Train of Thoughts

Updates

2011-12-12T12:23:00.001+10:30

Somewhere mid November Erik and Jenny came over to visit and stayed with us for 14 days! Jenny was 16 weeks along and we had heaps fun. Photos will be uploaded soon.

There were trips to Cameron Highlands, weddings and various activities the past few weeks. Today my office is being sound-proved. Next year there will be another staff joining and my department has changed from Counselling and Psychological Service Centre to Career and Psychological Counselling Centre. Not that it makes a lot of difference I believe but it's still okay.

Last night Mia was pretending to read one of her Paddington Bear books, "One day.. I farted". I nearly passed out laughing. She's growing everyday, learning and developing new words each day. Soon I believe we'll be having conversations and she'll want to know about everything under the sun.

Always my baby :)

First Movie Date

2011-12-10T23:56:00.000+10:30

Today we decided to take out lil tot to the movies for her very first time. I was eye-ing Happy feet 2 since many people said it's hilarious. Then again, we've not watched Happy Feet 1 and the rating is PG13 so seeing it is her first time, I thought maybe not.

We opted for Puss in Boots instead! Now while I would not recommend any tots to be in the cinema until perhaps closer 4 years old, due to the exposure to continuous and prolonged loud sound and lighting, I was rather pleasantly surprised how well our lil tot behaved throughout the whole movie.

Tickets were bought online on Thursday. We had purposely chose the back row of seats. I had wanted the last row near the exit but a family of four had bought the seats earlier. So we went for the second last row near the exit. The show was for 11.25am so after a light breakfast at McDonalds, we entered the cinema early and it was pretty well lit. I think she was very pleased to have her own seat. She startled a little when the lights go off and music from advertisements went on but sat quietly on her seat. It wasn't til people started filling into her front seat that she had squirmed and leaned front because they was partially obstructing her view. So I put her on my lap instead. She was good watching the movie while munching on popcorn, chicken nuggets and water. Because the cinema has a surround sound system, and she's not used to it, she startled few times when the goose had gawked and it seemed the goose was behind her :) Then halfway through the movie, she went onto her Daddy's lap. 15 mins before the movie ended, she stood up in front of her Daddy and started getting interested in other things like the surroundings and people around us. Overall, you were very good, Mia.

The only worry I had was the air conditioning in the cinema. Luckily we brought her wool jacket along and she was wearing pants. But it was freaking cold, still. Next time, a blankie would help.

More movie dates to come! :)

15 years dream

2011-11-30T21:46:00.000+10:30

i have a dream

for fifteen years

and it might just come true soon

thank you hubby dearest

for fulfilling it for me

and including you and our baby

making it the best dream

i'll ever be

silent thought

2011-11-15T16:45:00.001+10:30

.i am a mother.

.i will always measure my success in life

through how my child thinks i am.

.because i am a mother.

.above anything much else.

2011-11-09T14:22:00.000+10:30

A couple days ago I was hit by this song. It is a short song. But to me it was really powerful.

This is the song I used to hum to Mia when she was an infant. I don't know if there was any meaning to it at the time but I was so drawn to this song and loves it to this day. I guess it doesn't have to mean anything. But you can look at it as us having to enjoy the moment. Hand in hand, riding the bicycles of Belsize. And living it. Because there will come a time we'll miss those times, as the world keeps spinning around. And that is for you, baby.

Turning and turning
The world goes on.
We can't change it, my friend.
Let us go riding all through the days,
Together to the end, to the end.

Les bicyclettes de Belsize
Carry us side by side
And hand in hand we will ride,
Over Belsize.
Turn your magical eyes.
Round and around,
Looking at all we found.
Carry us through the skies,
Les bicyclettes de Belsize.

Spinning and spinning,
The dreams I know,
Rolling on through my head.
Let us enjoy them, before they go.
Come the dawn, they all are dead.
Yes, they're dead.

Les bicyclettes de Belsize
Carry us side by side
And hand in hand we will ride
Over Belsize.
Turn your magical eyes.
Round and around,
Lookin' at all we found.
Carry us through the skies,
Les bicyclettes de Belsize.

Love

2011-09-05T19:18:00.005+09:30

Dear Baby

I haven't written to you for a while. But these words came from a song. A song I often go back to every once in a while. Because this song relates me to you. They are words meant for you. I am no good with words. I have immense feelings with little words that can describe. So I send these words to you hoping you can somehow understand.

All of these lines across my face

Tells you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you
You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through like you do
And I was made for you...

You see, baby.. you are the reason. I had understood how this meant when I heard it from other people saying them to another person they care and love so much about. But now I not only understood it, I felt it too. You are the reason.

I had a pretty tough life. I almost did not have a childhood. A true childhood was hidden behind a mass of deception and pretense. But my life goes on. And through it I did "climb the mountain tops", "swam the ocean blue" and "crossed the lines". Even "broke all rules". But no I didn't do it all for you. I didn't know I'd survive long enough to have you. Only as I grew older, I realized that I have to survive this life to have you.

I made a promise to myself that you will not have to go through the hardships of life as I went through. Those hardships define who I am today. Made me stronger, wiser and more articulate than ever. I had lost the one person I love the most. That is myself. Slowly I picked myself up again and had to learn to love my self again. Because that is the biggest gift in this whole universe. Most delicate and most treasured. Until you learn to love yourself, then you will be able to see things clearly and how the universe works. Everything else will just fall into places, and makes sense again.

