Singapore Day 1

13 Oct 2007, Singapore - I'm officially 22 months today. I woke up at around 9am, and since everyone had got ready, we headed down to Level 1 of the club house to the Rajah Mas Cafe for our breakfast.

Ooops, I was still in my pyjamas, with my boh boh and chut chut :) If you ever see me with my boh boh and chut chut, that means I'm either still sleepy or about to sleep.



After breakfast, we went for a brief walk at the swimming pool area and went back to our room so that I could have my shower. It looks like they had cleaned up our room. After about half an hour, I was ready and Chiu Chiu came to pick us up.

It was about lunch time, so Chiu Chiu took us to the famous duck rice shop in Sembawang. I can see that Amah and Daddy were enjoying themselves very much because they love duck very much. I didn't eat much, but kept asking Mommy or Daddy to take me out in between the meal.
After that, Chiu Chiu planned to drop us at Jurong Birk Park but it rained very heavily so he detoured and dropped us at VivoCity instead before he went for his game of badminton.

In VivoCity, I was fascinated by the fountain there.

We spent quite some time there, and then we headed indoor towards the shops. Before long, we reached Toy R Us, and spent most of our time there. Amah bought me a Baby Bop soft toys because it was my favourite character.


I explored all the toys that I came across with...
It took quite awhile for them to drag me out of the store because I was having a great time there. We then went for a walk outside, I had my 'nen nen'.

After that, we headed to the MRT station inside VivoCity because we wanted to go Clark Quay. On the way, I saw this....Daddy asked me if wanted to have a ride. I nodded and there I went! Mommy and Daddy were very surprised because I have never dared to sit on a ride since my first birthday.


After that, we boarded the MRT to Clark Quay. Since I'm below 90cm, I got to ride free. I wanted to hold the railings as how Daddy did it, so he carried me and let me had a feel of things.

What a beautiful scenery awaits us at Clark Quay. Mommy saw a man selling Turkish ice-cream there, so she bought a cup with all five flavours for us to taste.

We then went for a boat ride along the Riverside. We saw many beautiful sceneries along the way, but I was already feeling sleepy. It was a bumpy ride by the way.

After our boat ride, I was dozing away already so Mommy put me in the stroller. Hmm... looks like I missed something! They had a great dinner at the Indonesian Restaurant at Clarke Quay.

Just right after dinner, I woke up. Mommy gave me nen nen. Daddy suggested we go to the Night Safari since it's still early. So we took a cab there. It was a very long wait because of the public holidays. Everyone was queueing for their turn. After about a half hour wait, we managed to get a cab to Night Safari. When we reached there, again it was another long queue. We bought our tickets (I got to enter free, of course) and lined up for about half an hour before we got into the trams. The tour guide asked us all to keep very quiet in case we scare those animals. However, I didn't listen to her. I kept saying, "Hi bear bear", Bye bye deer, etc... despite a child behind me who kept saying "sshhh" to me. Mommy and Daddy can't help laughing but told me if I don't keep quiet, the tigers would come and eat me. I saw many animals along the way, but it was very dark so I can't really see all that the tour guide pointed out. We were not allowed to take any shots, so sorry there's nothing to share here.

After the ride, we had Ben & Jerry ice-cream. It's a bit too sweet but I loved it. Then Mommy and Daddy let me explore around the gift shop. I was busy pulling down all the snakes from the railings. Poor Mommy and Daddy need to hang them back again everytime I pulled them. Later, they managed to distract me to the other animals, like the birds, etc.

It's getting late, so we went to queue for the cab. Again, it's a long queue. By the time we reached home, it was already ~11++pm. Mommy was too exhausted so Daddy helped to bathe me. After that, Mommy fed me my medicine (I was still having flu and cough). Not too long later, we were all in dreamland. What a hectic day we had today.

22 Months Accomplishment Report

Scrap Credits:
Legacy Simply Digital Pak by CottageArts

Year end is coming, it's appraisal time! So I guess I can't keep putting off writing my very first accomplishment report - after 22 months. Anyway, it's still better than none.

