{Letters to Baby 2} 10.5 months old

Yes,  I had a another baby close to a year ago.


Dear Baby,

I'm sorry this took so long. It has been really difficult to pen down anything before this.
Time flies. You are 10.5 months old now!

After two weeks of false alarm (mainly scaring myself most of the time), you arrived-- a tiny little bundle. The pregnancy hasn't been exactly smooth sailing so we are very relieved and glad that you are healthy and well.


EAT
You suckle well though and caught up on weight rather quickly.
We started you on solids about 1-2 months ago because you kept smacking your lips while we are having our meals and boy, you eat well!  You've even tried some of jiejie's rice -- you love those. You like texture in you food so rice cereals and purees aren't that appealing to you.

MOVING ABOUT
You now have 3 teeth, the fourth peeking out slowly.
You crawl really fast now, especially to jiejie and I wonder if i really is it, but sometimes, I catch a glint of mischief in your eyes before you scurry away. You have already puled yourself up to stand for quite a while now but recently, I noticed you are trying to go hands-free. You managed one step between the children's table and me tonight. Loads of practice going on there.


PLAY
You have a little tinker box filled with rainbow puzzles and stacking cups. You enjoy playing with those while jiejie works on her activities. I say jiejie a lot because you really love her. Well, maybe not so much when she first returned home from popo's, You were two weeks old and two weeks of quiet with just the adults at home, a loud preschooler was a little too much for you. I remember you look rather annoyed. But you take to jiejie fast. In fact, you gave her your sweetest smile and your first chuckle.


HANDS
You have learnt to clap and you are starting to wave goodbye.


BABBLES
"teh teh " (jiejie)was the first word you used meaningfully after some baby babbles.
You call me "meh meh" (mummy) and just today, you imitated jiejie in calling Daddy when she as searching for him in the supermarket.
She called "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"and I heard you mumbling after her while I was babywearing you.
During bedtime tonight, you gave a sneaky smile as you crawled to look towards the door after Daddy left the room and called out "Deh deh". Jiejie called for Daddy to enter and you called after him again when he left. This happened about three times and you seem to find it funny.

Other babbles include:
um!
Come
take/tap
bad (Bread?)
bah-au bah-au (I supposed you mean baobao)



Dear Baby,
Even though I seem to leave you alone playing most of the time while I busy myself with chores and jiejie, know that I love you a lot.
Loads.
I love you.

Smooches and kisses,
Mommy.

Today. Yesterday. Tomorrow.

Today I was looking through my camera feed for something to post on Instagram.
Something to document my everyday.
I have resorted to social media for that, unfortunately.
It was then I realised how little photos of J I have in my camera feed as opposed to her little-baby days.

We used to take many selfies. Many a day.
That was a period where I was trying to establish the fact that I'm already a mom.
That I have a little person to care for and nurture, and that it was time to grow up.
Lil' J can't do much then and I wasn't sure how I was supposed to interact with her, so I turned to selfies. Capturing moments. Locking in those baby days.
The milestones.
Her puffy cheeks.
Her little hands.
That cheeky smile.
The tip-toe.

Then she grew a little older and started on more activities at grandma's.
I still took many photos then, to document the learning activities we expose her to, as well as her response to it.

I have no idea when the quantity of photos dwindled.
Perhaps it was when I decided to try to capture moments with my eyes and heart instead of the camera.
Or maybe activities nowadays involved doctor-play everyday. Or perhaps, she can play more independently now so I usually let her be while I busied myself with other things.


Today, I remembered how big she has grown. Her hair is so long now that we can tie a pretty decent pony tail.
I have noticed how much she has grown, and how fast that was, but sometimes, I forget.
I forget that she is only two-and-a-half, so even though most of the days she behaves like a big kid, there are times when she behaves just her age - and not that she was trying to be naughty.
I forget to give her cuddles and kisses some days, amidst the daily grind and
'me-time". (Yes, I do get quite a bit of "me-time" now.)
Sometimes, I even forget *gasp!* that she will continue to grow and not wait for me.


Tomorrow, I may not have more pictures of J in my phone. But I will continue to capture them in my heart.
I will attempt to slow time down, and enjoy every single moment, be it the happy ones or frustrating ones -those are part of her growing up too.
I will give her more hugs and kisses before she grows up and starts feeling awkward about them.

Wait, maybe I'll just do that later.

{Dear Baby} 2.5 years old

Hallo, my big girl.
You are really a big girl already, aren't you?

Within this month, you have progressed so much and have become so independent.
Quite a few milestones met, and honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed.
You're growing so fast.
Too fast.

This is a major milestone - you shifted into your new 'bedroom' a few days before you turned 2.5 years old.
It was by accident and somehow happened naturally.
We are all so proud of you, and you are darn proud of yourself.
That look on your face when you wake each morning and realised, you slept on your own (with your animal friends and the stars) - priceless.


You are also learning to button up now.
You did mine somehow so I guess that's what motivated you.
Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it doesn't. And you get really frustrated.


You have also been extremely helpful in the kitchen and around the house.
We baked a bread together.
We have also upgraded your wiper stick into a handheld vacuum and you do your chores very seriously. I'm not supposed to cover the areas you did because you "just cleaned it and it's very, very clean now."

You talk like an adult.
You gave me "well done, mama!" hugs when you think I need some encouragement.
And you are not stingy on complimenting others.


You also love pretend play.
I gave you a vet kit toy set since we were talking about occupations this month, and you played with it for days. It's been 3 days and you're still very much excited about opening your clinic each morning.


We are also hearing you tell and retell stories.
Some, it was memorisation.
Some, you retold by looking at the pictures.
And the funniest ones were when you try to tell a story while looking at a blank notebook.
Love your imagination.


BUT...
growing up also meant that you are a lot more vocal in expressing yourself.
We have been getting a lot of "I DON'T WANT"s lately.
This, not so enjoyable.
I'm hoping we move on from this phase soon.

That said, you are still my happy little bub most of the time, so stay that way.
Love you loads.


Cuddles and smooches,
Momma

The things I love about you #7

Extra sentimental lately as we approach 2.5 years of motherhood.

As I watch you grow.

As you encourage me to take on new adventures.