I may plan for your life to be easy, filled with joy and laughter. But it may not build character and you may resent me for that. So I pray you will get over any hardships you encounter. Because you are strong, just like me. And because you love yourself. Just like I love you.

Love, Mommy.
x

Raya 2011 Prep! (Part Two)

2011-08-24T10:40:00.000+09:30

We finally completed our Raya attires and shopping for this year. Yippee!

Now it's packing time and travelling time. There are so much to pack since we'll be hitting the roads (roadtrip this time round) and visiting 2 states within a week. Little Mia will be doing some very long journey by car and this will be her first time in terms of duration. Hence, there is a LOT to prepare and pack!

My mind is running in circles thinking of things we must take with us tomorrow.
1. Baby monitor
2. Mia's portacot
3. Tonnes change of clothes and raya attires
4. Get small change for 'duit raya's (ok this is actually a to do list)
5. Toys for entertainment in the car
6. Tab and all it's cables
7. Camera
8. Snacks and food for Mia
9. Mia's blanket, pillow and sleeping needs
10. My homemade Raya cookies :)

To name a few. I hope nothing gets left behind. Oh yes and I may have to send Koda and my kitchen plants to Bangi for their dear life during our time away.

Yay for Raya! :):)

Raya 2011 Prep!

2011-08-22T17:03:00.000+09:30

I have a confession to make.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR RAYA!!

I just can't seem to put a finger on my Raya excitement this year. We have about 8 days left and I'm ecstatic! I guess it may be because we're celebrating in my hubby's hometown this year and oh my god I think the last time we were there was last year! It could well be almost a year since last we visited.

So in my mind is all about baking cookies, cooking Raya favorites, my lil bug playing and socializing with her cousins (whom would be speaking a different dialect and language all together!), fire crackers, spending some quality time with my in laws and just relax having to be so far away from the city bustles.

I am a city girl, I must admit. I don't think I can ever live too far from civilization. But a different environment and change is always good once in a while :) My MIL is the only one living there now with one of my BILs. She must miss us dearly. I wonder what we can get her this year for Raya.

This is also the first year we are celebrating properly. New clothes for all of us (last 2 years we were on 'recycles', except Mia due to poor planning and adjusting) and home baked cookies :) The first year Raya in Msia we were back too short of a notice to tailor make our attires. Last year we were living in the suburbs and was too tiring to prepare much. So this year was just nice for us. I'm planning to bake cookies and bring them over for my in laws. I might enjoy the visit this time round since we will be back for almost a week and not many people will be around before the day arrives so I'll be able to conquer the kitchen tee hee!

Okay so that's maybe the reason why I'm so ecstatic this year. Plus Mia is much older now and knows what's happening around us to actually join in. I hope her cousins will accommodate her lack of language understanding :( You see, our lil bug has been going to school at 16 months. It is a full-on school with music classes, dance classes, sandplay, playground, lunch/snack time, nap time, art classes, writing classes etc etc so she's learning heaps and has a daily routine. It is structured just the way I like a school to be for her age. The downside is that the school is operated on mainly English language. There are Mandarin classes but no so much Malay. So our bug has a very high command of English vocabs with a few Mandarins but close to no Malays. Though I recently heard her pairing English words to Malay words ("ooh..rain!" waits for me to acknowledge then continues "..hujan") So she is learning some Malay words. Hopefully it's enough for her to understand during playtime with her other cousins. On second thought, may be not. Her cousins may be talking in thick Malay dialects *facepalm* Oh well, the older cousins will be okay I guess. Plus, she's only two and they say toddlers adapt well *crossfingers*

Sigh.
Welcome Raya 2011 :)

Frustrations

2011-08-19T14:14:00.001+09:30

I am almost 30

I am married

I have a child

I have a family of my own

I'm no longer living with my parents

Yet I still do feel like running away

*sigh*

Goodness Me! And Ramadhan 2011 update!

2011-08-15T16:30:00.000+09:30

Yes, goodness me! I haven't been updating this blog for such a long time. So many, many things had happened since. Trip to Singapore and Universal Studios in May, trip to Guangzhou end of June/July, Mines Wellness Hotel free night stay and buffet, 3rd year anniversary, Mia made cinnamon rolls, Malacca Zoo trip for Daddy's day, red velvet cupcakes order, Mia's first asthma attack!, Bi passing away, Papa admittance to Gleneagles, Mommy's raya cookies!

Though there are so many things to document and blog about, the Universal Studios, Singapore and Guangzhou trip will be without pictures. Unfortunately the camera has been 'stolen', according to Abg.

Mia was potty trained rather unsuccessfully this time. She has shown some keen interest to the potty and knows when she has done a poop or wants to 'sheeshee'. She can very well tells us when she needs washing since was one year plus but not necessarily before she does a wee or poo. Guess the training will have to be put off for some time now. Although Mommy and Daddy had excitedly bought 2 types of potties :) Oh but she does use the potty to wash poo or wee so hopefully she'll get the idea soon *crossfingers*

We are exactly halfway through our Ramadhan 2011. Ramadhan this year is extra special. We managed to have iftar almost every night as a family. Our first Ramadhan as a married couple did not turn up as I had expected. I was in the midst of recovering from morning sickness (although my morning sickness wasn't bad actually), I suppose because it was my first time. And some food being sauteed from the kitchen just makes my stomach churn so bad. Then come second Ramadhan, darling hubby was not around to celebrate - out stationed. Last year was worse. He left 2 days before Ramadhan and was away for more than 2 weeks! Half of the holy month was without him and I had to stay in Bangi with my parents. This year is definitely special. We had iftar together, cook together and hit the food bazaar together. Best of all, we have our lil toddler with us every time. Bliss :)

Tonight I'm making "paceri terung" (brinjal curry) as per requested by my darling hubby for iftar and maybe we'll buy some delicacies at the food bazaar. Among our favourites every time during Ramadhan is "murtabak", "roti jala", "roti john", "ayam percik", "popia basah". I see these or any one of these at our table almost every night for iftar. Now married with a kid, I still see these at the table. Though not as often, but the smell gets to me every time :) Love it!