Weight: ~11kg (taken during my 2nd visit to Dr. Sim's)

Height: ~84-85cm (taken during my 1st visit to Dr. Sim's, by Mommy and Daddy. It's just an estimate since they're not really sure how to use the scale).

Teeth: I've nearly got a full set of teeth by now. Mommy couldn't keep track of that since everything just popped out once she stop breastfeeding me after 15 months.

Vocabulary:

• Able to count from 1-10, with 7 replaced with nen-nen-nen-nen. Here's how the counting goes..."one, two, three, phour, phive, six, nen-nen-nen-nen, eight, nine, ten, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen". And I have a tendency to shorten them down until "one, two, three, nen-nen-nen-nen, eight, nine, ten, thirteen". I love to count from 1-10 (always trying to shorten it after every round of counting, by eating up one number at each round and replace that with nen-nen-nen-nen), then followed by "Go!" and started to run around. I could repeat this for several times until I'm tired.

• Able to recognize and pronounce most of the alphabets by now (except for some difficult ones like W). Our bathroom mat has the words, "STEP HERE" printed on it, and I could read out loud all the alphabets to Mommy and Daddy, much to their delight.

• Able to sing "DO RE MI" in the correct tune and order on my own. But I still can't really do the reverse order yet, since Daddy wanted me to learn that too.

• Able to address nearly all the formalities by now "Amah, Ji Chik (2nd Uncle in Hokkien), Sa Chik (3rd Uncle), Chiew Chiew (Mommy's brother), Siao Yi (Mommy's younger sister), Ta-Yi-Ma (Mommy's eldest sister), Poh Poh (Mommy's Mommy), Mei Mei, Jie Jie, baby, etc. I address myself as Yi. I still can't really say Gong Gong yet, I tend to say "Ngo Ngo" or "No No" instead. And I called Mama (even though I can say Mommy), and Dad Dad (even though I can say Papa). I could also say my Mommy's, Daddy's and Amah's names.

• My language skills include English, Mandarin and Hokkien. I could say short words and make up short sentense now, like: i)Mandarin: Pu Yau, Mei You, Wo Ai Mama, (which has extended to Wo Ai Po Po, Wo Ai Ji Chik, etc... up till Wo Ai Minnie..), Mama, chou Mama (Mama, let's go), Xie (shoes), etc.. (ii)English: Pis (Please), An Kiu (thank you), soli (sorry), bread, egg, square, big, small, etc..., (iii) Hokkien: Mai, Ai, Boh, U, Tau (take off my shoes), Mama, che, Mama (Mama, sit with me), etc..

Motor Skills:

• Able to climb up a whole flight of stairs by myself, without even holding to the railings

• I love to draw (mostly scribble) on a piece of paper and extend my boundary to the table, chair, floor, etc. I also have a tendency to trace things, like put something on the paper, and trying to trace that. I've even tried placing my hands, feet or lying down on the drawing block and ask Mommy or Amah to trace my body parts there, including my head.

• I'm considered potty-trained by now. I would say "pot" and within seconds, Mommy/Amah/Daddy would rush me to the potty. Most of the time, they wouldn't know what type of business I would like to do, because I always just say "pot". Whenever I'm not in diaper, I would normally tell them if I need to use the potty. But if I'm wearing a diaper, I would still inform them if I want to poop, just that I would still say "Pot". But if it's just passing urine, I felt that it's too small a business to notify them. When we're in Singapore, I have no problem using the hotel toilet bowl as my temporary potty. And there's an occasion when we're outside but I was diaperless. Mommy and I was in the car, while waiting for Daddy to buy the newspaper. Suddenly I just say "pot", and Mommy rushed me out of the car. We met Daddy halfway and he carried me to the nearby drain to do my business :)

• I know how to do the sign of cross already :)

• Able to feed myself too, regardless of using bottle (when drinking nen nen) or bowl/plate with fork & spoon (when eating solids), with much lesser mess now. When I taste a certain food, I would close my eyes as if to enjoy it and say "Good". I could now take ice water and spicy food.

• Know how to take off my own shoes, saying "tau", meaning take off in Hokkien.

• Know how to take off my diaper too, so Mommy need to let me wear pants over it to prevent me from doing so.

• Know how to operate the DVD player and change my favourite CDs.

