Ooops! We did it again.

Yes.We did it again. Ok ok. I did it again. I am the mastermind. We school hopped again sometime back. And this time, I enrolled you in My Gym. It has always been my yearly resolution to hit the gym weekly. At the same time this year I have a new resolution to NOT be in denial. Therefore it has been quite obvious that I 'll never have the time to go to the gym in my near future. So now every Friday, MArshy and I will go to the gym. Marshy's gym.

Till today, my sis still cannot understand why am I spending these funds to send Marshy for 'enriched' and 'scheduled' play when you are already playing constantly at home. Haha. well. Maybe it is the socialisation, or the sportsmanship that I want you to pick up. Maybe I want sports to be part of life. Anyway, whatever, let's just enjoy and soak it up!

It's kind of fun when you get to experience the different acrobatics/gymnatics stunts there. The teachers are really good in coaxing and helping the little people do all the exercises.

Sometimes when I watch you pull yourself up on the monkey bars, or doing a somersault with the help of your teachers, it made me cry inside. I am so proud of you. I didnt know it was possible to be proud of such a small little person. But I am.

I also don't know who decided that a mommy could blink and her squishy newborn would be a mobile toddler. Time is moving too fast. Watching you roll and flipped mademe realised you are changing at the speed of light. You don't slow down when you discover your world.

Favourite time of the session- Swing!

Swinging in the room of bubbles!

This July

Today you turned twenty three months old. Just a month away from being TWO! This led me to think about how we are going to celebrate that. Last year, we had a big bash(BIG in my context as birthday celebrations are foreign territory to me). So what are we going to do this year?

Whatever we decide to do this year, I hope when you grow up and you'd remember all the hoopla and fuss we make over you and how I always make a great deal from your birthdays. Yes, it is a day where narcissism and an "all about me" attitude is not only allowed but encouraged.

So this year, a different plan. For my little Marshy who is turning into this wonderful little girl who I so so love.

Till now, I still get this achy feeling in my heart. That feeling that says I love this little girl more than I could ever imagined. That incredible love soaked heart of mine still leaps with an indescribable rhythm when she's in my arms.

Happy Twenty Three months !

Giving you the World

Hush Little Baby,

Dont say a word

Mama's gonna buy you a mocking bird.

If that mocking bird won't sing,

Mams's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass

Mama's gonna get you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke

Mama gonna buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat won't pull,

Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull

And if that cart and bull fall down,

You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town

This is your favourite lullaby. And I used to sing it to you blindly and thinking what a dumb and meaningless lullaby until one day. I started to understand and feel deeply for the song. This lullaby expresses the love and the need within the mother to provide for you and not wanting you to be deprived.

I want to give you the world.

Today I am going to let out a secret - YOu have a horrendous amount of toys. It was endless. If you spend 10 minutes playing on one toy, you cannot finish playing everyone of them in one day. My mom your grandma has given up nagging. I have gotten used to the looks of astonishment on visitors' faces and with most shaking their heads in disbelief and ime oblivious of the comments about me setting up a toy rental business.



Yeah this is daddy and mamma's joint efforts. Our common weakness since the day you were born. And I blame it to the fact that we are strong advocates of learning through play. And more play.

So check this out. Just a prelude-

A pirate ship we lugged back from Melbourne last year. It is something that I would like to have if I was a kid!

Marshy had so much fun with all her stuff friends in the pirate ship. SHe would orgainse picnics and get together with her bears and dolls!

Marshy riding on one of her many tricycles. All geared up with her haversack and giving Mickey Mouse a ride!

This is the face my heart beats for!

Marshy's another favourite-Hello Kitty fishing set. You are really good at catching the revolving fishes with the fishing rod your chubby hands!

Reading together

Last month I got upset with myself for missing the Borders Fair at Singapore Expo. For as long as I can remember, I seldom missed Book Fairs. Because I love to read. And I love how reading makes my mind work. I love how it transports me right smack into someone's life and thoughts. It made me feel alive. An escapade from my own life.

Despite how much I love reading, I hadnt been making it my priority. Life had swung out of control and I was barely keeping my head above the waters. Therefore, I have not been setting a good example for you. Again, I stew in my guilt.

Then I decided enough is enough. I whisked you up and brought you to the library despite feeling exhausted from work. Well, anyway the fatigue that has been constantly absorbing me cannot be any worse. So we arrived at the library and I spent the next few hours picking up behind you while you amused yourself non stop with all your finds.

I am so glad we made this trip to the library. I felt rejuvenated even after all the running after you. The rest of the things in my life didnt just go away, they still swirled on but I feel more balanced now. Ready to embrace life again. A date with you is definately a perfect remedy for a work-battled soul and body.

It's FUN In the Night Garden

After almost 2 years of being a mummy, I have come to realise that babies change their minds fast. Without any warning or signs to look out for. You used to love eating Babymelts and Mueller Little stars yogurt. And this foolish mummy stock up heaps of them so that you 'll never run out of supplies. But one day, you woke up and decided your palette has changed and looked at the once 'Yummy' snacks with disgust.


