The Joshua Family

Role Play - Teacher

2010-09-03T16:54:00.006+08:00

Samuel the teacher - Recently he likes to be 'teacher' and we are his 'students'.

Samuel: Let me tell you story.

Mummy: Ok!

Samuel: I am teacher, you are baby.

Mummy: erhm..I am children.

Brings out his story book.....he goes...

Samuel: Say..."Fruits"....

Mummy: Fruits...

Samuel: This is pineapple

Mummy: Teacher...wrong...This is a Pear! Waaahaahaaa

He is so adorable when he is role playing 'teacher'! He is mimicking his school teachers. He even 'distribute' worksheets(rough papers) to us.

I am enjoying every bits of his growing up and have to embrace his nonsenses (Tantrum/sulking/demands)...oh well, it is a package deal of having children.

1st visit to Eye Centre & Dentist

2010-08-30T16:27:00.002+08:00

Last weekend (2 weeks before his 3rd birthday), he had his 1st visit to eye centre and dentist for checks.

Review from Dental Visit: His baby teeth are all out and the dentist gave clearance for his teeth condition, no decay and helps to remove a slight stain on his 2 front tooths! :)

I was prepared to hear a crying & trembling Samuel but he did not cry at all, thumbs UP! He lie down on the arm chair on his own and let the dentist checked his teeth. Only has to continue to brush his teeth everyday which he is already doing it.

Review from Eye Centre: He has astigmatism of 400/each eye, slight long sightedness in his right eye and squirt on his left eyes – tends to squirt out and up.
Verdict: He has to wear glasses to correct his vision!!

My heart sank upon hearing this piece of news although we were prepared way before the visit as he went to see my optometrist friend at the optical shop for a test prior to KKH Eye Centre. No amount of preparation helps in preparing me to face this piece of news, imagine a toddler at age 3 having to wear glasses(and it could be for long term basis).

What causes Astigmatism?
The cause of astigmatism is often not known. Astigmatism is usually present from birth. A small degree of astigmatism is considered normal and usually does not require any correction.
Rarely astigmatism may be caused by chronic vigorous eye rubbing (such as in children with allergic conjunctivitis) or by cornea diseases such as keratoconus.
How do I correct my Astigmatism?
Astigmatism can be corrected with corrective lenses such as in spectacles or contact lenses. These vision aids help to focus the light entering the eye onto the retina. Other ways to correct astigmatism include refractive surgery options such as LASIK and implantable contact lenses.
Symptoms of Astigmatism in children
· Distorted or blurred image at all distances. More on blurred vision.
· Children may tilt or turn their head to get a clearer image. It results in headache or tired eyes.
· Inability to see objects, both near and far, without squinting.
· Discomfort or irritation in eyes.
· Difficulty focusing on printed words or lines.

Causes of Astigmatism in Children
Under normal conditions, eyes are spherical in shape. The cornea is smooth and equally curved in all planes. The light that enters the cornea is focused equally in all directions. Since, it refracts evenly, it forms a clear image of the object. Change in corneal shape gives rise to astigmatism. It occurs when the front surface of cornea is curved more in one direction than in the other. The cornea takes the shape of a football or the back of a spoon. When light enters the cornea, it gets refracted more in one direction than in the other. This forms the image of only a part of the object at one time. Objects, placed at any distance, appear blurry and wavy. Astigmatism occurs mainly due to genetic predisposition. It may also develop as a result of some sort of traumatic eye injury or surgery.

For now, he needs his pair of glasses so that he can see clearer so that this will not be a stumbling block to his learning abilities. No more squeezing of the eyes when he watches tv or when he looks at objects or people. At least comforting to hear that this can be remedied via aids and it is not life threatening.

Still….I choose to praise God in all situation & circumstances, knowing God is in control. God is good all the time and ALL the time, God is good!

Simple Pleasures in Life

2010-08-18T10:51:00.006+08:00

Simple pleasure in life makes him excited:

1. Half boiled eggs for b/f with bread, he loves his wholemeal bread w/ no trimming off the skin! (Last i heard he fought w/ my maid for the top/bottom ends of the bread!)

2. Roti Prata

3. Curry Chicken (he is learning to eat spicer food..bravo!)

4. Trip to the playgrounds downstairs

(on & off, he still try his luck, asked if he can go FIDGETS...i told him we can go again if he can 'poo' sitting on the toilet bowl! He still has to poo in his pull up pants!!!)

5. Visits to toy shops even if no buying....he is ok with that!

6. Loves watching Noddy and Tom & Jerry cartoons now...those are classic ones which I used to watch during my childhood time.

The list goes on.... and yes, still as cheeky as ever and he agrees, Cheeky Boy!!

22 months old....

2010-07-19T17:16:00.004+08:00

Pictures of Sam above to share…he has his haircut last Sunday, brave boy…no crying although he has his initial fear and almost wanted to ‘back out’. His pony tail still in tag, we aren’t going to trim off till he goes to P1. :)

How time flies…it’s been 5mths since my last post. Many things has happened, both at work and home but 1 thing is for sure, my boy has not stopped growing…he is a ‘big boy’ now! Turning 3 yrs old in 2 months time. I have been really busy at work due to some role restructuring but am glad for the change, to a certain extent, I pretty like changes, changes for the good definitely!

In April, we had our family trip to Phuket, Sam had his first deep sea experience, we went snorkeling and of cos’ he was ‘thrilled’ to bits that he is afraid of beach/swimming …hahahahaa! He enjoyed the sand play though and I hope to have another beach holiday soon! *hint hint* Samuel daddy…if you reading this!

I had a mini holiday with my mum, my twin, our primary sch friend and my colleague to BKK recently…a good break away from the hustle & bustle of work and family. All ladies trip, it was good although I felt sick on the day before we depart and ended up doing a lot of massage sessions and of cos’ shopping trips here & there. I still love to shop, eat and enjoy the thai massages a lot, will definitely go back again.

Samuel is pretty much adventurous in term of food, he is willing to try out new stuff. Over the weekend, we went for our prata ‘fix’ again, happen to be Samuel’s favourite too! This time round, we ordered mutton curry and requested him to try. With an initial hesitation, he pluck up the courage to try, asked for his water bottle on standby, he chewed the meat, tender and a little spicy…and down the water immediately after swallowing that chuck of meat, that wasn’t the end of cos’….he ate 2 more pcs thereafter. Well done…Spice baby!!

