Overnight Celebration

To celebrate Daddy's birthday this year, we checked into the Swissotel Hotel over the weekend. We couldn't squeeze in a holiday as Daddy is always so busy. But... anyway.

After checking in at the lobby, we headed up to our room on the 37th floor. When I opened the door for you, you peeped in suspiciously before following Daddy into the room. After walking up and down surveying the bathroom and the magnificent view we had from our window, you made yourself very at home on the king sized bed.

After lazing in the room for some time, we went made it out of the door and wandered around. Shopping is a must and getting new toys for you (Again!) before heading to dinner. It felt good to be able to take our own sweet time and not worry about schedules.

We had dinner at Fruit Paradise Cafe because Daddy wants his favourite Fried Ebi curry rice and the tarts on display looked too good to give them a miss. So we had Japanese rice and Marshy had ramen and we shared a yummy chocolate banana tart for dessert.

Then we headed back to the hotel to laze. You were so mesmerised by the night view from our balcony that you just stood there and stare at all the cars, lights and the Ferry wheel. And the next morning, you insisted in having your breakfast next to the window.

Surprisingly, you went to bed earlier than I expected. I guess my darling Marshy wanted to give this exhausted mummy a break and some time to relax and enjoy myself too. Or perhaps you knew we were going swimming the next morning!

The two days passed quickly. We had fun. It was as awesome as holiday can get without leaving the country. It was really a welcome break. And I am actually looking forward to our upcoming real holiday.

Marshy was wondering when is this lift ride going to end.

Posing on the comfy big bed.

Ummm. Room service. What shall I order for brunch?

Marshy and her new Lego sets to keep herself entertained.

Marshy couldn't stop staring at the spectacular night view from our balcony.

Mummy, come check out the lights!

Marshy in her favourite spot enjoying her breakfast and taking in the morning sunshine

And making funny faces for the camera.

Playing with her own shadow.

Me and Mickey Mouse going shopping!

Having lunch at the KopiTiam at the Swissotel after our swim.

CHRISTmastime

Merry Christmas, everyone! May you always be a happy marshmellow- just like me!

Gifts and more gifts.....

Happy Birthday, Cousin Val!

Be it Merry or Happy, this season hold both meaning and moments of joy. Whether we are recreating traditions or recreating new ones, have spent too much or have nothing to spend, what's clear and what's matter is taking the time to reflect. This is the time to ask ourselves: what do you believe, what are you open to and who do you love, but most importantly, how are you showing it? From taking time to be kind to yourself to the thoughtfulness you are showing to the people around you.

I reckon that Saint Father Claus will soon be a controversial character to you in some years time and its origins will also be in question. Yet, whatever you may believe or consider, both represent concepts we should all hold dear. While modern technology has dimmed the intended messages, allow this time of year to be what makes you happy and bring our family together. There's no right or wrong way to go about celebrating whichever holidays we choose. Each of our celebrations are what we make of them and special simply by being ours. My ideal holiday would integrate them all for they each have phenomenal purpose.

For the last nine years now, we had been celebrating Christmas with my family at Auntie Carol's because it is your cousin Val's birthday on Boxing Day. This year is no exception. My favourite niece is turning nine. I cannot believe this. How time flies. She was the first baby in the family and oh.... how I adored her.

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, Valerie! I have been searching for an ideal gift for her and finally settled for a MakeItYourself Fairy kit (Cousin Val is into Fairies these days). I wish I can put some of the Christmas spirit in 12 jars and have her open a jar of it every month.

Anyway, Merry Christmas! May all of us have or find something worth commemorating this time of the year!

The Merry Christmas Bash 2009!

16th December 2009 Wednesday

This early Christmas bash with your kindermusik friends kicks off this year's Christmas celebrations. So happy that you are celebrating with these special little people from your life- Julius, Victoria, Trudy, Mia, Claire and Eva. (We are missing Issac here)

We had started talking about this little party way back when we celebrated Halloween. The idea for this party was mooted and readily agreed to by all the mummies. Since then we have been looking forward to this day.

Auntie Jocelyn was really nice to offer to hold the party at her house again. And this time, we had Mia and Eva joined us! The more the more chaotic and more merrier!

The kids are beginning to parallel play less and interact with each other more. I love seeing them together. Too cute. And of course, we tried to take group pictures again. All the mummies were making desperate attempts to get the babies to sit still for a group shot. But we failed again this time. Nevermind. We shall try again.

