TWO! - The Celebration

It was really simple this year.

No fancy.

No fanfare.

Just some balloons from Daiso, a banner from last year which we didn't use, and poster pages from this mook that I saved five years ago.

I stuck three of the pages over our existing frames in the dining room, with blu-tack so that they are easy to remove. But they are still there because these drawings brighten the area, and are a nice change to our original 'artwork'. 

The universe is pretty amazing - the way it has things planned. I had wanted to rush home to do up some hanging Suzy's zoo garland so that J's surprise can start the moment she's at the door. But on the way home from the wedding lunch (which was supposed to be J's birthday experience), I walked past a party store and picked up these streamers instead. She was indeed surprised. I hope I'll never forget the way she looks at the streamers and the way she gasps "de..co..ra..tions..!" 

My sister was available that evening too (I appreciate that both brother-in-law and her came over despite it being bil's birthday too!) and she came over with what J always wanted - helium balloons. In her favourite character. The delight, priceless.

We had a really tiny cake, but it must be the sweetest treat I've ever tasted this year.

*****

We agreed on giving J a birthday experience instead of throwing a huge party. 

It was supposed to be my dear friend's wedding lunch this year but it has been proven that it will be challenging for J to sit through the banquet.

I did plan some before and after her birthday, though.

The day before J's birthday, we visited S.E.A Aquarium with a little friend. Some trick-or-treating took place. We hugged jack-o-lanterns, and waved to skeletons. It was fun to watch the two littles holding each other like they are the best of pals, even though this was only the third time they met. (The first two meetings were brief.)

The day after J's birthday was Daddy's birthday, so we went for a good dinner and J got to eat adult food. Two is a pretty good age. I've not seen her this quiet when we are out dining.

Adult food is great. Look at how her face lights up at the sight of "my piz-sa".

That's rosti in her bowl. 

It was really rather simple this year.
We might have bent the party rules a little by having a mini party but little one is really happy.
She still looks at her birthday videos fondly - the one where she blew the candles (with our help).
And that's all that matters.

{Dear Baby} TWO!

This came a few days late but J was back to the night time struggle of "I-want-to-sleep-no-I-don't-want-to" and it's getting more challenging with the twos. But here is it. Happy birthday, sweetheart.


Dear Baby,

Thank you for another wonderful year. 

Two years ago, you made me a mom, and I couldn't be more grateful that it's you. I looked back at the letter a wrote to you a year ago. Some things have changed, but some things remain the same. 

You're as insistent as you were about independence. Much more now.
We are having this power struggle lately where you have opinions on what to wear, what to eat, what shoes to buy. Sometimes, I'm not even sure if I should laugh or cry at tour new-found independence. It drives me a little crazy sometimes.

You can now self-feed, and as much as I was worried about the cup milestone, you are now able to drink from the cup by yourself, albeit late. You really learn so much faster from other children.

You now dress yourself when I lay out your clothes for you, if you want to.

And you can now put on your own socks. We're still working on the shoes but you're halfway there.

At two, I can safely say that you're fully potty-trained now, even though we still put your diapers on at night and when we go out for long periods, as a precautionary measure. (Edit: We are on Day 2 of diaper-free nights!) It's been a month so I think I won't jinx myself.

19 months ago, I was worried about you the whole time, because at three months of age, you appear to not like interaction - you just stare and not respond. Little did I know that you were observing what's going around. Now, you just keep talking and narrating little stories of your experiences (like the air gun at Polliwogs, and our aquarium trip). You sing and hum too, and you're getting the melodies right. You do have quite a repertoire of songs. You're back to babbling made-up words too. I think that's a toddler thing?

Quiet activities (other than reading) don't seem to be as enjoyable for you as outdoor activities are. You prefer to be on the go. So full of energy. Imaginative play is still your favourite form of play and you are pretty good at it. We're at the princess-phase lately. I guess every little girl goes through that stage. Just that day you picked out a skirt "because Elsa wears this."

I've noticed a few qualities about you that I hope stays with you throughout your life.

Sensibility - if you noticed that I'm unwell or hurt, you'll come over voluntarily and give me a hug.

You do the same to other family members as well. When popo had to go take care of great-grandma, you told her to "go,go." Even though we know that you very much wanted her to take care of you for that day.

Empathy - You look on with concern when you see a little child cry. When we injure ourselves, you place your hand on us and asks gently, "are you okay?"