February 22, 2010: Cooking Craze ...

2010-02-22T16:45:00.001+08:00

This is for Samuel’s ardent fans…

Lately He is into his ‘cooking craze’ again. Every day after school, he will immediate come home and wants to play his cooking toys…I think those were the best value for money toys we have invested. Yesterday after church service when we picked him up at N2, he was playing cooking alone at 1 corner while a volunteer helper looks on. When he saw me, he told me, ‘I cooking beef stew!’….he looks so happy in his own world of kitchen.

January 28, 2010: Bitten by a fierce classmate

2010-01-29T17:29:00.004+08:00

Samuel is adapting well in school finally, this week was pretty much a breeze, no more whining and he seems to enjoy going school. He has however picked up a bad habit, everyday come home from school will cry and asked for biscuits! Am still cracking my brain how to break that habit or to let it be. Afterall, he will still polish off his bowl of macaroni/porridge or pasta soup.

Yesterday he came home with a ‘bite mark’ on his temple, grrrrh…whoever did that was really fierce and horrible. His teacher called me to inform that he was bitten by his classmate, apparently they were snatching toys and the end result is this. Hope this is the 1st and last of such violent act, not to his "porcelain" looking face pls. *hee* *hee*

January 15, 2010 On the road to recovery ....

2010-01-15T09:54:00.002+08:00

Samuel has missed school for 6 days, he should be able to return to school next Monday. Our morning conversation before I left for work...

Samuel: Mummy wear shoes...
Mummy: Mummy going where?
Samuel: Mummy go work
Mummy: Why Samuel never go school?
Samuel: I sick, cannot go school
Mummy: Samuel take car or bus go school?
Samuel: Take bus go school!!

So smart, at least he associated sick cannot go school...hopefully after this 1 week break, he can still adjust well to going back to school.

His current favourite question to ask, "What's this?"...is driving me nuts! He kept on repeating same question even if we have answered him. Am waiting for next round of "What's this?"...to throw him back this question...hiak hiak...learnt from some experienced mummies...hope it works!

January 8, 2010: Defeated...no school today!

2010-01-08T09:47:00.006+08:00

After 4 days of school, my little boy felt sick...down with fever today. He was actually dressed(as you see above) but I felt that he is abit warm than usual and took his temperature - 38deg.

Mummy: Samuel, you're sick...you can't go school today!
Samuel: I want go school!
Mummy: You're running a fever, touch your head, hot hot.
Samuel: I want go school!
Mummy: Change out your uniform and take your medicine.
(I get ready to leave house while my hubby searched for the medicine and samuel reached for his crocs - in his home attire. At least he associate home attire is crocs sandal, not the usual shoes for school...so smart!)
Mummy: Samuel...put back your shoes, you're not going out.
Samuel(whinning): I want wear shoes...

To pacify him, we let him wear a new pair of crocs in the house and off I went to work.

January 6, 2010: Day 3 in school

2010-01-07T11:00:00.003+08:00

I decided the quicker way to go for Samuel to be independent is to cancel my planned leave yesterday morning and have him board the bus alone...off he went to school. Mrs Lim, the class teacher updated me yesterday's afternoon that he is doing better than previous day, cried abit at 11am..probably starting to feel tired, otherwise his attention span alittle longer but still likes to roam freely. Good headstart for him!

Mummy: Do you like school?
Sam: I like school
Mummy: You like to take school bus to school?
Sam: I like take school bus
Mummy: What did the auntie give you in the bus?
Sam: Auntie gives biscuits, auntie gives sweets

No wonder he likes taking school bus....bribes on the bus..hahahaha!

January 5, 2010: 2nd day of school

2010-01-05T18:03:00.002+08:00

Today he did not do too well, Mummy sneaked off after his morning snack and the teacher told me he was wailing intermittently thereafter. I came back around 11am and heard a familiar loud wailing sound from the lobby waiting area. Wanted to go in take a peek but another friend told me not to go in as he was looking for mummy, haahaaa. I must confessed that girls these days are tougher than boys, the 3-4 'roses' in his class did not cry at all, those 'cry babies' are the boys! A big size boy was wailing badly after the mummy left and left us stunned cos' we thought he is a tough nut based on his built! Morale of the story: Don't judge a person by his outward appearance.

This is his timetable schedule for LOVE (N1) class:

8:30 - 8:45 Assembly
8:45 - 9:05 Snack Time
9:05 - 9:35 Chinese Lesson
9:35 - 10:05 Outdoor Play
10:05 - 10:35 Music & Movement/Bible Story/Art & Craft/Exercise Time
10:35 - 11:05 English Lesson
11:05 - 11:30 Story Telling/Rhymes/Sing-a-long

January 4, 2010: 1st day of school for Samuel

2010-01-04T22:33:00.011+08:00

With much anticipation, the day finally arrived...our little boy is heading for pre-nursery school now, a 3 hourly daily fun filled activities lesson. His new school - Centre of New Life Kindergarten is about 10mins walk from my place but we opted for him to take the school bus for safety reason rather than having the domestic helper to accompany him. Took the school bus with him today to familiar with the route, he's the last to be picked up and 2nd to drop off after school...short bus ride but he enjoyed it. He behaves the same as in sunday nursery class in church, very active and likes to roam around freely in class. Fuss free, no crying...kept aiming at the door waiting to run out to have his hands on the tricycles and little tikes car(which are out of bound to all kids today!). After 2 hrs thru' his lesson, he toned down, energy soon depleted...haahaaha. He tried to snatch toys from a bigger size boy but was 'humptum'(not once but twice cos' he tried to snatch toys from the bigger size boy!)...serve him right for snatching toys, hope he learnt his lesson! There's only 3 'roses' among the 12 'thorns' in his class. :)

Dec 2009: Fun @ Polliwogs

2010-01-04T21:17:00.007+08:00

Had fun at Polliwogs with Aloysius, posing above with my primary school mate, Felicia - friend for more than 20 years now. These are friends that I cherished and we can talk about anything and still feel very much at ease even when we meet ie. once or twice a year.

