Day by day we watch them grow....
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Thursday, May 24, 2012
My Mother's Day Present in the Making
I just went in to take a look at Dylan's Tony Ross class shutterfly site and found some very interesting pictures of the little boy in school.
It was so heartening to know that he is enjoying himself in school and is mixing well with his classmates and teachers.
It was so heartening to know that he is enjoying himself in school and is mixing well with his classmates and teachers.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Blog updated.... finally!
Dear Readers
Sorry for the late updates.
Do scroll down for the backdated entries on Tessa's birthday, our road trip to Cherating, as well as our fun day at Universal Studios Singapore!
Have fun reading!
Sorry for the late updates.
Do scroll down for the backdated entries on Tessa's birthday, our road trip to Cherating, as well as our fun day at Universal Studios Singapore!
Have fun reading!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
Dylan and I each have a present for Mommy for Mother's Day!
Mommy was so happy and proud of us when we presented her with the gifts!
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| From Tessa with love |
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| It's a handpainted T-shirt! |
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| From Dylan with love |
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| An eco-friendly bag with his hand and foot prints |
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Happy Birthday Yeye!
Today is Yeye's birthday.
Happy birthday to my beloved Yeye!
To celebrate Yeye's birthday, Mommy treated all of us to a sumptuous seafood dinner at Master Crab!
Happy birthday to my beloved Yeye!
To celebrate Yeye's birthday, Mommy treated all of us to a sumptuous seafood dinner at Master Crab!
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| The happy birthday boy |
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| And me! |
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Lack of updates
Mommy has been both lazy and buzy. That explains for the lack of updates for a month.
During this month, the kids went through cough, cold and fever. Dylan went on a short getaway with Daddy and Mommy to Cherating, while Tessa has to stay back with Yeye and Ah Mah to nurse her flu. We also celebrated Tessa's fourth birthday.
Will upload pictures soon!
During this month, the kids went through cough, cold and fever. Dylan went on a short getaway with Daddy and Mommy to Cherating, while Tessa has to stay back with Yeye and Ah Mah to nurse her flu. We also celebrated Tessa's fourth birthday.
Will upload pictures soon!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Happy birthday Tessa, Shijia & Shihan!
Shijia meimei's birthday falls on the same day as Tessa, while Shihan's is slightly more than a week away on 29 April. As such, we decided to throw a birthday party for our three precious little girls today.
It was a fantastic cake cum ice-cream party! Imagine all the fun we had!
We just couldn't get the 4-3-2-1 to look at the camera and smile all at the same time! *exasperated*
Georgie yeye bought Shihan and Tessa a bicycle each for their birthday.
It was a fantastic cake cum ice-cream party! Imagine all the fun we had!
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| The oldest at 4 years old. |
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| OK, scary face! I am 3 years old! |
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| Erm... is it my birthday too? |
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| The grouchy face 1-year old |
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| Angbaos from Yeye! |
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| With naughty Papa |
Georgie yeye bought Shihan and Tessa a bicycle each for their birthday.
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| The little cyclist on her pink bicycle and in her pink helmet |
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Happy Birthday Tessa!
Part 2 of Tessa's birthday celebration was planned by Daddy and Mommy.
In the morning when she woke up, she received a surprise - a big birthday present for our little girl!
After Shichida class, we came home to rest for a while before Daddy took Tessa out to the indoor playground - going to the indoor playground has become the kids' birthday tradition. =)
At night, the whole family had a sumptuous birthday dinner at Swensen's where Tessa and Dylan had their favourite fries and ice-cream.
After dinner, we went home and held a little pajamas party. Daddy bought Tessa a little cake.
That ends part 2 of Tessa's birthday celebrations - more to come tomorrow!
In the morning when she woke up, she received a surprise - a big birthday present for our little girl!
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| Tessa's birthday surprise from Mommy & Daddy |
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| Yeah! It's a scooter! |
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| *cheeeessseeee* |
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| Wheeiiii! Daddy, look at me! |
At night, the whole family had a sumptuous birthday dinner at Swensen's where Tessa and Dylan had their favourite fries and ice-cream.
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| Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, announcing that I have finished all my fries! |
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| Dylan: So "bao bao"! |
After dinner, we went home and held a little pajamas party. Daddy bought Tessa a little cake.
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| The little pooh bear cake |
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| Happy birthday to me, again! |
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| Hahahahaha!! Look at all of us in our pajamas! |
That ends part 2 of Tessa's birthday celebrations - more to come tomorrow!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Happy Birthday Tessa!
