Before October...

So before we bade farewell to September, I need to recall the snippets of events that we have encountered in just a span of 3 days over the long weekend.

Celebrations, celebrations and more happy celebrations to rejoice.

Bosco baby shower

Firstly, it was the arrival of lil Bosco - Chloe's younger brother. I love the smell of infants! They have a distinctive scent that makes you want to sniff at them like a maniac. Melts my heart when I saw Bosco falling into deep slumber after a satisfied milk feed. Reminds me Jayden used to be that tiny as well. :)

For Bosco's shower gift, I got carried away this time, thinking that I should put my rusty arty-farty skills back to use. And so.... ....

I decided to make my own diaper cake!

Ingredients: -
Pampers
Receiving blanket
Bip
Burp cloth
Romper
A pair of baby shoes
And lots & lots of ribbons & tape
And I must say that it was not easy at all! I can wrap a square, rectangle shape box anytime. But to wrap something circular is even tougher than changing diapers for my son! Sorry Dewi for being my guinea pig. Hope you didn't have a tough time removing the double sided tapes. :P

It was a pleasant surprise to see Lleyton there as well! The kids had a whale of time in Chloe's playroom.

It was a pity that we had to leave earlier as I wanted Jayden to take his nap before attending another birthday party in the evening.

Deon's 6th Birthday

It was Jayden's cousin's 6th birthday at Loyang Aloha. I must say, this has got to be the most extensive celebration we've ever been to! There were magic show, balloon sculptures, lots of toys to play with, face painting and alot of scrumptious yummy BBQ food. This is the reason why I often find my diet plans outside the window. ^_^

Oct babies 2nd Birthday Bash

From being in pregnancy, to delivering, to sharing baby woes, to celebrating their 1st year of milestone, this will be the 2nd year we're celebrating the birthdays for all the October 07 babies who are now toddlers.

How did we ever get this far?

Kudos to the bash committee for making this possible. And of course, the mummies whom we have shared our joys, poured our woes and all kept in the secrecy of our forum. kekekekek...

This year, we opt for an animal theme. We picked an Elephant balloon that was bigger than the son. I think it was me who wanted the Elephant, because Jayden couldn't stop calling it Monkey.

Happy Birthday to all October kiddos!

Next month, October. It is going to be another roller-coaster ride.


P/S: Thanks to Jessie for introducing this wonderful photo-editing software!

Laws of attraction

Just the other night, we were at the car park and we bumped into a young couple and their 1 yr + old daughter.

She has the sweetest smile and charming eyes. And she was smiling at Jayden.

Like a shy boy, Jayden whispered to me "mei mei" and smiled coyly. I responded candidly, thinking it was just another kid.

And once the little girl was out of sight, Jayden pat my shoulder and said "Mummy, mei mei cute"

CUTE?!?

Which part of the television programmes has my son been watching? I have complimented the boy in many ways - clever, smart, cheeky, naughty and none was ever associated with the word "CUTE".

It is indeed remarkable how the kid selects his choice of words. As long as he doesn't say "Mummy is ugly".

Before I forget

As the Son approaches his 2nd year, I have almost forgotten that he is no longer the dependant baby that relies on me to remember his feeding and sleeping schedule.

I no longer can dictate what he should be eating/drinking. If it's something the Son dislikes, he will display his displeasure in the most dramatic way that you can hardly notice.

So before I forget, I just need to pen down some of the memorable milestones.

1. Jayden can sing the last word of each phase of the song such as - Twinkle x2 little star, Baa Baa Black sheep, Wheels on the bus, I love you Barney, etc
2. He still can't count but he can tell us which bus to go to Bishan - Bus 56
3. When asked on questions with "How many", he will always reply "2"
4. He can form short sentences like "Mummy come back, fetch Jayden, go back home"
5. He still loves riding on the bus and mrt. It makes me wonder when he will reach 0.9m
6. Jayden is able to relate and recognize things - like going to the zoo, seeing monkeys, elephants and polar bears.
7. I am glad that he shares his toys when asked. He doesn't have extreme possessivness.
8. He corrects us when we say "Bus-stop", when it's actually "Interchange" - where did he learn that from?!
9. Like every other kid, he loves music, especially grooving to hip-hop.
10. I cannot remember when, but he has learnt the meaning of saying "No".

