Kayleb Celebrates Chinese New Year

With his favorite aunts 

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

Kayleb celebrates Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Celebrating his 2nd Birthday in his Day Care Centre

With his favorite Strawberry Shortcake

Little pumpkin had fun celebrating his 2nd Birthday with his classmates.

Sunday trip to Kluang, Malaysia

Hunz & I decided to bring kayleb for a short Sunday trip to Kluang, Johor, Malaysia. Our main purpose was to show Kayleb the Kluang railway station, something that Singapore no longer have after they bought over the land that used to house the KTM railway station.

Sometimes, some things are such a pity gone. I personally never had a chance to ride on the KTM railway or a traditional steam engine train. You can call me a true city girl.

Our first stop was heading through the Tuas checkpoint towards Luang railway station for the famous Kluang railway breakfast.

We had nasi lemak (came only in rice, little ikan bilis, peanuts & chilli), curry puff, half boiled eggs, charcoal toasted buns, malay noodles, teh-susu and coffee.

I'll be honest to tell you the food was pretty average because I have tasted better ones. Nontheless, the breakfast ambience wins hands down. 

I think Kayleb was pretty fascinated when he saw the train came to a stop right before his very eyes. He hasn't had a chance to ride the train very much and when he does, well, our train stations were aways subway-like. 

We headed to the premium outlet mall thereafter and had our lunch at Taman Sentosa. He got to ride on the kiddy ride we have always wanted to get him. Hunz said he got bored after 10 minutes of fun, so we probably shouldn't waste our money to get him something he wouldn't play long enough. 

I hope Kayleb had enjoyed himself today. Can't wait for the next short trip out with him. It's always enriching for me as well.

Parenting is truly not just teaching your child, it is also a learning journey for the parent. 

Thank you Kayleb for the opportunity. 

Before i end this post, here's a shout out to hunz, my grandfather and my father in law: happy father's day to three great fathers/grandfathers. keep rawking on & i love you three much!

Marching on to the "terrible two" phase

I'm always intrigued by the "Terrible Two" phase and even more amused as to why it is called "Terrible Two". As Kayleb nears the age of 2, I'm beginning to understand why.

He's starting to have random outburst of tantrums and frustrations and likes to hit us whenever he feels frustrated. Everyday, it is a repeating cycle of trying to explain to him what's right and what shouldn't be done, squatting down to his height so we can speak to him respectfully, trying to figure out what he wants (since he can't speak yet) and keeping our cool whenever he stretches our limits.

As I'm a very impatient person, I am constantly reminding myself that I cannot raise my voice at him, and I need to use my words since I want him to use his. I'm using each and every day as a learning platform to communicate with him through explaining, reasoning and more explaining and more reasoning. More importantly, I keep reminding myself that I should not use the typical Asian physical disciplinary action on him. One, because he is too young to understand and two, hitting is just not ideal for his psychological and emotional development.

I'm not a perfect person and I do lose my cool from time to time. So I have to step aside to take a deep breath before I try to re-connect with him.

I'm using less baby-talk and more adult sentences. Sometimes he needs me to repeat myself a few times, slowly and using signs/gestures before he understands what I mean. It is not easy but I believe the effort is well-worth it. Lately, he is starting to grasp the idea of what it means by me telling him "Kayleb, could you please put Stripey in the bed, so we can put on your socks and shoes to get ready for school?" And I'm grateful for that.

I know there are more to teach Kayleb as he approaches two years old, and even more things for me to learn as a parent. I'm full of anticipation and I will keep boosting myself from time and again, to keep things going.

Well, I'd like very much to see "Terrible Two" as "Tremendous Two" - Tremendously tiring but exciting journey to Kayleb turning Two.

18 months old

And here's the 1.5 year old little boy. 

Keep rocking our world my love!

To the office day

Brought Kayleb to my office and he was all elated to be typing on the keyboard and scribbling with his color pencils.

A short trip to Genting, Malaysia

Hunz and I decided to try bringing Kayleb for a short trip. Instead of stressing everyone with a flight destination, we chose a coach travel to Genting, Malaysia, for 4 days 3 nights.

I must say, I'm very thankful and pleased with how well-behaved Kayleb was throughout the coach ride. He slept through most of the journey and was well-entertained with the toy cars and magnetic board I prepared.