Recent Hair Cut

2009-11-04T19:25:00.003+08:00

To get Samuel to have his haircut is a very torturous affair for him. Everytime we pass by the barber, we will 'pyscho' him 'want to have cut hair?', his default reply would be, "Don't want!" If we attempt to step in, he will be crying even before we set our foot into the salon, sigh! Last Saturday was the utimatum, his hair is simply too long and needed a cut. We brought the portable dvd player and loaded in Barney vcd in, still....he cried through the hair cut! At least less tears than before and he don't fidget but sat on daddy's lap crying thru' the session.

Neater right? We deliberately still keep the 'curly' tail behind, find it so cool!

His current favourite dvd

2009-10-15T13:38:00.005+08:00

Thomas & Friends! These are the few characters he recognised and among these, he likes EMILY the most...which really surprises us! :) Opposite Attracts?

Random Pixs - Oct 2009

2009-10-15T12:55:00.007+08:00

Haven't been blogging much lately, my dear son down with flu & cough for 6wks, still not recovered. Brought him to PD again and got a referral to do a chest X-ray, concerned that excessive cough might not be good for his lungs. Thank God that the result turns out well - lungs cleared, but he is still on medicine now, ate so much medicine for 6wks until he is 'addicted' to it. :( Will resort to TCM if this last addition of medicine don't works for him. Blame the haze...last yr this time, he also down for several weeks due to haze!

1st attempt of homemade ABF for him(after seeing SY made it for Shawn), he loves the sausage, scrambled egg ok but baked beans ...no no!

Samuel can fix a 12pc puzzle by himself...way to go boy!! I have many more sets of jigsaw puzzle waiting for him to complete...including Bob the builder and Thomas & Friends!

Enjoying picnic & kite flying at West Coast Park

2nd Birthday Celebration

2009-09-07T00:33:00.007+08:00

We had a small birthday party with my family today, Samuel was thrilled and seemed to know abit more about birthday and could say 'happy'. How time flies...he is turning 2 in 10 days time. Am amazed at how fast he has grown and thank God for his good health and happy nature.

Banana Bread Receipe

2009-09-05T15:49:00.002+08:00

My SIL gave me this recipe(not her own), try it and see if you like it.

Banana Bread V
SUBMITTED BY: Pat Heldenbrand
"This is an old 4H bread recipe my daughter used to make in the 50's. Best one I ever
ate."

Prep Time: 10mins
Cook Time: 1hr
Ready In: 1hr 10mins

INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter or margarine. Beat the egg slightly, and
mix into the creamed mixture with the bananas. Mix in sifted ingredients until just
combined. Stir in milk and nuts. Spread batter into one greased and floured 9x5
inch loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until top is brown and cracks along the
top.

I Love CAPS

2009-09-02T15:12:00.004+08:00

When Sam was younger, he hates to wear caps. As he grow older(& more 'vain' I think), he loves wearing his caps, strange eh! He will cry if you try taking it off his head unless we reached home. It's hard to find nice and fitting caps for him, if any of you know where, let me know.

Bake Craze #2 Attempt

2009-08-31T15:46:00.006+08:00

Yes, we're so happy that the oven works well now, it has given us hell of a time in the past, the whole house power supply will trip when we turn the oven on and hubby has to use extension cord to try various power points in the house to get it working. Feeling so fustrated, he dismantled the wiring of the power plug of the oven and 're-wired' it!

These are what we made over the weekends...this time round...the taste is 'very good'...IMO!

This batch is banana yogurt muffins w/ walnut(inside), still perfecting! Receipes from www.littlegastronomy.blogspot.com . :)

Banana Bread w/apricots - 2nd attempt done by my hubby...turned out quite good, moist and soft! Receipe from 'Kak'. :)

Baking #1 - Banana Bread

2009-08-24T18:19:00.010+08:00

Suddenly had an urge to bake after reading a receipe from Company's Coming(Author: Jean Pare), given to me by my BIL in Cananda last December.

1st attempt - not quite successful as i mis-read 'ml' for 'g'...for flour and walnut, ended up the whole bread was so heavy...(see the bread nearly split into two...hee hee). You would either like it or dislike it, people who like strong heavy tasting food will give thumbs up! IMHO: 6/10 only! I will try it again...

Going TWO soon...

2009-08-24T16:59:00.004+08:00

Sam in sunday nursery class in church, enjoying his biscuit snack time! This is the only time that he will sit down and munch, the teachers recently feedback that he has such big strength that he will pushed away those heavy cabinets/shelves surrounding the play area and sneak out!! Ooops...did we feed him too much beef?

This is Sam's 2nd birthday gift from us ... he was frighten when I used the 'remote control' with him in the car and refused to sit inside! I got this 'mini' from a BP spree, abt 25% cheaper than retail price. He rather his teddy bear sit inside than him, hopefully he will overcome this fear soon. He is also scared of those coin operated kiddy rides...*faint*.

Trip to Farmart

2009-08-08T23:53:00.009+08:00

Mummy & Daddy brought me to Farmart for the first time, there's really nothing much to see except alot of live seafood there. We didn't buy much stuff except for some yummy freshly based portugese egg tarts, a box of quail eggs and some vegetables.

Animal prints

2009-07-23T13:21:00.003+08:00

I meant to buy animal prints bedsheet set but ended up with quilt cover set! It is really upsetting, got con by the packaging, it stated 'queen fitted sheet', ended up is quilt cover set! Argh... good thing i didn't paid a bomb for it, it was S$39, so it was a steal instead. In this warm weather, we just use it as a blanket w/o the full works(quilt) and i used a similar blue(same shade of blue as the elephant) bedsheet to complement it. Samuel loves the animal prints and will point to them when he sleep on our bed. Of of us still need to fall asleep with him on this bed before transferring him to his playpen. Very soon, we are going to transit him to sleep on the mattress...on the floor!

1 week ago - new hair cut

2009-07-23T13:11:00.004+08:00

After 10-15mins of crying, a tired & sleepy Sam you see! It is still a tedious chore to bring him for haircut, hope this phase will pass soon and we will bring him for cut more often to help him overcome the ordeal. This time round, no fancy hair salon, this is $5 at a barber which is 2 bus stops away from where we live. Be it $5 or $20 haircut, he also cries his lung out!