We had received some very exciting news yesterday. Hopefully we can manage well and prepare as best we can for our future. And I also see this as a small token to celebrating this festive season a little more extra than we had before. Alhamdulillah..

This Eid will also be special as it will be our second time celebrating in KB. Our first celebration was not too much of a celebration since darling hubby had very little leave time hence we were only able to celebrate on a short notice. We had also just returned from Australia. We are lucky this year hubby gets many days off and so do I (hopefully! It hasn't been approved yet!). If everything goes well, we may be celebrating few days of Ramadhan there as well. I'm ecstatic that I'll be able to cook for Eid and spending time with my in laws properly this time round :) And now that Mia's a lot bigger, she'll be able to run around and experience her Daddy's hometown much better than before.

Speaking of Mia, she has not been too well lately. Lots of phlegm equals to heavy wheezing and vomiting. Her paed said by the end of this week she should be all better. Last week she had to use nebulizers to clear her lungs and airways out. She also had infections on her left lung. She's doing much better today, in fact she's already in school :)

Papa was also admitted earlier Ramadhan for his createnine levels running too high. He looked yellow on the day of admission. He has been discharged since and is looking way better now. Mama's cousin, Bi (Ma's brother) passed away a little before Ramadhan hits. He had been unwell and in and out hospital few times. No one thought he wouldn't survive this time round but he succumbed to his illness this time. May he rest in peace with his other siblings, parents and one son who left us way earlier than him. Amin.

Paci Story update

2011-06-07T11:45:00.000+09:30

Last night - night three - lil Mia went to bed but walked out of her room again once we left even before we managed to switch them off. I highly suspected it was because of the lights. So I brought her back into her room again and she asked for her paci. I denied the request and switched off the lights this time with her still standing beside her bed. And closed the door. There were a few babbles from the baby monitor but soon enough it's quiet.

This morning she woke up a little before 7am. She was talking and singing on her bed for a good 15 mins or so just enough time before her Daddy goes in and greets her morning. Well done, lil Mia. We're very proud of you :)

I had forgotten to include. The night before, we heard so much babbles and singing before she fell asleep. She's still finding her way to fall asleep. This is making so much progress better than I had thought it would be. And this morning as we walked to the car, I gave her a long look and she seemed a lot bigger now. No longer a toddler but a kid. A little kid. She looks a lot bigger now :)

Developmental leap!

2011-06-06T11:34:00.000+09:30

Come to think of it, our lil one sure underwent some big changes at around 22-25 months old.

1. Slept on her own
2. Graduated from cot to toddler bed
3. Ditched the pacifier and security blankie

At around 22 or 23 months we whispered our goodnights to her and a cuddle before leaving the room. We had practiced this method since she was an infant but somehow after I had gone back to work and sending her to stay with my parents, they didn't follow through resulting to me lying on my bed (while she in her cot) until she fell asleep. Everytime I motioned to leave the room while she's still awake, she starts crying. So one night I decided to continue with our method once again and it only took us 2 nights! Night one - we cuddled her and said our good nights, lights off. I left the room but let the door open slightly ajar. She cried. I kept on coming back to her keeping no eye contact but whispered goodnight again. Left the room. Cried again. Repeated the same method over and again. It took us a good 10 - 15 minutes. Then I closed the door shut. Every time I did when she's still awake, she'll start crying. Sometimes if it is just a small cry, I don't rush it. It is the big and prolonged crying that I or darling hubby sets off to comfort her. Night two - crying was a lot less but I had to continue with resettling her three to four times. Main key is to not give much eye contact. Little children read our expressions a lot so I try to give one that meant 'serious business and not interested to play' facial expression. Night three - she gets the idea and was okay when we left the room. Persistence and patience work wonders :)

She was 23++ months when we moved to our new crib. Right from day one we had set her room up so she can sleep in her own new cot-turned-into-toddler bed. She has always slept in a cot since an infant. We put her cot in our room. I know a lot of mommies who co-sleeps but I find co-sleeping a wee bit unsettling for me. Plus it is important for me to ensure that her sleep is not to be disturbed by our tossing or turning in bed. We also bought a porta-cot for the times when we sleepover or 'balik kampung'. One of the things that irked me a little as of late (during this time) was our waking up in the morning and being an alert toddler, she wakes up too. So when we moved, we were determined to let her sleep in her own room. Luckily we had bought a cot that can be reverted into a toddler bed so our hero (hubby dearest) set her toddler bed up. Night one - we said our goodnights and cuddles. To my absolute surprise (and joy) she didn't make any fuss at all! Although she did wake up a few times during the night (she did stir and wake up during the night when she was sleeping in our room and most times I'd settle her back to sleep or find her paci or security blankie for her so this surely takes a little bit of adjusting). Night two - she had fallen from her bed. Luckily the bed was very low that she can even touch her toes to the floor when sitting. Prior from letting her sleep on her own, we had put my blue raccoon (from a friend in my uni years) on the floor right next to her bed in case she might fell. So her fall was soft enough and it probably had woken her more than being hurt. We found her sitting on the raccoon and rubbing her eyes, crying a bit :) The waking in the night went on for another few day with lesser and lesser each night. Now she slept through most nights and is a bliss :)