1. I love the way you twirl your hair when you are drinking milk. That's probably the most baby-ish thing about you.
   
2. I love how mature you are sometimes. How you tell me to "be careful", and how you check on me when I hurt myself. Though, sometimes, I miss your baby moments - which, really, not that many.
   
3. I love how much you love reading.
   
4. I love listening to you telling stories. Even though sometimes it goes on late at night and I really need you to sleep.
   
5. I love the expression you give when we tell you we are proud of you for doing something good/ sensible. That look of pride.
   
6. I love that cheeky, goofy self you sometimes give.
   
7. I love seeing you in a pony tail, and how girly you are now. I remember myself wondering if you will be a typical girly-girl or a fun loving boy-ish girl. You're both.
   
8. I love your "I love you"s and the kisses on our lips.
   
9. I love that you initiate family hugs.
   
10. I love you, for being you.

{Dear Baby} 2 years 4 months

J turns 2 year 4 months in a couple of days.
I haven't been keeping track of her growing and milestones because very often, I turn on the computer, log on to Blogger, and find myself lost for words.

She's growing really quickly, with new adventures each day. But what we have been doing seems somewhat similar to the previous months.

I used to keep track of milestones.
Now, I'm not sure if eating a cookie is considered a milestone.
If walking up the stairs without any form of support is a milestone.
So I collect memories instead.

I used to take note of her first babbles. Her first words. New words. First phrase. First sentence.
Now she talks so much, I cannot keep track of what is new and what is not.

But there are some things I observed which is worth taking note of.


She speaks like how we speak to her.
This month, it is evident that a child really models after the adults, especially her caregivers.
J has been saying things that she obviously picked up from us.
"Be careful, mama."
"I'm okay."
"What's that sound? It's only a bus... Don''t worry about it."

Which reminds us to be mindful of what, and how we speak to her.

She gives boo-boo hugs too. When I had a headache, she came over with her arms outstretched, gave me a really tight hug with a "It's okay, mama."


She isn't as "friendly" anymore.
Stranger-danger.
The very friendly baby/toddler who waves to everyone in the lift, or high-five strangers in the mall, or (worse) wants strangers to carry, is gone. In place, is a preschooler who is wary of strangers and over-zealous relatives she seldom sees. J now takes some time to process if the adults she sees is "safe". No more free hugs to anyone and everyone. But once she recalls the adult, she's as friendly as can be.

Which is actually good news for me.


Which brings me to... Fear.
I always thought my baby is fearless.
She was. Until lately.
She stopped wanting to do somersaults after she did it on the bed one night, unsupervised and landed on the floor.

For a short time, she didn't want to sit on a stool because her cousin fell from one.

But both times, we kind of reminded her of the incidents while she was trying to be naughty so I wonder if she is more affected by what we said, or what actually happened.



Independence heightens.
She basically wants to do things herself.
I got her the IKEA BOLMEN step stool so that she can see what I'm busy with at the kitchen countertop. She figured that she could use the same stool to turn off the lights and reach for remote control for air-conditioner in the playroom.

She wants to bathe herself.

She tries to put on shoes by herself.

One day she got bored of waiting for us after she has put on her slippers, she took ours out and laid them out neatly.


She warms my heart every time she is not throwing a tantrum.
She balances my negativity.
She complements my silliness.

I'm so thankful for this little girl I call my daughter.

{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

{Dear Baby} 23. Almost Two!

Dear Baby,
Half the month was spent with a cough and a runny nose, but you are a bundle of sunshine as usual and unless you were really uncomfortable, you didn't cry or fuss much. Thank you for making it easy for me when we are worried sick whenever you had fever, or when you threw up your phlegm together with milk. You've no idea how much your bright smile and boundless energy (oh yes, even when you are unwell) makes me feel more at ease.
Being able to tell us that "my throat pain pain" makes it so much easier for us.

Words
Speaking of communication, you are also exploring emotions now.
The other day we didn't allow you to do something (I can't recall what it is), you surprised us by saying "TT is angry." And you could tell us the reason why.

You see a character in TV crying, you tell me "Aunty sad sad."
(Opps. You are not supposed to have screen-time but we are relacing the rules a little since you are turning two soon!)

That day you fed Ah Gong coffee, which is your favourite activity by the way - feeding us, you said out loud, "TT is very happy. Because TT feed Ah Gong."

You are also starting to give very loud and patronising laughs that goes like this.
"HA. HA. HA."


Dressing up
We see more even more independence this month.
Even though you have difficulty pulling your shorts up all the way, you still try and yay! you can now put on your shorts by yourself!
Putting on your socks is the next challenge you set for yourself. I think trying to put on my bedroom socks helped. I can see that gave you a huge confidence boost that you can do it.
You can also retrieve the milk bottle from the cot by yourself now, and you are so proud about it. Using the same technique and improvising a little, you also managed to get the ball out in Daiso by yourself when we refused to help you take it. There's just no stopping you, isn't it?

There is no way to contain you in the house either. Absolutely no way. It used to be shut-the-door-and-you-won't-be-able-to-enter. But now you can open every single door. Even the very heavy household shelter door. You can even lock and unlock the door.

And that pajama struggle? We got that this month!
You insisted on putting on pajamas that we don't even own.
We don't have any pajamas that are orange, baby...!

You can now tie your hair into a cute little ponytail! Oh, I love it.
One day you even attempted to put on the hairclip by yourself. Not bad!


Negotiation
We see negotiation taking place as well.

"Mummy! (in your sweetest voice ever.) Can I watch Hi-5?"
"Polite word?"
"Peeeasee?"
I looked on as if I was considering.
"One. One only. After that, close the laptop."
And if I did not respond, you will say it in Mandarin while holding up your finger to indicate "ONE".

And when you make us do things, we don't even know of we should laugh or cry because it sounds so demanding.
"I WANT this."
"TT do it myself."

And when you are sweet and polite about it,
"TT feed mama. Okay?"
"Jiu jiu carry TT. Okay?"
No.....


Logic
I enjoy observing this most.

You enjoy playing with that kiddy basketball setup that jiujiu has in his room so you make him carry you for a slam dunk all the time. He gave you a teddy to put in (because we thought that would stop you from asking to put the ball in) and that got stuck. But you still insisted and when we told you the bear is there, "Take bear out then can put in the ball already."

You saw your wet apron hanging to dry.
"Apron wet wet. TT cannot wear this."

