any dinner. So I offered to be our pedicurist and did pedicure for Mom and myself while waiting for Daddy Yeoh and Sara to pick me up.

That pretty much sum up the time I had with Mom on that weekend. Was glad that she enjoyed herself.

Toys "NOT" Us

2008-08-21T10:22:00.005+08:00

Daddy Yeoh went to Putrajaya for the fireworks competition last night after work…and I took the opportunity and arranged with my parents to have dinner out and then perhaps a little window shopping. Grandpa suggested Mid Valley because it is THE nearest shopping mall to our place, no jam, the only mall that you have the highest chance of finding a parking lot nearest to the mall entrance (tips: park in the Gardens) and most of all cheap parking rates.

We had our dinner at Little Penang and since Joash (my nephew) and Tai Yee (my sis) came along, we then adjourned to Toys ‘R’ Us, my nephew’s all time favorite stop. They were having some clearance sales. But even with the sales on, I find that toys are quite expensive these days and they are mostly made in Taiwan and China. My guess, we are paying for the BRAND.

While in the shop I came across a toy for little ones. It has a colorful net with 3 little butterflies with tails at the end attached to it and when you pull the tails, the butterflies will flutter in the water. It was nice but I won’t want to pay for something so pricey for it. I am in the habit of spending books and clothes for Sara rather than toys. So we walked out the shop without purchasing anything.

Tai Yee bought a miniature Transformer for Joash and as she was unwrapping the toy from its packaging, Sara saw the toy and instantaneously reached out her hands as if asking for it. I asked for my sis to give her the empty box just to keep her occupied. Hey! I may sound cruel but I just didn’t want Sara to have the habit of getting what she wants all the time especially whenever she sees a toy. She looked at the empty box then at the toy my nephew is holding. She then reached out her hands again. Tai Yee and Grandma went “Aww…poor thing”.

Of course I could not bear seeing her like that, so I made a quick turn around back into Toys ‘R’ Us and got her the toy. If Sara knew what all this means…she would probably laugh silently and call me ‘sucker’. Sorry Daddy Yeoh, you might see that purchase in next month’s bill.

We were hading back to the car park when Tai Yee decided to carry Sara. Usually if I am around, she would not want anyone else to carry her. She struggled and at the same time calling out for “Ma ma”. Since my sis was carrying Sara, I have to push Joash in his stroller down the escalator. Then Joash (half asleep) turned around and realized it was me pushing the stroller and not his mommy, started crying as well and said “No, I want Mummy!” My sis and I were telling each other on top of the kids’ crying that we cannot do any exchange of kids at that very crucial moment i.e. on the escalator. Hmmm…that would be very tricky. Can you imagine what a scene it was? All eyes were on us. Perhaps people were thinking that we have just kidnapped 2 kids. When we reached the car park, my sis and I was laughing our heads off, as we returned the kids to…ahem the rightful parents.

Tagged

2008-08-19T15:56:00.005+08:00

I have been tagged by Moomykin but never got around it…opps! So here goes…

The rules …
1. Link to the person who “tagged” you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.3
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

1. I love fashion and I have a huge love affair with accessories.

When I was young I love to play dress up. When I was a child I used to take my mother’s heels (which are way too big) stuffed it with tissues and wear it around the house. I was always given a choice to pick my own outfits even when I was little. But somehow in my teenage years I lost the ‘girlie’ side of me and dressed myself up like a boy way until in my early college days. I was once mistaken as a boy in a ladies toilet! But all that changed when I was doing my degree…more like self discovery J I will take an extra effort to look nice. I have a box full of accessories which I love to play mix and match. I go crazy in a flea market. But then again, things changed for a second time now that I have Sara…so guess where the focus went??? :)

2. I always believe that every woman should know that they are beautiful no matter how they look and that they should never ever let anyone tell them otherwise.

I believe God has created women beautiful in every way (cant say the same for our counter parts cause I am not one of them). I have met so many women in my life that are so beautiful but yet never see that in themselves. They have let other people told them otherwise because of the standards that the world had used against them.

3. I stand for what I believe in

I will hold on to what I believe in even if that means no one would believe in me (of course I must have a basis for my belief). I will fight with teeth and nails if I have to…grrr…

4. I love motherhood and most of all breastfeeding :)

Motherhood is a blessing itself. Able to have another life growing inside of me, carried it around for 9 months and giving birth to it. Watching her grow from a tiny infant, so helpless and innocent to a little imp of one and half year old, whose favorite word is ‘No!No!No!’. Holding her in my arms and looked at her lying still sucking away as I breastfeed her while I silently prayed that my milk will sustain her till she turns two, and at the same time stroking her little head right down to her little toes and telling myself that I could not believe that she growing longer each day. Of course there is a sense of proud-ness knowing that me, her mummy has took good care of her. Seeing every little girl’s clothes or toys hanging and neatly placed in a store, make me wished that money would just grow on tree, so that I can buy whatever her little heart desires. Discovering myself each day, seeing my patience grow thinner and Daddy hoping my temper last shorter with her. Feeling like kicking myself each time she cries because I scolded her and carried the guilt and questioned myself to justify the scolding. Missing a beat each time she carelessly climbed a chair or a stool. Runs to her each time she calls out to ‘Ma ma’. Smelling her hair and tells her softly that ‘Mummy loves you and Jesus loves you’ each night she is asleep. A check that Mummy’s sanity is still intact.

5. Love being alone

As in I love a moment alone sometimes. Spend an afternoon in a café, watching the world go by, having my own thoughts and perhaps read a little. Or take a long walk and gather my thoughts talking to God. But I have not done that since motherhood came…perhaps someday…perhaps…

6. Love exploring

I love to explore new places and try out new food. I love to travel and see new things and that includes shopping :)

I dont have 6 people to tag, so I hereby tag the following persons:

The Wilful Sunflower

Marilynn

We Are Back!

2008-07-21T13:57:00.002+08:00

Back from Ipoh on Thursday. What we did mostly? Well, I have to attend court for trial for 2 days while Sara stayed home with Grandma and Great Grandma and occasionally being whisked away by some relatives for lunch appointments with Grandma.

The only thing peculiar thing we did in Ipoh, was to bathe Sara in a storage box instead of a bath tub. We left in a hurry and both me and my mom have forgotten to pack along Sara’s bathtub. She being a little fussy pot does not like the shower. And since we could not find any bathtub or any sort to bathe her in, we decided to get a storage box along with the wheels and cover. And voila, it fits her perfectly and works just fine. It is now at my home filled with Sara’s toys. But it’s a little strange though to see Sara in a semi transparent ‘bathtub’.

Time was too short for me to enjoy Ipoh food which I really missed. I have not been back to Ipoh since my Grandfather was called home to the Lord in 2005.

The Court, to be precise its the Ipoh Industrial Court, which is only 5 minutes away from my Grandma’s house. Imagine the bliss of waking up at 8.00 a.m. in time for a no-rush-breakfast, greeted everyone in the morning with nice smile and played with Sara a little, instead of the hurry-get-ready-before-the-jam-starts attitude.

I left the house in time before the Court starts it sessions at 9.00 a.m. This is so unlike being in KL, rushing and weaving in and out of the traffic. By the time I got where I am supposed to be, I will either breathe heavily due to all the stress of driving or thank God that I survived the jam without killing someone or something.

I always thought that I am not able to work and live in a small town but after 2 days in Ipoh, I am singing a different tune now. I told Daddy Yeoh that perhaps we can shift to Ipoh and settle there. Perhaps I can keep my sanity till my ripe old age. Hmm…w’ll see

Missing Who?

2008-07-11T14:55:00.006+08:00

Daddy Yeoh left for Kota Kinabalu this morning and will be back on Monday evening. Me on the other hand will be spending the rest of the weekend with the little one at my Mom's place. So I had the weekend all planned for the Sara and I to spend some time together while Daddy is away. 4 days is a long time but 6 days is even longer.

Yesterday I have to make the necessary arrangements for I have to attend a Court matter in Ipoh for a 2 days trial leaving on Monday, the day Daddy Yeoh is coming home.

Sara and I have never been apart since she was in my womb except when she was admitted to the hospital for 2 days due to jaundice. I was a bit concern for being away from her for 2 nights but then thank God for mothers, my Mom suggested that she and the little one should come along with me. I was delighted with the idea and arranged to drive us all down to Ipoh. Now that is what I call a balanced life in work and family.

We will be putting 2 nights at my Grandma's place in Ipoh. My Grandma has all that is necessary for a baby so there is nothing I would need to worry about. I will just have to leave the girls on their own while I go to work. Perfect!

But that would mean that Daddy Yeoh would not be seeing us till Wednesday.

As our work does not require Daddy Yeoh and myself to travel much, being apart for a few days would make us miss each other all the more. The bright side, atleast I have Sara with me while I am in Ipoh :)

If / when I have a son and what I will teach my duaghter

2008-06-27T09:42:00.006+08:00

I once read a story about a man who was too busy for his wife. On the day of his wife’s funeral, he found her journal among her other things. Inside she wrote about how she was eager to hear his footsteps coming up the door of their home, how eager she was to tell him all that she has gone through in the day… and how busy he was to spend a little time to even listen to her. After he read this, he closed the journal and wept, realizing that his wife has always been waiting for him to listen to her.

If / when I have a son…I will tell him that the simplest way to a good woman’s heart is not riches and fame but to listen to her;

I will tell him that no matter how strong a woman is, she will always need a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear;

I will tell him that a man should always find time to listen to what his woman has to say, no matter how many times she has told him about it and how ridiculous it may sound;

I will tell him that when the woman he loves wants to talk, she is not seeking for answer but rather she is seeking for comfort;

I will tell him that when she wants to talk, stop whatever you are doing even for a mere fraction of a second, just look into her eyes and listen, it would bring her the greatest comfort and whatever fears that she may have she knows that you will always be there for her;

I will tell him that although most of the time he will not understand why she wants to talk about the same thing all the time, or why she doesn’t want to heed his advice, or even at times he may not know the answer to her problem…I will tell him that she knows but its okay because all he needs to do is hold her hands and say “Let’s pray”.

But this is what I will teach my daughter …

That woman has strengths that amaze men.

That woman bear hardships and she carry burdens, but she also hold happiness, love and joy.

That woman smile when she wants to scream.

That woman sings when she wants to cry.

She cries when she is happy and laughs when she is nervous.

She will fight for what she believes in.

She stands up to injustice.

She doesn't take "no" for an answer when she believes there is a better solution.

She goes without so that her family can have.

She will go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

She will love unconditionally.

She cries when her children excel and cheer when her friends get awards.

She is happy when she hears about a birth or a wedding.

Her hearts break when a friend dies.

She grieves at the loss of a family member, yet she is strong when she thinks there is no strength left.

She knows that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

She may come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

She has compassion for people.

She will give moral support to her family and friends.

She has vital things to say and everything to give.

But sometimes she may forget her worth, that is when she must look to the Cross and remind herself that she worth much more that she could ever imagine…

He Who Loves Me

2008-06-25T08:39:00.003+08:00

A little something that reminded me of the one who truly loves me. May it touch those who read this...

Recently, I received a gift bag filled with the following items: a birthday candle, a page from a calendar, a list of words, a thread, and a picture of a baby. I loved what each item symbolized so much that I wanted to share them with you!

The birthday candle symbolizes that God knew the day you were born. He ordained the circumstances and people who were involved in your birth. He knew what you would look like and who would welcome you. He knew how much you would weigh, what your cry would sound like, and whether you would be bald or have a head full of hair. (Psalm 139:16)

The page from the calendar symbolizes that each of your days was planned before you were even born. He knew how you would spend your days--what your hobbies and interests would be, what your job would be, and who you would share your days with. He knew the days you would spend honoring Him and the days you would wish you could do over. (Psalm 139:2-3)

The list of words (which could be a typewritten list or a page from an old dictionary) symbolizes that God knows every word you say before you even say it. The nice words and not-so-nice words. The angry words and the words of encouragement. The times you should have held your tongue and the times you thought of the right words to say hours too late.
He knows when you will speak up for Jesus and when you will chicken out. (Psalm 139:4)

The thread represents the hairs on your head, which the Bible tells us are numbered. Straight hair or curly hair, red hair or gray hair, real or "bottled" color. God knows every detail of you, His marvelous creation. He counts your freckles, knows the ridges on your fingernails, and sees the blemishes you try to hide. He truly loves you, warts and all. (Matthew 10:30)

Finally, the picture of a baby is to remind you that He knit you together in your mother's womb. He knows you better than your parents, your spouse, your children or your friends. He knows the parts you don't show anyone else. He sees the tears no one else sees. He hears the dreams and frustrations no one else hears. He knows you, inside and out. (Psalm 139:13)

The Bible assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I once read that the word "wonderfully" in the Hebrew is "palah," which means "to distinguish, or to be set apart." God created each one of us to be unique and distinct in some way. We each have a special destiny only we can fulfill. In a world of comparisons and keeping up with impossible standards, it is so easy to forget that our uniqueness is His gift to us. Too often we see it as a curse.