• Could put all the different shapes and colours into the shapes & colours sorter. By the way, I've got a 2nd shapes & colours sorter since I lost some of the pieces for the 1st one. And even though the left over pieces from my 1st sorter are different in color from my 2nd one, the shapes are still the same. I am able to tell that shapes are more important and I managed to fit those into their respective holes, even though the color doesn't match.

• I love to dance and hum the songs at the same time. I especially love action songs, and could memorize all the actions and do it by myself, like the Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, London Bridge is Falling Down, Where is Thumbkin, Head & Shoulder, Knees & Toes, The Bumble Bee song (I don't know the actual song name), I have a Little Donkey (mandarin song), etc. I could twist, and even turn (holding Mommy or Daddy's hand above me and I made a little turn on my own).

• Able to shake hand, high-five, wave bye bye and blow kisses to strangers when meeting or leaving. Would also greet strangers in the lift by saying "hi". And since I don't know how to say Auntie yet, I would normally call them Jie Jie (unless they told me they are too old to be called Jie Jie, then I have no choice but to call Poh Poh (even though they are too young to be Poh Poh!)

Other skills/traits:

• I could memorize the sequence of events in the Barney CDs. Sometimes Mommy was wondering if I really understand the show because I would laugh by myself at some parts of the movie. And I would also know what's coming for the next songs in a CD that I'm listening to.

• Learn to smile when posing for photographs. Initially it turned out to be a funny look (Amah always asked me not to smile instead), but I'm getting better at this now.

• I'm a very determined person. If I didn't get what I want, I would either cry non-stop or purposely fall down on the floor to get Mommy's and Daddy's attentions. And I'm rather strong too, I could win Mommy and Daddy by struggling with all my might until they have to let go of me.

• Able to recognise colors - red, yellow, blue, green

• Able to recognise different types of fruits

• Started to show sign of vanity - I love to play with Mommy's cleanser/toner/moisturizer set and also apply the body lotion on myself. I love to see my own reflection in the mirror, and know how to demand on what to wear when going out. I especially love my "duckling" blouse and jeans given by Kim Poh during my birthday last year. I love to comb my hair, although I mess up more than combing.

• Love to brush my teeth, and look at the mirror while doing it. But I tend to bite on the bristles most of the time.

• Showed interest in reading. I specially love the Ugly Duckling and The Happy Prince stories, and asked Mommy to read that to me. I also enjoyed reading Mommy's Baby Magazine (Practical Parenting), and also the Astro Magazine as well as the cars pamphlets.

• Love flipping thru my photo albums. I have 2 big and 2 small albums, and I always asked Mommy to bring them down for me. I also enjoyed watching my own videos and photos in Mommy's camera.

• I could help with some of the houseworks already, like handing over wet clothes to Mommy to dry, taking in dry ones, or help Amah to wipe the windows and floor using a piece of cloth or tissue. There's a time I love to sweep the house, but not now anymore.

My First Flying Experience

Finally I got to fly! It had been Mommy's dream to take me for a flying experience before I turned two, and finally it materialised on Oct 12th, 2007. Mommy and Daddy made the decision quite late, so by the time when they booked the flights, we didn't have much choice left as most of the flights were fully booked. So, in the end, they decided to fly on Friday night so that we could take full advantage of the 4 days Raya break to spend in Singapore.

I didn't have my afternoon nap that day, maybe I was too excited because they kept asking me if I wanted to travel in aeroplane. I will then make the aeroplane sound and raise my hand to show them how an aeroplane fly, saying "Ai!" at the same time. When Mommy and Daddy came back from work, they packed and we got ready to leave for the airport. I was already near to sleeping when the taxi came, and I slept throughout the whole journey to the airport. However, when we reached the airport, I woke up and got excited at the sight of the crowds. Maybe everyone wanted to take advantage of the Raya holidays, because the airport was really packed that day.

Scrap Credits:

Heritage Page Park by CottageArts

I was very excited and did some exploring around the airport. Mommy had a hard time trying to catch up with me because I insisted to walk on my own, and I ended up running most of the time. Finally, after what seemed like a long wait, it's time to board the plane.

We were given the front seats, which had more leg-space compared to the rest of the seats.