Boy, you are talking up a storm aren't you?


Play
Play this month involved a lot of imagination.
You made us go up the escalator while we were in the playroom.
You walk around singing with an invisible mic (I think you picked that up from grandpa).
And whenever you had problems sitting down quietly while we were travelling in the bus, and I reminded you to sit down, you will do so quietly then pretend to fasten your seatbelt. I love it when you look at me and go "fasten your seatbelt." *nod*.

We also explored painting with different techniques other than the paintbrush. You did hand-printing, as well as vegetable and fruit painting.

We also attended two trial sessions at My Gym. We missed the third one due to the haze.


A big girl now
You really are a big girl now. You're even more meticulous than me and that makes it difficult to leave the house without you now. Whatever I forget to bring along, you will always ask "What's that?" and I'll remember.

I'm sorry and a little embarrassed that I'm reliant on you this way.
But I'm really glad that you are my trusty little helper.
Thank you, love.


Cuddles and Smooches,
Mommy

{Dear Baby} 22 months old

Hey Cuddle-buddy,

22 months already!
We all know you can't wait to be a big girl because anything that we say is a big-girl-thing, you will want to do it, and you do so with enthusiasm and pride.

The big girl things
I never know how much pride a child can have when we allow them independence until I see it in you.
That grin you have on your face when you walked out of the bathroom instead of being carried out - priceless.
The insistence on "trying" to put on your diapers and pants - you won't give up until you have a shot at it. And you are doing pretty well! I'm happy you are learning to dress yourself, even though that also meant you have strong opinions on what to wear. I'm even happier that the motivation, and resilience to learn new things, is still there.

Words
You had been humming songs for quite a while now, but this month, we hear you sing an entire song as you walk around the house. You know, just doing your thing and singing along.

Other than the nursery rhymes, we also hear you sing some Chinese children's songs. In fact, I think this is the "Mandarin" month - Mandarin dominated. You ask questions in Mandarin, you answer them in Mandarin, more often than English. Stay bilingual, baby. Keep it that way.

The "What's that?" have begun.
Every single sound you hear. I think I say "water pipes" at least 763890 times each night. I'm sorry sometimes I secretly curse at the neighbours, especially when you are already drifting off to sleep.
And just as we approach your 22nd month, even things you see for the first time, we get the "What's that?" That makes about 123986374 "What's that?" per day. Not complaining! I'm happy you are inquisitive, and that you are actually listening.

The kids-say-the-darnest-things moments have started in the house.
One day, out of the blue, you said that you have a baby in your tummy.
I was dumbfounded but you looked pretty serious about it.
A couple of days later, you went "Mummy's tummy have baby. TT is a jiejie."
Sorry, but no. Not yet, at least.

Bedtime can be quite a struggle because you want to chat so much. We'll be in bed by 9, and some nights, you will just go on till 11. I'll have to be honest that it drives Momma nuts sometimes! (See: "water pipes")

And here are some new phrases Mommy absolutely loves:
"All of 'em. ALL of 'em."
"No wonder" but you use that wrongly 100% of the time, and you've stopped saying it already.
"I think ..."
"I guess so."


Oh! And you can sing "Home" and "Part of your world" together with me. Love it!!


Daddy
This month, Daddy has become the most important person.
Before you sleep, Daddy has to be the one to change you into your pjs  and tuck you in bed.
When you wake, the person you ask for, after your "milk!", is Daddy.
We suspect that you start to miss Daddy a lot after we have had two sleepovers per week over at Grandma's.
You either want to cuddle Daddy to sleep, or if he is working, you'd rather be in the study room together with him so that you can "watch Daddy" to sleep.


Fun
We celebrated our nation's 50th birthday and even though you are too little to understand what it is about, we tried to get you involved. You saw fireworks on the eve of National Day and the days that follow, we get masterpieces from you. Precious!

Swimming gets more interesting now that you enjoy jumping into the pool. The last we went, you even wanted to "swim on own" without any floatation devices!


At 21 month old, you are already a responsible little person. You help me with the room checks each day before we leave the house - you help me check that the windows are closed, fans switched off, trash is cleared and that I lock the doors on the way out. What would I do without your help?
(I forgot the trash. That's what happened.)


Thank you, baby, for all the fun and tears. Mainly laughs this month, I'd say.
And I say this many times, but I want to say it again,
Thank you for being my daughter. I'm lucky to be your mom.


Cuddles and smooches,
Mommy

{Dear Baby} Twenty-One

Dear Baby,

Happy 21 months old! Just a quarter more to being two!
So fast, baby. So fast.

You are still our feisty little girl, if not more.
"No. Mama cannot."
"Read this book."
*SMACK!*

And a cheeky one. You have started to call me "Mummy...!" in the sweetest voice  when you need a favour from me. It's usually "Mama".

You are also getting quite independent.
Other than the usual chores we are doing, you now insist on putting on your clothes by yourself. That sometimes takes us quite a bit of time and makes me panick a little, especially when we are getting ready to go out. But I'll have to let you try.
You've also learnt to brush your own teeth and Mummy has finally found a toothbrush that is suitable for you.


Loves
You love your plush toys. Especially Mickey and Minnie.
When you are over at popo's, you carry the huge Mickey plushie that Jeanne jiejie gave you.
At home, it's still Maomao and Minnie who are the favourites. It's adorable to see you giving them long kisses when we finally return home after spending a couple of days over at grandma's.


Faces
You are our little drama-baby.
You pout.
You frown.
You laugh out loud.
You give the super cheeky look that anyone will know that you are up to some mischief.
You like to make me sing random songs by giving me a keyword. Once, you give me "mermaid". When I asked you how I'm supposed to sing it, you went "mermaid, mermaid." So I told you to sing "popo went to the market" too. You stared at me and gave me a "seriously mom?!" look. I probably shouldn't laugh but I did.

And your smiles. Have I ever told you ou have the sweetest smiles? 

Words
You're still as chatty, my little baby, if not more!
We catch you mumbling to your stuff toys and sometimes, yourself. Most of the time, we can't make out what you said because you are so soft, but it's definitely fun to watch you start having conversations with family and friends.