Part 1 of Tessa's birthday celebrations was held at school yesterday.
She handpicked a princess cake for her fourth birthday celebration in school.
A few days before the celebration, Tessa and Mommy packed goodie bags for her classmates which included a Chinese storybook, some biscuits and a lollipop.
As it was very close to the children's lunch time, Teacher Azura decided to keep the cake till teabreak.
It was then time for Tessa to distribute the goodie bags to her friends!
A big Thank You to the teachers and friends for celebrating Tessa's birthday with her and making her a very very happy birthday girl!
She handpicked a princess cake for her fourth birthday celebration in school.
A few days before the celebration, Tessa and Mommy packed goodie bags for her classmates which included a Chinese storybook, some biscuits and a lollipop.
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| Our very happy birthday girl! |
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| The yummylicious princess birthday cake |
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| Tessa's friends all ready to sing her the birthday song |
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| 1, 2, 3 Blow! |
It was then time for Tessa to distribute the goodie bags to her friends!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Last Day: Cherating, Kuantan - 6 to 8 April 2012
We are going back home today.
After breakfast, the father-and-son duo spent some quiet moments at the beach, looking at the sea and hearing the sounds of the waves.
As we were checking out, a little girl came to make friend with Dylan.
Parting family shot at Impiana Resort Cherating
Our litte car was given a good scrub on our way back to Singapore when we stopped for a late lunch. She deserves a good wash and massage because she has served us well for this trip.
After breakfast, the father-and-son duo spent some quiet moments at the beach, looking at the sea and hearing the sounds of the waves.
Our litte car was given a good scrub on our way back to Singapore when we stopped for a late lunch. She deserves a good wash and massage because she has served us well for this trip.
Day 2: Cherating, Kuantan - 6 to 8 April 2012
We woke up to a sunny day!
After washing up, we headed to the resort cafe for our breakfast.
After breakfast and a short walk at the beach, we started our day trip around Cherating and Kuantan.
Our first stop is the turtle sanctuary. Cherating is a beach town in Pahang, Malaysia; located about 47km north of Kuantan. Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is located just beside Asia's first Club Med in Cherating. This centre was established in 1972 as a turtle hatchery; it was later opened to the public in 1998. Situated at the Chendor Beach or Pantai Chendor, this centre helps to ensure the survival of the turtles that come here to lay eggs during the months from April to August. If there should be turtles who come onto the shore to lay eggs, visitors will be allowed to view. It also acts as an information centre to educate the public about turtles and preservation efforts.
Our next stop is the museum at the small town of Sungai Lembing.
Sungai Lembing is a tin mining town 42 km northwest of Kuantan. Lembing is Malay for spear, and "sungai" means river. According to local legend, the local ruler saw a vision of a spear in the nearby river and thus named his town after this vision.
According to the wikipedia, until the 1970s, Sungai Lembing was a major producer of underground tin. Sungai Lembing town developed in the 1880's when the British set up the tin mining industry, although the history of mining in this area extends much further back. From 1891, the Pahang Consolidated Company Limited, (PCCL), which was under British control, had a 77-year lease to mine the area. PCCL managed the mine from 1906 until its liquidation in 1986 when world tin prices collapsed.
The pit mines were closed in 1986 due to high operational costs and low yields, but during their heyday they were among the largest and deepest in the world. The total tunnel length is 322 km, with a depth of between 610 m and 700 m. A museum highlighting the tin mining industry was opened in 2003. The museum is housed in an old bungalow once used by the mine manager. The museum houses a collection of mining artifacts.
The little town of Sungai Lembing is actually very laid-back and rustic. However, it was hard to see that it was once the richest town in Pahang, because alot of the shops are now closed. It was said that many people have since moved out of this town.
Nevertheless, we found this little town very endearing and decided to spend some time soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. We even tried the local samsui noodles at the food centre.
Leaving Sungei Lembing, our next stop is Gua Charas.
Nearby Sungai Lembing is Bukit Panorama, which is a popular place to watch the sunrise. 16 km from Sungai Lembing is Gunung Tapis Nature Park, where one can camp, fish, and shoot the rapids. Gunung Tapis itself is 1,512 m high. On the way to Sungai Lembing at the hamlet of Panching is Gua Charas, a temple cave that is a popular tourist destination, as well as the Sungai Pandan Waterfall, which is 29 km from Kuantan.
Daddy took on the tedious task of carrying Dylan up the hill and down into the cave to view the statue of the reclining Buddha that is housed inside the cave.