Hey, look what Daddy's trying to do? Hehe, not a good shot, but at least he managed to capture all of us in there....:)


I can't really recall the sequence of events after that, because what I was doing then has taken away all my attention and energy. So I'll let Mommy described what happen after that...

***********************************************************************
Well, things went rather well at first. We were greeted by the air stewardess, who tried to make friends with Sze Yi. She gave her some crayons with a colouring book, but advised me to put them in my handbag first. Then, she helped to put all our bags in the compartment above us, but Sze Yi wouldn't let her take my handbag. So I requested my handbag to be left with me. She then strapped Sze Yi's seat belt to mine and left us. Not too long later, Sze Yi started to request for food. Since all the titbits that we brought were up in the compartments, I asked one of the air stewardess if they have any biscuits or anything. She just asked me to hold on, but never came back to me. We were given wet towels later, and Sze Yi thought that was food, only to be disappointed later. So I have to find all sorts of reasons to calm her down.

When the plane started to take off, Sze Yi became uncontrollable. She cried and struggled until our seat belts gave way! The flight attendance who saw this asked me to hold her tightly, because it was impossible to strap her during that time. After we successfully took off, I brought Sze Yi to the cabin kitchen and asked for some biscuits. Only then I realized that they actually didn't have any, so they served us the usual turkey sandwich (or is it? I was not sure what's that, since I didn't eat anything during the whole flight). Sze Yi wouldn't want that, but kept asking me to carry her out of the plane. Daddy tried to ease me so he carried Sze Yi and consoled her at the same time, but she insisted that I carried her instead. So I took her along the isle, with the hope that she'll calm down, but then came the trolley of food, so I have to turn back to my seat because only one party could pass. When we were back to our seats, Sze Yi cried again, so I took her back to the kitchen area. She wanted to go into the Business Class cabin, but the air stewardess stopped us for fear of disturbing them. I had no choice, but just paced around the small area in circles, going round and round, and singing songs to her at the same time, hoping that she would doze off soon. I knew that she wanted to sleep, but she couldn't so that's why she's in such a state. Not too long later, she really dozed off. But when I brought her back to my seat, she woke up and the whole process was repeated. Unfortunely, she didn't go back to sleep. She asked for "nen nen". Since we've throwed away all our hot water and cold boiled water before we board our flight, Daddy went to get some hot water from the air stewardess. But they didn't have cold boiled water! So the milk was really hot, and we couldn't gave that to Sze Yi. We could do nothing except holding her and pacing around that place. Luckily at times she let hubby carried her, so I was relieved of the ~11-kg weight for awhile.

I saw that they served her a large portion of food, but at that time, I didn't take any notice on what food they actually served, because she was crying all the while. Furthermore, it was really an embarrasing situation with everyone looking at us, because of the noise that Sze Yi was making. And worst still, the air stewardess were not helpful at all. They not only didn't offer any type of consolation to Sze Yi, but kept giving us cold looks because we were sometimes blocking their way. The place was so small, that there's hardly a place to stand. With Sze Yi not allowing me to sit, we were left without much choice.

To cut the whole story short, Sze Yi actually cried throughout the whole flight - didn't stop at all! And we were all drained out by the time the flight landed. I couldn't remember if I was seated when the plane landed, but I doubt that I did! Both hubby and me didn't even touch our food, nor really sit down throughout the whole flight. If I knew that things were going to turn out like that, I wouldn't have insisted to take her for a flight experience. Maybe the air pressure caused her some ear discomfort, we never found out. Or maybe she's too tired and wanted a nap. I could only guess, but not exactly sure what's the root cause.