So now we're thinking of doing this every year. I certainly hope we do! Much as I want to keep them all the adorable babies they are forever, having this group to grow up with is the next best thing.

Thank you mummies and babies all for a wonderful day!

Trudy dancing with her horns!

Tory is sharing a story with her friends.

My Marshmellow- refused to take off her new puma shoes and paraded around in them.

This is the closest we got to taking a group picture.

Do Babies Need Christmas Gift?

As mothers, we all , to various extents, carry a baggage of our pasts, we all try to recreate a good facets of our childhoods and to compensate for the painful ones. The memory of what we did and did not receive as children shapes- some would say warps- our approach to motherhood. We try to give our children (and by proxy ourselves) what we lacked as children. For some, it's financial security, a nice house, an unending supply of beautiful clothes and toys (I am guilty of that) Others give guidance and boundaries, a focus on goals and achievement. Still others consider laxity, freedom and unconditional love.

What I most want to give you are the one thing I didnt have in a childhood filled with pets, books, music, christmas celebrations, barefoot summer holidays by the beach and a pony when I turned 13. Haha. Material things aside, I want to, I need to give you a happy mom. And I am working on it. I am out to be happy. And that is a personal quest no one but I can judge, fulfill, imitate or envy.


So now that the Christmas is approaching, I would like to give you a keepsake or treasured gift that you can cherish for years to come. I have given this alot of thought recently. But do you really need christmas gifts when we are buying tons of things for you periodically? Maybe Not. But having said that, I guess it's important to create memories. I dont want you to look back in your photobook in years to come and wonder : How come Santa did not bring you anything that year?

So I am going to gather some gifts given by the people who care for you and let you rip them open and take some cute holiday pictures. What I am going to really give you as your christmas gift this year- more time with you and a Child Sponsorship Programme under your Name.

I have contacted World Vision to sign up to sponsor a child in Mongolia. While we are living a comfortable life here, I want you to grow up realising that another child at your age is leading a totally different kind of life at the other side of the world. While you are getting pretty clothes and amazing toys, the kid probably longs for clean water, basic healthcare or education.

I hope you will grow up and understand the meaning of my christmas gift to you this year and be a kind person. I hope you will cherish this gift for the rest of your life.

Merry Christmas to you, my darling!

Mesmerising Musical Ball

We always have fabulous fun at the Airport. Usually we would go T2 but this day I decided to explore T3 together with you. I love going to the airport for its unlimited space for you to run and roam around. To celebrate Christmas, there is this huge Musical Ball at the Departure Hall Level 3. Over 6 metres high, this revolving creation of wonder will play favourite Christmas carols at half hourly interval.

You were so mesmerised by this huge musical ball. You would stand and stared when the musical ball opened up and all the smaller balls started to flow down. And when the music starts, you would start to dance and sway! You looked so cute dancing away and many tourists would stop and take pictures of you. And after each performance, I would always have difficulty getting you to leave.

You love it so much that we had been back there 3 times already. And each time, your eyes would light up when you see the Musical Ball. Oh! How I love to see you so happy and having so much fun!

This is how the Musical Ball looks like when it is at rest.

Ta!Ta! The Huge Musical Ball opens up to reveal many smaller balls !

Ummm... when is the Musical Ball starting?

Still closed? I cant wait!
Look how my baby dances around the musical ball!
And more swaying!
Staring.....
And more Staring....
Simply mersmerised by it!
Cant help clapping when the performance ended!

Christmas Trees and Us

I simply adore christmas trees. They make me feel happy! And I think these feelings have rub off on you because of the way you squeal and go: Waahhhhh..... everytime you see one. And then you would point at the top and shout: STAR! This make my heart melts. So I am trying to bring you to see as many christmas trees as possible. More to come, darling!

The giant Christmas Tree at Taka.

This is a very special christmas tree made up of hundreds of teddy bears at Conrad Hotel. You were so fascinated by the bears!

You looked so cute staring and touching at the bears. Finally, the nice staff from the hotel gave you a small little bear to bring home!

This is one of the very few christmas trees at Changi Airport.

This tall one is located at Tampines Mall.

Another one taken with Daddy. Look at the way you were smiling!

A very special white christmas tree!