Psalm 139:14 says "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
God wants us to praise Him for the way that He made us. He wants us to celebrate the little details He thought of. A friend bought a tee shirt for her little boy that said, "When God Made Me, He Was Just Showing Off." Oh, that we could all feel His pleasure in us to that extent!

I love that the contents of this bag helps me to focus on God's love for me - a love that exceeds my limited understanding, a love that goes far beyond skin deep.

Another month?

2008-06-04T10:59:00.007+08:00

Another month has come and gone…yes I am at the age where I will most likely comment on something like…

”So fast! Another month has gone. Before you know it, it will be end of the year!!!”

I hate saying that because I remembered how the old folks used to say it when I was a kid. I can’t believe that I am part of it right now. I guess it just came as a whole package with the age :)

I was talking to Mommykin on Sunday saying how busy I was and not having time to blog…sorry Moomykin, I know you tagged me, will get to it soon.

Most of my energy has gone to my work. I fall asleep as quickly as Sara. It’s like both Mummy and Baby are having a sleep marathon. I will consider myself lucky if I can get up after putting Sara to bed and have a few hours or at least a minimum one hour all to myself snacking away and watching a no-brainer show on TV. Sadly most of the time I will wake up to the alarm buzzing and realized that I have missed one night!

Sara is babbling more than usual. I can’t wait for her to start talking but at the same time worry that she might conveniently turned into a little chatter box. She is adding more words into her vocab, which is good. This also means we have to be more careful with the words we use around the house. She might pick it up without us realizing it. It’s better to prevent than to undo what is done.

Apart from Sara growing well and fine, the month of May was a month of celebration. We celebrated my cousin’s baby girl 2nd birthday with the usual CUTIE FOUR TODDLERS having fun to the birthday theme “Tea in a Tub”.

The rest of the month was to celebrate my birthday. First Daddy-yeoh took me for a nice movie…’Iron Man’ then to a sumptuous lunch in Tony Romas. We ordered the Onion Loaf for starters and shared a full rack of ribs!

The following weekend was a birthday celebration dinner for my mom just among the family and extended family. My mom shared the same birthday month as me, but it turned out to be a surprise birthday celebration for all my moms three girls (me in May and my sisters in June and July). So it was ONE birthday dinner, FOUR birthday cakes and TWO surprise gifts for the kids courtesy of my aunt and uncle. They bought us the dinner, the cakes and toys. It was their idea to suprise us girls of the birthday cakes.

The week after, was a day well spent with my buddy. She treated me to a nice traditional body massage and then a nice meal in Paddingtons, followed by SHOPPING!!! Got myself a nice dress in the Curve. And thanks to Daddy-yeoh who happily took care of Sara the whole day all by himself :) having no trouble feeding her, played with her, bathe her and put her to sleep. So 3 cheers for Daddy-yeoh for being a SAINT!

A Birthday Party

2008-04-29T08:29:00.026+08:00

The birthday boy

Celebrated Joash's (my nephew) 3rd birthday last Sunday. The theme was 'Western Cowboy'. The idea came from truly yours. Initially my nephew chose 'Army' as the theme. I was like no way am I going to dress Sara up like an army, besides where can I get any army suits for a baby girl, although I have an army pant for Sara, inherited from Joash. I came up with the idea so that people can just throw something on from their wardrobe rather than have a theme that people might not participate at all if its something which they have to buy or not have. At the end of the day, we just wanted to make sure everyone had fun :) So my sis has to coax her son into agreement.

The Birthday Cupcakes

We did not have any decorations for the party but my sis ordered cupcakes as Joash's brithday cake with the theme on it. Notice the cowboy boots, hats and star on the cakes? They are make out of white chocolate. Those cakes were yummy.

We had games for the children, sand art (which we gave the children to take it home as we ran out of time) and a balloonist to make all forms of balloon for the children.

Besides the birthday boy, Sara enjoyed herself the most. I just make do with whatever clothes I can find in her wardrobe and threw in my bandana and ta-da! I got myelf a cowgirl. As she was one of the youngest besides a few other babies, she was on her own most of the time. She filled her entire evening walking back and forth following the older children. The party was held in a big emtpy hall beside the pool area. So there was plenty of space for her to roam around.

My little cowgirl

Mummy carrying cousin Kirsten

Sara with her favourite toy

"Can I have what is in your plate, Grandpa?"

Hands Off

2008-04-25T10:08:00.005+08:00

I get a little paranoid when strangers reach out to touch Sara. I don’t mind friends and acquaintances touching her ( I mean touching as in her hands and cheeks or carrying her, you know what I mean) but strangers you meet in the lift, shopping mall? No way Jose!

We were in the lift yesterday on our way out for dinner, when the lift stopped at one of the floors and a stranger stepped in. A lady to be precise. She waved at Sara and said hi to her. Sara was standing in between Daddy-yeoh and me and as usual, the little one is always staring intently at strangers until she gets a respond from them. Somehow I mentally prepared myself that she might touch her. True enough, she reaches out to touch her on Sara’s left cheek. For a split moment I froze thinking of whether I should just let her touch her or pull Sara back. But Daddy-yeoh in a quick moment reached out and blocked the stranger’s hand from touching Sara’s cheek and abruptly said ‘Please don’t touch her”.

After that it was an awkward moment for us all in the lift. Yes I must admit we might seemed rude but I would not want to put Sara at risk of anything. I won’t know what the strangers have done or touched with their hands. And I felt it was rude for any strangers to touch any kids or especially babies without asking for permission from the parents. But why must anyone who doesn’t know you want to touch your baby no matter how cute you baby is? Haven’t they heard of the phase ‘see no touch’?

If my hands are dirty, I would not have touch any kids not even my friends’ kids unless I wash my hands first. If I am sick I would try to keep a distance whatmore touching them.

When Sara was just a few months old, there was a sales person who was sniffling and she was holding a tissue in her hands for wiping her nose. Before I realized it she touched Sara with her hands commenting how cute she was! I was horrified. I rushed Sara to the ladies and washed her cheek. There cashiers (not one, mind you), after handling all the money reached out and touch my baby! I was like…..aaaarrgggghhh. I have waiters, waitress, even cook touching her. Sigh!

There was once a stranger had walked up to my nephew, while he was having lunch at The Curve with my sis and my mom, commented how cute he is and *muah* planted a kiss on him. Yes you can imagine that my sister’s eyes almost popped out.

Well, back to my story, after the lift incident, we went for dinner nearby and Daddy-yeoh and I decided to drop by to check out the 100 Yen shop (The 5 Ringgit Shop). While Daddy-yeoh was paying for our purchases, the sales person came over and wanted to touch Sara. Since I was carrying her, my reflects was just to turn around and avoided her hands. Whew! I guess after the lift incident I was more on my guard.

Like I said before I don’t mind friends, acquaintances but strangers…

A Weekend Report

2008-04-14T12:47:00.015+08:00

Took Sara out on Saturday to meet up with her cousin Joash, Aunty and Uncle and along with Grandma for lunch in Bangsar, and left Daddy-yeoh to clean the house while the ladies of the house are out…muahhaha.

Sara missed the entire lunch coz she fell asleep on the way to Bangsar, but woke up in time when we were in Balloon Bouquets looking for ideas for Joash’s 3rd birthday party. She was fascinated with the balloons and kept saying “Ba-oon”. Its one of those few words she can say besides ‘bird’, “fow-eer” (Flower), “Boa” (ball)…She has always like anything that is round like balls. Even pictures of balls can keep her occupied for a few minutes or so.

From Bangsar, we adjourned to Cradle ‘n’ All to make order for the cupcakes for the party. As this year’s theme for Joash’s birthday is cowboy, my sis decided to have everything decorated in that theme down to the cakes. Cradle ‘n’ All is run by a malay lady who runs an event management for baby’s first occasions like fullmoon and the malay prayers for the new born babies.

Her place was beautifully decorated with all sorts of cradles for rental for those special occasions and she does hampers and cakes for birthdays and parties as well.

These are some of the shots I took at her showroom…

On Sunday, it was a little different…Daddy-yeoh and Mummy-yeoh decided to go for a date. We left Sara with her Grandparents for the evening. Somehow she knew we were leaving her behind. When I took off her sandals in Grandma’s house, she protested kicked her legs back and forth. She even refused to allow her Grandparents to carry her. To cut a long story short, we managed to say our goodbyes to the little one and left for a romantic evening.

We went to Shakey’s Pizza for their buffet. We quite surprised to see an empty restaurant. But we went ahead anyway. The entire evening, it was only the 2 of us having buffet, so we get to have the entire buffet station to ourselves.

Later we took a stroll in Bintang Walk and ended in Pavillion. While we were out, I called my mom twice to check on the little one and was told that she had a good time in McDonald’s with the Grandparents and had not once cried looking for me.

I was relieved to know she was ok without me. It gives me an ease of mind to spend some time with Daddy-yeoh. The last we held hands together for while dating was in October 2007, it was Daddy-yeoh’s birthday. Most of the time I wont want to leave her with my parents reason being:-

My mom is already taking care of her Monday to Friday while I am away at work; and

I feel guilty having to be away from her since I am away from her when I work.

On other days, if we happended to leave her with my parents, it is usually on occasions where we have to do some important thing and its not convenient to bring her along. And on such occasions, it is usual for us to be rushing just so we can get back to her.

It was a few hours of break for me and that was all I needed. Of course, being a mummy, most of my time, thoughout dinner, I will be wondering (silently) what she is doing or whether she is ok. We headed back to my parent’s place past 9.30 p.m. to pick the little one. I was getting a little anxious cause it was already her bedtime and she might look for me for feed and she will want no one else to put her to bed except for Mummy.

The moment she saw me, she walked as fast as she could, stretched out her hands and hugged me tightly. I guess she missed me just as much as I missed her. That night I went to bed a happy and contented woman…:

A Sick Baby Part II

2008-04-10T16:00:00.004+08:00

After her first visit to the pead last Monday, Sara has been feeling not well again since Friday. And throughout the weekend, she was having mild fever off and on. I took half day on Monday to take her to the pead for the second time. This time round, she has a bit of redness in her throat. She is also having cough with phlegm and flu.

She has no more fever since Sunday so it was a good sign. But the Baby was extremely sticky to me. On Tuesday I took the whole day off so that I can spend some time nursing her. Knowing that I am home with her, she was exceptionally whiny. She won’t want to be left alone and worst, she only wants Mummy to carry her the whole time. I have to put her on the kitchen counter top while I poured myself a drink. I have to put her on the bed while I get dressed. I have to carry her while I heat up her food. I have to put her in the sling strapped to me while I hang the clothes…it was endless. She was practically ‘glued’ to me.

There will be times that she will whine and cry non stop even when I carry her. If I put her down she will cry louder and more tears. I then have to pick her up again which helped a little. I was getting edgy and frustrated cause I can’t read her mind. Sara was equally frustrated with me cause she can’t tell me what she wants. Finally when I could stand it no more, I put her down on the mattress and scolded her. Of course that did not help. It made her cried even more. She then reached out her hands came to me and hugged me wrapping her hands around my neck. At that point I felt really lousy for scolding a sick baby. When I picked her up, she rested her head on my shoulders and fell asleep while sobbing.

What made me more upset was that she refused to eat. No matter what I give her (except milk) she will spit it out after the 3rd spoon. Not her favorite porridge or noodle can give her an appetite. That worries me even more. She has not been eating since Saturday. By evening, her incessant whining tired me out, so I took her out to play in the porch and blow bubbles with her. I also tied long colorful ribbons on her xylophone stick to let her twirl it around. At the end of the day I have one dirty, sweaty and whiny Baby.