Just this past weekend at 25 months we had managed to ditch the pacifier. Friday night during bedtime she had asked for it and I said "it's at work" or "it's gone/finished". She of course made a huge fuss. After we left her room, 10 mins later she cried a very sad cry. I went in and comfort her back again. It was such a rough night for all of us. She kept waking up and cried - sometimes for a while, sometimes for longer - but I'm so proud that we didn't give in. I understood why she cried so much. She wants to sleep but was awaken either bcos there's no paci in her mouth or she searched but couldn't find one. And she wants to sleep but is trying hard to fall asleep without the paci. So she gave out a sad sad cry. Which broke my heart a few times. So the next morning without a paci to comfort, she woke up at 6.30am (she usually is up at 7 or 715). Saturday at nap time she asked again and made another fuss for not having it which eventually put her to sleep. Night two - she had asked during bedtime but with no fuss, fell asleep. Slept through the night only waking up once. Sunday night she slept through the night without waking. She still asks for it and we still gave the same answer.

This morning we told the good news to her teacher. And the teacher told us she was not given her paci or blankie during nap time at school anymore. Been a week now! Yayy!! So our girl has graduated her blankie AND paci! I did notice she lost interest of her blankie few weeks back. She only wants it if she has her paci. Now with no more paci, she has lost interest of the blankie all together :)

So much milestones for a little girl over 2-3 months period. As of late, she showed more interest in the potty. She sees how we flush and sits on it. Shows discomfort and makes 'yucky' faces when pooping in her nappy. I suppose potty training won't be for long now. And oh she's such a big girl and we're the proud parents all the way :):)

Vocab Alert!

2011-05-23T10:49:00.000+09:30

Yesterday darling hubs hubs was in the kitchen telling me some story when our lil bugaroo joined in. Since I was cooking in the kitchen, I hate to have the lil one around so I shoo-ed them both out. My beloved man teased by making faces at me and to my horror, the lil one followed through! She actually made faces at me with body gestures and all. We both burst out laughing so hard! The cutest little thing! :)

I've been hearing lots of words from lil Mia. At one point she came to me with a half-eaten chicken nugget and said "Mommy, akshfaileurhfaieuhrg", passed me the chicken nugget and left me confused but accepted the "gift" anyway. So let's see if I can recall words that she knows now at 25 months.

Mommy, Daddy, Abam (Abg), Papa, Aki, Wan, Aichu, Aicik, Bibik, Wam-ma (Wan Ma), HeeHur HiVy (Teacher Ivy), TeeTur Hon (Teacher Jon), all her friend's names in her age group at school (6 of em), Kakak, bye-bye, hee yu hoon (see you soon), kish (kiss), ugg (hug), milk, mimmie mou (mickey mouse), ball, dog, cat, ei-yephant (elephant), heewaffh (giraffe), bird, hah-hur fye (butterfly), bwed (bread), burbur band (rubber band), hor her yes (strawberries), and-go (mango), ananaa (banana), egg, ah-paii (sampai), ek (work), cow, star, moon, hi hwim (ice cream), poo-poo, shuz (shoes), apple, owange (orange), cake, hi-hur min (vitamin), pwish (please), nak, utim (puting), kain, baby, mia, oyoyo (pocoyo), yes, nyo (no), sayang, juice, eat, amm-more (want more), cereal, cookies, rice, book, eyes, nose, mouth, balloon, bear, sweepin time (sleeping time), nite-nite.

Okay that's all I can recall. That's around 50+ words. Well done, kiddo.
Of course she repeats certain words from hearing Mommy and Daddy. One time her Daddy mentioned about going to this favourite 'mamak-style' hangout of ours and teasingly calling it "Uncle Boobies" instead. Low and behold, a tiny voice echoed from the backseat "unc-er bubish". Oh dear..

5 years from now..

2011-05-20T11:02:00.000+09:30

Ok I still owe this blog the story of our Singapore get-away and lil Mia's party pictures.

But this just came to mind.
What (or where) do I see myself 5 years from now..

1. Still married to the man of my life
2. And we have 2 kids now.
3. Hopefully not living in the same place anymore
4. Get promoted
5. Have done a substantial amount of travelling with my lil nuclear family

Point number one is excruciatingly important to me. He is my support person, my love, my life. I know I can rely on him when things are rough for me. My hero :)
Point number two, I do wish to have another baby. I do not plan to leave Mia as an only child. I find it sad to be an only child and I plan to give her a partner. Her partner for future "crimes" together :)
Point three, I do love where I'm living at the moment. But in 5 years time I hope it is not the same place anymore.
Point four, I love my job. I feel it is rewarding, challenging and satisfying all at the same time. Though I do wish in 5 years time I'll be promoted up.
Point five, travelling is something we do as family. It is family time. Bonding, learning, experiencing and loving each other's company. I hope to take lil Mia (and her sis/bro) to Disneyworld someday. Or visit Fukuoka again. Or Europe.

Insyallah..