You now understand left, right, up, down, in front and beside. One day you wanted me too put the tingkat beside you on the bus and you went "Pi-sai!!!" so loudly. I sat, a little embarrassed for a moment, thinking why you would shout out 'nose shit!"
Whoever taught you that?!
Then you pointed to the space beside you and repeated, "Pi-sai..."

We also discovered that you are able to sing the complete version of some songs, albeit some mispronunciations. That day you sang verses from "Incy Wincy Spider" and I didn't even know you know the song!

Some of my favourite phrases now:
We measured your height one day and popo made a mark on the wall. You will sometimes walk to that wall, lean on it and say "How tall you are now?" with your hand on your head.

You saw a sticker of an orangutan, and when asked if you saw any before, you said, "Ah gong... (and you realised you made a mistake...) then corrected yourself immediately. "PAPA...... and mama take TT to zoo see orangutan."

And there'll always be a commentary for whatever we do. Always.

Independence
Being that close to two, you are starting to display more independence.
That also means more struggles, because you want to do everything by yourself.

You buckle the seat belt when you are seated on the high chair.
No one can touch that buckle. Oh, no... no.
Other than removing your shoes, socks and pajamas, you can now slip your arms through the armholes by yourself. You are also quite insistent on putting on your shorts by yourself even though you can only manage to slip your legs through the legholes. It's really cute to see you hold up your leg and try to fit your foot through the leghole.


A major milestone
Another thing you are quite proud of - we have gone diaper-free during the day!
You have been able to indicate poop for quite a while now but lately, you let us know when you want to pee. There were a few misses but most of the time, you are able to stay dry.
Mommy is very proud of you and I know you are too.

It's really cute to hear you say "Go poddy, " before you run in the direction of the potty.

We still put you in diapers at night and when we are out as a precautionary measure though. But most of the time, you stay dry and you are able to wait till we arrive at the toilets.

Fun
We went to Imaginarium at SAM@8Q again.
It was popo's idea to see how you would respond to the exhibits now that you are older.
Well, you no longer save the plush people like you did two months ago, but you did make a friend that day. (And photobombed two other jiejies as well.)


Pretend Play
You found the extra milk powder dispenser I hid in the kitchen cabinet.
For the next few days, it was peace and quiet while I busied myself in the kitchen. They say that "It's nice to have a quiet house unless you have a toddler" because that means that the toddler up to some mischief. Apparently not the case with the milk powder dispenser.
Each time I took a peek, you'd be busy 'making milk' and feeding the stuff toys.
Never mind that their milk bottle is a can of tomato sauce from your toy kitchen.

I can tell that you take this very seriously because one evening at the supermarket, you requested to go home (that's rare) because "Mouse (needed to) drink milk." Sometimes, you would suddenly sit up and declare that you need to feed your toys.

You have also learnt to "wash" the dispenser at your toy kitchen. I love watching you play like that.



We went to the paediatrician that day I'm glad you are growing healthily.
We are almost hitting 90cm and I'm excited because that would mean you can attempt a few more rides at Universal Studios Singapore. If we do go, that is. We might also be overfeeding you because you are at the 97th percentile for your weight. But that's alright too.
All I ask for, is for you to be in good health, and for you to grow up a girl with good moral values.

Even though Mommy looks a little nutty sometimes, I still want to thank you for bringing me so much joy and laughter. Everything becomes more bearable because of you.

Except the hair-pulling. ;)


Smooches and Cuddles,
Mommy

{Dear Baby} Nineteen, Twenty...

Dear Baby,

I forgot you turned 19-months-old. I'm sorry. I was enjoying you being a 1.5-year-old toddler.
Then things got a little busy around here so the letter celebrating you turning 20 months old got delayed as well. But you turn 21 months old in 9 days so let's just do this, okay?

This is going to be long.


Words
Oh baby! You are getting really chatty.
Got to be Mummy's genes. Your daddy will agree.
You are always giving commentaries. We get strings of words from you out of the blue and very often, you have a very serious look when you say it. It's difficult to stifle our laughter when that happens but we try.
"Popo sit here. Mama sit here. TT sit here."
"Papa eat bread. Mama eat bread. TT also eat bread."
"No. Mama cannot touch. TT do on own."

You are using new words everyday and it is not as easy to record them now, but here are some of my favourites.
"This same. This different."
"Special bread," complete with an envious look when looking at my bread with bread spread. You had plain bread.
"Maybe auntie go home," when our neighbour is already in the house.
"Oh . Hahaha... TT forget!"
"Korkor jiejie miss TT."

Chatting has also become your technique to delay bedtime.
You. just. keep. talking.
One night when I was too tired and was lying at the foot of the bed because "Mama cannot (sleep on my own pillow)", and Daddy was already asleep, I saw you prop up my pillow, leaned against it and went "If you are sleepy and you know you clap our hands." *CLAP CLAP*
Honestly, I don't know how I'm to respond.

These two months, there's has also been a lot of singing. You know, just walking around the house, singing and humming when we are busy. Love it.

You started singing around two verses of the songs you know. Sometimes, you get a little confused with the lyrics though and we get to enjoy a mash-up song.
This is my favourite.

"Baa baa black sheep any woo? Yes sir, yes sir, three bag how I wonder what you are? Appa gom, Omma gom, ae-gi gom" ("Baa Baa Black Sheep and "Gom Sae Mari")

Motor Skills

You can understand fast, slow and stop. We play that game a lot when to walk to grandma's. 

And one day we found out that you are now able to jump with both feet of the floor. It's funny to hear you go "Jump? Jump. Jump. Jump!"

Two days before you turned twenty months old, you did somersaults. The first one was accidental and you wanted to keep trying. But it was bedtime so I had to stop you.

You also enjoy putting coins into a 'piggy bank'. A lot.

Family Fun

Popo, Ah gong, Yiyi, and Jiujiu went for a holiday. All your favourite people! I'd have tagged along too but that would mean that popo wouldn't get a rest even when she's overseas.

It has been a long time since it was just you and me. I admit I panicked a little. And while I did so, Daddy took time off from work and packed your day with activities.

We made pipe cleaner ears and crown.

We went grocery shopping.
We went to the airport.
We went to the zoo (and River Safari).

You were excited to point out all the koala bear signs you see, and saw koala bears for the first time.

You had fun with the panda sculpture. 

It was a tiring one week but oh so fun!