I can only pray that God will help ease her uncomfortable ness and for a speedy recovery and prayerfully she will return to her normal self soon so that Mummy and Daddy won’t have to worry about her.

Grandma ‘complained’ that I should have gone to work instead of staying home. Sara is always well behave when Mummy is not around. True enough, yesterday, Sara ate a whole bowl of porridge in the afternoon and was playing on her own despite her cough and cold. But when Mummy was home after work, the cycle began…crying, sticky, whining, refusing to eat, whining and more whining.

Her cough and cold is getting better but sadly I can’t say the same for her wanting to be carried by Mummy all the time.

Mummy can only sigh for now.

A Birthday Post

2008-04-09T17:05:00.002+08:00

On 5 April, we celebrated Moomykin’s birthday at the Science Center. And yes this is a delay blog!

The night before, Sara was having a mild fever. I did not get much sleep as I was armed with the thermometer most of the time and kept watch for her temperature. But thankfully it was too low to administer any fever med. Around 3 a.m. in the morning, she woke up coughing. I tried soothing her by rubbing her back. But when that doesn’t seem to work, I decided to give her some medication which the doctor gave for her flu (works for mild cough) earlier that week. After taking the med, the baby’s eyes were wide open. Oh no! Then I tried taking her temperature again but she was not very happy to have her arm by her side for a good 2 minutes while I take her temperature ( I am thinking of investing a ear thermometer, hassle free and faster). I tried distracting her and ended up making her laugh in the middle of the night.

I woke up around 7 and dragged myself out of bed to prepare her porridge for back up just incase she is choosy with the lunch at the birthday party. Daddy and I were contemplating whether we should stay home or go for the birthday party. Just then Baby Sara woke up without a fever so we decided to go. Reasons being, Mummy wanted to meet new friends and wanted Sara to meet new friends too. We called Mommykin on the cell that we will be late. We packed our stuff then realized that I forgot to charge the batteries for the camera. I have to leave the camera behind, changed the Baby and off we went.

On the way, I was feeling a little tired but at the same time was excited to visit the Science Center and to meet with people whom I have ‘known’ on the cyberspace But I wished we have a bit more time to get to know one another better. I am someone who is ahem…shy. I need time to warm up to get to know others but before I could, it was time to go. It was really nice to meet up with the other mommy bloggers and daddy blogger too.

Thanks Mommykin for a lovely party. Love the party packs especially the latte. Hey it was supposed to be your birthday. It was truly a birthday to remember.

Shall we do it again? This time a place where we can just leave the kids on their own while we adults will have more time for ourselves? Anyone?

Missing Daddy

2008-04-03T08:36:00.015+08:00

Daddy is away for Penang for work. Baby and I was supposed to tag along and visit some friends while Daddy work. But because Daddy has cut short his trip to only 2 days, Baby and I will have to stay back. Otherwise, I would be off from today to Monday tsk-tsk what a pity!

Each time Daddy is away for business trip, Baby and I miss him so. Somehow things aren't the same without him. Also because he has to ship us to my parents place to stay while he is away. Although that is my parent's home, it is still no place like your own home.

But on such times as this, I get to sleep late...watching late night movies with late night snack while Grandma and Grandpa will keep Baby company while she sleeps in the room :) Its a little time-off for Mommy. But when its time for me to go to bed, its a different story. I miss Daddy all the more.

A Sick Baby

2008-03-31T21:26:00.007+08:00

Sara was down with flu since last Thursday. Got the bug from her Grandpa. But even then she was still the happy little girl, playing on her own without much fuss. Occassionally she cried while we tried to clear her nose. Except of course when she sees Mommy home from work, the 'magnet-mania' turned automatically on and zzzz-thud! She clings to my leg like a little monkey with her hands and legs wrapped around me and whining for me to carry her. Actually she has been doing this for the past one week of so (before she even got the flu), making it difficult for Mommy to even put her down for awhile to go to the bathroom. The moment I placed her on the floor explaning I needed to relieve myself, she will sit on the floor and cried loudly till I pick her back up. And this only happens when she is with me. I was hoping it is a phase that she is going through for now and will soon end.

We took her for tim-sum on the weekend. Food is usually her favourite thing, but somehow she doesnt want to have anything. So we bought her a nasal pump to relieve her of the mucus. It did helped but when it comes to food, she just rejected it. I tried giving her spaghetti for dinner with chicken soup but she just turn her head away, although she was hungry. For a Baby who loves to eat, and not eating for almost 2 days got Mommy worried.

I got up this morning after the alarm rang and sat beside Sara looking at her, wondering whether I should take her to see a doctor. I tried not to give her any medication unless its necessary. For the past few days, she managed to sleep through the night with the flu, so its was a good sign. But secretly I wanted to spend the time with her especially when she is not feeliung well, and took emergency leave (as you would know by now I have a number of emergency leave taken, that is why I hardly take any leave for any reason except for Sara). I later decided to take her to see the paed anyway cause she was due for her chicken pox jab.

By the time we reached SJMC, it was lunch time and it was almost impossible to find parking. I dropped my mom and Sara at the lobby and went to search for an empty lot. I was then stopped by one of the attendant who informed me that the parking is full. I pleaded with him to think of a place where I can park my car as my baby's appointmnet is due. He was nice and gave a spot to park for free.

All went well at the doctor's. We were on the way home when we decided that we should stop by at Sunway Pyramid for lunch. Since Sara had not been eating well, I thought of buying her a nice lunch, also to give Grandma a nice treat. We went to Michaelengelo Itallianies. They were having a lunch promotion where a kid (below 12) can eat for free when its accompanied by a main course. Sara had beef pepperoni with a cup of 100 plus bottomless (refillable).

She finished almost a quater piece and some baked cheese rice. But she enjoyed the 100 plus the most (it was her first time drinking a carbonated drink). After lunch we went for a walk and as usual, Mommy was looking into all children's boutique looking for something nice and affordable for Sara.

After awhile Sara got restless and we left for home. On the way home, Grandma gave Sara a small teddy bear. She cuddled close to her and patted the little bear as how I would pat her to sleep on my shoulders. At home, Sara fell fast asleep in the playpen and Mommy did some snoozing as well.

After she woke up, Mommy and Sara did some Bible reading and later took her out for an evening walk while Grandma prepared dinner. Mash potatoes and black pepper chicken with raw salad. Yum!

My Baby The Foodie

2008-03-30T18:10:00.010+08:00

Sara is quite a foodie. Just like her Mommy :) She loves food. She enjoys every moment of it. She loves even a plain bread and rice. Mommy is hoping that she will just stay the same. As in not givng Mommy a problem and become a picky eater. But only one thing that she doesnt like...egg. Not soft boil, or hard boil or scramble or egg tart. She will spit anything with eggs on it. Except when you fry it with rice.

I have allowed Sara to feed herself. But it was a terrible mess. I got then got smarter and put newspaper underneath her high chair. But I forgot that the rice sticks to the table and I had a hard time cleaning that too. At the end of a meal, I will have a dirty high chair, a dirty table and a dirty baby. Instead of Daddy 'automatically' washes the dishes, now I have to ask Daddy if he wants to wash the dishes or wash the Baby. But if she enjoys it, I guess a little more time spent on cleaning for Mommy is okay .

My Child My Responsibility

2008-03-28T10:17:00.009+08:00

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belong to such as these” (Matt 19:14)

I have always love children (communicating with them is another thing) I taught the Sunday School once before, way back when I was still in college until I realized that I am accountable to God as a teacher to the kids. As a teenager going into a transition to adulthood, it was something I could not handle and left the duty to someone whom I thought would do a better job.

Today I have a child of my own. I can’t push the responsibility away or passed it down to someone else. She is my responsibility and I have asked for it (I prayed for a baby girl).

I have enjoyed this little gift of life (Sara) that God gave until I realized I have a bigger responsibility than the one I once turned my back on. Food I provide, shelter I give, love I poured freely but God’s commandment I have not kept. I prayed that I will be a parent God wants me to be. And this He has shown me.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all strength. These commandments I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

People said a mother is an angel to the child. I pictured myself as an angel with a broken wing and shabby hair, probably not shining very brightly too. But I would want to leave a legacy to my children. Not a legacy of fame and fortune but of an identity in Christ Jesus. So that one day when I no longer with my children here on earth, I will know that God will walk with them, doing much much much more than I could. And that they shall turn no where else but to the Lord whom their identities are found. And the Lord shall be their guiding light in their journey.

And hopefully one day the Lord will say to me “Well done my daughter”.

Life Journey

2008-03-27T15:32:00.008+08:00

In one’s life journey, we often faced with uncertainties, not knowing what lies ahead of us. But when we looked back, we realized we have left a trail behind us leading to the places that we have visited once before. It may be painful memories or happy moments. But every now and then we will find little miracles throughout the journey. And then it will lead us to think “how on earth did I manage to pull through”.

Someone once said, the scariest part is asking for miracles when we are not ready for it and could missed out witnessing it. Perhaps his words are true. As we walk along the narrow path, it’s difficult sometimes to see the fire of beauty that has shaped us to be what we are today. His ways are too fathom for us to understand.

My best friend told me that nothing is bad if it pushes you towards God. Hence says the Lord, “Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Me and I will make your path straight”. (Proverbs 3:5)

What more can we do but to trust in Him. Standing firm on His promises each and every day, proclaiming His Word are true. It’s a tough journey when we are so weak and frail. But He knows of our fears. That is why Jesus said “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36).

“Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Toddler Blues

2008-02-13T08:31:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year was something that I looked forward to when I was young but not when I began to hate to travel in the midst of the holiday season getting stuck in traffic jams as if the daily traffic wasn’t enough for me already.

This CNY was bad. Daddy hurt his back and had to lie down. It got me worried that I might get stuck in in the small town. Sara was whiny throughout the reunion dinner in a hot stuffy, over-crowded, filled smoked restaurant with lousy dishes. After the third dish and having to wrestle with a whining toddler, I decided that I had enough of dinner.

But occasionally I enjoyed myself too, playing PS 2 with my in-laws on the dancing mat, while Daddy, like any other year, will lock himself together with his brothers playing Counter Strike. The one who really enjoyed herself would be Sara.

She danced, she jumped, she ate, she played, she ate, she slept and she aeat some more! But it was also the time where she discovered the ugly truth that she can scream while crying letting tantrums on the roll. I now understand as to why people named toddlers as little monters. But I boiled it down to the fact that she did not have enough dosage of sleep since she only had one nap a day during the holiday instead of two.

Sadly she did it again at my mom’s place on Sunday after we returned from the holiday. I decided it was time to let her know Mummy’s limits and I will make sure that she will not like one bit of Mummy’s fury. Spare the rod, spoils the child.

I raised my hand and spanked her on her leg. When she refused to listen, I have no choice but to spank her really hard. She cried while rubbing her leg. She was not the only one crying of course. So did I but silently. I was hurt emotionally and physically, from spanking her. But Daddy and I knew it was time to discipline her.

When she had quiet down while sobbing softly, I held her close to my chest and whispered to her that we love her very much but what she did was not acceptable. I went on to explain to her why I have spanked her. She later cried herself to sleep while resting on me. Heartbreaking? Yes it was. It hurts much more to discipline then being disciplined.

Missing Her

2008-01-28T12:59:00.000+08:00

'Sara was caught on camera trying to

blow her little air-blown strawberry ball

after watching Daddy doing it'

The New Year was barely 'warmed up' and I have taken an emergency leave the day after Thaipusam just because I miss my baby. I have done this before once, out of the spur of the moment I felt the need to take off from work just so I could be home with Sara.

The day before, on Thaipusam, We spend the entire day with Sara. We took her swimming which she enjoyed, and the rest of the day were spent playing, tickling, reading and sleeping. Then Daddy had an idea and recorded Sara’s little voice saying ‘mum,mum,mum,ma’ while I was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Daddy set the recorded voice as my ringing tone much to my delight and Sara’s amusement.

Next day, while I was stuck in traffic on the way to work, I played the voice recording over and over again. Big mistake! 5 minutes listening to it, I called Daddy and told him that I needed to go home because I think Sara is calling out for me!