My Wishlist

2011-05-10T12:43:00.000+09:30

As you know we just moved into our new crib and as always, I have a wishlist to be looked into and hopefully completed :)

1. A cake stand
~~2. Sofa and chaise set~~ checked!
3. Tea/Coffee set
4. Table runner
5. Table setting set
6. Rug for baby's room
7. An easel
8. Kitchen herbs

Now I've loads to upload this blog. From Mia's Pool Party to engagement ceremonies to our recent Singapore trip. But those will have to wait since we've only partially unpacked and work is already waiting for me. But hopefully soon too! :)

Elevator Morning Horror!

2011-05-06T12:02:00.000+09:30

This just happened this morning.
Without realizing, the elevator door opened and lil Mia went right in. I was busy doing last minute packing, she was out the door with Daddy but Daddy left her out of his sight for a minute to check on me. Next thing we knew the elevator had went down one level below us. He took the other elevator down while I yelled at him that the elevator she took had stopped and lingered at level 7. So he went to level seven. I waited in front of the elevator that she went into for it to come back up again.

To my speck of relief, it did.

I could hear her screaming and crying from below. When I stepped into the elevator, a young lad came out of it, on the phone. He looked at me for a split second and I said hi before I went straight in. He seemed to be looking for something (or someone?).

I didn't have the time to find out, my toddler might be missing. So I pressed 7th floor and held my breath when the door opened. There was a father with her daughter around 4-5 years old. He was in a conversation with someone, smiling and laughing. I peeked out and there was my hubby and beautiful baby in his arms. She was in tears and when she saw me, she wailed again.

The father and daughter (they mustn't be local, though dark features, they don't look like from India, and they've perfect English with an accent) went in the elevator with us, I thanked him profusely. He said same thing had happened to his daughter once too but luckily she can talk. Lil Mia only know few words and telling people where she came from was NOT one of them!

Apparently the saint-like father had asked her (Mia) did she come from the 12th floor but she couldn't answer him because she was crying so much and she doesn't understand him. Remember the young lad looking like he was looking for something I bumped into before entering the elevator? Well turned out he was looking for ME! Unfortunately he just doesn't know me that well and he wasn't sure either.

So that's how our morning went. Tonight we're leaving for Singapore for another adventure. And after being on MC for two days (flu bug) am back to work today! And what a way to start!

Anyway, last weekend we were in Pahang for a cousin's engagement ceremony. It went well though our lil one ended in Pantai Medical on Tuesday for wheezing (early stage of asthma) and allergy reaction. She's recovering so well today and hopefully both our illness shall not interfere with our Singapore get-away :):)

Mia's 2nd Bday Splash Bash

2011-05-06T11:31:00.000+09:30

I know it's been a long, long while but finally I'm uploading some pictures from lil Mia's pool party! It was held last two weeks on the 23rd this year and we had about 50 guests celebrating with her! Such a huge number despite the bad bad weather that day. There were thunders and lightning in the beginning and few couldn't join us fearing to brave the bad weather. But to those who made it nevertheless, we thank you thank you thank you :)

This was during the blowing-candle time. She knew how to blow (though most coming out was not air but showers of saliva) but that day I suppose she was a bit scared from all the attention, Mommy and Daddy had helped her with her candles.

Our little nuclear family :)

This was right before we hit the playground pool. Due to the many people attending, Daddy (our hero! bless him) had volunteered to take lil Mia and her friends to the pool first while Mommy entertains for a bit. Next thing I know, Mia's lips were blue and her little fingers were shaking! She screamed when she was pulled out of the water so we let her play a bit more ensuring she's always in the water and not out in the air. It is one way I was taught to do during swimming lessons when I felt cold because the air blows outside but the water temperature remains. Our lil bugaroo has no problems staying in the water. She had drowned 3 times (don't look too shocked, it was just few seconds underwater til one of us grabbed her up again), coughed out the water, wriggled away from our arms before started off into the pool again. She sure is our lil fish :) Oh and mind you, she wants no floaties.

More pictures of the party coming soon!

Party at School

2011-04-21T11:49:00.001+09:30

I have packed 20 party packs last night. Some KitKats, jellies, lollies, raisins, vitagen etc etc. In honor of Easter, I've put 3 choc-jellybeans eggs in a little plastic cup and tied a ribbon on top to include in the party packs. I've decided not to include toys in the pack since with our experience, they always lasts for 2 days and ends up as rubbish. Her Pocoyo cupcakes are coming at 11am and the party starts at 4pm. So end of story for the school party. I wish I could join the party but I'm already on leave tomorrow. It's okay, let her celebrate with her friends and teachers today and we'll make it up to her on Saturday :)

Mia turns t.w.o

2011-04-21T11:31:00.000+09:30

This also meant it has been 2 years of parenting, of joy and laughter, tears and achievements. It was just 2 years ago when I felt so insecure, unsure, doubtful yet filled with immense anticipation and happiness. I was carrying another human being inside me. Yes, to me at the time lil Mia was just another human being. A little baby kicking around my round belly. Never once when I was pregnant that I address myself loudly as "Mommy" to her. When I talked to my belly, it had always been "It's okay, I'm here" or "I love you". I had always looked at her as another person with her own personality, wants and desires.

Then she came all bundled and small. Squinted eyed and messy matted hair. One time I had time alone for myself and darling hubby in our room. She was about to cry for milk. Looking restless and wrinkled face. She started with a sound and I said, "It's okay, Mommy's here" and picked her up. I remember feeling a wave of emotions. My eyes were stinging from holding back tears. It had sounded so strong. I am a mother now. And I promise to protect you how ever I can. Period.