*

You attended jiujiu's graduation ceremony as well. I had hoped that I can get a beautiful picture of you with your favourite uncle but you were sleepy and didn't want him to carry you. I did get a shot of you, beaming as you held his certificate, though!

JUNE!
June holidays meant that there are 'LIVE' shows in the malls and plenty of fun. 

We went to the Barney's Jukebox Party at City Square Mall with Mummy's friends.
You rode ZooMoov for the first time and I conclude I'm very bad at steering, so let's not do it again.
Unless Daddy accompanies you.


There was Hi-5 at United Square that we went with popo too.
You were watching intently throughout the show until we came to the last song.
It's like a child's version of a Mayday concert and most of the children were already up dancing to L.O.V.E.
You finally danced too, but you danced something completely different from what the others were doing. And it wasn't your usual random shaking dance. You held out your arms, then placed both palms together and placed them on your left cheek, then right cheek.
We later realised that that was the dance steps to "Dream On" - that's the only Hi-5 show you know then.

And finally, Dinosaurize Me! at Plaza Singapura with Daddy.

Pretend Play

"Gimme money," with an outstretched hand.

That's a common scene in the playroom at night lately.
You enjoy pretending going grocery shopping. You'll carry a little bag, demand for money, then say a chirpy "Byebye!" before you walk to the other end of the room. You tap the wall (we supposed that's a transcation going on) then turn back to walk towards us while announcing "TT come back!".
Oh! And you always 'buy' bananas. 90% of the time.

There's so much going on.
So much so that I set my expectations so high and forget you are not even two yet.
Mommy is learning to manage my expectations of you and at the same time, embracing toddlerhood so here's to hoping things will get better!
Love you. Tonnes.

Smooches and Cuddles,
Mommy

{Dear Baby} Eighteen Months Old

Dear Baby,

We've arrived at the 1.5-year mark. Now, when people ask me how old you are, (actually, we get "Two years old?" "Is she three?" pretty often), I'll say "One and a half." No longer in months.

It's been the most amazing 1.5 years in my life. You have been quite an easy baby to care for.
Mostly happy. Rather independent. And very sensible.


*****
Words
This one month is full of surprises as you start to speak out even more, and in longer sentences. You even attempted to sing some songs. Here are some which I love.

"Baby dunno open door. Mama. Help." when you attempted to open the door and well, it didn't open.

"Baby see (pause) what is this?" when you are very curious about a certain object and wants to touch it. Okay. Love-hate relationship with this one.

"(laughs) Papa doh wan mouse." ¹ when you passed Daddy your Minnie Mouse plush while he was sleeping and I returned it back to you.

"Sit pro-perly." when Bear fell over as you tried to feed it. "Oh! Soup! Soup! Dink ² soup!" 

"I dunno man. (laughs)" imitating me when I say that.

"Rain rain go away. Come." as you looked at the changing mat that has got bears with umbrellas.
"Baa back ship (mumbles) any woo. Yes sir, yes sir tee (mumbles) full."

"Pincess ³ book" as you handed me the Frozen storybook Aunty J got you.
"Pincess" too as you pointed to the Thumbelina book popo got you. We later found that any picture with a girl in a poufy gown is a princess. But how do you even know princess???
"Aunty Jan bought this." as you pointed to the Hello Kitty Halloween book.

"Jiujiu's ber-day ⁴" "Happy you" (That's your interpretation of the birthday song.)

"Correct."


You
You have also been the sweetest. That time I sprained my ankle, you looked on with concern as I limped back to popo's house.
When you saw the bandage on my left ankle, you kissed me on my left thigh and told me "没事。" (It's okay.)
I told you that you cannot sit on Mama's lap when we are on the floor because Mama's foot hurt. You remembered. Even till now, you will point to my foot and say "No, mama pain pain," as you consider if you should sit on my lap.


Other than indicating poo, you are now attempting to let us know when you need to go pee-pee.
We've got a dry diapers on a couple of occasions and Mama's really proud of you! :)

You are still pretty enthusiastic about chores. You even have your own "broom" at popo's house.
But there's one thing you have not been keeping up though - putting your toys and book back where they belong.


Explore
We went to the library and you borrowed quite a few books for storytime at night.
You have discovered the children's seating area so that is your favourite spot now.
Other than picking books out from the shelves, you enjoy being around the librarians as they shelf the books, going "Auntie pack books." Not quite sure if they enjoy it as much as you did, though.

That said, I'm very glad that you love to read and I hope your love for reading continues.


Celebrations
We celebrated Popo's birthday at Gardens By the Bay and you loved it. You even "took" photos of the flowers with the empty Polaroid film case we gave you. Sorry!

As for your 18-month-old 'celebration', we went to Imaginarium at SAM@8Q.
I wasn't expecting much but you enjoyed playing around the building blocks a lot.



I know I always say this, but some days, I forget that you are only 18 months old.
The way you walk around the house like a big kid.
The way you talk.
I might have expected a little too much from you in terms of how you should behave.
But sweetheart, remain as innocent as you are even as you grow older.
Be that cheerful, courageous little girl as you have been since a baby.
Be strong, and persevere in whatever you do.

Momma loves you.


Smooches and Cuddles,
Mommy



Did you manage to understand what you said as an 18 month old?
Here are the answers.
¹ : Papa don't want mouse
² : Drink soup
³ : Princess
⁴ : Birthday

{Dear Baby} Seventeen

Dear Baby,

Seventeen.

Already.

And the night before you turn seventeen months old, you decided to sleep just minutes before midnight. Even when you napped little in the day. I hope that's just teething, and not that you are trying to make that a tradition.

You

You are starting to develop a sense of self, which makes it fun and frustrating at the same time. 

You now address yourself in third person. And honestly, much as I try not to say that my baby is cute, it IS actually quite cute to hear you speak like that.

You now want to have a say in your choice of clothes. We spent 45 minutes getting you dressed on the first day Chinese New Year. 

You refused to put on that pair of pink leggings you used to like so much. 

You chose these instead.

Have to admit that these outfits  look better than they would with the pink leggings.

And you decided, a few days ago, that you should wear your cheongsam to popo's place.

Dressing you up usually goes like this:

No.

No?

Noooo...

(And I give up and take you to your wardrobe) Then which one do you want? 

This one.