In the Malay language the word 'gua' means cave. Gua Charas lies near the foot of the imposing 1,000m-high limestone Panching Hill and is clearly visible from the road leading towards the heritage town of Sungai Lembing. The hill’s cave system, formed millions of years ago and carved out by the forces of nature, offer an intriguing visit mixing nature with religious culture.
Leaving Gua Charas, we headed to a mall at Kuantan - the East Coast Mall for some shopping and snacks.
We were all pretty tired, so we decided to go back to the resort and spend some relaxing time at the beach before dinner.
At night, Daddy took us to Duyong Restaurant for some more delicious seafood.
We were mesmerized by the night skies - the bright shiny moon and twinkling stars.
What a day! Dylan was fast asleep almost as soon as his head hits the pillow.
After washing up, we headed to the resort cafe for our breakfast.
Our first stop is the turtle sanctuary. Cherating is a beach town in Pahang, Malaysia; located about 47km north of Kuantan. Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is located just beside Asia's first Club Med in Cherating. This centre was established in 1972 as a turtle hatchery; it was later opened to the public in 1998. Situated at the Chendor Beach or Pantai Chendor, this centre helps to ensure the survival of the turtles that come here to lay eggs during the months from April to August. If there should be turtles who come onto the shore to lay eggs, visitors will be allowed to view. It also acts as an information centre to educate the public about turtles and preservation efforts.
Sungai Lembing is a tin mining town 42 km northwest of Kuantan. Lembing is Malay for spear, and "sungai" means river. According to local legend, the local ruler saw a vision of a spear in the nearby river and thus named his town after this vision.
According to the wikipedia, until the 1970s, Sungai Lembing was a major producer of underground tin. Sungai Lembing town developed in the 1880's when the British set up the tin mining industry, although the history of mining in this area extends much further back. From 1891, the Pahang Consolidated Company Limited, (PCCL), which was under British control, had a 77-year lease to mine the area. PCCL managed the mine from 1906 until its liquidation in 1986 when world tin prices collapsed.
The pit mines were closed in 1986 due to high operational costs and low yields, but during their heyday they were among the largest and deepest in the world. The total tunnel length is 322 km, with a depth of between 610 m and 700 m. A museum highlighting the tin mining industry was opened in 2003. The museum is housed in an old bungalow once used by the mine manager. The museum houses a collection of mining artifacts.
Nevertheless, we found this little town very endearing and decided to spend some time soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. We even tried the local samsui noodles at the food centre.
Nearby Sungai Lembing is Bukit Panorama, which is a popular place to watch the sunrise. 16 km from Sungai Lembing is Gunung Tapis Nature Park, where one can camp, fish, and shoot the rapids. Gunung Tapis itself is 1,512 m high. On the way to Sungai Lembing at the hamlet of Panching is Gua Charas, a temple cave that is a popular tourist destination, as well as the Sungai Pandan Waterfall, which is 29 km from Kuantan.
Daddy took on the tedious task of carrying Dylan up the hill and down into the cave to view the statue of the reclining Buddha that is housed inside the cave.
In the Malay language the word 'gua' means cave. Gua Charas lies near the foot of the imposing 1,000m-high limestone Panching Hill and is clearly visible from the road leading towards the heritage town of Sungai Lembing. The hill’s cave system, formed millions of years ago and carved out by the forces of nature, offer an intriguing visit mixing nature with religious culture.
We were all pretty tired, so we decided to go back to the resort and spend some relaxing time at the beach before dinner.
Day 1: Cherating, Kuantan - 6 to 8 April 2012
It was meant to be a family road trip to Cherating and Melaka with Yeye and Ah Mah.
Unfortunately, Tessa came down with a high fever just before the trip. Yeye and Ah Mah suggested we take Dylan on the trip and leave Tessa to them. It was such a nice gesture from them. Thank you Yeye and Ah Mah.
After leaving Tessa in the good hands of her grandparents, we took the little devil on this road trip all the way to Kuantan.
It was a long long drive up to Kuantan and the drive was rather dangerous. We had to take local roads which are essentially one-lane roads. Daddy has to pay great attention and caution on the road.
After a long nearly 7 hours drive, we finally reached our resort - Impiana Resort Cherating. Dylan was still nursing a flu, but we cannot bear to deny him of the pool. He was looking at the pool with eager eyes and could not wait to jump into it!
At night, Daddy took us to eat the famous stuffed crab - a delicacy in Kuantan.
The restaurant Daddy planned to take us to was closed, so we settled for another one nearby.