The entire morning, I was feeling restless with my mind taking off in a jet plane back home. By 11 a.m. I couldn’t take it anymore. I sms my boss that I needed to take emergency leave and left at 12.30 p.m. Yup! I took the rest of the day off and went home. I drove like a mad women weaving through traffic, as I could not believed that at that very hour there can still be traffic jams in KL!

I reached home longer that usual and I was getting really impatient and almost, well almost cussing the traffic. I told God I was sorry for being weak and I told Him that I just had to do this. I meant as in going home not cursing the traffic :)

When I reached my mom’s place, I could not wait to park my car in the porch and left (parked) it right outside the house. Sara squealed when she saw me at the gate (so did I). We stretched out our arms and hugged each other.

When all has calmed down, I sms Daddy and asked him if I was being silly to waste half a day away from work (it might not look good in my appraisal), but I told Daddy that I rather be silly than to miss any moment with my loved ones. Anyway my company does not need me as much as …ahem, my baby needs me (or I need her) Thank God Daddy agreed with me.

I was thinking of changing my ringing tone but on second thought, naw!

My Prayer for 2008

2008-01-16T12:49:00.000+08:00

Another year filled with tears and joy has gone by,

Another number added to the age,

Another strand of white hair on the crown,

A few more fine wrinkles found,

And hopefully a little more of wisdom added as well,

But most importantly we grow a little more.

It may seems a little late to say a wish for the new year,

But it's never to late to say a little prayer...

May God unfold our lives with goodness and grace,

May He fill us with abundance blessings above,

May He guide our feet as we walk the narrow path,

May we never lose sight of the great I Am,

But most of all may our lives shine with His glory...today!

A Girls Day Out

2007-12-04T13:39:00.001+08:00

Sara with Godma

2 weeks ago, I had to take leave because my mom had to go Kuantan to pick up my sis who was sent away for training for 3 months in a local hospital. I was looking forward for the day to arrive and had planned much earlier with Sara's Godma (she took leave on that day as well) on what we should do on that day, where we will go and what we will do and of course, most importantly our plan must include FOOD!

The night before the BIG day, I spend some time choosing my outfit and Sara's too. Since it will be a girl's day out, I thought it would be fun that we looked our best.

But thanks to Hindraf, there were road blocks everywhere and that caused some concerns for us. We did not want to get caught in a huge traffic jam especially with Sara or get caught in the middle of a riot. I would take my chances if not for Sara. Daddy sms me reminding me not to wear orange including Sara. Hmm...ISA for a 11 months old?

Well, nothing can stop us gals from having a good time, so we headed to Jusco Maluri for lunch in Grand Canyon, shopping in Jusco (something that I will never never do unless I am desperate! Which in this case I am desperate to get out. No point wasting our leave) and tea time in Kopitiam. Its not where we can go but how we can make the best out of our situation :) I am sure Sara's Godmom will agree with me, yes?!

Sleep Crawling

2007-11-29T13:48:00.000+08:00

For 2 nights since Monday, Daddy slept with Sara while I slept in my room as I was not feeling well. During those nights she woke up twice for feed. Usually she will just sleep through the night. Right after feeding her, I will return to my room. By the second night, as I was trying to return to my room after feed, her head will spring up as if sensing that I am leaving her and cried. I would then have to soothe her and lie beside her till she falls back asleep before I can return to my room.

Last night as I was feeling much better and decided that I should sleep with Sara as I missed having her beside me BUT Daddy too wanted to sleep with her. So we had a little 'challenge' the winner get to sleep beside Sara. Since both Mummy and Daddy are sore losers, we decided that we should sleep together :) with Sara in between of us.

I was in a deep sleep when Daddy woke me up last night (not sure what time it was) telling me that Sara had crawled over him, out of the mattress and was then crawling towards the door. In a dazed, I think I heard Daddy asking me what was she doing. Thinking that perhaps she was looking for me, I got up and quickly picked the crawling Baby up telling her that Mummy is here. I lie her down beside me on the mattress and almost immediately, she was asleep again.

Sleep walking yes I heard of but sleep crawling??? I think I had witnessed it first hand with my Baby.

Toys, toys, toys

2007-11-28T13:21:00.000+08:00

Sara's collection of toys are usually from my nephew who outgrew them. At my mom's place, there is a Toyogo box full of toys for the 2 kids to keep themselves occupied.

This is Sara busy ransacking the box of toys in Grandma's house, looking for whatever that might interest her. I noticed that Sara will always do this with the Toyogo box...

She will sit beside the box and tilt it towards her with one hand, while stretching her little neck studying the contents in the box carefully for a few seconds before she finally reaches in with her other hand and digs in. Each toy that she pulls out, she will give a long good look at it while keeping the box tilted with her other hand, shake it a little as if all it's a rattle then look at it again and if she finds it interesting, she will let go of the box and play with the toy. If the toy somehow does not appeal to her, she will threw it over her shoulder and study the contents of the box again before she reaches in for another toy. Sometimes she does this a few times before she finds something which satisfy her little heart.

Of course Mummy was quite amused with her little conduct.

Anyway, we hardly buy any toys for Sara except for one or two occasions and one in particular which we bought for her coming one year old birthday present. The toy is still nicely wrapped up. Although we hardly got her any toys, her collection at home somehow 'grew'.

Since I was so amused with Sara and the box, I decided to get a box from Ikea with caster to store her toys. For neatness and to keep the little one busy.

Sara checking out her new box

The box is now full of her toys

More toys means I need to get more box

Tagged 38

2007-11-27T21:05:00.000+08:00

I got tagged by Mommykin. So here goes...

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night
Sara. She couldn't decide whether she wanted to watch TV or play with her Daddy

2. What were you doing at 0800?

Getting dress before the Sara wakes up

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Making funny faces at my husband who was 'complaining' about my choices in pizza

4. What happened to you in 2006?

Got PREGNANT!!!! And a Baby thereafter (obviously)

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

"Did I get pregnant in 2006? Oh yes I did"

6. How many beverages did you have today?

Morning: One Ice coffee. So one (well the rest of the day is just water)

7. What color is your hairbrush?

Light brown and green, although I don't use a hair brush

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

Samy Vellu. Not for him but to him for using the toll because sadly I can't fly

9.Where were you last night?

Sexy legs - that's what I called my apartment (on eleventh floor)-my best friend gave me the idea

10. What color is your front door?

Beige

11. Where do you keep your change?

Mostly in my purse, in my handbag and on the dining table AND some extras around my hips and waist which I think I would like to get rid of it :)

12. What’s the weather like today?

My weather...cloudly and glooomy. KL weather... cloudly then rain

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

Rum and raisins, macadamia ...hmmmm

14. What excites you?

FOOD! Especially if its a buffet or tim sum...my favourite

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Naw, thought of changing my hairdo

16. Are you over the age of 25?

Hmmm lets see...white hair, fine lines, stretch marks, flabby thighs...no question about it

17. Do you talk a lot?

Only when I am at home. Hubby once commented that I made him lost his train of thoughts cause I was yakking away non stop. Or his other famous line "My ears almost dropped off!"

18. Do you watch the O.C.?

What is OC?

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

Yes. And I have 2 Steven in my phone book whom I can't recall who they are.

20. Do you make up your own words?
Yes I do. Day!=meaning Oii!

21. Are you a jealous person?
Envious yes

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’
Airene

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’
Ken

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
My mum

25. What does the last text message you received say?
Hubby, sms me saying he will leave at 7.30

26. Do you chew on your straw?
Used to

27. Do you have curly hair?
Wavy but since after I gave birth my hair straighten by its own

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
Bed

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Rude no but I know someone who like to spread rumours about people

30. What was the last thing you ate?
2 mini muffins from Dominos

31. Will you get married in the future?
Already married so no

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Ratatouille. I will never look at food the same way ever again

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Baby Sara, hubby, my family, best friend, my girlfriends...

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
This evening at my mom's place. Dishes is hubby's department

35. Are you currently depressed?
No but tired

36. Did you cry today?
A little. Made Sara cried cause I was angry then I cried cause of guilt

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Coz Mommykin tagged me

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey
Will tag later

Baby in the Office

2007-11-15T13:16:00.000+08:00

Brought a little bundle to office on Tuesday, much to the delight of my colleagues.

Woken up at 5.45 a.m. to the ringing tone of my handphone. I have always hated morning and midnight calls. Its usually something not good. In a dazed, I was frantically looking for my phone. Found it on top of Sara's chest of drawers. My mom was on the other line, telling me that she has to send my nephew to the emergency as he was having a high fever. Unfortunately, my bro-in-law and my dad were both away in overseas and out of state. So it's up to the ladies. But it also meant one thing...Sara with no one to take care of until my mom returns from the ER.

At 7.00 a.m., all dressed for work, I followed Daddy around the house as he was getting ready for work like a love sick puppy, asking him what should I do with Sara. Should I take emergency leave? No, too much work. Daddy take half day off? Me take half day off...Finally, I decided I have to go to work. Packed Sara's bag, changed her diaper and pajamy and off we went to my office.

I was secretly excited to have her along with me...if only I can take her with me everyday, I could have if it is a small company but a public listed company??? The moment I stepped into the office with her in my arms, she became an instant attraction. People from various department and races surrounded her. The Mummy became an attraction as well. People were throwing all sorts of questions at me about her.

My boss was delighted to see her. He wished he could have more children. I explained my situation and he was very understanding, since he is a father himself, he gave me the day off. I placed Sara on my desk while I did some work. She sat on my desk occupied with whatever stuff she could get her hands on. My colleagues were amazed that she could just sit still on the desk playing by her own. After sometime, the little tummy growled for milk. Took her to the room and fed her. After feeding, I continued with my work until I received an sms from my sis informing me that they are home but they need to return to the hospital for more check ups.

Around 10 plus, my instinct tingles and told me that Sara could perhaps be tired, although she shows no sign of it. Anyway since I have the day off, there is no point to waste anymore time in the office. So I decided to pack my documents and go home. We bid farewell to everyone and left the office leaving my desk in a mess. Sara dozed off as soon as I drove out from my office building. We then spend the rest of the afternoon together in Subang Parade Toys 'R' Us checking out toys.

It was a wonderful day for both Baby and Me :)

Questionaires

2007-10-29T13:16:00.001+08:00

This is just too cute and I thought I just had to blog it...(WARNING: This is strictly for FEMALE READERS only)

We had a little conversation with my 2 years old nephew. It went something like this...

Conversation1:-

Joash: Yee-yee (2nd Aunt) where is baby Sara's milk?

Me: (Brain ticking) Its inside of Yee-yee.

Joash: Where?

Me: Umm...

Joash Mom: Inside Yee-yee's breast. Mummy fed you with breastmilk when you were a baby.

Joash: No, I drink milk bottle.

Joash Mom: Yes, now you drink from the bottle. When you were a baby, mummy fed you breastmilk from mummy.

Joash: (Pursed his lips and looked at me blankly. After a moment of silence...) Where is baby Sara's milk Yee-yee?

Joash Mom & Me: In the freezer!

(Whew! One conversation down)

Conversation2:-

On seeing the sanitary napkin...

Joash: Ma ma what is this? You wear pampers?

Joash Mom: No, its a sanitary napkin

Joash: What is it for?

Joash Mom: (?) Just sit on the bed and don't move!!!

Conversation3:

(Passing by Extra Tesco in a car)

Me: Wow! Look at the crowd in Tesco.

Mom (while driving): Yeah of course, everyone wants to go cause its newly opened

Joash: (Jumping excitedly in the car) Thank you po-po (grandma)! Thank you po-po

Mom: Huh?! Why do you thank po-po for?

Me: Eh, we are not going to Tesco, po-po is taking Yee-yee and Baby Sara home.

Joash: (Quietly said...) Oh!

(Everyone in the car busrt out laughing)

Conversation4:

Me: Can Yee-yee come stay with Joash?

Joash: No

Me: Why not?

Joash: No place

Conversation5:

(Having sleep over at my mom's place)

Me: Where is Joash going to sleep?

Joash: On po-po's bed

Me: Then Baby Sara?

Joash: Baby Sara sleep on bed, po-po sleep on bed, Joash sleep on bed, mummy sleep on floor, Yee-yee sleep on floor, Kung-kung sleep on floor, daddy sleep on floor, Yee-cheong sleep on floor

Me: So all your favourite people sleep with you on the bed?