I've learnt that the fastest way is to let you pick out your own clothes. That'll take a while too, but still, a lot faster than struggling to put on something that you do not like.

*

I think I said that last month, but you are communicating pretty okay with us so we do have little conversations sometimes. It's fun. Really. Every night before bed, we'll spend time in the playroom and have little conversations. I love that.

*

Pretend play is also getting more interesting now that you are talking as you play.

"Mouse poo poo" and the Minnie Mouse plushie gets placed on the weighing scale. That's the toilet. Most days you'll pull out the unused diaper that's too small for you from the drawer, and attempt to let "Mouse wear" it.

Mummy doesn't know why I still leave the diaper there. But at least, it serves a purpose now!

Lately, there's "Mouse sleep" while you hug Minnie Mouse and attempt to pat it to sleep. Some days, you'll walk around the room and hum.

*

We catch you "talking" on the phone quite frequently too. (Have I said that already?) 

*

You are learning new words each day and it's fun to hear you say it for the first time. Because most of the time, we have no idea that you already know it.

*

You've also figured out how to remove your sleepsuit. For a few days, we walk into the room after you wake, to find you pajamas not on you, but on the bed. Thankfully you stop doing that now because you could catch a chill, you know.

*
And this.
This is important.
You are learning to indicate that you want to go to the potty to pee now.
I really hope I can wean you off diapers soon because... I think we are reaching the largest possible size soon.

Words

Some of my favourite new words and phrases this month:

Mama, mynah!

Pun-kin (pumpkin)

Eat pun-kin

This is big. You used to dislike pumpkin and you gag a lot whenever there's pumpkin in your porridge. But one day after reading Hello Kitty's Halloween (thank you Aunty J!), you decided that you want to eat pumpkins and you did. And asked for more.

Toto (Motorcycle) voooon vooon

Mama floor dirty. (How you address yourself) 抹。

(Basically everyone in the whole family) read
And sometimes we try to make someone else read to you because we have been reading for the past close to one hour.

When I use my phone too much...

Mama... Keep. 

Mama put here.

Mama put down.

Chores 

I think you like to imitate us. And I'm glad to have a little helper even if you make more mess than help sometimes.

Your list of chores you like to do have expanded to:

• Throwing trash into trash bin 
• Undressing yourself and putting the dirty clothes into your laundry basket
• Putting your books back onto the shelf
• Keeping your toys into the toy box
• Helping to put clean clothes back
• Wiping the floor 
• Taking the milk bottle and our water bottles out to the dining table in the morning
• Cleaning the floor with a wiper stick (new!)

I think you feel good to be able to do things yourself.

Explore 

This month, we also tried something different. 

There's more messy play at grandma school, more nature walks, and daddy takes you out more often during the weekdays.

We go places!

There's the nature walks, Punggol Ranch Resort, Sentosa Cove, and the Hobbiton exhibit at the airport.

It's great to see you enjoy yourself so much.

I think I haven't said this before.

You are a really sensible girl.

Motherhood has been good to me so far and I'm so proud of you. 

Really.


Cuddles and Snooches,
Mommy

{Dear Baby} Sixteen

Dear Baby,
My little cuddly, squirmy, toddler.

There's so much to talk about this month so let us categorise it.


Food

We are making a lot of progress food-wise.

You started eating rice - brown rice.

You requested to self-feed, and even though you aren't quite good at scooping up food on your own, you manage to deliver the food into your mouth most of the time and you are mighty pleased with that. You'll clap, and make every one of us clap too.

When we dine outside, you are fine sitting on a regular chair and that makes me really proud. Most of the time, you are able to sit through the entire dinner rather well-behaved.

Chores

Other than helping us with the clean clothes and putting your own clothes in the laundry basket, you have started to help us clean the floors Cinderella-style. It's funny how each time you'll go "Aiyoh! Der-tee!" before proceeding to go on your fours to wipe the floor with your handkerchief. A rag will be able to occupy for a long time as you go through the floors and the refrigerator, cleaning each plastic magnet. Both the front and back. Very diligent, I'd say!

You have also learnt to remove your pyjamas and you are getting very good at it. You were quick to remove it on your own when you wanted to put on your favourite ladybug onesie.
You are also working on removing your pants and diapers and I think that's a development milestone. You know, Mommy has always been very concerned because my friend once urged me to send you to school "because you can learn to be more independent there." 
I'm glad you are progressing well at home too (Thank you popo!) because you now take off your shoes and socks on your own, and place them back on the shelves once you return home.
I guess we are doing something right after all.

You help me with the "room check" before we head out. You will close ALL the doors that are left ajar, and go "Oh Oh!" if you see any of our clothes peeking out of the cupboards.
"Off. Off" as I check that the lights and electrical appliances that are not supposed to be on are all switched off. Makes room check so much more fun.


Words

You are getting pretty good at expressing yourself nowadays and can speak in short sentences.

"Mama help!"

"Mama take"

"Mama open door."

"zou ba! zou ba! Go!"

"gorgor jiejie"

Sometimes, I still have to complete the sentence for you.
For instance, when you are referring to the tent Ah Gong helped you put together, it's "House. Ah gong. Xiexie. "(Thank you - which you say "Ah Q.")

It's fun that you can communicate pretty well now and we can have conversations.
But that also means that you are getting better at giving excuses to avoid bedtime.
You chat a lot before bed.
"Big airplane." "Mama pat. Pat."  
It's getting tougher to get you to sleep early these days.



Mimicking
Sometimes, you really do behave like a big kid.
Some days, you walk around the house humming, swinging your arms as you go along. 

Just that night, you imitated Daddy and put both arms behind your head as you relaxed on the couch and said "rest".

It's the festive season so you get to see the God of Fortune and you've have learnt to say "Gong xi gong xi" to represent him. (Just like "Ho ho ho" for Santa Claus.)
For quite a long period of time, it was "Gong xi gong xi. Mama, find."
It's difficult to find statues of the God of Fortune most of the time, you know.

It's amusing to see you mimic the lion dance when you see the lion head too.
You love the lion dance!

Separation Anxiety
We think it is, but we are not too sure. You are fine if I leave you at grandma's but when we are home and I have to be out of your sight for a while, you scream and wail and cry big beads of tears. I don't know why.