While we were at Genting, Kayleb was happy to travel around in his stroller and was rather cooperative during meal times.

We had a memorable time and here'a picture of us picking strawberries at the strawberry farm. He was extremely quick to grasp the concept of picking strawberries and went on a rampage even without me using a scissors to snip the strawberries off the plants. He was so adorable as he made his way through the rows of strawberries and picking the ones we told him looked ripe and juicy enough.

After picking the berries, he was so sweet to distribute them to all our friends. Little guy enjoyed his fruit of labor as well and had the juice squirted all over his outfit. It was such a fond moment, it feels fresh even  as I'm now reflecting on it.

We also went on a joy ride indoors of Genting. He was absolutely delighted to be on the right as he looked around and happily waved at his grandmother who was looking at him from the bridge below. 

While we were bowling, Kayleb attempted to lift the bowling ball all by himself. It was comical as we watched him try with all his might. After he realized it was impossible, he stopped and decided to roll the ball around instead. Quick thinking as he always does.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and I look forward to our next family vacation.

15 months old

Enjoying his favorite fruit - seedless grapes

Curiouser and curiouser

Intently checking out dada's mobile phone

Happy 14 Months Old

Happy 14 months old little guy. Momma and dada loves you truckloads!

Playing with his new fascinations - The washing machine & his walker-wagon

Coloring fun time with Kayleb

Got Kayleb some non-toxic crayons and drawing paper today. Drew a couple of images and had him scribble all over freely. I love it when he enjoys scribbling. Let your imagination flow little buddy. 

Happy Chinese New Year

Luckily Kayleb got better in time for Chinese New Year.

This is him in the traditional robe. Very adorable isn't he? 

14 months old

This is Kayleb, a day before turning 14 months old.
Poor guy fell sick, threw up and was lethargic the entire time.

13 month old

This is Kayleb, 13 months old,
in his car seat, on the way to school.

A trip to the Universal Studios Singapore

This is Kayleb and momma visiting Universal Studios Singapore.

It was such a warm day and Kayleb napped a minute right before it was our turn to watch the Donkey Show.

Kent and I ended up watching the show with Kayleb sleeping soundly in the baby carrier. 

A letter to Kayleb, from Mommy

Dear Kayleb,

Happy first birthday to you. Mommy is so glad to have been able to be part of your growing up days for the past one year.

Mommy remembered the first time she received news that she was pregnant. So many mixed feelings curled inside of me and I wasn't even sure if I could be the best mommy to you.

There was also the time when the doctor told mommy and daddy that you might not be normal and mommy had to do a placenta biopsy to be sure. All that was in mommy's head were hopes and wishes that you would be fine, you would be normal and praise to the Lord, you are a healthy normal growing baby.

Then, after dinner with daddy, mommy realized she was bleeding and knew the time had come. Little Kayleb was ready to say hello to the world and mommy & daddy will no longer talk to the little guy in the tummy, but in person.

You wailed for the very first time on 9th Dec 2011, at 10:01am. Weighing 2.745kg and was about 47cm tall. A tiny little precious gem who opened his eyes the moment he was out. You laid on the warmer, all wrapped up, staring right at daddy, while daddy looked back at you, gently stroking you. You seemed to know who he was. Mommy guessed, you probably found his voice very soothing and familiar.

It was not easy for mommy when the hospital said it was time for to go home, but without Kayleb. Kayleb has very high levels of serum bilirubin and needed to be in the hospital for a few more days. When you could finally come home with us, mommy and daddy were thrilled. So excited to begin a new life as a family. Unfortunately, the happiness did not last long, about 2 days after your discharge, you had to go back to the doctor for a review. The doctor said your bilirubin level was still high and you had to be hospitalized. Mommy's world crushed. I couldn't remember a thing the doctor or the nurse said thereafter. I just kept crying. I could even talk to daddy, your aunt Betsy had to call him. He dropped his work and rushed as quickly as he could to be with us. Although he kept quiet, mommy guessed he was equally as heartbroken as mommy was.

The next few days were endless trips to the hospital (mommy had to rest, but wanted you to have breast milk) and smiles were found on our faces when your pediatrician gave you the green light to be discharged.