Joash: Yes

Conversation6:

(Sunday School Teacher asking students their favourite food)

Teacher: Joash what is your favourite food?

Joash: Bird nest!

Teacher: (Laughing) Can teacher come to your house and eat bird nest?

Joash: NO!!

Conversation7:

(Art class in Gymboree)

Teacher: (Giving out paper plates which has been cut in half for art)

Joash: (Turned to his mom) Ma ma I dont want this. Its broken.

Conversation8:

(Sunday School Class)

Teacher: Everyone pretend that you are all washing your hands

Joash: (Pretended to wash hands) Ma ma, towel?

New Camera

2007-10-17T09:54:00.000+08:00

Daddy gave me an advanced Christmas present last weekend...a new digital camera for me to take photos and video recordings. Yay! Of course my pictures will not be as good as Daddy's Sony Alpha. So there shall be more photos soon in my blog...once I learned to upload it in the computer :)

And Sara gave Mummy and Daddy a new present too over the weekend...two little white teeth. A moment we have been waiting for. Whew! And I thought she will be a late teeth 'bloomer'.

Coffee Anyone?

2007-10-12T14:36:00.000+08:00

Had a blissful morning. Left my mom's house at 7.45 a.m. after dropping Sara. The traffic was extremely extremely smooth and I reached office at 8.10 a.m. Ahhh! This is rare-r than witnessing an eclipse.

Had steaming hot of the infamous Ipoh White Coffee (err its actually 3 in one but it is good enough for me) with a bun bought by Mad Cat for my breakfast while I was reading Baby Blues, my favourite comic of all times on the internet. Well, my boss is away in Shangai and half of the people in my office has gone off for Raya holidays. So yes, my morning (in the office) was almost perfect...

How could I possibly asked for more? :) Happy holidays everyone

"Sara, Clap Your Hands!"

2007-10-10T14:17:00.000+08:00

Sara started to clap. She will clap her hands when we tell her so, and she will get really excited about it.

Yesterday night, Daddy did a trick by stuffing the edge of the tissue up in his nostril and blows hard at it so that the tissue will fall off from his nose. Sara was so tickled by it that she will laugh at the sight of Daddy doing it.

We were amused by her little laughter. I then told her to clap her hands. And each time Daddy blows the tissue, she will laugh and put her little hands out and clapped.

Daddy said that we better enjoy all this before she starts to get naughty :)

Flowers for Me?

2007-10-04T13:23:00.000+08:00

Sara got her very first stalk of flower.

Daddy bought his two favourite girls 3 beautiful gerberas. Two for Mummy and one for Baby Sara.

I never realised it but Daddy pointed out that he usually buys me flowers when he is on Medical Leave. Reason being, the market is just beside the clinic. Notice the word 'market' here, compared to the nice bouquet of flowers he bought for me during our courtship. From nice expensive bouquet of flowers to small bundle of flowers to newspaper wrapping flowers. See the transition?

Naw, I am not trying to make a point here. I just one to say that I treasure every single one of it, be it big or small, cheap or expensive, so long its a gift from him :)

Lingam Tape: Walk For Justice

2007-09-27T08:54:00.000+08:00

This is an article taken from the Malaysian Bar website which I received...

****************************

Walk for Justice: "When lawyers walk, something must be very wrong"

Contributed by Web Reporter

Wednesday, 26 September 2007, 04:41pm

PUTRAJAYA, Wed: "Lawyers don't walk everyday. Not even every month. But when they walk, then something must be very wrong," said Chairman of the Bar Council Ambiga Sreenevasan when addressing a strong crowd of more than 2,000 members of the Malaysian Bar and some concerned citizens at the Palace of Justice before the commencement of the walk to the Prime Minister's office to hand over the Bar's memoranda urging the government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe the state of judiciary.

Earlier, seven buses ferrying members of the Bar and public from Kuala Lumpur were denied entry to Putrajaya. Frustrated with the police tactics which included sending a helicopter hovering above the crowd, Bar Councillor Edmund Bon and lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad then decided to lead the stranded numbering about 200 walking some five kilometres to the Palace of Justice.

When they arrived at about 11.30am, the group was met with a thunderous applause by those who waited patiently for them. The Walk for Justice scheduled at 11.00am then started at about 11.45am with Bar Council members leading the 2,000 plus lawyers and concerned citizens.

As they walked, they chanted various slogans led by Amer holding a loud hailer, shouting: "Who are we?" "Malaysian Bar", the crowd roared. "What do we want?" Amer asked. "Justice" the crowd replied in unison. The humorous part was when Amer shouted, "We are doing this for the sake of the country" and the crowd replied, "Correct, Correct, Correct!" Members also received public support from passers-by who greeted them by sounding on their car honks.

The heavily-armed police including the Federal Reserve Unit, however, gave their fullest cooperation with some reporters cheekily remarking that this is perhaps the first time a march like this proceeded without any obstruction.

The press, both local and international including well-known bloggers like Raja Petra, Jeff Ooi and also Patrick Teoh were also there, busy taking pictures of this event of the Bar which happened only for the second time in the 60 years of history of the Bar.

"Today is indeed the greatest day of the Malaysian Bar", declared immediate Past President, Yeo Yang Poh. In fact, early in the morning, Yeo and lawyer Desmond Choi went on the popular Cantonese FM 98.8 Channel to tell listeners why the lawyers were doing this with most callers calling in to praise the Malaysian Bar Council and members of the Malaysian Bar who decided to do this for justice.

The march stopped at the front gate to the Prime Minister's office at about 12.30pm. The office bearers, Ambiga, Vice-President Raguanth Kesavan, Secretary Lim Chee Wee and Treasurer George Varughese then went to the Prime Minister's office to hand over two memoranda to the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary whilst the crowd continued to stay behind chanting away in support of the four-man delegation.

The weather was perfect when the march started as if God was with us. But when the march ended, the heavens appeared to be crying for the judiciary too pouring down rains of tears whilst members of the Bar and their leaders steadfastly stayed behind, drenched in the rain.

For those who took part in this historical march, they had left Putrajaya today with their heads high for they had done something not just for the Bar but for the country. Most of all, they had walked the talk.

More stories and photos in Malaysia Today and Jeff Ooi's blog

Pictures courtesy of CT

What Independence?!

2007-09-26T14:59:00.001+08:00

After 50 years of independence, Malaysian lawyers have to do a march to protest to save our judiciary which is not independent??? What independence then do we have? What have we been celebrating all these years?

With regards to the famous "Lingam Tape" Nazri, the Minister in the Prime Minister office has to issue a statement on behalf of the Chief Justice saying that “I am his minister”.

He said: “I am his minister. I am the minister in charge of legal affairs. He is clever enough to know that the reporters will ask me for a response.” [from an article found in a local paper]

Nazri, has just reinstated the core issue of the “Lingam Tape” where everyone is questioning the independence of our judiciary system. His statement goes to show that the fundamental doctrine on the separation of powers of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary does not exist at all. He seemed to claim that the CJ knew about this and therefore has allowed Nazri, his superior to answer for him.

The Chief Justice seemed to have subjected himself to a junior subordinate of the Executive, undermining the entire judicial system. And ‘coincidentally’ this is the very same man suggesting to abolish the English Common Law right after our Deputy PM trying his level best to convince everyone and the world that Malaysia is an Islamic country and not a secular.

Of course we have other comments by our Attorney General, Gani Patail saying that there are no criminal elements in the tape.

Nazri further commented that the CJ is not answerable to the press. If this is true, then Ahmad Fairuz is not fit to be the Chief Justice for he failed to understand the existence of judicial accountability.

50 years of independence…and this is where we are right now with people such as these…so much for independence, Malaysia!

Lingam Tape

2007-09-25T17:09:00.001+08:00

I have so far never had any interest in politics nor have any political statements to make. But there are times when we found ourselves no longer able to deny the fact that everything that is happening with the politician had in fact, everything to do with us, we cannot just sit back and shut up. There will be a point of time in our lives we will unwittingly find ourselves at a crossroad - to shut up or to stand for our rights.

The disclosure of the notorious “Lingam Tape” had put us in a situation that we all cannot just ignore.

The question that remain…is the tape authentic? If so who revealed it? An allied of the people or an enemy of the state.

The silence of the Chief Justice is deafening.

The comments by Nazri telling us not to blow it out of proportion…is nothing but shocking.

The billion ringgit courthouse, the pride of the country but the shame of the people.

I therefore support the march by the Bar Council on 26 Sept 2007 to save our Judiciary.

9 Months Old

2007-09-21T08:35:00.000+08:00

Sara is 9 months today! Yea! Happy 9 months old Sara!

Daddy sends me an email on 50 reasons why its fun being a parent. Here is a list of my own:

Smelling the best smell…a sleepy baby
Sitting up breastfeeding my baby while she smiles at me, feeling content and happy

Being ever so tired but yet feeling happy at the same time

Having my baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around my finger which she finds it so fascinating and oh how she will look and study my hand

Listening to my baby’s laughter and squeal to our silliness

Feeling amazed to know that I am the only one (besides Daddy) can comfort the little bundle

Realizing that everyone is attracted to my baby and everyone wants to talk to me

Watching my baby sleeps beside me and how every time she will stay close by and left me sleeping at the edge of the bed

Feeling proud knowing that my baby wants me to hold her each time she caught sight of me

Experiencing the joy holding a sleeping baby in my arms

Being infectious with my baby’s smile and laughter

Realizing that nothing in this world seems to matter when I wake up to see a smiling baby beside me

Looking for good recipes and planning every meal for her

Taking photographs which was never ever printed out

Finding little dresses and clothes so small hanging on the clothes line a pretty cute sight to see

Going shopping with her looking at pretty dresses and toys

Crying when watching an abandon baby or a baby born on TV and Channel 77 is an instant favorite channel

Multi tasking while running to and fro to her and into the kitchen to check on her meal

Foregoing afternoon naps to cook her porridge and put her toys away

Watching Daddy reading and playing with her

Enjoying kissing her on her right cheek while Daddy is kissing her on her left cheek at the same time

Discovering that she is unique with fat and flat feet, hair that sticks out and making funny faces much to Daddy’s dismay but Mummy’s delight

Loving every moment having three in a bed and me and Daddy with very little room to sleep on while she lies sideways across the middle and sometimes gave a good kick at Daddy’s face

Fascinated with her able to do things that we do every single day, like standing or sitting

Feeling amazed each time she babbles or blowing bubbles

Watching her little face and wondering what the future holds for her

Praying harder than before

Browsing children’s section in MPH

Will smile to myself waking up in the middle of the night to find her sleeping soundly beside me

Knowing that Daddy is doing more diaper shopping than me
Love kissing her bumps when she falls and wipe her tears away while telling her everything is okay
Knowing that driving like a mad woman hurrying home to a waiting baby through the rush hour is worth it

There is much more to say…so yes I love being a parent!

Deep Cleansing Breaths

2007-09-13T23:05:00.000+08:00

We were watching Sara playing by herself with the baby play gym when we caught her staring at herself in the mirror. We know how babies get all excited watching themselves in the mirror despite the old wives tales saying that it is not good to let you baby see the mirror for reasons I don't know.

As I sat there watching my baby girl looking at herself in the mirror, I can't help but thought to myself, " How would she see herself in the mirror 16 years from now?" Or perhaps "How would I react to find her so interested in the mirror 16 years from now?" (If you know what I mean)

This is the story that I would like to share to all mothers and mothers-to-be...the deep, cleansing breath of a mother with a teenage daughter...

'Donna and I went shopping with our daughters today. Her Natalie is sixteen, my Rachel is eight. The excursion went something like this:

Natalie pulls a few bathing suits off the rack. Donna begins taking several deep, cleansing breaths which strangely resemble the breathing techniques we were taught in our childbirth classes years ago. We head for the dressing room. Rachel reaches for a few more swimsuits for Natalie to try on, and the two young ladies disappear behind the thick, blue curtain.

A few moments later, Rachel's round face appears. She asks if we want to see. Of course we do. Back goes the curtain, and there stands Natalie in a bathing suit that slides her curve. Donna holds her breath until Natalie says she doesn't like it. I hear Donna letting out a "hee, hee, hee, whew."

Natalie returns to the dressing room. I watched the clock. Its' about three minutes between changes. Rachel pulls back the curtain and displays suit number two on her life-sized Barbie model. This one is a two-piece. Donna's breathing has turned noticeably more rapid.