Durian Farm & Kukup Trip

2009-07-13T09:20:00.003+08:00

We went for a day trip to JB for durian and visit to Kukup kelong last Saturday. I was telling SY last week that my G10 is under utilised...true enough...i forgot my cam for the trip!!! Here's some pixs to share from Samuel's Godparents.

Sam with his Godpa, a very humble man who love God & the little ones, he is one of the very experienced core nursery teachers in TCC! Every Sunday, when Sam cries and refuse to enter nursery class, Godpa Wilson or Godma Kelly will come to our rescue and carry him in and calm him down. We're so blessed to have them as Samuel's Godparents, God is good!

Sam's Godma Kelly

Little rambutan thief!!

These are very sweet, pluck straight from the branches...yum yum!

Our boat ride to Kukup Kelong ... that's Lily & John, they have 3 boys, *salute* them!

Refreshing look

2009-07-03T10:55:00.002+08:00

Been a long time since I change a new blogskin, I like this refreshing look, do you? :)

Home made dumplings/ngor hiang

2009-06-29T11:24:00.006+08:00

This is after steaming, I freeze it last night after that and going to fry it tonight...yum yum!

If you notice, I seldom blog about food ...just some random pixs of what I made yesterday! (spark off from a friend who made recently...I decided to give it a shot!)

Other than dumplings and ngor hiang, I used the balanced bits of the meat to make chicken patties, Samuel loves it. He loves fried stuff. I also used the meat to steam egg but it went to waste as Samuel refused to eat it w/rice as he was cranky after his nap. Last night, his dinner was 2 small chicken patties, some strawberries and some star puff, followed by milk before his sleep. We have become more relax if he refuse usual staple meals, let him eat whatever he wants as he is still in the teething process...slow but progressing! :)

Cheeky face

2009-06-29T11:17:00.003+08:00

This is how he looks when he's cheeky!

These days it's tough to get him to sit still to take decent shots....

Samuel's new pet...The Dalmatian

2009-06-09T10:13:00.004+08:00

"Sit...don't keep bouncing up & down!"

Been wanting to get a pet dog balloon for Samuel...it can "walk"!! He is so excited and walked the dog up and down the hallway and very upset when I teased him this morning, 'Mummy bringing doggie to work'! :)

My Tech Savvy Son

2009-05-26T09:08:00.006+08:00

Photos courtesy of Auntie Sharon

Samuel has been introduced to the world of 'IT'....my tech savvy son! This iphone serves him well when he is cranky and refused to eat his meals, my secret weapon!.

He begins to talk more now, he can now utter, 'ah ma'(my mum was thrilled last sunday!), 'papa' and 'apple'. I look forward to communicate with him more, it is fun!!

Going 20 months...

2009-05-12T22:46:00.008+08:00

Been out of action for quite some time as am caught up with chasing HK drama...haahaa.

Mummy tired me out that I dozed off in this push car.

Little Pianist in the making ...stay tune!

Flower basket presented to Mummy ...from Samuel (auntie sharon helped me to arrange the flowers...so pretty right)

A date with Jerald

2009-04-06T22:56:00.005+08:00

Went out with Irene & family for lunch on Saturday.

"Jerald, your straps are too loose, let me help ya eh!"

So coincidence, both boys in green. Jerald looks ready to KO soon.

Do we look alike?

New Crocs...but a tat too big!

2009-03-31T09:36:00.004+08:00

Kak Kak thinks I look like a boss in this pose...do I? :)

This crocs cost only S$24, lobang from Uncle Linus, see how I tried putting on my shoes and beaming with pride when I finally fit 1 side in myself!

Simple things in life

2009-03-25T00:15:00.004+08:00

A happy toddler! It is the simple things in life that makes him so happy, ie. a hanger, a bottle, bottle caps, spoon or just ransacking my bags. He doesn't need expenive toys to keep him occupies, he will find things in the house more interesting than his leapfrog or fisherprice toys. (hint to mummy, no need to buy more toys already!)

This is Annetta and her mummy posing pix with us, Annetta is going to be Samuel's classmate next year in pre-nursery at Jurong Christian Church Kindergartern. We're in the same church, same carecell and the kiddos going to be in same school next January2010!

18mths old Samuel

2009-03-24T12:10:00.004+08:00

Samuel turned 18mths old on 16 March 2009. How time flies, he's now a toddling kiddo. I haven't been blogging much lately due to viral fever that hit him for 6days in a row, thanks be to God who has healed him, no need to admit A&E though at one point I was thinking should. We contantly monitored his fever and fed him tons of medicine...with much prayers as well. I think this bout of fever has make him stronger.

He's still not able to talk but his listening skill is good. He knows how to follow instructions and pick up after his mess(when he is in a good mood!). I am amazed at his physical development, he is standing tall at 85cm and weigh 11.7kg now. During the daytime, there's only a helper with him at home, thus attributed to his slow speech development.

Recently brought him for a hair cut at Junior League, he hates hair cut and still will cry throughout the session. I hope he will outgrown that soon, so far he has his hair cut on a half yearly basis due to his natural curls that helps us save $$$. :)

Zoo Out!

2009-02-23T01:31:00.001+08:00

When 2 cousin meet...all hell broke loose.

2009-02-16T23:14:00.004+08:00

Such fun ...without my parents again, can I have 1 more slide?

Hoohooo...we're going to shoot whoever gets in our way!

Mummy's birthday

2009-02-12T10:26:00.003+08:00

We went out for a simple dinner at New York New York Restaurant last night to celebrate Mummy’s birthday. Big candy floss for Samuel! (I can only watch mummy & daddy eat the candy floss as I am still unwell..*drool*!)

1st Ice Cream Experience

2009-01-29T22:14:00.006+08:00

Samuel had his 1st ice cream experience on 2nd day of Chinese New Year at Mac Donald @ West Coast Park. Cold treat for him, yum yum!

My best friend's ROM

2009-01-21T00:06:00.003+08:00

Stole this pix from Janet's SIL's facebook, coincidently, a friend of mine was browsing through her friend's facebook and saw my photo there, that explains how small Singapore is. We were late for the ceremony, arrived only in time for photo taking, haahaaa!