Being true to yourself - I'm not sure if this is also a child-thing but you are true to your feelings. If you're happy, you are. If you're angry, you'll also let us know why. It's always honest. No hiding.

Giving - You don't really give yet. But when we are at the playground and a younger child follows behind you, you'll always move aside and let them go down the slide first.

Love of reading - You love to read. You still do. One day I couldn't see you around me and I called out to you to find out where you were. "I'm reading!" That response warms my heart so much. I hope that love of reading and learning stays.

Continue to be curious, be fun. be strong and be brave.
Like you are now.

I know that I might have yelled at you a few times when you were mischievous. But you are always a blessing to me. You'll always be.

Because of you, I've become stronger. 

Thank you for being you. 

I love you to bits.

Smooches and Cuddles,
Mommy

Celebrating Singapore's 50th

This year, Singapore celebrates her 50th birthday.

Flags line the street and most of the flats have been decorated with flags and banners. I even spotted one with twinkling lights.

It's a sight J sees everyday on the way to Grandma School. But she doesn't quite understand what National Day is about, yet. To her, it just involves loud planes and in her words, "sooooo many flags".

She won't remember the SG50 celebrations and how much we have progressed from a small fishing village, but I want her to have a piece of memory from this important year. 

Which is perfect when we stumble upon this: Red and white void deck@ Tampines

This installation caught our attention right after we got off the bus, because, see the aeroplane? J loves aeroplanes. I didn't think much of it until we saw another one when we walked to Grandma's. J stopped to take a closer look because she spotted what else, but Hello Kitty. I took a snapshot of that moment, and loved it very much.

After a quick google, I found out that there will be 250 of such installations in Tampines and I thought it will be fun to hunt for them. It  It will be great to make a photo collage out of these photos - J's little piece of SG50.

We found out the location of the Merlion and went for a mini photoshoot the next day.

Then my mum spotted the Samsui Women in the nearby blocks.

And the Butterfly Garden and City Hall after a "tip-off" from my uncle.

The uncle got roped in because my mum and I got too excited and I texted all friends and family staying in Tampines to help lookout for new designs.

To date, we have found and taken photos of: 

1. Changi Airport

2. Merlion

3. Samsui Women

4. The Arts House (formerly Old Parliment Building)

5. Vanda "Miss Joaqium"

6. Butterfly Garden

7. City Hall

I'm not posting the photos so as not to spoil the fun but if you are interested, they are on my Instagram feed (@pinkmint).

From friends and family, as well as keeping our eyes peeled while travelling on the buses, we also spotted 

8. Stamford Raffles

9. Singa, the courtesy lion

10. Sentosa Island

11. Dragon playground

12. Gardens by the Bay

13. Satay Club

We sure hope to pop by for a mini photoshoot soon!

I think there are more and I'm really curious to find out how many designs there are. If you are in Tampines, do try to spot them. It's really quite fun!

***

I've been hoping to do some National Day craft/activity with J, but as the day approaches, this is the only thing I managed to do (and it took a long long time).

Activity: Flag Puzzle

With some felt, I made a simple flag for J to 'stick' on the stars and crescent. The flag looks out of proportion due to my inability to cut straight lines. 

I had intended to sew the outlines on but it's too time consuming so Sharpie came to the rescue. 

The 'learning objectives' I hope to achieve.

1. Shape matching - fitting the shapes appropriately. J was okay with the stars but is still working hard on placing the crescent in the correct orientation.

2. Identification of shapes (stars and crescent, which J calls it "moon" as of now.)

3. Counting (count the stars) It starts off nicely then 1...2...3...4....5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10!

4. The colour "red" which I failed for now.

***

The nation's Golden Jubilee is in 5 days. And even though I do dream up a themed party, I know it will not materialise -because I'm too lazy-. I'm hoping that the Jubilee weekend will be well-spent with the family though. :)

  

Tulipmania at Gardens By the Bay

Early this month, we celebrated Mummy's birthday with a trip to Gardens by the Bay.

It was a rare opportunity for a family trip, so it's extra special to me.

I've always wanted to check out Tulipmania but never made it to any during the past years somehow. So, I am extremely grateful that the family doesn't mind making that our destination.

It was also a 'field trip' for Grandma School that day.