Once upon a time, you were so impressed and besotted by Barney. To my dismay.You live and breath Barney and again mommy bought Barney pillow, Barney cups, Barney DVDs, Barney books and the list goes on.

And history has to repeats itself.

One day, you just stopped watching Barney. And now you are obsessed with Daisy. And I mean OBSESSED. Daisy, Daisy... makka pakka... iggle.. from the UK programme- In the night Garden.


But I am silently happy that you have finally fallen in love with the show. It is one of the shows that I approve and like as well. (OMG. Did I say APPROVE?) But I am just not sure how long is this interest going to last. And this time round, darling. I am restricting myself from getting all the toys, stickers, products related to the show. Not to mention that they are not easily accessible in Singapore. I have to order from the on line stores.

This show is about a community of toy characters in a magical place call the night garden that exists between waking and sleeping in a child's imagination. How sweet and cool can that be?These characters are so lovable and the whole show is fill with bright colours, flowers and imaginary figures that weaves a love of innocence and purity. It may not be the usual educational children programmes that are bursting with educational values. But I love it for its simpleness, creativeness and its own sense of humour. I hope that would impact on your imagination powers and give you the capacity to be creative and imaginative. And most importantly, In the Night Garden is about fun and inspiring.


These are the development benefits I have always hope to ins til in you on your journey to having a simple but inspiring and fun life! So stay tuned, Marshy!

Marshy's favourite character- Daisy.

Keeping sane

Mummyhood has been bittersweet. One thing I have come to realise is that this mummyhood started the moment I realised the pregnancy. Before you have a name and before we know you are a little girl, I had already been trekking on the path of parenthood. Although you are 19 months old now, I have been a mum for 28 months now. Wow!

These days, I have had more tough days of sleep deprivation, of sadness, of endless tasks these days. I need to keep my perspective where it belongs. I had so 'managed' without a confinement lady nor a helper since the day you arrived. Sometimes I wonder how did I do it all.


It is getting tougher these days. The challenge of balancing both work and you is taking its toll on me. SOmetimes, I dozed off many times while driving at the speed of 100km/hr along the highway. I slapped myself hard to keep awake because you were in the car. But I dozed off again ten seconds later. And I slapped myself again.


Mummyhood is just amazing. As much as it is about caring for another little being, it is also about realising so much more about oneself and how much more one can do. My parcel of joy has also shown me how much more patient a person can be. To peer down your wailing throat when you are at your most demanding and yet feel an unconditional joy- this is love.

But love does not boast. I hope I am not boasting or even amplifying my love for you. Because this is what all mothers do. Doing and trying our best. I am really trying hard.

I am hanging on. I am determined to do well for us. I didn't know parenthood could make me feel this way. I am thankful to have you.

That's more I can Do

Been a while.

Been busy.

I had lots to write, but I'm feeling baked today. And yesterday. And the day before. I yearned for a good cup of cuppa and a good book. And a scrummy scone. I wish I could sit down proper for a good piece of writing, but I am absorbed by fatigue and scattered thoughts.

For some reason, my recent busy schedule set off a tiny ripple of thoughts in me. I had grand plans to complete your photobook, to bake you yogurt muffins, to sew you a dress, to read you more books, to keep dancing with you.

I now stew in my own guilt.

The days passed into evenings too quickly these days. I haven't sew. I haven't bake. I haven't written. I haven't this. I haven't that. Too many haven'ts. I'm slush.

I want to do more. To be a better mummy. I must . And I will.

You have no idea how much I misses you at work. My heart yearns to rush home to see you. It never fails to brighten my day to hear and see your welcome yells and cheers whenever I am back home. And I 'd also match with a victory dance in tune with yours.

Dear Marshy, I am just as happy to see you too, you know? MaMa miss miss miss you too!

AGAIN

I am feeling achy in my heart. My marshy is sneezy again. It happened again. Always on a holiday season. During NewYear's eve and now just days before Chinese New Year. It all happened with a leaking nose. Again.

I suspected the bug is from Cousin Val and Vaness. But, darling, what can mommy do? Pink nose, nasal voice, insensitive palette. I have heard enough of convoluted Doctors' talk on bugs and viruses and all things bad and sickly. I wished I was the one sickly. I really do.

Damn bug, please buzz off right away and stop harrassing my marshy. Be good and float to lalaland where you belong. Be gone. NOW.

Hang on , marshy. Mummy is here. Right here.

A Date with Barney

It's time to come out of my own denial. I have to admit that you do love Barney. You have always love your cuddlies. Your mouth gapes wide open like a capital O when you come near to the shelves of colorful cuddlies. But you have something special for Barney. And his friends- Baby Bop, BJ and cousin Ritz. They deserved a post in your blog.

I never used to like Barney. Nope. No chance. And I was secretly hoping you wouldnt too. I am sorry I even gave away the Barney bag you received as a birthday gift. But there's family story behind.
My mum, your popo is pathologically scared of LIZARDS. Inevitably, that fear transmitted itself to auntie Carol and me. Our whole family ran squealing and repleted in fear at the sight of one passing arachnid. It was as if we had a crippling domestic emergency. So you guessed it. Although Barney is a dinosaur but looks like a err... errr lizard. And a purple one!!