After we landed, we told her that. She suddenly stopped crying and said "Yeah", laughing away happily! We were shocked at such sudden switch of emotions, and one of the passengers tried to pat Sze Yi. But that only made her cry again ;P


Once we put her back on her stroller, she was dozing away in no time. Guess she really needed a nap, in a place where she's familiar with.
We waited for my brother to come and fetch us to our hotel. This was also another lucky incident. Since we decided to go to Singapore quite last minute, we couldn't find any affordable hotels left. And since it's peak season, most of the rates were doubled up. 1 night stay at Traders would need at least SGD400++ per night (corporate rate). Initially we thought of staying at YMCA, which only cost SGD100++ per night on normal days, but during that time, it shoot up to SGD160++. And it was fully booked. In fact, most of the hotels were, except for Traders. Luckily my brother managed to find this Orchid Country Club, a golf resort where his boss was a member. And guess what? There were still rooms available! For all 3 nights, except the last night where we were on waiting list. Since Dr. Ho (my brother's boss) was rather confident that our wait list status would turn to confirmed status as the time drew nearer, my brother advised us not to book a room for the last night. We nearly booked a room at Perak Hotel since it made a great home for GT during her 6 days stay in Singapore. The rate now had shoot up to at least SGD200++ per night. Can you guess what's the rate we got in Orchid Country Clud? Only SGD90++ per night (on weekdays) and SGD105++ per night for weekends, because we booked under Dr. Ho. And the room's really nice, with 1 double bed and 1 single bed for the deluxe room. So we didn't need to pay any additional charges for the extra bed :) And what's more - there're free buffet breakfast for two every day, children below two eat free :)



So, what happened to Sze Yi? She slept throughout the whole journey and even after we've reached the hotel. Only when Amah was changing her, she woke up, and got very excited when she saw her new surroundings. She only slept back like around 1am++. Indeed, she's had too much excitement for the day. I'm hoping that tomorrow would be better... (to be continued later).

A Morning of Adventure

I woke up much earlier then usual today, 6.30am! And not enough with that, I woke everyone up - on a Sunday morning :) So, Mommy and Daddy decided to take me for a morning stroll at the Youth Park. We all got ready and went out for breakfast at 7am, together with Amah. We had dim sum opposite Sunshine Farlim, and I was enthralled with the birds there. I asked Mommy to carry me there so that I could have a closer look at them.



After a sumptuos breakfast, we left for Youth Park. I had a field time trying out everything, but I was particularly fascinated with the slides. Mommy and Daddy allowed me to slide down all by myself, since Mommy has seen me done that before and was very sure that I would be alright. Whoooo.... here I come. I slided down for more than 10 times that day, on different types of slides!


I also tried the swing - something which I've never dared to try since 3.5 months back. Somehow, I regained my confidence again. Both Daddy and Mommy were really proud of me. It began to rain, and we quickly left the place.


It's been a really tiring morning, and I dozed off right after I got into the car, heading for home.

Lantern Walk

This year is my 2nd Moon Cake Festival. Last year, I got 2 lanterns, one was bought by my 2nd Chik Chik but got spoilt by me. Then, Mommy & Daddy got me a hen which can lay eggs.

This year, I got a little pig. This is the smallest and quietest, so I could carry it comfortably. But then, after several days, it ran out of battery.

Then, Amah got me a traditional type in animal shape. I chose a squirrel.

One fine night, Amah, Daddy and Mommy took me for a lantern walk - with my squirrel lantern. Amah lighted it with real a candle and let me carry it.

I had a fun time, but Amah needed to light it several times because everytime I carried it, I would swing it and the wind will blow off the candle. I made some friends there too :)

A New Hair Cut

I've had several hair cuts before, but never seen by anyone except my hair stylist. And most of that was done when I was sleeping. Then recently my stylist found out that I allowed my hair to be cut when awake too, so I have had several hair cuts while awake. Still, Mommy and Daddy didn't get to see my hair stylist in action. Mommy then requested my hair stylist to give me a hair cut during weekends, so that she could take some pictures of it, and after such a long long time, her wish finally materialised. Now you know who this mysterious hair stylist of mine is :)

Hair styling in progress....

Oh dear...look who's crying?

Hmm....it looks like I still won't really allow my hair to be cut. Or maybe it's because the hair kept falling on my face, which I don't feel comfortable with. I still won't allow them to pour water on my hair when bathing, because I don't like the feeling of water dripping down my face.



Anyway, here's my final look.
Haha, Amah didn't manage to get them all trimmed nicely for me because I insisted to be taken out from my hair chair. I guessed she'll have to do that some other time then.