Love and fun
You celebrated your second Chinese New Year but I'm sure that last year, you didn't have opinions about how I dress you. This year, however, you decide on the clothes you wanted to wear to reunion dinners. And we took 30 minutes to get you dressed on the first day of CNY. You just refused to put on anything.
Not even the sweet little cheongsam you liked so much. And you decided that those shoes we bought are nicer without socks because you refuse to wear any. They ARE nicer without socks but they are a tad big so socks are the way to go.

You met your baby cousin over the Chinese New Year break and we affirmed that you love babies.
Our heart stopped when you reached forward to give your baby cousin a stroke but thank goodness you were really gentle. I think you really do need companions but I'm going to have to hold off giving you a baby brother or sister until a little while later.


Just before you turned sixteen months, mommyhood was rough for me.
You became the most uncooperative kid and refused to sleep.
I felt like I was doing such a bad job.
Then I figured - teething. It has got to be.

The day you turned sixteen-months-old, we went to the aquarium.
You enjoyed yourself, laughed so much and all was good again.

I looked through photos of you and reminded myself why I chose this.
You.

You are why.

Love you baby.
Even though I say "Bring it on!" to the terrible twos, let's make it a little more bearable, okay?
You are not even close to two yet!



Smooches and cuddles,
Mommy

The things I love about you #6

Your curls, baby. I love your little curls at the end of your hair.
It's funny how it curls only on one side but it definitely makes you look more like a little girl now. I still remember how much of a boy you looked when you were little, and the doubtful looks on strangers when I told them you are a girl. Even when you are all dressed in pink.


I love the way you speak.
That is before you learnt to pronounce the words clearly.
Your yi yang (same) and sayang.
Any word that ends with -ng sounds exceptionally cute.


I love that you have both the sweet, little girly voice and the rough, manly-voice.
It's hilarious to hear you go "Hello!" in a low, deep voice.


I love that you now want to fall asleep on the bed instead of having us carry you till you fall asleep. I think my arms love that too.


I love your hugs. Your very tight hugs.
Even thought it's almost like a headlock on most days.


I love your cheeky smile. We've been getting a lot of that lately.


I love how friendly you are. You love to wave to strangers and greet them on the bus.
I hope you remember to be as polite too when you are older.


I love how sensible you can get. You act like a really big girl on some days, and though we lament about how fast you are growing, I'm still very proud of you.

Linking up with: 

{Dear Baby} Fifteen

Fifteen. 

I'm already getting used to calling you my toddler and telling people that you are 15 months old even when you were just 14.5.

You seem to have grown so much this month and we learnt that we have to treat you like a two-year-old instead.

You are so quick to imitate and repeat after us so Mommy have been sending out reminders to people close to us to tell them to speak to you properly.

You are growing to be more independent. Other than helping with the clean laundry and putting the dirty ones into the laundry basket, you now know how to take off your sneakers and you are learning to feed yourself. You don't know how to scoop the food yet but you are very excited to deliver the food on the spoon into your mouth. I also discovered one day, to my surprise that you know how to place the bib/handkerchief at your neck before you take your milk.

We weaned you off the pacifier this month since you refused to take the new one. It was tough and sleep was a struggle. But the new "elephants go stomp stomp stomp" song we made up somehow worked. I got that idea from you. You've learnt to stomp around the house like an elephant and say "stomp stomp stomp" as you stamped your little foot on the ground.

December and January is a fun month for you where you met up with most of Mommy's close friends. And got to eat you favourite "baobao" (bread) as we had lunch. Oh, your love for bread! 

You are getting clearer at communicating your thoughts. You say "xiexie" for thank you. And words like "keys, duck, up, down, take out, boo-K" entered your vocab bank. Your favourite is still "walk wal-K" which I am not really keen on hearing when it's 11pm at night and I'm trying to get you to sleep. Ah, yes. You emphasise the K sound.

You sing too, baby.

We catch you humming randomly lately, and completing the last words of each phrase of these songs:

GongXi GongXi 恭喜恭喜

Doraemon theme song

造飞机

And these are so funny they are worth a mention too.

Let it (go)

Let it (go)

Can't hold it back any(more)

I can show you the (work)

Shining shimmering splen(did)

Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart de(cide)

I love it.

They say toddlers give the best hugs, and it's true! You give us really tight hugs and cuddles, and smooches on our lips. Your favourite family activities would be reading, family hugs, and making Daddy and Mommy kiss. It's hilarious but endearing at the same time.

The little things that you do makes me very proud to be your mom and I'm very grateful for such a sensible daughter like you.

Mommy loves you tonnes!

Smooches and Cuddles, 

Mommy

{Dear Baby} Mama.

Dear Baby,

I want to cuddle you so much now but you are sleeping so I'd better not. You were crying out for "Mama... Mama..." just a while back and quite honestly, my heart ached. And I teared a little.

You see, I've left you with Popo at her place a couple of times because I have things to attend to and leaving you to stay over was the best option. And each time, I received text messages from Popo before 10 pm to tell me that you are already asleep. Extremely cooperative little bub.

Today, we happen to be staying over at Popo's again. Both of us. You did not nap in the afternoon so you are clearly exhausted but somehow, you didn't want to sleep and I figure it must be me. So I told Popo in dialect, hoping that you won't understand, that perhaps I should have gone home instead. And that's when you started sobbing really bad and asked for "Mama." I immediately went over to cuddle you and assured you that I wasn't leaving. But you requested for kisses in the most pitiful tone I ever heard.  "mu-ack." *sob sob*

We left you alone with Popo in the room after that so that she can pat you to sleep. That's how it usually is. But I could hear you, as I stood outside the room. Your frantic cries for Mama.

I've often joked with Popo and your daddy about how you don't seem to miss me when I leave you at grandma's because you don't ask for me at all. Today I realise you do. You were only being that sensible kid when I didn't stay over. I wish I didn't have to find out this way though. Your cries for "mama" really broke my heart.

Love you lots (and I'm not going to abandon you. Ever.), 

Momma

{Dear Baby} 14

Dear Baby,

We are really late this month but it is only because we are having so much fun with Daddy on leave. 

I'm starting to get used to calling you my toddler, and telling others that you are (already!) "14 months old". I'm embracing the fact that my squishy baby has grown up. It could be your height - you are really tall for your age! Or it could be the number of teeth you already have. Twelve of them. Can you believe that your first molars are all out? Teething was a pain this round because all four of them molars decided to sprout together. But then again, it could also be due to the fact that you ARE really acting like a big kid.