Well, the stuffed crabs weren't that great! Or rather, it didn't suit our tastes.
After dinner, we headed back to our hotel room to rest.
Unfortunately, Tessa came down with a high fever just before the trip. Yeye and Ah Mah suggested we take Dylan on the trip and leave Tessa to them. It was such a nice gesture from them. Thank you Yeye and Ah Mah.
After leaving Tessa in the good hands of her grandparents, we took the little devil on this road trip all the way to Kuantan.
It was a long long drive up to Kuantan and the drive was rather dangerous. We had to take local roads which are essentially one-lane roads. Daddy has to pay great attention and caution on the road.
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| On the road |
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| The little boy having so much fun in the pool with Daddy |
At night, Daddy took us to eat the famous stuffed crab - a delicacy in Kuantan.
The restaurant Daddy planned to take us to was closed, so we settled for another one nearby.
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| Waiting for dinner to be served |
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| What a sumptuous spread! |
After dinner, we headed back to our hotel room to rest.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Mom was away...
I went on a service learning trip with my students and two colleagues from 30 March to 3 April, to a little island in Indonesia.
It was the second time that I was away from the kids ever since Tessa was born. The first was a business trip to Beijing for my previous job.
As much as I have enjoyed my "me-time" and time spent with my students embarking on a meaningful project, I really miss my kids, their faces, smiles, laughter, cries, hugs and kisses.
However, this trip to the little gems of Telunas and Jaga, Riau Islands, Indonesia was an eye-opener for me. It made me reflect and think about the person I want to be, and the kind of parent I want to be.
To read more about our trip to Telunas and Pulau Jaga, you can go to jagajournals.wordpress.com
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My own reflection on the last day of the trip:
Farewells are part and parcel of life. They are life's natural rhythm. I hope you will not see farewell as the end, but the beginning of something new.
As we said goodbye to Jaga and Telunas and bring home beautiful memories of the islands, children and villagers, I hope when we arrived back home at Singapore, it is not just "back to normal business" but a great new start to something exciting! The start of a changed you.
I thought hard about what is one new thing I discovered about myself and what is something that I would change when I go back home.
It has everything to do with the kind of parent I want to be.
When I first have my little girl Tessa, I told myself that I want to be the kind of parent who would not fit my girl into a particular "frame".
I will teach her to be happy for who she is, be contented with what she has, to embrace the values of family, love and generosity, to see opportunities in challenges and to beleive that through adversities she will only emerge stronger. But after the trop, I discovered that I have not been the kind of parent I have envisioned myself to be.
I have subconsciously put a frame, though somewhat loosely, around my kids.
So one thing I will do is when my husband suggests taking the kids out to the beach, or to the farm or go hiking and IF the FIRST thought that comes to my mind is: the weather is too hot, or I will have more ditry laundry to scrub; I will give myself a kick or a slap on the head!
It was the second time that I was away from the kids ever since Tessa was born. The first was a business trip to Beijing for my previous job.
As much as I have enjoyed my "me-time" and time spent with my students embarking on a meaningful project, I really miss my kids, their faces, smiles, laughter, cries, hugs and kisses.
However, this trip to the little gems of Telunas and Jaga, Riau Islands, Indonesia was an eye-opener for me. It made me reflect and think about the person I want to be, and the kind of parent I want to be.
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| Telunas |
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| Pulau Jaga |
*************
My own reflection on the last day of the trip:
Farewells are part and parcel of life. They are life's natural rhythm. I hope you will not see farewell as the end, but the beginning of something new.
As we said goodbye to Jaga and Telunas and bring home beautiful memories of the islands, children and villagers, I hope when we arrived back home at Singapore, it is not just "back to normal business" but a great new start to something exciting! The start of a changed you.
I thought hard about what is one new thing I discovered about myself and what is something that I would change when I go back home.
It has everything to do with the kind of parent I want to be.
When I first have my little girl Tessa, I told myself that I want to be the kind of parent who would not fit my girl into a particular "frame".
I will teach her to be happy for who she is, be contented with what she has, to embrace the values of family, love and generosity, to see opportunities in challenges and to beleive that through adversities she will only emerge stronger. But after the trop, I discovered that I have not been the kind of parent I have envisioned myself to be.
I have subconsciously put a frame, though somewhat loosely, around my kids.
So one thing I will do is when my husband suggests taking the kids out to the beach, or to the farm or go hiking and IF the FIRST thought that comes to my mind is: the weather is too hot, or I will have more ditry laundry to scrub; I will give myself a kick or a slap on the head!
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