Tzu Chi's Charity Food Fair

Last Sunday, Daddy took us to the Tzu Chi's Charity Food Fair. Besides selling vegetarian food, there were many more stalls selling other stuffs like toys, stationaries, books, small decorative items, accessories, etc.

I got a ball and two boxes of pencil colors. Ever since I came back from Learning Garden, I was very into arts. I could draw and draw for the whole day. Since Amah has got me a drawing block, so I would need more color pencils to give more colors to it.

The highlight of the day was that we took a family photo. Again, we had to wait for a very long queue. So how did they keep me entertained? You can tell from the pictures :)

Ta-daaaa! Here's our happy family photo :)

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Guess what's the occasion today? I was dressed up in this kimono again, must be something very special....

Ta-da! Yes, it's Daddy's birthday today. Mommy taught me how to wish Daddy Happy Birthday. I managed to say "Eppi Bithday". It was not perfect, but that was enough to make Daddy's day.

We had dinner at Mapple Gold, one of Daddy's favourite restaurant with Amah and both Chik Chiks. And of course I love the birthday cake the most...

Merdeka Trip

In the spirit of Merdeka, I was given a Malaysian flag by Daddy.

Guess where we're going?
Look, I'm taking somebody along as well!

No, not one, but two of them! You're right, today I decided bring Doggy and Snoopy along. Can you see me? :)

There, now you see the whole picture!

We decided to go up the Bukit Bendara or the Penang Hill. It was a very big mistake, because it's fully packed and we have to wait for 1.5 hours for our train. So we did some exploring around the place.

While we were busy taking photos, our camera suddenly gave us a blue screen. Gosh, luckily Daddy's and Mommy's handphones could take pictures too. Finally, our train came at 12.30pm. By then, I was already in dreamland. So Mommy carried me into the fully packed train. I heard that it was really packed until there's no place to sit. Luckily there were some kind Malay ladies who let both Mommy and Amah sat. The stroller had to be folded so poor Daddy had to carry that and stand throughout the whole journey. But we were rewarded with a breathtaking views and cool air when we reached the top.
And I just woke up from my half-hour nap... did you noticed my new bonnet? Amah bought that for me while waiting for the train because it's too hot outside and we didn't come prepared with anything.
More pictures before we went for lunch

Amah suggested to go to the only hotel in Penang Hill for lunch, since it won't be so hot there. We found out that they also served the traditional charcoal type steamboat, so we ordered two sets of those, and another fried rice because the steamboat will take about 20 minutes to prepare and we were all starving by now. Mommy fed me her home-cooked porridge first. We also ordered their speacialty drinks, which was something like a plum juice. That tasted really nice, after finishing Mommy's share, I turned my attention to Daddy :)

Oh yes, we also got a very good view from our table. Normally, guests were advised to sit indoor if they ordered the steamboat, but they let us sat outside. Here comes our steamboat... yummy yummy! Would you believe me if I said I actually have another round of these, after finishing my porridge? ;P I'm a food lover, so I just can never say no to food.

In between lunch, Daddy and Mommy took turns to entertain me so that one could eat while the other one played with me. I love to wander around the living hall, and guess where's my favourite spot? It's so relaxing here :)

I was also allowed to roam about in the open space grass outside. I had a fun time running around, although it was a bit hot. I fell down a few times and I dirtied my pants. Mommy said I don't behave like a girl at all. Oopss!

By the way, I made some new friends too. I was especially attracted to the 2nd sister (there were 3 of them) but everytime I went near her, she would run away. I think this was fun, and in no time, we were playing catch. Here're some photos taken with them, but Mommy couldn't catch all us together because we kept moving about all the time.

After lunch, we went for a walk around Penang hill and dropped by my favaourite place - the playground. I didn't get to play for long because it was really hot there.

Then, we prepared to go home, since we knew it would be a long queue again. We managed to board the 3.30pm train home.

Mommy managed to keep me awake half-way thru the journey, as I was about to doze off again. When we went into the train, I panicked and kept asking to be led out. Don't know why I was afraid. I cried very loudly while they all tried to sooth me. In no time, all the passengers chipped in and tried to console me. I was ok after that, and then after sometime, I was in dreamland again. Goodbye Penang Hill, till our path cross again.