Janet was my best friend since pri sch days, we were in the same class straight for 6 years, she was more hardworking and diligent than me academically and that makes her a teacher now. *grinz* Both Edward & Janet are both working in Melbourne and they came back recently for ROM cum holidays. Am so glad that Janet has finally chose to settle down than be a loner for life. I can see that she looks happier and radiance now as compared to years before when she is always protraying a strong and independent facade, I can sense that she is yearning for a companion that she can lean on. Am glad God has found someone for her who can walk with her for the rest of her life.

Play time w/o Parents

2009-01-19T17:03:00.004+08:00

Caleb posing with the 2 adorable ones!

do they look like 2 poor kids trying to sell tissue papers? (my elder sis description, haahaa, that is so farnie!)

Obviously they went wild…Jovan & Samuel! They went to the playground to play bubble gun with Da Yi and auntie Sharon. I hope Jovan and Samuel will grow up to be best of pals cos’ Samuel only have 1 cousin that he knows of in Singapore and 2 others in Canada, that would be years before we will visit them again.

At Terrance's house in Vancouver

2009-01-13T18:00:00.003+08:00

Chiara helps to entertain Samuel, he enjoyed so much and kept asking her for more hugz!

Lucian and Sam having a fun time babbling and swopping things with each other after dinner.

Canada trip - Vancouver

2009-01-09T12:53:00.008+08:00

It's been weeks since we came back from Canada, apologise to my arden blog readers that I am slacked in updating the blog. The period of maid-less was a challenging one for us to manage hoursechore and taking care of Samuel, no extra time for other leisure.

We had a wonderful (with a touch of stress definitely) time in Vancouver and Toronto. Samuel grew and picked up alot as well in the 3 weeks we were there. He grew smarter(cheekier), talk more and learn to walk more steadily. It was in canada that he has the most bruises, falls and bumps on his head as well. There was once he felt down a flight of spiral staircase at my friend's place in Vancouver, thank God that the staircase is carpeted else the impact will be great. He also displayed affection to a German Sheperd named Tasha at my sis-in law place in Toronto and he will go 'Ta, Ta, Ta' when we asked where is Tasha? All of you must be thinking that I will be missing Samuel alot after 3 weeks of bonding, you're all wrong! I LOOK FOWARD to be back to work and am glad to be back slogging in the office. Slogging at work is definitely a much better choice for me than having to face a toddler 24hrs a day.

1st collage

2008-11-25T20:09:00.002+08:00

Yeah! 1st attempt of collage I did with pixs from sam from birth to now.

Sam in Nursery (N1)

2008-11-25T11:32:00.006+08:00

I was serving in N1 yesterday and as expected, Sam kept glueing his eyes on me...when he caught me lifting my butt and walking out of his sight, he will quickly lift his butt as well and chase after me.....like a chick after his mother hen!

Samuel is 14 mths old

2008-11-20T22:30:00.003+08:00

Just last week, Samuel began to wobble on his own and enjoys toddling ...most time too fast and he will fall on his bum. It's amazing how he has growth from a tiny babe to a 10.5kg toddler. Less than a month's time, we will be heading to Canada for our family vacation to experience white Christmas and lotsa fun with our nephews. I have been doing minor research on where to go for sightseeing and shopping, we will not be alone, as we have 'personal tour guides' both in Vancouver and Toronto. It's good to have friends and relatives all over the world. :)

Weather forecast: it's currently abt -6 deg'C with wind chill factor in Toronto, *shudders*!

F&P Musical Chair

2008-11-10T23:19:00.003+08:00

Auntie Janet bought this for me from Australia (she asked a friend to bring it back), my belated birthday present. It only cost half of what you get in Sg.

Ah Gong's Birthday

2008-11-10T22:56:00.008+08:00

We went to RSYC to celebrate Ah Gong's birthday yesterday, food was so-so but the ambience was quite good.

2nd Haircut for Samuel

2008-11-03T12:10:00.007+08:00

It has been a traumatizing weekends for Samuel, he had his haircut last Sat & Sun. He don’t like hair cut and will object violently. It took 3 adults to hold him down and we had to do it in 2 sessions. What a nightmare!

Well, the end result is good, nice clean look.

Before

After

This pix was taken 1st 5mins before he woke up. It is near possible to always time his haircut around his sleep cos' he can be quite a light sleeper and he sleeps very little on weekends.

Sam at 13mths old

2008-10-28T12:31:00.004+08:00

Last 2 nights were nightmare, Sam seems to be teething again which is good considering he is a late bloomer. He was grouchy throughout the weekend, sleeping time was not a breeze for him, he toss and turn and cry big time. Lousy mummy lost her patience and daddy had to take over. I hope his 5th teeth emerge soon though nowhere near in sight. Even feeding time is a nightmare, we have to fish out whatever tools we can to distract him and the Wheel on the Bus is the winner, his all time favourite! He can sit thru' the show for a good 20 - 30mins! Admitted I over-used it last 2 days when I ran out of energy to pacify him.

This pix was taken at the Wine Company while we waited to observed JG's class next door.

Come to plain water using his mag mag cup, he couldn't sip thru' the straw but using the straw in a glass of coke, he managed 2 sips, content makes a difference!

Samuel & Mummy

2008-10-15T09:38:00.007+08:00

Can't find a pix of daddy when he was a toddler, with this comparison, we don't look very alike right? Similarity? We both have chubby cheeks, hee hee!

Samuel looks more like Daddy or Mummy?

2008-10-15T09:30:00.002+08:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

New Tricyle - from Da Yi

2008-10-10T17:01:00.003+08:00

Mummy brought me downstairs for an hr last evening to ride on my new tricycle(while waiting for daddy to come home), i still can't cycle on my own yet and mummy has to push me around. Am enjoying it, thank you Da Yi.

P/S: Am proud to say that I have successfully weaned off pacifier, hee hee. Bye bye du du!

Holding my own milk bottle

2008-10-02T23:33:00.003+08:00

Finally mummy decided that she is not going to hold my milk bottle and carry me while I drink milk, i better buck up and don't be lazy. Auntie Rochelle was told not to carry me and hold my bottle while I drink as well unless I cry big time. :)

PS: Am currently in cold turkey treatment, mummy is weaning me off my pacifier, my magic 'nee-tu' which has carried me through my 1st year of growing up. Stay tuned, I shall come back next to update on my determination and success!