Two minutes now between changes. We see suit number three, a rather low-cut, black number. Donna begins sucking air in through clenched teeth. She seems a tad irritable, as if the transition is harder on her than it is on Natalie.

Here comes suit number four. Donna's face went red. She's clutching the sides of the chair and doesn't appear to be breathing at all. The curtain closes, and a stream of controlled breath passes through Donna's cracked lips. I consider going for ice chips, but it won't be long now, and I don't want to miss the Grand Conclusion. I coach Donna, telling her to hang in there. Just one more.

Rachel whips back the curtain, and Natalie turns around in number five, a lovely yet modest one-piece.

Donna's whole body pushes up from the chair, and with all her strength she announces, "That's the one!" Everyone is pleased. We congratulate each other. I pass around a roll of Life Savers.

Thus I came to know and understand the real reason they teach us in Lamaze. It has nothing to do with the infant in the delivery room. It's all about the teenage daughter in the dressing room.'

~Robin Jones Gunn~

Heaven Above

2007-09-07T09:37:00.000+08:00

My dad-in-law passed away on September 1, 2007 to begin an eternal life with our Lord.

He was a man with few words, gentle in his ways and had a generous heart to all. He had led a hard life but he was blessed with a loving and faithful wife and three wonderful sons.

He had fought a long hard battle of cancer for years. And throughout his life, he kept his heart closed against the Lord. Due to persistent prayers of those who love him and the brotherly love of Sitiawan Methodist Church members, my dad-in-law accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour, follow thereafter by my mum-in-law. They were both baptized last month.

His sickness took a bad turn last week and the sons were called to return home to see him for the last time. There were a few times that they thought my dad-in-law was not going to make it but he managed to pull through.

It came to a point, my brother-in-law prayed for a confirmation from God the time which my dad-in-law will be called home. The day before my dad-in-law passed away, my brother-in-law received a vision from God. He saw that my dad-in-law was dressed in a white robe in a very bright surrounding. Beside my dad-in-law was a man dressed in white with face so bright that my brother-in-law could not see his face. My dad-in-law was waving goodbye.

With that, brother-in-law quickly went to the bedroom where my dad-in-law was resting and called out to the rest of the family, just in time to see my dad-in-law draw his last breath.

God's vision brought comfort to the family to know that he is now in Heaven with Him. In this moment of grief, there is also a reason to rejoice.

A Weekend Together

2007-08-29T11:24:00.000+08:00

Spend some time with Sara during the weekend. Took leave last Friday as Grandma was whisked away for a holiday in Kuantan with Grandpa.

Not really, Grandpa and Grandma drove Sum Yee (my younger sis) to Kuantan for her 3 months practical in a local hospital. So it was just me, Sara and her little dog named Patrick :)

We both slept in that morning and woke up around 7.45 a.m. Thanks to Daddy for setting the alarm at 6.00 a.m. forgetting that I was on leave on that day.

We watch Wiggles CD and I was surprised that Sara was literally glued to it. She usually doesn’t show much interest in any of the children’s channel on Astro but Wiggles was an exception. I too was fascinated with the songs. She was so engrossed with the songs that she just lied in her playpen on her belly, with her chin rested on her bolster, while she lifted one leg and started to swing it back and forth.

She got tired after the show and went for a little nap, while Mummy packed her lunch (frozen pumpkin). Took Sara to Tai Yee’s place to spend some time with Joash. The Mothers had the afternoon planned out for the kids but due to certain set backs we decided to play Duplo-Lego.

It was hard playing Lego with a baby who was only interested to put everything in her mouth while a two year old who was only interested to dismantle whatever you have built. Later in the day, Sara and I went home in time to prepare dinner for Daddy and cook porridge for Sara.

On Saturday, Sara and I had lunch with Tai Yee and Joash, and 2 other mothers (our cousins) with their babies, baby Marissa and Samantha. It was more like a Mother and Baby lunch date at the Curve. Joash was the oldest and Sara was the youngest. (Pictures were taken during Chinese New Year)

It was quite a sight to see three mothers, pushing one stroller each except for me, I put Sara in her baby sling. Lunch was pretty chaotic. There were huge pile of tissues on the table and floor and there were fork and spoons on the floor too. There were whining, crying and shouting etc. We kept buzzing for the waiters and waitresses to get us this and that. Well, one of them got to know one of the babies by name. Oh boy! Thank goodness I can’t remember the name of the restaurant we went to :) But Sara has been a good girl. She just sat on my lap throughout my lunch while she occupied herself with a tissue wrapper.

I cant really remember doing much on that day, except for Tai Yee running after Joash, whom had found the freedom of not being strapped in a stroller, one cousin trying to dig for bits and pieces of paper from her baby’s mouth, while the other cousin trying to pacify her baby to sit in the stroller. Baby sling is the answer! Sara slept for almost an hour in the sling without much fuss.

By late afternoon, all babies got restless and we decided to call it a day. We bid farewell to each other and went our separate ways. Dropped Tai Yee and Joash at Grandma’s house and went home to Daddy.

What Price, Motherhood?

2007-08-23T13:49:00.000+08:00

This came to me through an email...

***************************************************

I’ve given up many things to be a mother.

My outward appearance has certainly changed. No more make-up, no more flat tummy. I've stretch marks to show, which also means some clothes just can’t be worn anymore. Not to worry as breastfeeding has also cancelled out the possibility of fitting into most of my old clothes.

I’ve given up a career outside the home. I chose to be a full time mother, meaning I’ve said goodbye to power lunches, flashy clothes and dinner parties. I’ve opened myself to criticism and doubt, and faced more than one sarcastic comment and critical glance with sheer willpower to come away still friends.

I’ve given up my independence and my time. I may not be dependent on my baby, but she is on me and that has certainly curtailed more than a few of my favourite activities down to a minimum or barely at all. I no longer have the luxury of catching a movie at any given time, or going window-shopping for hours at end or even catching up with a friend for a much needed chat over delicious coffee.

I’ve given up my peace of mind and the possibility of ever having my heart in one whole piece again. Along with baby comes the gift or curse of a sixth sense for danger. Anything remotely posing as a threat to my baby is a cause for deep concern and I can’t seem to rest completely if she’s not in sight or in my arms. After nine months of safety in my womb, the whole world is a danger zone I have to let my baby explore, how can my heart ever know the peace of abandon again?

Yes, I’ve given up sleep, and a backache-free existence. I’ve got muscles in my arms from baby lifting and flab on my hips from pregnancy.

I’ve given up my financial independence and the ability to purchase that nice piece of furnishing or clothing without a second thought.

All in all, any rational human being would consider me strange for the choices I’ve made, the cost seems high indeed.

But what have I gained?

A sense of purpose for one.

I look around at other young people my age who are in the rat race, striving to be somebody in the big world; still wondering what he or she is achieving and where they will be in 10 years' time. I hear stories from my friends who are tired and drained out from hours of work with no clear purpose to it all.

Looking at them, I realise that after a while, a paycheck just isn’t enough motivation for the human spirit. I look back at myself and am amazed at my contentment. I know I am needed. When my 11 month old baby girl sits with her arms upward, tears forming at the corners of her eyes, desperately seeking my comforting arms to ease her anxiousness, I realise that no other moment in my life have I felt such belonging as when she hugs me tight.

A true understanding of the meaning of simplicity. With a baby, you don’t need make-up and ‘masks’. You can be who you are and give free reign to the simplicity of everyday living. The joys of an unrushed breakfast, the floating of a cloud and the chatter of birds have never been as clear and exciting as when you are allowed to experience it all through the senses of a child who has never experienced it all before.

Suddenly, even brushing your teeth is a big event and a bath can be the highlight of the morning! I’ve cut down on my wardrobe, my furniture and my need for every nice thing I see. My baby has taught me the value of quality, not quantity and to make the most of what I have each and everyday. Without the need for makeup, high fashion and the demands of being constantly informed of the latest trends and trivia, I’ve learnt to be loved for me alone, just as I am. Simplicity, I have learnt, is the key to sincerity.

Having a baby totally dependant on me day and night has given me an insight to myself, a window I had struggled to find before. Never has it been so important for me to search out my heart and weed out all its impurities and shadows. With my little one’s great demand on me physically, emotionally and mentally, I have discovered strengths I never knew I had. Out of fear that my daughter will be a helpless victim, I have valiantly fought bad habits that have lasted these past 25 years. It’s almost a year since she was born, a year of spending each and every day at home with her - and at the end of it all, I can honestly say that I am glad to be rid of so much shallowness in my life.

Yes, I have given up much in my life to be a mother. Yet as I ponder on what I have lost and what I have gained, I have no regrets. In a world searching for a meaningful existence, I have found mine.

by Celya Tay

Parent-noid?

2007-08-22T11:35:00.000+08:00

I was driving to work yesterday and heard over Light FM on the topic of parenting.

A mother of two called up telling the DJs that her oldest is 4 and is a preschooler. There was a time the preschool arranged an excursion for the children and her oldest got all excited about it. The mother however was not excited about the news at all and had in her mind not to allow her little girl to go. And since the father is away at that moment, the little girl called his father to ask for permission to join the excursion. Of course the father said that she could go. The mother freaked out (those were her words) and all sorts of things went through her mind-should she take leave from work and take the children? Should she drive behind the bus etc. On the day her child went for the excursion, time passes really slow for the mother. She kept looking at the time and was thinking to herself – Now is the time she will be on the bus, ok now she should be back, SO CALL HOME NOW! When the mother called and found her little girl safely back home, she was relieved. The mother added that she is not sure of if she could handle a teenager 10 years from now.

I can’t help but smile about it. My colleague shared the same concern when her 4 year old went for an excursion. Her husband took leave to follow along under the pretext as a volunteer to watch the kids. And we both, my colleague and I had the very same discussion raising the exact issues as the caller.

I had my fair share of being a ‘parent-noid’.

Once my mom had to send something important to an aunt in PJ while I am away for work. I had from time to time told my mom not to bring my baby anywhere without any extra help, especially if she has to drive. Although my mom is bringing my sis and her son along, my nephew can be quite handful and that will keep my sis occupied. Which means it will my baby very vulnerable. With each news on crime committed on children from being missing and un-intentionally kidnapped while hijacking a car, scares me. It makes it worst when I am away from Sara.

I went berserk (literally). I had half the mind to take emergency leave to follow my mom. Its not that I don’t trust my mom, I just don’t trust the world. It was agonizing being at work while half your mind has gone to PJ with them. The moment I received news that they are safely home, I was zapped back to reality at work.

Today, I can look back and laugh about it but if it happens again, I have no guarantee that I can keep my sanity in check :)

Difficult Weekend

2007-08-19T22:40:00.000+08:00

It has been a sticky weekend. Sara just refused to be in the playpen or in her little chariot. She will cry until we pick her up. Whenever she caught sight of me, she will be whinning for me to hold her. Daddy and me seemed to be playing pass the whole weekend. Passing Sara from one to another.

Sara in her chariot

Sara had also been a little bit difficult when its time for her bedtime. She will keep crawling to the door wanting to be out from her bedroom. Each time I put her down on her mattress, thinking that she was asleep, she will immediately pop her head right up. With that I will quickly lie down pretending to be asleep. I have tried everything from letting her suckle, singing to her, rocking her and turning off all lights in the house but yet she just refused to stay put on her mattress. While Daddy and me were running on low batts, she was just like the Energizer Bunny.

We took her to mom's place tonight and she was fast asleep on the way home before 8.30p.m. I was hoping that she would be asleep through the night but my maternal instict told me that she will be awake right after I finished my dinner. I was left with half a can of 100 plus when I heard her 'calling' for me from her room.

So there I went, with the whole cycle again, trying to put her to sleep. Now Sara is in snoozy land, giving me some time to blog and surf the net before I retire for the day.

My Weekends

2007-08-18T23:24:00.000+08:00

Weekends for me means being a fulltime mom.

My weekends 10 years ago were filled with with shopping spree, movies, lunch and dinners with friends and clubbing in the night till wee hours in the morning.

My weekends a years ago were spend with the Daddy or my best friend and some other close friends doing what I did 10 years ago except for the clubbing part.