Mommy and grandma Yip sun you every morning, hoping to bring down your jaundice as low as possible. Then there were crazy feeding and pumping and diaper changing and bathing. 

You turned a month old in the blink of an eye. We had a party for you. Every one was excited to see you and most people saw you for the very first time. A tiny little pumpkin pie, all guests were eager to cuddle you.

We went back home to stay with Grandpa David & Grandma Eva. They were so excited about you coming back that they got the bedroom painted, and even build a mini nursery spot for you. 

For the month, there was nobody but just you and mommy in the day. Some days went okay, some days were terrible when mommy couldn't get hold of her emotions and got frustrated because she didn't know what you wanted. Mommy felt despaired at times and these times did not last very long.

Chinese New Year came along, and there you turned 2 months old. Mommy & daddy dressed you up in an outfit that was so daddy's style. Everyone was smiling at you and complimenting how adorable you looked.

When you turned 3 months old, mommy felt depressed again because she had to return to the office soon. All she ever knew was being a mommy to you and now she needs to re-learn to be a working woman again. 

Mommy got worried and wondered how she was to juggle both you and work together. What frightened her most was, what if she missed out a huge chunk of your growing up days because of work.

You were four months old and mommy just returned to work. Everything worked out way better than mommy expected. Although exhausted and frustrated at times, mommy tried her very best to be the best mommy she could to you.

Then there you become 5 months old, and you turned 6 months old. We celebrated your half birthday with Godma Eelin and Uncle Cephas. We even took a family outdoor portrait at the Marina Barrage.

Little cheeky boy sat up very well on his own by 7 months old. A tiny little pumpkin now turned into a little infant, all ready to embrace the world and its challenges. When we greet you good morning as you wake up, you smile back so sweetly. You have your own temperament and knows how to get around to having the things you want. 

Your 8th monthsary coincided with National Day. We got you a romper that said "MY FIRST 8TH OF AUGUST". you were an extremely cheery boy that day. It seemed like you knew it was a day of celebration and joy. 

You started teething, crying and got extremely irritable. You were 9 months old. I think it was the worst monthsary for you, and all you wanted was bonjela gel on your gums and lying on mommy. My poor little boy, that's all part of growing up. You grow teeth so you can taste more crunchy food.

Daddy brought mommy on a Europe trip in October 2012. We didn't bring you along because we thought it would be a little too difficult for you to travel half way around the world at such a tender age. But we promised we would bring you overseas next year, when you can walk on your own at least. You were turned 10 month old when daddy and mommy were in Switzerland. Grandpa David called and told us you had hand-foot-mouth-disease. We were worried sick. We wanted very much to stop the vacation and take the earliest flight back home to you. But grandpa David & grandma Eva told us not to, as you're doing okay and they will take good care of you. Mommy swear her heart was terribly broken.

You could stand on your own by now. Of course, with the aid of holding onto furniture. But you have strong arms and strong legs. Getting up, crawling around the house chasing Nachos was just an easy feat for you.You have so much curiosity with everything, the tiniest thing can almost amuse you easily. Daddy decided to help you walk your few steps using the walker-wagon. You managed one step, then 2 steps. It was such an exciting journey. You cuddle up to mommy and cry when I walk a step away. Mommy cherishes each of this time. She knows it won't be long when you'll outgrow it and no longer want to hug mommy anymore. So mommy is not complaining, mommy adores every bit of it. Happy 11 months old baby.

You are turning 1 year old today. It was a much longer journey than what mommy had penned down in this blog. Too many other emotions that words cannot express.

Some days, mommy wished you hadn't grown up so quickly, but mommy can't wait for you to be a big healthy boy too. 

Whatever mommy feels now and whatever that may come, mommy wants to tell you that there is one thing that will not ever change. That is, mommy will always love you.

Someday, when you are able to comprehend reading, mommy hopes you get to read this letter. A letter to my dearest little pumpkin, a God-sent surprise that has brought so much happiness, laughter, fun and love to both me and your daddy. I love you very much. Daddy loves you very much too.

Please grow up strong, healthy, happy and cheerful. Plentiful of hugs and kisses for you, Kayleb. Only for you. 

