Bye bye Daddy..

Daddy had to going away for work for the next 1 month. It's the first time since Mei Mei is born, that Daddy is going to be away for such a long time.

Mei Mei getting all chirpy & excited - probably she thought that she is also going to get on the plane too!

Mei mei getting teary knowing Daddy is leaving (without her) - awwwww.. Daddy heart pain pain!

This time round, it felt different for me, thou it's not the first time Edwin is going away for an overseas stint.Surprisingly, I missed him a lot more that I thought. Perhaps it's times like this that hit me that I may have taken his presence for granted. As someone once said, "Marriage is not a game of scoring", I find this particularly meaningful, cos it's such a simple theory but yet most couples do not appreciate this basic essence of matrimony. Especially when we enter into parenthood - the wife will always be lamenting that the husband is never doing enough. When mothers congregate, we start to compare how we are always the party making the most sacrifices. I think it's because we are so consumed by the additional responsibilities as a mother that we often feel victimised (esp at night, when our husband's snoring is in orchestra with the baby's crying).

I suddenly realised that I probably spend too much time grumbling about how he could have been done more. Yet, I can't even remember when is the last time that I''ve sincerely told him that I appreciated the things that he has done for our family.

Edwin always offer to change and feed Mei Mei, vs a lot of other fathers I know who are still stuck in the conservative mindset that parenting is a women's righful duty. Despite being a "social butterfly", he even sacrificed a large part of his social life so that he can be always there when we needed him (and did not even put up a word of protest when I'm out to catch up with my girlfriends). Did I mention that no matter how challenging it was for him to feed Mei Mei, yet he never once throw his temper? All this may sound like very simple feats that any father can accomplish. But if you have known Edwin long enough, you will agree with me that he's quite a changed man now.

I'm not trying to glorify my husband; but I think everyone should take some time to think of what your partner have done to contribute to the relationship.

Do spare a brief moment today to give him a tight hug and tell him how much he means to you .

Daddy - we will miss you deep deep!

Wedding Anniversary (Day 2)

4th Oct is a special day, not only is it Daddy & Mummy's wedding anniversary, it happens to be Mummy's birthday as well. By now, Mei Mei must be thinking," Oh My Gosh! Daddy is so cheapo! Everything try to combine, so no need to spend extra $$ to celebrate and buy presents" Mei Mei should had guessed it earlier, since Daddy was quite a cheapo to get a Hotel stay in Conrad in the first place. Well, all Daddy could say is that, "If Mei Mei no want a boyfriend like Daddy, bring him home for dinner with Daddy." Mei Mei will then know if the boy is cheapo or not, cos only a real cheapo can identify with another cheapo!

Anyway, enough with Daddy's nonsense. It's time for Mei Mei to show everyone around in our new found home for 2 nights only.

Here's the bed, its a King size, so there's plenty of room for the 3 of us. No more flying kicks to Mummy's face, I promise!

Well, guess what? Daddy thought the bed was too high and was worried that Mei Mei might fall off the bed, so I got to sleep in the cot instead. Hmmm, I wonder if that's the real reason? I thought I saw Daddy drinking milk in bed last night?

Yeah! This TV is even bigger than the one at home, a full 46" LCD TV with full entertainment theatre system. Wow, before you knew it, it's night time, here's a great shot from our room during the night.

I was throwing tantrums throughout the day, so Daddy decided to stay in the room for dinner instead. Poor Daddy gotta buy take away from Carl's Jnr. But I'm an attention seeker, there's no way I'm gonna let Daddy & Mummy spend a quiet dinner together. Besides, I wanna celebrate Mummy's birthday.

I never knew talking this much was gonna make me so hungry, let's see what the hotel chef can come up with.

Yesterday's congee was quite nice and cheap, cost only $2. Daddy is cheapo, so this sounds like a good deal. I shall have the same congee tonight. Maybe I'll add a little more flavour into the congee, chicken sounds nice.

Yesterday's plain congee was $2. Today with some chicken in the congee, a stalk of flower, a plate of soy sauce, a bowl of flour fritters and a glass of ice water, it cost Daddy $25. When Daddy told Mummy about this, she almost blew her head off.