Swimming

2008-10-02T23:01:00.003+08:00

Mummy & Daddy brought me to swim for the 2nd time this year, on Hari Raya! I am learning how to thread on water, don't under estimate me ok. :)

Too many pressies

2008-09-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

I cried at the sight of too much pressies, sooo touched, haahahaa!

Don't snatch my pressies, I'll show no mercy!

Fancy cake vs Humble cake

2008-09-16T22:37:00.002+08:00

Fancy cake on my birthday bash last sunday, 14 Sept

Humble cake tonight which mummy bought, haahaa! I prefer the fancy chocolate cake, this one I don't like, too cheesy maybe.

Love note from Daddy

2008-09-16T21:18:00.003+08:00

My Dearest Samuel,

Today is the day that you celebrate your 1st year since you were born. Your birth was one that both your mum and daddy looked forward after waiting for 9 long months as God made you in your mummy’s womb. You are definitely a son that we planned and asked God for and you have been such a blessing to us.

Since the day you were born, your blessings have been so abundant as seen in the number of people that was there for your 1st month celebration, your 1st birthday and of course the gifts and blessings that you received. You will always be a joy to both your mummy and daddy as you continue to grow in stature, strength and wisdom in the sight of both God and man. Even when you are naughty, I will still love you not because of any other reason but that fact that you are my son and a blessing from God to both your mummy and daddy. Remember always that whatever mummy and daddy do, all will always be done with your well-being in mind. Be it in times of showing you our love and tender loving care or when we have to discipline you, it will always be done with your proper development in both character and the fulfillment of your God given destiny in mind.

Daddy will always remember the time when the nurse asked daddy to count your fingers and toes when you were being weight for the first time in Thomson Medical Centre. It was an experience that daddy will always treasure and remember as you grow. You are the first newborn baby that I have ever carried and I remember of how proud I was when you first opened your eyes a few hours after you were born and I saw that you have double eyelids. You were also born with strong neck my son as you were able to turn your head only a few hours after you were born.

I pray that as you continue to grow, you will learn and understand how much both mummy and daddy love you but even more important that you begin to understand God’s love for you and your heritage as a Malay Christian. Remember that the Malay community is also your people as much as the Chinese Community is your people. You are gifted with a rich heritage and I hope that you will grow to enjoy it.

Blessed 1st Birthday Samuel!

Your loving father

Birthday Boy

2008-09-16T17:18:00.004+08:00

Today I am ONE year old, see how happy I am....a big boy now.

I am very blessed with lotsa gifts and angbao, thank you aunties and uncles, ah ma and ah gong.

I am going to take aeroplane in 3mths time, yipppeee....to visit my Auntie Ani, Uncle Fai, Cousin Vicent and Jason in Toronto, can't wait to meet them for the 1st time. Thanks Auntie Ani & family for sponsoring our trip, so generous of you, I will give you a big hug and kiss ok! :)

Love note to my dear son, Samuel

2008-09-15T14:23:00.005+08:00

Dear Samuel
You will turn ONE official tomorrow.

I thank God for bringing you into my life and a joy to me. As I look back, it has been an awesome and fruitful year that I have led, with you in my life.

I would not exchange anything for you, the 10-11hrs of labor that I went through was definitely worth it although mummy had to opt for emergency C-section because of your big crown.

Seeing how you have grown up from a tiny babe to a 10kg toddler now, am so proud of you and in awe by God, who has created you so beautifully in his image.

Nevermind the tantrum that you love to throw whenever we did not pick you up when we walked by the play yard or playpen, we love you just the way you are. Your constant smile and giggles with high pitched laughters always erases my burdens, frustration and fears. You are my happy baby, always beaming with a smile.

Together with daddy, we will try our very best to provide for you and demonstrating God’s love in our daily walk together so that you can experience Jesus and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour as you grow up.

Happy 1st Birthday my dear Samuel and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you.

Love always
Mummy

Which is real and which is fake orange?

2008-09-03T10:11:00.003+08:00

Mummy passed me 2 oranges last night, i looked at them and was amused & amazed. Guess which is the real one?

Mee Sua

2008-08-31T00:11:00.003+08:00

Mummy cooked mee sua for me today, added carrots and egg yolk too, it was yummy.

Trial class at Playdays

2008-08-30T23:31:00.009+08:00

We joined some August babes for a trial class at Playdays, it was fun! Here's some snapshots of what we did!

Samuel met samuel.... hee hee!
Arty Farty Me!

Makan time and hungry for more!

Mummy reading a book to me.

Sam is God's gift to us

2008-08-30T23:27:00.003+08:00

Coordinated Sam in yellow, sitting in a pooh box...ain't he cute?

Issac's birthday party

2008-08-30T22:36:00.005+08:00

The birthday boy Issac was not in sight, having his milk feed then. We went ahead to take a shot, with my twin, jovan, Jasmine & Serena. Nice decor!

National Day

2008-08-16T15:19:00.005+08:00

The weather was fantastic, we went for morning walk at the Southern Ridges. The Southern Ridges comprise a 9-kilometre chain of green, open spaces spanning the rolling hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park before ending at West Coast Park. We started off the walk at Hortpark and ended at Henderson Waves before walking back to Hortpark, therefore totalling approx. 4km I supposed.

Joslyn and her sister Janelle(my god-daughter).

This is Rowena, invited her and family to join us for the walk, she is back from Shanghai for a short holiday

Fun Olympic @ Trinity @ Paya Lebar

2008-08-05T22:25:00.003+08:00

Last sunday we had fun, it was a West Adam event. Of cos' Sam did not miss it.

Sam has a goodie bag too! What a blessing to be a kiddo :)

This is Tenessa, she is 1.5yrs old, very adorable girl although she seldom smile. She is very petite in size too, the drum looked over-sized for her, thanks to her kiasu mummy...Hee hee!

Birthday celebration for my long time buddy

2008-08-05T22:20:00.000+08:00

My twin & I celebrated Serena's birthday at Seafood Pradise @ Defu Lane last thursday. I have been having crab craving for the past 2 months. The creamy butter crab was fantastic, beats the one at Melban! The crab vermicelli was so-so after the creamy butter crab, the other dishes taste mediocre only... hee hee! (forgot to snap the pix of the drunken prawns, that was very nice too!)