Dear lil Mia

You are our first born. We are young parents whom doesn't really know a lot about parenting and raising a child. All we know is that we have been dreaming about you since before we even got married. We had been talking about you for years and years. In fact we have been talking about you even before Mommy and Daddy both met! Those school years when we talk about what to name our kids and how many kids we want. One day you'll have the same conversation, and remember that that was the time and age I had talked about you.

It was you who made us smile. Just by looking at you. You made us smile. And cried tears of joy. Just by looking at you, our chest inflated with pride. We love you so much our heart feels like it's about to burst. And then you smiled your first smile. I thought I'd just seen the world much clearer and in bright colors. It was overwhelming. Your first giggles, first food, first steps, first teeth, first birthday, first day of prep school. And now you're 2. My beautiful girl is 2.

You will always be my first.

xoxo

Mia's two year old party prep!

2011-04-14T13:24:00.000+09:30

Mia's party is in a week's time!
There's still so much to do despite such early prep, reservations and thoughts put into it. Here's my checklist.

1. Venue booking
Both venues are booked and informed. Mia's having 2 parties this year. One at her school and the other with families and friends. So I have informed her school and booked the club's pool for her party.

2. Cake
She'll have cuppies with her friends at school which I've ordered 40 (more than enough just in case some wants seconds). For her pool party I've decided to bake a cake. Well, few cakes actually. One for the birthday girl and few others for guests and as 'thank you' gifts. So wish me luck on that one!

3. Theme
Since she's loving Pocoyo, I've decided way earlier this year that that'll be her bday theme. Pocoyo cuppies for her school party and a pool/under the sea theme for the other.

4. Invitations
Sent and informed.

5. Party packs
Thought of but not confirmed. Agh!! I've 2 types of party packs one for the school and one for the pool party.

6. Deco
For her school I'll get some balloons and streamers. Of course a banner for both parties. For the pool she'll have some balloons and balloon bouquets etc etc. Some blue table cloths and cups and plates.

7. Menu
Oh dear this is the toughest! So far I've changed my mind only a couple trillion times. The club will be providing food as well so I'm careful not to overdo it. So far I've ordered some satays, samosas and sandwiches. All are finger foods because we're holding it late in the afternoon.

Sigh.. so much to think about, so little time.
On top of all this I've work piling up, reports to make tests to run and talks to be presented. Not to mention the amount of weddings and engagements! My weekends were filled from the camp all the way to mid May! There's one engagement, one wedding, one bday party, one Spore trip, etc etc. I've still unpacked few boxes at home!!

There's too little time spent enjoying our home :(

*so this is what it is like to be a mommy of a two year old. i suppose to me birthdays are a huge deal especially when it's my kids. it means the whole world. happy birthday my lil one. may you be blessed with beautiful memories, friendships, relationships and life*

Jar of Hearts

2011-04-04T11:04:00.000+09:30

.and who do you think you are.

.running around leaving scars.

.collecting your jar of hearts.

.tearing love apart.

.you lost the love i loved the most.

Smile

2011-04-01T13:48:00.000+10:30

This never fails to make me smile :)
Perfect way to bright up an sombre day.

Sorrow

2011-03-31T14:26:00.000+10:30

Hubby's out of town for a week this week hence it's just Mommy and lil Bugaroo at home. I'm loving every moment with my lil one at home. Such a girlie-girl week for the both of us. :) But we both miss Daddy terribly, terribly so come home quick Daddy!

Though not too quick because something dreadful had happened while he was away. Tuesday I took a day off to settle some 'moving' errands. Earlier during the day I had sent the lil one off to her lovely daycare for some fun and headed off to the post office to renew my long expired driving license. Yes, I've been driving thousands of miles everywhere all these while with an expired license. It had been so for 3 months! So I wasn't too optimistic about finding a car space on that absolutely ridiculous parking lot, but surprise surprise! With only 2 rounds I found one! Put on an hour worth of parking ticket on the windshield, I trot off to the post office not knowing it takes less than 5 minutes to get it all done. So wanting to enjoy the precious, precious car space I decided to take a walk and visited some shops. Finished shopping and with only few minutes left before my parking ticket expires, I hopped into the car and started reversing. BAM! I hit the truck on the opposite side. It was jammed so the truck was lining up when I was too engrossed looking over on the other side for incoming cars.

So you see, I'm not too enthusiastic about hubby's arrival. I've yet to tell him what had happened. I've broken the signal light and dented the far top end of the backside car. I hope it's not too much to pay for. Sigh..

Last night my Abg Pu came over. I donated over our dining chairs and now our little dining table fit for 4 people. It was our first dining table bought when we moved into our tiny one bedroom apartment. Apart from that, we talked til midnight. I love our conversations. It is all about life, love, pain and sorrow. Everything that hurts us most. I always end up the one with tears. Sometimes him. Having lived almost a decade more than I he had witnessed so many things in my life. The good, bad, ugly. Mostly bad and ugly. Because no one else seen it. And those whom were supposed to protect either pretended not noticing or was just not around. So we shared our stories and let off our steam. No doubt it had in turn change who we are and built our character. But I am never thanking "you" for it. We had learnt it the hard and painful way and it had altered 'who' we really are. I had to re-learn how to love myself for who I am. I do not feel stronger nor wiser with what 'you've' done. It is only those little moments when Abg Pu comes and we share our thoughts, that is the only time I feel I am stronger than I think I am. One for our pain. One for our sorrow.