Cool-Dry Observatory, Flower Dome
I'm glad it's air-conditioned because it was scorching hot outside.
Before it poured, that it.
The cacti reminded me of the visit to the Subtropical Botanic Garden in Hallim Park, South Korea.

As I was walking in from the left, I thought it is an elephant. 

Living Rocks. Spot them!

Tulipmania
This year's theme - Fairytales.
Right up my alley!

We couldn't spot Thumbelina while we were there. Then I reviewed the photos and there she is!

  

The familiar fairytales we know of.

It's quite gorgeous.

The Little Red Riding Hood display is a little creepy though. Freaked me out a little.

All of us had a camera of some sort (either phone or a real camera) and we were snapping away.

The little one looked like she wanted a camera so we gave her the empty Polaroid case and told her its her camera.

She snapped away, very seriously.

Some friends commented that this year's display was a little disappointing because the first year they went, the whole dome was filled with tulips and not just the Flower Field. I guess with little to no expectations at all since it was my first time there, it was more enjoyable.

But of course, what matters most is the company.
Looking back at the photos, I love the bonding opportunity.
Mummy and Daddy took some couple shots which turned out to be a pretty hilarious experience. J couldn't stop laughing. I especially adore that set of photos of J with her uncle and aunt. The Cheeky Three.
Super thankful that J is a lucky girl who is showered with so much love and super thankful for a fun family like this.

Angbao (Red Packet) Organisation System

Since I have quite a few friends and family members joining the league of angbao distribution, I'll share a bit on how I organise mine. Of course, a system is not entirely necessary but you'll see how being slightly more organised can make things easier.

Especially during the festive season when things can get really crazy.
My greatest fear for angbao distribution would be to either give one of the wrong value, miss anyone out, or worse, give out empty ones.
Disastrous.

I started off, like most newly married couples, with packets of red packets stacked in a corner of my bookshelves. Most people do that right?
No biggie. Why do you even need a system for something like that? 

That is until I realise I have collected enough to form a leaning tower in my bookshelf.
It is messy.
And those red packets kept wrapped in plastics just won't stay nicely stacked on top of each other.
And... when I try to get the red packets ready for CNY, oh, don't get me started...

Here's what I use:

Plastic container from Daiso. 

I got the biggest in size so that I can stuff everything in neatly and when the container closes, it just takes up the space of... the container! I tend to buy a lot of new red packets each year because honestly, who can resist those adorable designs that gets better each year? The containers also helps keep me in check. It's currently bursting at the seams (it would if it had any) so it's a visual reminder that I should stop buying.

All the empty red packets are nicely 'filed' in so i just pick out the ones I want, and slot them back in before picking out another design. Once I have the new notes exchanged, I also pop those in the container so that when I'm ready to pack the red packets, everything is in one place.


Red packet organiser / Ziplock bags

I have two.

Thank goodness I have two. The red packets won't fit in just one.
One for the husband's family, one for mine.
Once the red packets are packed according to the list, I slot them into the red packet organiser immediately so that I won't leave them out accidentally.
Of course, being the worrywart I am, I'll still do a quick run-through the day before.
Just to make sure.


The handy dandy noteboook

I used to keep a list on a pieces of paper. Then my sister gave the brilliant idea of writing it in a book. A list is important because you wouldn't want to miss anyone out.
Really.


The 'holding' crate

Yet another "I'll-use-it-one-day" item I got from Daiso.
The notebook fits it perfectly and I keep all the organisers together in the crate.
When Chinese New Year comes, I'll just make sure I empty the crate (minus the notebook) and I'm set for the day.


It may seem like something really simple, but having this system allows me to get the red packets ready weeks prior Chinese New Year.
I love that I can just take out the container and crate, move them to any room I want to prepare the red packets, then pop them right back into my Dröna box. 

And it gets kept away neatly until the first day of the Chinese New Year.
I know my red packets are all ready and most importantly, I know exactly where they are. So, even if I'm busy with the baby, I can still get the husband to help me pack those into my bag. Just clear the crate! ;)

When the festivities is over, the red packets remain in the box, occupying minimal space until the next year.

Sidenote:
Packing red packets the night before used to be fun because it really builds up the anticipation to welcome the new year. But with a new baby, it's better to be more well-prepared. :)

Hey 2015!

Hey 2015!

You are looking great so far!