But you seem to have shown special fondness for Barney. You sing the Barney songs, mimic the Barney dance and hop like a Baby Bop Hop. Your repertoire of tricks extend to holding hands with us and sway and sing the Barney's theme song. Then you would tug on my sleeve and lean in close to me, give me a hug and touch my chest to gesture I love you.

My heart scrunch up and I get teary eyed every single time. I choose to believe that you are showing me that you love me. Right, baby? I know I am a cry mummy but please dont laugh at me. You'll know when you are a mummy.

Because of you, I am starting to look at barney in a different light.

Happy Eighteen

February 2009

February 2010

Dear baby,

It's funny how tomorrows keep coming. They never stop and always seem to pick up speed, just when I am enjoying you and your babyhood so much.

Everytime I look through your photos, my throat goes tight. You are growing so fast it makes my heart ache. I dread to think of the day when you want to sleep in your own bed in your own room, the day you tell Mummy you are too old for kisses.

So now everyday is a precious memory. Your every sound is so delicious. Your every movement a milestone. That's a mommy's joy. Immense, intense joy.

You are growing well. You love your solids. You love your milk. It makes me feel like a wonderchef. Looking at you juicy thighs, I know you are eating wonderfully well.

You are growing so fast. You are talking, you are dancing you are singing. And you are still sleeping in with us.

I had wanted to fill this page with your milestones, but really, all I care for now is for you to be happy. You make my heart merry.

Mummy loves you. To the moon and back.

Happy 18 months. We know we havent been happier.

Letting go

She would have been 91 today if she is still around. I still remembered the very cosy last birthday celebration we had for her last year. And I still remembered how it felt to hold her bony hands.

We visited her yesterday. To tell her we remembered her birthday. Tonight I let the tears flow and the memories spill. How else do you remember? I don't know.

I ask if she can hear me? If there is a heaven, will she be happy?

They say she will. It's the best for her. It's just time to let go. And I know it's true.

She 's gone now. She has become a piece of the blue sky. And I have to move on.

It helps to know she is no longer in pain.

But the point is- I had a grandma. I am sure I am going to see her again. But until then, our relationship continues

So goodbye, granny. You'll be happy up there. Won't you?


Farewell for now. I miss you lots. Oh yes, Happy Birthday........

Incredibly Sweet

Soft toys are your favourite. You are into hugging your cuddlies now. And today, little blue eyed puppy is your favourite. You are hugging, kissing, cuddling and picking something off the air and feeding your little pup your drool. Looking at how you rest your head on little blue eyed puppy as if it were your loveley. It melted me.

You are impossibly sweet.

On days when I find myself hanging onto fading dreams, I look over to you. And I feel life 's good again.

Big plans, Big trips

We had fun. We had joy in Aussieland . And it's almost 3 months since , it's time for another one. Just us, boxed off from the world. It is time to fill the pages in our travel journal again with coloured pictures.

My baby, where are we heading to this time?

One of these days, you and I are going to be travellers, not just tourists. We are going to travel to the furthest land to watch the sunset and swim in every ocean on this planet.

We are ready to go.

Burn on, Not burn Out!

A Toddler and a Day Job

Job description

Hours- Constant

Time Off-zilch

All food and entertainment provided by you

Must be good at athletes and home repairs and making mince interesting

Strictly no sick pay, No holiday pay, hell NO PAY!

Would you take the job?

My days are getting challenging as work picks up its tempo. By 9pm, I am either dead or more dead. Unfortunately, I'm not blogging as often as I'd like now because I am working full time and chasing after a 17 month old toddler who only functions on RUN.

I guess today is one of the days when I feel a grey as saturated as the sky outside. Maybe I need to just lie down.

I have no more strength. I am dizzy with contentedness.

But like all mums, I love my progeny with a primal passion. For every bad afternoon, there are ten superb afternoons. For every tantrum there is a cuddle. for every broken sleepless night, there is a walk in through the park on a wonderful day. For every crankiness, there is a stranger smile on the street.

I am happily busy and busy being happy.

But I need a rest. Even though I don't need to rest constantly. I need to break away from the routine so that my mind can rest.

It's break from all of this, to find my soul once again and get back in touch with what's important and meaningful.

I 'm supposed to be working. But I can't seem to do anything but scroll through your pictures. And you make everything better. My little cheer upper.

The perfect remedy for a work battered soul.

Happy 2010!

Happy 2010!

A year going by. Another year coming on. Year 2009 hasnt brought on the best of news for me and I cant help but feel a twinge of low somehow too. Last year had seen me deal with some setbacks and losing my beloved granny.

In the new year, let's be kind to all, let's forgive more, let's start to appreciate and be thankful to what we have got. And for those we have lost, Let's always keep them in our thoughts. Let's try to be a step closer to leading the life we want. isnt that what life is really about?

Enjoy your 2010.

Happy 2010. Like it or not. Here we go!