Today my weekends will began like this:-

7.30a.m. - received morning call from Sara tugging my blanket

8.00a.m. - wash the kitchen sink and clean kitchen tops and table and boil drinking water for Sara

9.00a.m. - feed Sara again and tried putting her into the baby walker and got mu ch protest from her

10.00 a.m. - had breakfast with Mad Cat and wash Sara's bottles (for me to feed her water after her solid)

11.00 a.m. - put Sara for nap and boiled pumpkin and carrot for Sara's meal

12.00 p.m. - Sara woke up from her nap, fed her pumpkin and carrot puree

1.00 p.m.- Bathe Sara and put her in Daddy's care while I clean up after her

2.00 p.m. - Cooked spaghetti, nuggets and garlic bread for lunch and fed an impatient baby (Sara eats a bowl full for her solid but she still wants her milk after 2 hours)

3.30p.m. - Fed Sara again and then took a nap while Daddy naps with Sara. I was down with a running nose

5.00p.m. - Woke up from nap, found Daddy and Sara infront of the TV while Daddy was feeding Sara water (while waiting for the 'cow' to wake up) On sighting the 'cow', Sara immediately cried out for me. Fed a hungry baby. Then prepared brocolli, spinach, carrot and chicken porridge for Sara

6.30p.m. - Fed porridge to Sara. Answered some SMS

7.00p.m. - Bathe Sara. Decided to scrape the idea of cooking dinner and went to the Mines

9.00p.m. - Fed a hungry baby and put her to sleep. Daddy took the liberty to cook dinner for us. Daddy's speciality - Maggi mee with ayamas meatballs, fu chow fish ball, oyster mushrooms and black mushroom

10.00p.m. - Sara woke up for milk, fed her again then put her to sleep

That's me on a busy weekend.

Me Mama BeaR!

2007-08-15T11:59:00.000+08:00

In this life I am a woman

In my next life I would like to come back as a BEAR

When you are a bear, you get to hibernate

You do nothing but sleep for 6 months

I could deal with that

Before you hibernate, you’re supposed to eat yourself stupid

I could deal with that too

When you’re a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of a walnuts) while you’re sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs

I could definitely deal with that.

If you’re a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business

You swat anyone who bothers your cubs

If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too

I could deal with that

If you’re a bear, your MATE expects you to wake up growling

He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat

Yup gonna be a bear!!

***************************************************************************

Disclaimer:

There is no such thing as reincarnation so no way being a BEAR is possible
I love my baby very much so I will not swat her for whatever reasons there may be

She Sits!

2007-08-10T15:39:00.000+08:00

Sara can sit! Yay! And this is one proud Mummy! I must really get myself a camera phone. Sorry no pic to post.

She has been learning to sit by holding on to us with one hand to steady herself. Yesterday, she was able to sit on her own without support for a record breaking time which is 5 seconds.

She started by sitting with her legs stretched out and her head hung low while keeping both hands by her side. When she got a bit more confident, she slowly lift her head up but once her head is up, she will just topple over as if her little head was too heavy to handle. She drew laughter from her Grandma and Tai Yee. But Sara did not give up and tried and tried until she got to sit by herself with her head up. By evening, she was able to sit with a wobbly body like jello while her hands will reach out to grab toys lying beside her. And by late evening, my little one was able to sit with her little head held high.

With each successful trial, I will clap my hands and encourage her. I got Joash (my 2 1/2 year old nephew) to become Sara’s little encourager. Now Joash is so good at it that he will sit beside the baby playpen and watch Sara closely. Each time she managed to sit upright, Joash will automatically clap his hands and asked Grandma to join in.

Sara's Latest Photos

2007-08-03T17:19:00.001+08:00

Sara about 5 to 6 months old with her bandana

Dress from Medan gift from Tai Yee

Rattle from Uncle Jimmy & Aunty Li Li

Sara having her meal

Sara with more meal shot

Oh My Poor Baby!

2007-08-03T10:44:00.000+08:00

I considered myself a light sleeper. Any movement or sound will wake me up from slumber land. Since Sara was born, I will wake up a few times in the night just to check on her to make sure that her feet is not cold or that she has not rolled to a corner of the mattress but mostly to make sure that she is still breathing!

Last Sunday, we were at my mom’s place after church and I decided to put Sara for a nap on my mom’s bed while I lied down beside her acting as a barricade (the other 3 sides of the bed were barricaded by 2 corners of the wall and the bed headboard). I was feeling so tired for the past week due to workload that I dozed off within minutes.

The next thing I knew, I heard a boom! That sent me sitting straight right up and for a split second I realized that Sara was not beside me. Instantly, I looked over the bed and saw her lying on her back, on the floor. I thought “Oh no! She fell off the bed!” She was in shock for a moment and cried. I quickly picked her up. As soon as I had her in my arms, she stopped crying. She was back to her usual self within minutes.

I felt horrible. She actually climbed over me without me waking up at all. I was overwhelmed with guilt to realize that I could have fallen into such a deep sleep. But when you tried seeking understanding from certain people and having them saying things such as “You ah, always sleep like a log!” (contrary to that, to both Irene and I, I have always been a light sleeper), or "Aiyo, why you so tired ah?" or "You worst than me la, let your baby fall off!" does not help very much.

That night while I was watching her sleep, I burst into tears of thankfulness that God has protected her and tears of guilt that I have not watched her carefully. I wasn’t able to forget her look while lying on the floor after the fall. I have always made sure that she is in a safe surrounding yet she fell while in MY care.

I know kids will have bump and bruises as part of their growing up years. But to actually witness your own child fall, is heartbreaking.

New Playpen

2007-08-01T12:48:00.000+08:00

My sister gave me a playpen which was almost brand new. My nephew had only slept in it once and it was then given to me when I was pregnant with Sara.

We had tried setting it up before Sara was born but we were unable to do so. I tried again sometime last month and found that one of the rails would not lock in place and kept falling off while the other 3 sides stayed up. Mad Cat suggested that perhaps the mechanism is faulty. Me, being me and stubborn, decided to try again last week.

Unfortunately, I had a slight accident and had my index finger caught in between the mechanism which was supposed to lock. The pain was excruciating and for a moment, I could not feel my index finger. I then realized I was bleeding and there was blood on the floor, my hands, my foot and my pajamas. I called out to Mad Cat and placed pressure on my fingers to stop the bleeding.

The very next day, through email, I filed a complain to the company demanding an explanation on the faulty playpen and told them the injury I sustained. When I did not get a reply from them after 5 days, I decided to call them (that was done after I did a little research on my own just to be sure that my chances on the claim is high). Their reply was that they are thinking of a good reply to my email. Huh??

Anyway, they apologized for the injury sustained and agreed to replace a brand new playpen for me with no extra charges and 2 years of complimentary membership :)

Sleeping Time For Sara

2007-07-25T13:12:00.001+08:00

Putting Sara to sleep during those early months was quite a challenge. Mad Cat and I will have to take turns to carry the crying baby to sleep. But the bright side of it, she hardly wakes up for night feed. Once she turned 3 months or so, putting her to sleep was a breeze.

Every night, Mad Cat will play with her while I take my bath. Occasionally, I can hear a little squeal follow by her laughter in the next room. When its time for bed, Mad Cat will read her stories from her mini library which are books we bought during MPH sales. When she gets too tired for story time, Daddy will SOS Mummy to the rescue for her night feed. It will be then a ‘Mummy-and-Baby’ time.

After the feed, we will both lie side by side facing each other on her super single mattress. She will automatically pop her two favorite fingers in her mouth to suck (I can never answer to the question as to why my baby never suck her thumb) while her other hand will reach out to grab my nose, pinch my cheek and pull my hair, with me singing to her.

As I sing, she will hum along with her two fingers in her mouth, as if she is singing along with me. Once she gets really sleepy, she will turn face down and rub her face on the mattress for several times. It’s a habit of hers since she was about 5 months old. When she first started this little ‘compress-face-rubbing’ (as I called it) I was worried that she might flatten her little nose. There was once Mad Cat imitated her by rubbing his face on the mattress just to see how she would react. She watched intensely, smiled at her Daddy and followed after him. Both father and daughter did that for several times. It was quite comical to see that.

Once she is done with the her ‘facial’ rub, she will turn her body to her side, pull her shoulders as far back as possible and place both her hands at the back of her with her tummy protruding on the other side.

Little Miss Yeoh will then fall fast asleep in that very odd position. I have tried many times to re-adjust her bodily parts once she is asleep but she tends to move back in that position. I supposed Sara found that position works for her. I then gave up and left her to sleep in any position she’s comfortable with so long as she does not twist her arm or shoulders.

Most of the night I will have to mentally dig for songs and nursery ryhmes that I have learned when I was in Sunday School and kindergarten. There are times when I happened to forget the lyrics, I will either hum the tune or fill it with my own words. But Sara doesn’t seem to mind that her Mommy can’t sing a good tune or have lyrics that don’t rhyme. Most importantly, my singing can put her to sleep :)

Mommy the Alicia Keys in Wonderland.

Kuala Lumpur Court Complex

2007-07-23T14:03:00.001+08:00

Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad its Moorish style was built in 1897 to house various administrative departments of the British Government at that time and was later converted to house the Supreme and High Courts of Malaya.

I remembered spending an average of 3 days in a week in that building when I started my chambering. How lost was I on my first few weeks. The building itself a mystery and wonder with its underground passages and hidden offices, with narrow staircase hidden behind pillars leading to the Session Court Registry. And most of all, the one person whom all chambering students had to dealt with. He would bark at us, chambees if we were to file our papers wrongly. At the same time, he is the very person who guided us through with those complicated papers. He would tell me what is to be filed, "Yeah, you keep this and frame it up, while you can give this to your mother-in-law!"

Today the courts have shifted to this...

Kuala Lumpur Court Complex

The Courtyard

The Reception

The courtroom

The RM290mil complex houses 30 High Courts, 21 Sessions Courts and 26 Magistrate Courts. Four Courtrooms are designated for the use of television to air court hearings or for child witnesses to give evidence. It has 500 parking bays for the public, 300 for court staff and 200 for judges and magistrates.

The very first thing that came to my mind when I saw the building...

"Finally, there are clean toilets!"

The architecture was very Cyber-ish or Putraya-ish with of course the big dome which is a must and Islamic designs everywhere and around the building. From the old Moonish building to this, its very impressive.

But sadly this building which has yet to be utilised to its full potential has shown flaws of water leakage and limited carparks.

Malaysian can now proudly say that that we have the second largest courthouse in the world. But what does this Court Complex hold for us all as Malaysians? It is a symbol of justice, or so it seems.

Transformers

2007-07-17T13:18:00.000+08:00

Watched TRANSFORMERS on Sunday.

We almost miss the show due to the unexplainable traffic jam in and around Mid Valley. Why can't people be more creative and just find somewhere else to go or do than just to hang out in Mid Valley on the day when I decided to watch a show!!!

TRANSFORMERS! Abosolutely love it. Love the Chevrolet Camaro, the Pontiac Soltice and the modified Ford Mustang police car AND the transformation of machines to Autobots! (Sexy girls? What girls?!!)

And of course, Optimus Prime's sexy voice!!!Woohoo!

My Baby, an actress??

2007-07-10T15:06:00.000+08:00

I did a favor for a friend, and did a short air time playing the part of a clueless mother-to-be while being pregnant with Sara at about 7 months in a parenting show called "Parenting 123".

Last night Red Communications (the one who did the "Parenting 123") called me and asked if I was interested to have Sara appear in a local TV drama as an adopted baby girl to a couple. After I put the phone down, I began to have pictures of advertisement contracts floating and dancing in my head and had imagined that Sara was a much sought after baby for various advertisements. I was getting quite interested (that does not mean that I support child labour). I happily brought up the subject to Mad Cat and his immediate response was

"My baby is too precious to be handled by anyone and no one is going to adopt my BABY!"

AND that was the end of Sara's movie career...well, that's show biz!

Solid Food

2007-07-03T13:26:00.001+08:00

Sara started on her solid on 16 June, few days before she turns 6 months. I was eager to start feeding her with solid food and suggested to Mad Cat to get a tin of baby cereal for her. Being inexperience, I took the advice of some articles and started her off with 2 to 3 teaspoons of cereal just for starters. That got her quite interested in solid food.

However, 2 days later, Grandma decided to give her more (a small bowl full) and suprise, suprise she finished almost the whole bowl of cereal!Where does she store all the food?! But I was glad that she has the potential to be a FOODIE!!!