Happy 1st Birthday!

Love you the most and always,

Mommy.

cooking for lil pumpkin

Weekend meals for Kayleb means home-cooked food and not cereal. Well, unless we're not going on a super long day trip, else, I'll try my best to fix him home-cooked meal.

Last weekend I cooked him porridge. Here's sharing the recipe:

Baby Veggie Porkie Congee (suitable for babies 10 months and above)
Soup stock 

1) Pork Ribs (100g) - chopped into individual rib size
2) 1 x onion - peel off skin and both ends chopped 

Congee 

1) Rice 1/8 cup, soaked for at least 15mins 

Veggie
1) organic pumpkin
2) silky tofu
3) carrots 

This is super easy peasy to prepare. All you gotta do is wash all the ingredients clean. Boil the pork ribs, whole onion in water and then throw in the rice. Cook till rice breaks into bits and into the consistency you prefer. Scoop out the rib and onion when congee is done. Transfer into slow cooker if serving time is not up yet. 

Then dice the pumpkin and carrot and slice the tofu. Steam all the veggie for about 20mins. (I use the avent steamer/blender) 

When serving, blend veggie and congee together.

There! An easy recipe for a hearty baby meal.

I love how you can simply switch the combination for the veggie and easily replace the pork ribs with chicken meat. Or if you prefer, cod fish, silver fish and scallops. Just make sure your baby ain't allergic to any food product. 

Only introduce new food products once every 3 days interval so you can have time to observe for any allergy reactions.

Cheers to whipping up delicious yummy meals for our little ones.

updates & happy 11th month

it's been a long while since i updated this blog. i've been so busy with work and we went away for half a month to europe and i came back to be swamped with even more work.

so many things happened and i couldn't possibly find a moment to record each down.

so on the whole, kayleb fell sick and had HFMD and then a flu till now.

hunz and i are busy preparing for his first birthday party at the moment. everything's more or less settled except his party ht, dinner catering and a mini sweets section.

and i gotta run now. but before i do, let me share a photo of my lil guy, he turned 11months old today! yippee!

Reflections and thinking forward

Once in awhile, I like to think back upon the time I just got pregnant, and then I delivered Kayleb and the entire motherhood journey.

Some people will probably wonder what's there to reflect upon for a short span of 9 months. I tell you, you won't know unless you are a mother. These 9 months are so filled up with moments, there seemed to never be a pause button in place. I'm not complaining, but I'm trying to explain how overwhelming motherhood can be.

Kayleb Staring at daddy the moment he was delivered

Hunz had that heartbroken stare when he looked at Kayleb.
Hospitalized, after his SB results were too high.

I was looking at a photo of hunz carrying Kayleb while sitting outside the nursery at the hospital. He was hospitalized for Jaundice, and I was weeping like a crazy bitch because my baby couldn't come home with me. I couldn't figure out what went wrong. First, I was told he was at risk of having down syndrome, and I had to go for a placenta biopsy. Then, I watched my diet, I took multi-vitamins and I made sure I walked with care (although I got kinda clumsy at the 3rd trimester). Perhaps I cried a little too much but hey, I had raging pregnancy hormones - you can't blame me right? Then, they told me Kayleb had high SB and needed to be hospitalized.

Kayleb home after discharge

Then Kayleb got discharged and came home with us. Night became day, day became night and soon I pretty much lost track of time. He had many firsts that amazed us, he choked us with lotsa love, laughter, frustrations, cries and undeniably JOY. He taught me many things, included patience which I never seemed to be able to grip on to. He allowed me and hunz to have something to look forward to at the end of a tiring work day.

Kayleb asleep in momma's arms.
His first trip to the Singapore Zoo.

Thank you for being around Kayleb. You are indeed a precious gift God has bestowed unto us. Momma's looking forward to many more overwhelming moments as you grow up to be our little guy.

If you ask me now if I'd like to have another child (to go through the entire journey again). I'll say, NO. haha, it's too exhausting. I really would love to have a daughter, but I'm very contented with having Kayleb now. Perhaps, in the future, who knows, when I'm ready again. But I doubt so, motherhood is awesome, and frightening at the same time. haha!

with so much love for you, Kayleb,
~ momma & dada