Broga Camp

2011-03-25T14:38:00.001+10:30

It is still a crazy March month. We have moved home though it is hard to call the new place home at the moment with all boxes and papers strewn all over the floor! I feel there's not enough time in a day to get everything sorted and organized at the moment. Aghh!!

Apart from that, couple weekends ago there was this camp I was invited to give a presentation to and it went pretty awesome. I've never screamed so much in my life! It was for a day and a half but everything was a fresh breath of air for me. Broga is famous for its hill-hiking but unfortunately due to some health issues, I didn't participate in that which is rather unfortunate because I'm regretting it now :( There was flying fox which I didn't get a chance to participate either. Kayaking, cycling, rafting, and most water-based activities which I managed to join in was really cool.

The campers :)

Drenched! Was thrown into the lake!

Absolutely love this pic with the adorable Nini :)

I had never screamed so much in my life! It was so much fun! And yes, I was thrown into the lake by my own boss (how nice of him). We had balloon fights for him and he had attacked me multiple time with them. You see, he's resigning by the end of this month and all these was planned to attack him with them! Love it! I attacked him twice with surprise and he chased me all around the basketball court! Then while I was planning another attack, he lifted me up and threw me into the lake :S

Well boss, hope you had fun :)

I had also given a talk on Dr Gary Couture's personality model. Everyone loved it!
Besides being hugged by messy sloppy muddy Kevin after I had taken a shower, I had the ultimate best times with my fellow colleagues. I feel we've bonded further and certainly know each other better.

We also had some mamak session at midnight and shared some stories here and there. It was great weekend fun :) I think I shall organize a small outdoor activity with few friends to Broga Camp and maybe get the opportunity to try out their flying fox and hike up their renown hill!

Pillar of Strength

2011-03-01T18:45:00.002+10:30

I am back from a short meeting.
I don't know where to put my words or thoughts to so I found my way here.

My immediate awesome boss is resigning. He'll be leaving end of this month.
Quite frankly I feel angry more than sad and sudden loss. I am angry at myself even more. I need to stop and think for a minute.

There were a few times where jobs were offered to me and I had not accepted them. Partly, is because of him. I like his style, the way he works, how he treats us etc etc. It is very.. westernized. I suppose. Or at least it is the way I believe it should be. Open, honest, purposeful and trustworthy. No dramas, no nitty-gritty details, doubtful and taking into consideration of everything.. or everyone. And I like that style I think not many managers in this country operated the same way.

You see, I am very much an independent worker by myself. I know my goals, purpose, what I have to do, what not to do and how to go about things. I am a boss of my own. Hence the way I work accommodates me. I am perfect working independently. So I very much prefer not to have another person micro-managing me, looking over my shoulders, pushing or pressuring me into some task. I work at my own pace and get the job done.

So you can pretty much understand my frustrations when he said he's resigning. It sure bothers and more over hurt. I was inspired and into thinking he might want to or will be moving up forward. And I am working at his pace so he can or will be able to bring me up with him. Unfortunately, he's leaving.

Now, I am just sad :( sigh..

March Madness

2011-02-28T12:35:00.000+10:30

Ah.. weekend's over.
There's so much I'm looking forward to in March. Moving to a new house also meant we soon will have a new household schedule. New wake-up and bedtime, dinner time, bath time, etc etc. Our movers had looked into our house yesterday to quote the expenses which also meant we're moving hopefully by next weekend. They promise it'll only take a day to move everything and also to disassemble and assemble our things. We are fortunate to not own many "crystals" or glass things so packing wouldn't take too much time. Our dining tables, wardrobes and TV table are the only ones need extra care because there are glasses. The rest should be as per usual. And the BBQ set shall remain as it it and shifted easily. Then there will be endless cleaning and unpacking to do for the next several weekends. Yikes!

Sofas and furnitures for my office are hopefully coming in by March too. Quotations been sent, materials been chosen and now I am waiting to receive the colour chart. The big boss and I have agreed on a 3 seater but he's kind enough to provide extra 2 single seaters as well. I think I might get some throw-pillows as well. The coffee table is yet to be selected. Oh and so is the workstation for my staff. Windows will be tinted and one of the windows need blinds for more privacy. And then we're done! Hopefully by March!

Early this year I was invited as a speaker to a Leadership Camp so next week is the event. That's another headache on its own course. Since I've never done Dr Gary Couture's and neither has Dr Adnan, this will be the first for CPSC team. Wish me luck!

Lil Mia's 2nd birthday bash is just around the corner. Venue, menu, theme, cake and guest list have been decided and confirmed. She'll be having 3 celebrations this year. Lucky girl! Preparations shall only start in April after March madness ends, ok!

On top of all that, I have my regular work, clubs and events to look into. How nice :)

Missing you

2011-02-25T11:53:00.000+10:30

Sometime back I had a sudden thought about a friend. I remember missing her so much I even had posted a little poem for her Reliving the Past. Today I heard some good news of her. She's getting married and moving to the States soon.

We had our rough times, indeed. She had a good life. Though it has been more than 3 years now it still seems hard to forget. Some things people do or say just hits the world to you. And it can take a while to re-focus and re-adjust. In my case, a very long while. However, I wish her well and hope one day when she comes back, we'll be able to meet again and let by gones be by gones.

Must-haves

2011-02-17T20:00:00.002+10:30

The idea of becoming new parents (for the first time) can sometimes overwhelm us not to mention that we're about to go through it by ourselves - especially when living so far away from our families and relatives. So we started educating ourselves further than the norm. We read a lot, researched (medically as well), joined forums and clubs, attended classes (pre-natal and post), visited bookstores, dig out as much we can from out obs and invested a lot just for the best. I felt there was nothing we didn't do or find out about pregnancy and babies then.