There is always space for Sara to join her mother and her godma for some food escapade :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

2007-06-18T09:39:00.000+08:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. How how is he? I am embarrass to say I don't know. It has never been a smooth ride my Dad and I. But without him, I would not have been here and no little Sara :)

Anyway HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY DAD (grandpa)

Dad with Royal Butt

(Picture courtesy by SW)

My Father

2007-06-07T13:08:00.000+08:00

I did not come from a rich family but I was able to enjoy life in a very comfortable way. I remembered how he would take us to one of the finest restaurant in town just for lunch and how he would provide for me and my sisters toys that we desire. Those glorious days, if I may dare to say.

But little did we know the truth as we were too little to understand and see. I grew from a little naïve girl into a woman who now sees the truth that drew us apart and anger and unforgiveness wrenched between us. I stopped caring and grew cold, almost forgotten how he had showered us with love. His pride became what I despise the most in him. How each time he disappoints us.

Those glorious days are now only sweet memories of my childhood days. But no one has ever thought that those glorious days will someday be consequences of pain and fear. Fear of losing the place we called home, fear of what will be tomorrow.

I remembered the day when after all these years, and for the first time how I first laid my eyes on him. I see a man down cast, humbled and weary of his future. With nothing to hope and hang on to, while many at his age will be enjoying the new found freedom in their retirement.

That day he put on his well pressed pants and collared shirt and waited for anyone who might be kind enough to give him a lift. When he finally able to get a ride, he turned around and smile at me, as if to telling me everything is all right. For the very first time it broke my heart of stone. The thought of seeing him expecting any kind gesture from a friend or neighbor, was not the man I used to know. Once so proud, he now has to be content to taking a bus or a train.

With a new found job, it gave him hope but as today when I heard that he has to quit because he was not paid, I felt pain that he has to endure such.

I wish that I have to courage to tell him that I love him.

May God bless my father today

~Cecil~

Marriage & Me (Part 1)

2007-06-06T14:54:00.000+08:00

Do I even dare to share my fear to the one whom I am deeply in love without being judge as a failing wife?

What would other say of me?

No one told me that for better or for worse extends much more than this.
No one told me marriage is hard to build.
No one told me that marriage is not just two of us
No one told me marriage is about endurance
No one told me marriage comes with pain not caused by just him but much more
No one told me marriage consumes all
No one told me marriage is not just about sacrifices but courage to see it through
Most of all, no one told me what to truly expect of a marriage

My worst dream has yet to come or may never come
But my fear has seemed to paved the way through
Would I be able to have the courage to face it?
Perhaps I would run but what would he think of me?

A wife who cares no more?
A wife who put her need above his?
A wife who is selfish and cold?

Would he have understand
Would he have tried to understand?

An anguish cry of a woman wanting nothing more than just a husband who would try to understand her
A husband who would hold her in his arms and tell her that he may not understand but he will try even if what she is about to say will hurt him so

~ Cecil ~

Resume: Mother, Footrest, Punching Bag

2007-05-21T16:57:00.000+08:00

Sara is exactly 5 months old today. Time do fly super fast!

She has been sleeping with me in the same room the day she was born. I then moved her to sleep with me on the same bed, side by side, when she was just a few weeks old and she has been sleeping with me ever since. From a tiny baby, not able to roll back and forth, is now able to roll from one end of the bed to the other end. We have to barricade the bed with lots of pillow so that she will not conveniently fall off.

Now at 5 months old, she takes about 2/3 of the bed leaving me with a very small space to sleep on. Sometimes she will use me as a foot rest and will place a foot or both feet on my chest while she sleeps like a log. Other times, she will just kick my body parts and it can be anything from my eye to my rib, depending on her position. One thing I am thankful for, is that I don't get bruises from her little kick.

Times such as this, I miss Mad Cat cause I know he will not kick me!!! I got to move her out from my bed fast before her 'kick' becomes lethal :)

Missing Her

2007-05-10T13:42:00.000+08:00

Each time I on my pc at work, I will be greeted by her picture.

Leaving for work every morning has become an emotional challenge. I kept telling Mad Cat that day by day, it's becoming more difficult for me to leave my little one in the arms of someone else (my mother) while I joined thousands of Kuala Lumpurians in the stupid morning traffic with no reasonable explanation or whatsoever as to why there is traffic jam on a clear straight road.

9 hours on the job is enough to make me miss my little one. I will call to check on her to make sure she is safe (of course she will be, I am just being paranoid that some else might want my baby!!!). Each time I receive a call from my mum, my heart will miss a beat fearing that I might receive some terrible news.

My watch became my best friend (who said that diamonds are a woman's best friend?! They have not met a MOTHER yet!!!) The moment it shows 5.30 p.m., I will race to the door, swipe my card and dash out to the lift. The moment I enter the lift, I will press the shut button while turning a deaf ear on those shouting to keep the lift door open as they run towards the lift. Too bad, time waits for no one! Ha, ha, ha.

I am not a wicked person, I am just a mother missing her baby (*grin*)

4 Months

2007-05-09T13:50:00.000+08:00

It has been a blissful, crazy, chaotic, wonderful 4 months with Little Cupcake in our lives. She is now 4 months and 2 weeks. Yay!!!

FACES OF MY SMILING BABY

Chatter Boxes

2007-04-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

What do you get when you put two little girls together in a room?
2 little chatter boxes (not sure if they can understand each other)

Sara enjoying a moment with her cousin

Breastfeeding

2007-03-16T10:36:00.000+08:00

I breastfed Baby the moment she was born. It's like an instinct build in her that she knew how to suckle for feed. But I was almost at the edge of going crazy, when she needed feed almost every hour into the night. On the first night at the hospital, she drove me nuts when she refuses to let go even when she had suckle for a whole hour.

Today, I have to say that breastfeeding was a breeze. I fell 'in love' with breastfeeding so much so that I make sure that I continue to have ample supply of milk for the little one. Not only was breatfeeding is easy, it saves me money by not spending on formula milk and best of all, I get to travel light :) I only have to take 2 luggages for her. Yup! 2! One for her clothes and the other is for her diapers. Not forgetting her bath tub.

To top it all, I enjoyed the time we both spent together during feeding time. I love the way she looked up to me while she lay very still in my arms suckling away. Her little hands will occassionally hold my index finger as if telling me that she is enjoying the moment as well. Her contented look brings a sense of achievement in me. Occassionally she will look up to me playfully, inviting me to play along with her.

I looked forward to each of her regular checkups with the Paed. When they weight her and the doctor would tell me that she is growing well, my face will beam and I can't help but feel proud about myself :)

Breastfeeding has brought us both close. There were times she will cry for me even when she is in Mad Cat's arms. And just as much as she needs me, I need her as well.

It's amazing how God had designed us women to be. Being a able to carry a life inside us and able to feed our young.

So to all mothers-to-be, please do breastfeed your babies and enjoy this God given gift.

My little Cupcake

She's Here!

2007-03-12T09:55:00.000+08:00

For those who thinks that I am still in my 37th week, well, I am way beyond that. May I proudly present to you the newest babe in town (besides her mommy dearest)...SARA YEOH YEN QIAN!

Sara (Hebrew) = princess
Yen Qian = abundance beauty/elegance

Sara born on 21 December 2006, 8.30 p.m. in HUKM

Mommy & Me (4 days old)

Pucker up baby! (3 weeks old)

Playtime (1 month & 7 days)

Say Cheeseeee! (1 month & 9 days)

Ships Ahoy!

Snoozy time for Sara (2 months & 3 weeks)

2006-12-18T11:14:00.000+08:00

It has been a new journey in my life since the day I found out I was pregnant with Baby. It has been quite a struggle but at the same time, in the same breath, I can say that it has been wonderful pregnancy.

Having to wake up every morning, knowing that she is sleeping soundly until I reached the office. She wakes up the moment I finished my breakfast and starts her morning stretches with a little kicking and boxing here and there. She will then take a nap later in the afternoon right up to evening and starts her routine again. She will have another round of nap before she wakes up at 11.00 p.m. That will be the time where she will be most active, having to move from right to left and pushing her way here and there, as if trying to break free from my womb.

She will have her way to let me know when she is uncomfortable with loud noises or with my sleeping patterns that are making her uncomfortable. She began to show sign of cheekiness when her Daddy calls her, (which she usually repond with a movement under the touch of her Daddy's hand on my belly) she will keep very still and not move until her Daddy got tired of waiting and lift his hands away.

She will do her little dances to certain kind of music but she is exceptionally quiet during Sunday worship and whenever I play the bass. I became so in tune with her that she and I is like ONE (well, ok, we are not separable for the moment) She is constantly in my mind and wherever I am, there she will be. We ate the same food, we felt the same emotions, we watched the same movie, we practically did everything together.

I have learned to know and love this child of mine, but yet we have never met each other. Soon she will be on her own living apart from me. It is something which I am not thrill to face. I have gotten so used to having her inside me, taking her with me wherever I go. She became my closes companion.

But God had set the time for us to be 'apart'. For us to meet one another and for her to face the world and for me to face the challenge of loving, protecting and teaching her. My life will therefore never be the same again.

She is due to arrive anytime now. And at this point of time, Mad Cat and I are busy preparing for her arrival, physically and emotionally. A time for another new journey to begin.

May you keep us in your prayers that both Baby and I will have a safe delivery together.

My 37 Weeks Pregnancy

2006-12-12T18:36:00.000+08:00

How your baby's growing: Congratulations! Your pregnancy is now considered full term — meaning your baby is developmentally ready to handle life outside the womb. (Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 weeks are post-term.) Your baby probably weighs a little over 6 pounds at this point and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel.Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children are born blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

My 36 Weeks Pregnancy

2006-12-12T18:33:00.000+08:00

How's your baby growing: Your baby is still putting on weight — about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little less than 19 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the creamy substance that has protected her skin during its submersion in amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, and they'll stay in her bowels until birth. This blackish mixture, called meconium, will become her first bowel movement.

My 35 Weeks Pregnancy

2006-11-29T18:51:00.000+08:00

How your baby's growing: Your baby's getting big. He weighs a tad over 5 pounds and is just over 18 inches long. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight

My 34 Weeks Pregnancy

2006-11-23T08:11:00.000+08:00

' Above is a sample picture of how my baby looks like in a 3D scan'

How's your baby growing:Your baby weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Her central nervous system is still maturing, but her lungs are well developed now. That's great news in case she decides to come early. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity

Blessed In Believing

2006-11-21T09:06:00.000+08:00

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

In the kingdom of God, believing is a prerequisite to receiving. God spoke to Mary and gave the assurances He always gives when He assigns the impossible to His people. Everything was in place for God to act. Everything waited on Mary to believe Him. Once she believed, it was done! It takes an undivided heart to believe under such circumstances and a pure heart to see God (Matt. 5:8, Heb. 12:14).

This has always been God's way with His people. Mary could not see all that had been arranged and assembled in the courts of heaven. She could not see the legions of angels prepared to protect her and her baby. She was unaware of the future and all that she and her child would face. All she knew was that God had spoken to her, and that was enough. So she responded: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

When God speaks about His plans, He does so with everything already in place to fulfill His word. God never speaks hypothetically. He knows exactly what will come to pass. He simply asks you to believe Him. You will experience great blessings when you place your absolute trust in Him. Mary could not have dreamed all that would result from her faithful obedience.

Likewise, you cannot possibly imagine all that God has in store for you when you trust Him. He knows exactly what He will do to bring salvation to someone you have prayed for or to heal your friend or to provide for your needs. God has everything in place. Will you believe Him?

-Adapted from Experiencing God Day-by-Day by Broadman & Holman Publishers-

My 33 Weeks Pregnancy

2006-11-14T08:22:00.000+08:00

How your baby’s growing: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures 17.2 inches from the top of his head to his heels. Thanks to his recent weight gain, he's losing that wrinkled alien look. Most of your baby's bones are hardening now, but his skull is still quite pliable. It's actually in separate pieces with spaces in between. This flexible structure allows your baby's head to compress so it can fit through your relatively narrow birth canal. The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance. This is totally harmless, normal, and temporary. Your baby's head will quickly take on a more rounded appearance, but his skull plates won't completely fuse until he's about 9 to 18 months old.