Keep it coming. ;)

I know that J has grown up a lot but I didnt realise just how much until I visited an ex-colleague and her new baby yesterday. Newborns are so tiny. I can't recalled how tiny she was but J was this small once. 

My other ex-colleague's 11-month-old was really excited and curious about her new friend and I know J would be too if I had brought her along. (She was napping and boy, every minute of sleep is just so precious!) J used to do the "Oo!" too but lately, she just seems to be going all big-girl, she doesn't appear to be excitable as easily, and would tell us to "sit", or "sleep" and sometimes, say "no no!" quite adamantly.

The short visit was great. it allowed me to carh uo with my friends whom I haven't spoke to for a year (?!). But I also reminded me that whatever may come in 2015, I should, and I will, focus on my little one and the family. Because they are the ones that matter most. And kids grow up too fast. 

(J can have pigtails now!)

Here's to a wonderful year ahead! 

Goodbye 2014!

As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect a little. I'm going to keep it short this time round. And no new year resolutions this year because I don't fulfil them anyway. I am trying something different but let's see if I manage to get it done by 2015.

2014 hasn't been an excellent year but it does mark a year of growth for me as a mother and a person.

I had a rather bumpy start to 2014. I became the most disgruntled person I could ever been. I was angry and upset at almost everything. But it was also due to the events that I learned to speak up for myself. And that it's time I was more assertive. 

I was also worried nuts about J's development and growth.

"Was I feeding her enough?"

"Does she even sleep enough?"

"Will she start talking soon?"

Thank goodness she is growing well and has been really happy and sensible. (Other than when she's sleepy.) I wouldn't ask for more. My posts have usually been those keeping track of her progress because I really want to remember every single detail. I feel I need to do it to make up for the time we lost as a family when she was a newborn. They are not meant to be "bragging posts" if they do appear as such.

2014 also saw the little sister getting married but the family got closer than ever.

As 2015 nears, we also realise that we have too many gadgets in the house that could very well go to an elephant sanctuary because we don't use them. (White elephants?) So no more new gadgets in the coming year.

Quite honestly, I don't really remember the events that took place but I do know that towards the end of the year, I am a much happier person, with a wonderful family to hang out with, and friends who love me. And I'm really grateful for what I have now. 

I'm not sure where this blog is heading but I'm sure it will stay for J to read it one day. (If Blogger stays.)

I set up a Facebook page for it just for fun because I don't want to flood my personal Facebook account with statuses like "Aww.. my baby just smiled so sweetly at me. I couldn't even..."

I haven't posted any statuses of that sort, yet.

Thank you for the love you have shown me in 2014. See you in 2015. And let's make it a great one!

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas carols played in the background. Bing Crosby. Michael Bublé. And there we are, on the couch, just lounging in our Christmas pjs. A mug of hot chocolate in my hands, we watch a Christmas movie. Never mind if there's only a tape tree this year. It's still perfect. 

*BAM*

That's just the ideal scenario in my head. The reality is far from it.

There was no Christmas pjs. I was the only one in Christmas pjs. It was too cold for the baby to put on hers - the neckline is too loose.

 The husband has a headache. The baby refuses to sleep. We were in bed for two hours and she was still wide awake. 

There was no opportunity for Christmas movies.

We did have Milo and ginger thins though.

I slept before midnight and had a long draggy dream about what food to buy in the food court. 

It was the most boring Christmas Eve I had thus far.

BUT..!

We woke to a happy baby who did potty time just after she woke. 

Thanks to the cool weather so the little one requested to put on her Christmas pjs. 

I managed to get a decent Christmas shot and we are heading over to my sister's for a mini party later.

All is good this Christmas. :)

Happy Christmas everyone! 

O' Christmas Tree

We considered putting up the tree this year if J is able to keep her hands off it but there's no stopping her. J loves ornaments and have been touching, sometimes tugging, the ones she sees at the malls and those on the neighbour's tree. We have a rather tall and unstable tree so the chances of it being uprooted are like 99.999%.

I tried to convince myself that just three stockings hanging on the wall would be sufficient. It wasn't. 

So I threaded together the poms poms I got from Daiso and made a garland for the playroom. 

Nope.

How can there not be a tree this Christmas? 

A quick search in my washi tape stash did the trick.

We have a tree after all! It's small and wonky and awkwardly placed because I need to keep it out of reach. But at least we have a 'tree'!