Actually, Mummy wanted to blow the waiter's head off instead. Cos Mummy was the one who wanted the chicken in the congee. I tried to calm Mummy down by offering a cheque.

Well, at least I tried.....

Health Tips from Ong En Xi for the day.

A pear a day, keeps my Daddy & Mummy happy everyday

Wedding Anniversary (Day 1)

Daddy & Mummy has been married for 4 years now & to celebrate Daddy & Mummy's wedding anniversary, Daddy decided to plan for a weekend getaway. Choices were somewhat limited as Mei Mei is too young for a flight out of S'pore. So Daddy opted for a stay at Conrad Centennial Hotel instead. Swimming for Mei Mei and Spa facilities for Daddy & Mummy. Perfect!

How wrong it turned out to be! The pool was under renovation and guests have to take a hike to Ritz Carlton for the swim instead. Wow Lau Eh! So troublesome! Fortunately, Mummy found out about this when she was enquiring on Spa packages, 4 days before the weekend stay. When Mummy broke the news to Daddy, his face started to cramp up and turn green. Mei Mei could hear the tearing of fabric in the background while she was playing.

Anyway, we had the choice to cancel our reservations & look elsewhere, but decided to save on the hassle & be cheapo instead. Where else can you find a 2 night stay in Marina Bay for a little more than $200 per night? Besides, you don't get to swim in a 6 star hotel pool that often right? So, off we go!

Sexy Mei Mei must be wondering why we are taking a cab for a swim. This might sound ridiculous, but this was the arrangment by the Hotel staff.

Daddy wonders if Mei Mei or Mummy is enjoying the swim more?

Mei Mei gets knocked out after a 30 lap practise. You think Tao Li is good? Wait till 16 years later, watch out for Ong En Xi. Daddy thought that he could spend some quality time with Mummy while Mei Mei is asleep. Maybe catch some movies in the room or just plain talking. But the moment Daddy puts Mei Mei down in her cot, she stands up and gives you a look like this...

Heh Heh... Daddy! Mummy! Play with me!

Our room is on the 18th floor, overlooking Pan Pacific, here's a day shot from our room.

Another day shot across Suntec City Mall.

Health Tips from Ong En Xi for the day.

An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.

Teething pains

Clingy..weepy..cranky, that's what you get when teething meets separation anxiety.

With En Xi moving on to a 9-mth old toddler, and adjusting quite well to fomula, my intention was to wean her off from nursing. I was deliberating since that's the only time that I can enjoy my bonding with En Xi. However, with my supply dwindling by the day, it's a choice that needs to be make in time to come. Everything was going well with Edwin helping out with the night feedings (to break the association of mummy = feeding).

Just right after our anniverary weekend - suddenly our little princess starts to "transforms" into a night terror, refusing all attempts to bottle feed her during the night wakings. Her wailing will persist till finally Mummy gives in and nurse her. And trust me, I bet the decibel of her wailing must have woke up neighbours even from the opposite block.

The tooth terror!!

We were getting worried and wondering what triggered the sudden change in behaviour. That's when we realise that the culprit was the pain from her emerging first incisors that is cutting through her gum! Now all the symptoms make sense - from the swollen gums, runny nose, biting and gnawing...our dear princess is putting up a tough fight with one of the major milestones of her growing up!

She has also been increasingly attached to me, and just want to nurse and nurse the moment she wakes up. My mother-in-law even had to pull her away so that I can leave for work. For the first time, she actually starts to get whiny the moment I stepped out of the house. I remembered reading about babies around 7 months will start to demonstrate such behaviour known as separation anxiety . This means that your baby formed a loving attachment to you, associating pleasure, comfort, and security with your presence. Put it another way: It’s evidence that the bond you’ve worked so hard to create is holding, which means Mummy (me! me!) is officially En Xi's favourite person (one point for mummy)! Now - who dares to contest that a mother is the most rewarding profession in the world?

I love mummy!

First toy from Mummy & Daddy

During a recent visit to Edwin's bro, En Xi was getting all excited with the surroundings. From the masak masak cooker to the cutsy toy jewelleries from Cousin Charlene, it occurred to us that our little girl is probably getting bored at home. Who can blame a 8-month old tyke who is increasingly acute at her mobile skills & exploratory senses. Not forgetting the fact that she has been playing with the same old piano toy from Uncle Kurt for the past 8 months, and toggling with the usual few teethers till there are no more new corners to bite.