One of their signature crab dishes, creamy butter crabs! Sedap!!!

I been wanting to show off this great buy, 3-1 cutlery...can be used as fork, spoon and knife!

Additional family member.

2008-07-30T13:55:00.002+08:00

Our recent addition to the family, my brother bought a Labrador and it causes an uproar in the family...my mum. Oh well, it's a matter of time she will accept the dog, my mum is soft at heart, will eventually embrace this new friend.

When the master sleeps, the dog sleeps too, hee hee!

29 July 2008 - my nightmare came true.

2008-07-30T08:53:00.003+08:00

Last night, as usual, Sam refuse to drink milk and was fighting war with us. We decided to pat him back to sleep, heck the milk! As always, I will pat him to sleep on our bed before transferring him to his playpen. After awhile, I thought he has slept already and I also drift into lala-land. The next moment I was awoken by a loud cry, gosh, where is Sam now, not on the bed? He has landed on the floor facedown, it was an accident that should not happened. Learnt my lesson, never fall asleep when he is on my bed! As expected, I got a big scolding from hubby for not able to prevent this from happening despite umpteen times of warning from him. :(

His favourite color is PURPLE for now!

2008-07-26T14:04:00.002+08:00

We did a color test on sam this morning. We deliberately clustered various coloured balls together and several times, he picked out the purple ball. We also tried giving him 1 purple ball and 1 other colored ball, all the time, he will throw away 1 ball and NOT purple one. How amazing that he knows what is 'favourite' one.

Where's the blue ball?! Stay tune... it might be blue next!

Getting ready to sleep..

2008-07-26T13:42:00.006+08:00

Sam can't sleep on his own yet, mummy always need to pat him to sleep before transferring to his playpen. After he turns 1 yr old, will need to train him to sleep on his own. It's always the guilt conscious of a FTWM to want to pamper the son when she comes home from work, rock/cradle/pat baby to sleep, anything to make him happy.

look at his rib sticking out!! Need more fattening up? *hee* *hee*

My humble bowl of fish porridge with pumpkin

2008-07-21T08:15:00.003+08:00

Aunty Sin Yee & my mummy have been debating whose little ones eat the most, finally mummy snap a pix here for her to see how much I have been eating for my dinner. :)

~My little pearlie emerged on my 10mths~

2008-07-21T08:09:00.004+08:00

Voila! Finally my little pearlie emerged, mummy has been waiting for the longest time.

Samuel turned 10mths on 16th July'08

2008-07-16T22:19:00.018+08:00

My little boy turns 10mths old this month, how time flies. Soon, he will be turning 1yr old and will be toddling around. He is still teething, still toothless!

Here's some pixs to share, brought him to Fidgets with Rowena & her kiddos.
gosh..sam how audacious of you to seduce Shayne!!

Oh well, little tiffs and there, they had fun!

Obviously enjoying the car ride and mind you...1 hand on the steering wheel too, like a pro. :)

What a colourful life Samuel leads!

Sam at 8 months...

2008-07-13T23:33:00.000+08:00

We brought Samuel to Foto-U for studio shoots on 30 May 2008. He started off quite well but half way through, he started to be cranky. Glad this was a 1hr shoot and not 2hrs, here's some photos to share.

Primary School Gathering at Serena's Place on 22nd June 2008.

2008-07-13T23:18:00.006+08:00

Finally I have migrated all the postings from live journal to blogspot and can resume my blogging project.

We gather abt 2 times a year excluding kiddos' birthdays or new birth celebration. Sam had a nap on Issac's swing almost immediate when we reached there. He was up and cheery an hr later and ready to play.

My 1st date with Jan at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (May 23rd 2008)

2008-07-09T23:58:00.003+08:00

Jan's mummy said that dating has to be done during daytime, not night time for us yet. Oh well...we better abide by the rules else no more further dates, hmmph!

Come Jan, don't be shy...relax...this is our 1st date (under adult supervisor of cos)

Sam...am abit scare, so many ppl watching us....we must behave ourselves ok, else no more dates for us. :)

Don't be scared Jan, I will protect you... (gazing each others in the eyes...LOL)

8mths old (May 23rd 2008)

2008-07-09T23:52:00.004+08:00

Woohoo..am 1 month older again...*claps*! This Carter romper which my mummy asked Auntie Carlise to buy from US even before I was conceived, mummy so prophetic ...know that I will be a boy and not a girl, hahahhahaha!

Contented Me.. (May 4th 2008)

2008-07-09T23:45:00.006+08:00

I went to auntie serena's house to test out Issac's new FP swing....shiok...didn't want to come down, hee hee!

Sat on the push car for the 1st time at grandma's house today, mummy did not push me along as it was meant to test out if i like it anot. So what do you think?

Recent toys collection... (May 4th 2008)

2008-07-09T23:37:00.004+08:00

Mummy & Daddy went ga-ga at the recent Mattel warehouse sales and bought these toys for me...among others.

Musical Thomas is a gift from auntie Serena, she is very nice, queued for 2 hrs+ to test out that it is a working set at the ToysaRus warehouse sales.

Introducing Parsnip ... (April 23rd 2008)

2008-07-09T23:31:00.004+08:00

Today mummy blended 2 parsnips (only yield 1 tray) and make a tray of puree for me, i will get to taste it soon, i think it smells nice.

Parsnips for Baby Food - Age for Introduction to Baby: 6-8 Months Below extracted from www.wholesomebabyfood.com
The Goodness of Parsnips:
Parsnips contain calcium and vitamin C. They also contain fiber and a bit of protein too! As a food for baby, parsnips bring a nice nutty/sweet flavour.

PARSNIP (1 cup - boiled)

VITAMINS: Vitamin A - 0 IU

Vitamin C - 20.3 mg

Niacin - 1.1 mg

Folate - 90 mcg

Thiamine - .12 mg

Pantothenic Acid - .9 mg

Vitamin K - 1.6 mg

Contains some other vitamins in small amounts

MINERALS

Potassium - 573 mg

Sodium - 16 mg

Calcium - 58 mg

Phosphorus - 108mg

Magnesium - 45 mg

Iron - .9 mg

Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.

I'm 7 months already... (April 22nd 2008)

2008-07-09T23:16:00.009+08:00

Seven ...perfect number!