You are helping out with chores around the house - keeping of clean laundry, putting dirty laundry into your laundry basket, putting away toys and books at the end of the day, and lately, folding your blanket. You can't do it very well yet but you try. And I'm glad becuase one morning, you just woke and said "fo" (fold).

You can also now indicate that you want to pee and poo. Usually most accurate when you are just awake or about to sleep. Just lately, you started saying "poo" when I asked you what those were. 

You enjoy waving to everyone outside and go "hiii" or "hi-lo" (hallo)

It's so much easier to communicate with you now that your vocabulary has expanded. But it also meant that you start making requests and we can no longer pretend we don't understand (and not do it.)

You say "go go" as you pull and tug our fingers when you want to go somewhere. If you are thinking of getting out of the house, it's clear now because you say "out". When you want to be carried, you go "bao bao". Sometimes you are so specific you indicate the person whom you want to carry you, like "Popo baobao". 

Everyone's favourite is "no more" because you sound so adorable just saying it. You do it waving both hands. And you say it when you meant "nothing" too.

Hello Kitty is "hi cat" to you and I guess that's close enough.

It's too long to write about the new words you are starting to say so here's a list, the way you say it.

Yeye (paternal grandpa)

Yi ta (Yi zhang, aunt's hubby)

Chiu Chiu (jiujiu, mommy's brother)

Ah dou (great grandmother)

Uh-coal (uncle)

And other than identifying body parts when we say it, you are starting to name them.

mao (mouth)
eye
ae/air (hair)

Ear

Arm (this has the most accurate pronunciation so far)

Toes

And because you like to tap my ezLink card when we board and alight the bus, you say these pretty well too.

Tap

(C)ard

Tight tight

You are also saying
wok wok (walk)

Ahhh pah (open)

Ko (close)

Coal coal (cold cold)

Tar (touch)

Ah-pol (apple)

Cho (throw)

Soo (shoe)

Take

Shit shit (sit sit) - very controversial, this one

Some words in mandarin too...

Mei mei (pretty)

Chou Chou (smelly) 

Yao (want)

Hai Yao (still want)

You (yes)

Hao (okay)

And being typical Singaporean 

Aiyoh! 

Although, when said after your bath, that means "oil".

And because I taught you "cheers" and Popo taught you "yam seng", you go, very loudly, "AH-PA!" when you want to clink your straw mug with our cups and bottles.

Looking at those words, it's no wonder only mothers understand what their young children say and probably no one else does.

December is the month of festivities so there are lots of live performances in the mall. We went for three of them and you loved them! I wished we have gone for more! And because it's the holidays, your become good friends with Mommy's old neighbours.

About bedtime, you have sort of developed a routine. 

1. Put all books and toys back.

2. Give Bunny and Bear Bear their goodnight kiss with a loud *muack*.

3. Switch off the playroom lights.

4. Change into your pjs.

5. Snuggle up with Daddy (very important, this one)

And one last bit about being all grown up... You ask to brush your hair before we head out. And some days, you make daddy and mommy kiss for many many times.

Such a sweetie you are. 

We love you more and more each day and it's such a joy to be able to witness your every single milestone.

Love you to bits, sweetheart!

Mommy

{Dear Baby} Lullabies

Dear Baby,

I always thought that lullabies are universal.
That is, any lullaby would be able to lull any baby to sleep.
Apparently not.
I'm not too sure if it is the type of songs I expose you to, but typical lullabies don't exactly work on you. In fact, that 'magic' song that will calm you down and lull you to sleep changes every few months.

I'm starting to lose track of the songs that appeal to you so I thought I'd write them down..

The first few months
If You Are Sleepy And You Know It

White Christmas
Random Mandarin sleeping song I made up, mainly telling you that good sleepy babies go to sleep.


Seven-months-old -- Nine-months-old
Part Of Your World

The Disney playlist:  Part of your World, A Whole New World, Beauty and the Beast, Colours of the Wind, I See The Light


Nine-months-old

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas



Ten-months-old

The Wheels On The Bus
Michael Buble's Christmas Playlist

Right now at thirteen months old, it's a medley of Christmas songs, Disney songs and children's song.
I've sadly lost the magic songs now.



A special note, since we are on songs,
Let It Go - This song works like a freezing spell (pun intended) most of the time. Whenever it's played, or when I sing it, you just stop fussing and look at me.

The things I love about you #5

I love that you call me "mama" in the sweetest voice each morning. Even though that's the one and only sweet "mama" throughout the entire day, as opposed to "papa" which you say sweetly every time.

I love that you are empathetic and you give us boo-boo kisses too. Each time anyone of us bumps ourselves, you'd rush over to give us a hug, or blow at our fingers if that's where it hurts, then leans you head affectionately on ours.

I love your head rubs. You aren't stingy with those so everyone in the family gets them. Even mummy's friends get them.

I love your bed heads. Gets to me every single time. The messier the better.

I love how you pretend that you are not yawning when you actually are. And how you pretend to yawn and give sleepy eyes when you are not.

I love that you are a feisty little bub.

I love that at 12 months old, you've brought me tonnes of laughter with your antics.

I love you.

{Dear Baby} Ladybug

Dear Baby, 

This is your favourite toy, the ladybug.

Yiyi got it for you one month before your first birthday.

You were actually more interested in the ladybug pull-toy but it was too big and I reckoned you didn't really know how to play with that yet. You kept looking at the pull-toy and seemed to like it so much, we decided to get a smaller ladybug for you. I didn't realise that this was meant to be for two-year-olds. Can you imagine our surprise when you wrapped the present and pulled out a dotted, red wooden ball instead of an entire ladybug? But you loved that ball anyway. It's the first thing you pick up when you are in the playroom, and you hold on to the ball everywhere you go.

That night when I was trying to get you to pick up all the toys, I said "Darling, can you return the ball to ladybug, please?"

And you did.

You successfully placed the ball on the ladybug for the first time.
I was so happy I clapped really hard. You could sense it so you clapped and shouted with glee too.

It's something small but my momma-heart was beaming with pride.

Love you so,
Momma 

6 Nov 2014