And there are so many more things that I wish I can recall.

My boy is growing up and there's a part of me wishing that he can always be that little boy I can cuddle to sleep with, demands me to sing him a song, holds my hand tightly when he's scared and run to me for a hug when he needs one.

Look Ma, no hands!

Today marks the 1st day Dylan is away for his 2 weeks of reservist. The last time, he was away for 3 weeks. It was a challenge to ferry Jayden to-and-fro our place and in-laws single-handedly, given that our 1 yr old couldn't understand the meaning of "WAIT" in his car seat.

Now, coming to 23 months, the boy has understood that while Mummy is driving, he has to be strapped in the car seat for safety reason. Except that, our cheeky boy also understood how to traumatise his mother while on the road; by removing his shoulder belts and telling her matter-of-fact with a grin.

I am glad I have managed to remain sane in times like these.

The zoo trip

The last time we went to the zoo, we practically under-estimated the timing, thinking we could cover the itinerary in 2 hours.

So after months of queueing for the unbelievable hot-favourite company family zoo pass, it was finally our turn. The slight drizzle in the morning couldn't stop us either. We were DETERMINED to complete our trip. Of course, not without dragging our victims along - Celeste & family.

It started to rain after the polor feeding show, forcing us to take shelter.

The photos of the boys are simply adorable - if only I had the flash turned on!! :( Ziv warmed up to Jayden almost instantly. Jayden was more interested in Ziv's Barney bag.

The wet weather was starting to dampen our morning mood. So Celeste suggested we take the tram ride to look around. It was not a bad choice indeed as the boys still got to watch some of the animals in between stops.

The rain stopped just in time for the Elephant show. So we hopped back into action!

Obviously, Ziv loves the camera and Jayden just want to watch the show

I am glad we made the trip this time. Previously, Jayden could hardly appreciate the animals or feeding shows as he couldn't relate to them. But now, he can tell me the elephant is peeing when he sees one!

The elephant that drank too much

By lunchtime, we could see the boys were pretty worn out. Jayden usually have his afternoon nap after lunch, but we didn't want them to miss the finale - The water-themed park.

So, I bought TT (Thomas the train) balloons for the boys and it perked them up instantly!

Jayden & Ziv with their TT balloons

After 3 animal shows and lots of tram rides, we were finally heading to the long-awaited water-themed park. I nearly muttered some vulgarities when the sky started to turn dark again. How could it start to rain at our last stop?!?

We hurried ourselves to the park and before I could changed Jayden into his wetsuit, Ziv was already splashing happily without giving a hoot on his bloated diaper. *hehehe*

Ahhh...cool water takes away the heat

Jayden wasn't the least impressed with the water park and kept requesting to "Go back home". That was the 1st time our boy was making a decision for himself! We wondered if it was the thermal suit or we forgot to bring his water pail along.

Overall, it was a great excursion trip with the boys. By the end of it, Jayden was holding hands with Ziv, playing catching and literally shouting "Ziv kor kor" to play along. Ahh...I know I know, he needs a playmate. Maybe I should ask Celeste & family out more often. ;)

Counting down to paradise

Tickets - Booked.
Annual leave - Applied.
Approval from the son - Checked.

Because he's coming with us this time.

It will be a family getaway cum birthday retreat for the 2 yr old boy. Yes, we will be going away on his birthday. Frolicking at the private beach, indulging in the gastronimic goumet delights and spending some quality family time.

Ahhh...Club Med...here we come!

But that's still 59 days away!!!

Before the 30s

Every year, I will tell the people around me that I didn't want any big celebrations or parties. But after spending the last 28 years of birthdays, I need to tell myself that I have been lying all this while.

The people who cared about me nonetheless went through great lengths to make my birthday memorable each year. It is indeed heartwarming to be remembered.

One can tell for sure that I have a very sweet (and decayed) tooth for cakes, especially chocolate ones. I used to tell a good friend of mine that "Chocolates are my vitamins". And yes, I took them daily until metabolism went against me.