I have reached many milestones already.
I can flip back and forthI can sit unsupported.
I can crawl.
I can stand with support.
I can cruise with support.
I can kick in excitement while daddy & mummy carry.
I can blow bubbles.

100% Snuggly.

Comfortably in the Beco carrier.....mummy piggyback me while she went out for lunch last sat, she decided this position is better as it won't interfere with her eating her favorite yong tau foo. Mummy thinks this is the best baby carrier as she don't feel back strained nor my full weight, in fact she commented that I am 50% lighter in this carrier...hee hee...more room for expansion eh?!

New Toy!!! Leapfrog Drum (April 1st 2008)

2008-07-09T23:13:00.001+08:00

Da dang!! See my new leapfrog drum toy, given to me by aunty Audrey, she is such a nice person, though have not met me in person but have already bought me lotsa clothes and now...a new toy! She told mummy next time if want to buy leapfrog toys, must give her a ring, hiak hiak hiak! Let me think what's next....OOps...hope she don't read this. Haahaa!

Yeah..another new toy to add to my collection. I love toys that lit up and play music, they simply intrigue me!

Dozing off in my high chair (April 1st 2008)

2008-07-09T23:10:00.002+08:00

I was watching my daddy & mummy having dinner las night till I dozed off...they bore me! (nolah, actually this was the result of playing too much in the daytime and not enough sleep, joyce yee commented I got eye bags liao...chiam!!)

The famous models (Mar 2008)

2008-07-09T23:07:00.003+08:00

My cousin Jovan & me, ain't we photogenic? *wink* *wink*

My new friend ...Jerald Jen (Mar 2008)

2008-07-09T22:57:00.009+08:00

Yesterday daddy and mummy brought me to vist my new friend Jerald. Wow...Jerald has 2 teeth popped out already while I am still 'bo gay'.

This pix was taken at 'Joyce Yee' hse, sitting on her bed.

Look at my thunder thighs...hiak hiak..strong legs ok, don't play play!

On Good Friday (Mar 2008)

2008-07-09T22:49:00.007+08:00

I have been enjoying my solid food ie. cereal & puree alot and on good friday, mummy made broccoli puree for me, my 1st taste of it was disgusting, cos' it sure doesn't taste nice. Mummy decided to mix it with cereal to blend the horrible taste in and it taste quite yummy.

My 1st ride in a carseat. This is passed down from 'san yee' in-law family but the buckle is faulty, daddy promised to get me a new one soon, else they gonna leave me in the car seat if they can't unbuckle me...*sniff sniff*

Da Dang! See my new royal throne...Mummy bought over from auntie joey(Ashton's mummy) since she got it as a gift and it is similar to what she already has, got it at a steal...hee hee!

See my new friend Ashton and his pretty mummy... :)

Sam in his playpen (March 2008)

2008-07-09T22:39:00.005+08:00

I'm having a licking time in the playpen, licking on the netting...exploring my taste bud.

Peach Puree...yum!

2008-07-05T08:45:00.003+08:00

Tonight mummy made for me peach puree...new fruit to try out tomorrow.....yummy! These peaches are very expensive, 4 for $11 but they are super big and sweet.

I can sit up and climb (March 2008)

2008-07-05T07:59:00.007+08:00

Trying to kaypo and see what mummy & daddy are doing....

Tired out after a long time playing inside...pick me up mummy!!

Playing in my play yard...exploring the toys attached to the panel. I love my bumper mat..so comfy.

6 months old versus 1 week old (March2008)

2008-06-29T23:02:00.005+08:00

See how I have grown... big boy now.

This is mummy's old friend, auntie Julie who came back with her son from Australia on a short holiday back to Singapore. We headed for Botanical garden to meet up with Auntie Charmaine and Uncle Fai as well as their 2 boys, forgot to take pix of them, next time ok.

At grandma's hse, waiting for my dinner to be served! Hurry up....

Puree TIme (March 2008)

2008-06-29T22:48:00.006+08:00

Daddy & Mummy have been diligently making puree for my meals. Apple Puree, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Pear & Pumpkin Puree...yummy yum!

Am having sweet potato mixed with rice cereal, see my disgusted look...actually is because am getting very full already...not that it's not yummy.

What I like to do (Mar08)

2008-06-29T22:35:00.005+08:00

Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeether time. My fav. past time now

this is what i like to do when nobody is free to carry me, horse around in my cot.

My high throne...where i sit on during my makan time!

Cool Sam

2008-06-29T22:30:00.002+08:00

This is my passport photo...handsome right? :)

See Sam Cool....this cool shades is Christmas gift from my girlfriend Jan ok! don't play play...

My 1st CNY 2008

2008-06-29T22:26:00.004+08:00

Family photo...before heading to Great grandma's house...these clothes were very warm! See my grimace face.

My 1st Christmas 2007

2008-06-03T18:29:00.015+08:00

Mummy...it's only June08 and you're posting Christmas Pixs?!!

This is my my 'san yi', she looks just like mummy...and mummy is holding cousin Jovan! We went for hi-tea together with Ah ma, Da Yi, Auntie Sharon, Uncle Linus and Auntie April.

This is my happy family..Daddy, Mummy & Me!

Wow, so many friends!

2008-06-03T18:21:00.008+08:00

Sept Mummies having gathering at Emily's place on 29th Dec07!

Some random pixs

2008-06-03T18:12:00.008+08:00

Samuel's Birth Story

2008-05-28T23:11:00.008+08:00

Hello..I'm little Samuel(aka SamSam)...My parents have been procrastinating to do up this journal for me, finally i decided better to help them least they forgotten totally about it. My birth story is rather short, on the morning of 16th Sept 2007...

9:00am Daddy brought Mummy checked into TMC and she was sent to observation room to change.
10:15am Mummy in labor ward and Dr. Woody came and broke her water bag
11:15am Requested for Epidural and subsequently topped up additional 3 units of Epi

After mummy went through 9hrs of labour and i still refuse to emerge, Dr Woody had to deliver me via emergency C-sec which was a brief half hour episode...wheee!

Daddy commented that my 1st cries were as soft as the cries of cats, soft soft ones. Hiak, hiak...they didn't know what am capable to do yet.

Time of Birth: 1953hrs

Birth Weight: 3.215kg

Length: 50cm

Head circumference: 34cm