Aint I pretty?

Inspired by the huge discounts from Tangs recent sale, we finally decided on her first new toy - a walker cum car from Fisher Price. Thou we ultimately realise that she is still a bit too young to maneuver the toy, but it still amuses us (and her) to see her exploring her new gadget at all smiles.

The making of Project Lionel - the name we gave to her toy

See me ride!

I can walk!!

I also had my first trial of toy rental from www.rent-that-toy.com, a site strongly recommended by my colleague. The price is rather affordable for 1-month rental, since kids outgrow their interest for their toys at a lightning speed. It's definitely a more cost effective way to keep our kids entertained without burning a hole in our pockets. The Fisher Price Learning Home I rented turned out to be surprisingly new, and En Xi was definitely kept busy with all the sounds and lights coming out from the different interactive buttons.

Welcome to my new house!

Singapore Flyer

Price of working in NDP 08? A free trip for 6 adults to the Singapore Flyer. I guess that sums up the experience in NDP 08, dull, unexciting and ultimately disappointing at the working level. But then again, there's always another perspective to a half empty glass of water. At least it works out to be $180 and more importantly, a priceless moment for the family to get together.




One of the things I had always appreciated in life are my parents and I always try my best to make up to them in whatever means possible. Sometimes, I wish that I could have more time in the evening to talk to them more and understand them better. But then again, work has always taken a toil on me. So, the next best solution is to create opportunities for family bonding over the weekends.

Also, I know Charlene has a special place in mom's heart and nothing is more heartening to have the entire family together for a weekend together.

Well, you can say the same for me as well. I had always adored Charlene, so much so, that I think of her as my god-daughter. Buying her pretty and pinkish stuff had since been my favourite past time as well.

I guess that can be said the same for my brother, who enjoys making trips down to my place on weekdays to play with En Xi. Here, he is trying to strike a conversation with her.

Don't you just love the look on En Xi's face? One moment she's crying, the next moment she's laughing and now, a coy look. Adorable aren't she? Bonding with her had never been so fun...

Ah, such memories, NDP 06 seems like yesterday. I still could recall the ultra late nights we put in and the rewarding experience. I still could recall the words from the one of NDP videos," Places change, people come and go, but out hearts will always remain". Such irony, that the National Stadium is going to make way for the new national stadium by 2010.

By the way, I had never been a true fan of F1, but after watching F1 Singapore, it proved to be a spectacle, at least on TV, in my own opinion.

My favorite person is....

Up up and away...

I always thought that I was En Xi's favorite person because:
1. She can only be calmed down by me whenever she is cranky (which Edwin dismissed as because I'm the provider of her greatest need ie MILK.)
2. She always reserves her biggest smile of the day for me when I'm back from work.
3. She gets amused by whatever I do or say to her.

Tat's why, I always thought that first words will be "Ma Ma" or "Mum mum" (thou it may be mean "food"). But Little Ms Chatty first few words was actually "BA BA BA"!! You can imagine how proud Edwin was, literally showing off to me whenver she does tat. Thou I'm still not convinced cos it could just be her babbling and the vowel of "BA" just seems more achievable! Never mind..1 point goes to him then. I still have 2 points leading with the above-mentioned reasons..haha.

Recently, we also started to convert the space at the living room into En Xi's new playground. She seems to enjoy herself very much with the new-found playground. Her daily entertainment is to challenge herself to reach for the items concealed behind the pilllows such as the cable box, the hi-fi, and whatever that her fingers can land. En Xi is also able to stand up steadily now. From her initial attempts to prop herself up with her wobbly legs, she is able to support herself up steadily within a few days. When no-one is watching, this showy little girl will even shout for our attention when she manages to stand up successfully.

I can reach for the wire!! Need to stretch longer...
Gotcha! Let's play some Wiiiiiiiiiiii!

Hee hee...i got busted!

This little vainpot also know how to pose into the camera! Whenever she sees the beam from the cam, she will actually pause whatever she's doing and even smile into the camera sometimes!

Let me show u my megawatt GUM-smile.