This year, I received presents without any related theme. My friends told me that they have ran out of ideas but I can tell from each and every one of the gifts were painstakingly thought of. One even had post-it notes to explain the 'purpose' of each gift!

Perhaps I shall spare them the agony next year and come up with my own "Wish List". Chanel sounds really good you know? *grin*

The celebration begins...

My birthday treat @ Al Dente

From left front: Bryan, his wife Rene
From right middle: Bon, her partner Travis
From left back: Adrian, his partner Carrie

First family photo blowing out the candles

Adrian selected the place because we had a chance to have a glimpse of the NDP preview. All went well until the sudden downpour.

It is remarkably amazing how the group ended up aquainted today.

Adrian - He was my ex-polymate in another faculty. Ironically, I never kept in contact with any of my polymates from the SAME faculty.

Bryan - He was my ex-colleague in Fujitsu and now my neighbour in Sengkang. Again ironically, Bryan was from a different department.

Bon - She was my secondary schoolmate. Special mention about her at the later part.

Celebration part 2...

Dinner at Pan Pacific 10 @ Claymore

Dylan surprised me yet again this year with cupcakes from Da Paolo Gastronomia sent to my office. The presentation of the cupcakes were surprisingly disappointing, although they still tasted better than The Patissier. Then it was dinner at Pan Pacific Claymore.

Trying to take an 'artistic' shot

The food spread was nothing to rave about. We were done by the 2nd serving.

Not wanting to miss the night without Jayden, we picked him up from in-laws place and headed home. I thought the day had ended real early and was starting to grumble about not having a "Happy Birthday" song from Daddy and son.

Until Celeste and family popped a surprise visit with a cake! How sweet!

Jayden having 2nd serving of the yummy cake

Celebration Part 3...

Irene and Oliva arranged for a lunch treat at the Carousel. I was very looking forward to a nice buffet after the disheartening visit at Claymore.

I went for the lunch buffet with a light heart thinking it was purely a lunch get-to-gether. Except that they already had something on their agenda.

Before we settled the bill, the entire crew at The Carousel started marching towards me, singing "Happy Birthday" in "You're just too good to be true" tune!

Look at how 'traumatised' I am...

The 2 Irenes & Liv

So you see, whoever said they wanted only simple celebrations must be lying. Of course, this would never have been possible without the people that cared. Thank you for letting me be a part of your memory.

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Jayden, please remember Mummy's very special friends: -

Auntie Bon - She is Mummy's seconday cum poly school mate cum part time colleague. So if you count in numbers, we have been friends for the past 14 years. Back in school, Mummy was the quiet, boring wallflower. Before Mummy even had any boyfriends, Auntie Bon already had 10. (just kidding!) We had the most wonderful and fun times. If we were to recall our encounters, we could write a book! Of course, Mummy and Auntie Bon had our arguements but that only made the bond closer. She is also your Cookie Monster rival.

Auntie Celeste - She is one person that I believe Fate exists. We were only colleagues for 3 months and lost contact thereafter. One fine day, Auntie Celeste dropped me an email, and the rest is history. We then become course mates, gym mates and even attended pre-natal classes together. The similiar experiences we've encountered together is simply remarkable. I am thankful we didn't encounter the same birth experience though. *hehehe* Come to think of it now, you and Ziv are only 3 months apart. Coincidence again?

Auntie Olivia - I cannot remember when we decided to be sworn sisters because everything happened naturally. And naturally, she is also your Godmother. If you ever need to know what silly things Mummy did when she was a kid, you know who to ask. Our friendship goes back beyond the years even before Mummy reached puberty. So if you ever need education fees, you know who to look for! *heheheh*

Auntie Irene - She is my ex poly mate and colleague. Ironically, she was my friend's friend and we bumped into each other frequently back in school. Althought we don't talk too much often, she never fails to be present on my birthday. She is also our neighbour and shares the same birth-date as Auntie Bon.

These people brought alot of happiness into my life. These people are also the ones who knew and went through the ups and downs with me.

I can only say, I am truely blessed.