Few months before the arrival of our cheek-a-boo I browsed through some parenting mags while waiting for our check-up at the hosp. Flipping through the pages there was this article I remembered from famous people in Australia of the list of "must-haves" which they swore by them put their lives (and bubs) at ease. The list goes from travel cribs to lil furry musical lamb to soothe their lil bubs at the time.

So now that our lil tot is almost turning two, we thought we shall come up with our own list of "must-haves" that we consider as things we are most grateful to have bought since lil Mia was born.

1. Muslin cloths

We bought some pretty colourful ones with prints on them as napkins to put on our shoulders in case she spills out milk from her mouth. We bought a set at Target and another set when she's a little older and only because now lil Mia is very attached to them they've became her 'security blankets' :) They also come in various sizes so the bigger ones are used as baby wraps at home for when naps and bedtimes kick in.

2. Bath-tub

Fisher Price has this tub inclusive of a baby sling so when she was an infant, we could bathe her securely without worrying of slipping or holding her awkwardly during bath time. She absolutely loves bath time when in the sling rather than holding her in our arms/hands.

3. Portacot

This comes in handy when sleeping over at people's house (visiting or hometown visit for Raya) including a night at Grandma's. Esprit has one with adjustable height (up when infant, low when baby can pull himself up) and turned into a play cot, separate changing table, musical mobile, canopy, wheels for easy portability, take-along bag where you can pack and it is such light-weight that we can put into the car and take on flight! Also it is easy to assemble and pack too!

4. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Synergy

Now this is a sure fire life saver. It is airy, with back support for carrier and baby, light weight, easy to put on and off. Lil Mia can sleep soundly while Mommy or Daddy shops :), it can be used from newborn (3.5kg - 12kg) and it saves us from taking the stroller along to packed places (eg Central Market). Also useful for me to do groceries shopping by myself, leaving both my hands free and have lunch. We took this with us on flight to Canberra without the stroller. I could breastfeed her without taking the whole thing off, and the airlines allows us to carry her in the carrier til we reach inside the plane. How convenient! We also took this on boat rides and unlike those bulky plastic baby carrier by hand, this one is perfect for us. Baby Mia had this phase of wanting to be held ALL the time. It went on for a couple weeks. Putting her down in the stroller or car seat means hell. So while on this carrier I was able to manage so many things at once and because this carrier fits snuggly, she sleeps comfotably and observes her surroundings while on it with no fuss at all :)

5. Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance Air

I know I must sound like a Baby Bjorn ambassador now but this one is also great! Baby Mia loved it for a while then she got kinda 'scared', maybe? This self-bounce babysitter might 'freaked' her out a little since she's not used to being swooned around :) But now (at 21 months) it has been her favourite seat to bounce around in, watch TV or put her lil doll to sleep. This bouncer has 3 positions for newborns, babies and toddlers. It can be folded and dumped into our backseat car for travelling purposes.

6. Bumbo seat

So this Bumbo seat is a dream once lil Mia was able to sit (with support), she can be seated in this cute lil seat and I was able to feed her without worries. Of course this seat should only be stationed on the floor as cautionary action. This also comes with a tray that allows her to play or bang around in. Now at 21 months old lil Mia still uses this seat for snacking or watching her favourite show.

7. Fisher Price Space Saver

We were presented with this absolutely convenient seat during our Baby Shower party. This genius piece of thing can recline for babies as young as 4 months to hang around in watching their surroundings and as booster seat for them to grow into through age 3 or 4 years old. It attaches to your regular dining chair and the tray can be detached for lil ones to just sit and enjoy their surroundings or to have their meals together as part of the family.

8. Steelcraft Strider 3 and Bugaboo Bee

Okay so lil Mia has 2 types of strollers. Her first Steelcraft Strider 3 stroller is so ~~sexy in red I couldn't stop myself from puchasing it~~ spacious, sturdy and very good for when we stroll around Rundle Mall or the parks. The tyres are big and even when going over bumps and rocks, she wouldn't wake up from slumber. It has a big space under the seat for when groceries I can easily stuff things there, wide holding area, three-wheeler (hubby's requirement) and a canopy large enough for when she's asleep. There's also footrest for her to keep her snug inside. It really is like a small shelter for our 21 month old. Unfortunately this stroller can only be found in Australia. Bugaboo is very light-weighted. The main reason why this is kept with my parents for even they can manage it with ease. It is also easy to open and close. We brought this one to Phuket with us and it was a dream. Definitely worth it.

9. Samsung Galaxy Tab

From the day we brought this back home with us, this gadget has been a favourite and has kept our lil one entertained so long. It is a life-saver! I've enclosed details to how easy life has been with this in the previous entry.

10. Avent Storage system

I have bought loads of these. The cups can be used as expressed milk storage, stuff them inside the freezer, lid on top and just forget about it til when baby's screaming for one. Once bub turns 6 months or ready for solids, it can in turn become little containers to put food/snacks in and bring along while out and about! Lil Mia now uses them as lunch packs for rice porridge, cut-up fruits, cereals, biscuits, etc etc.

11. Concorde Ultimax car seat

I simply could not resist adding this one item. Our car seat! Now lil Mia does have 2 car seats - one for each car - but I'd like to highlight this particularly bcos I just love the functions and not to mention gorgeous colors! This one can hold up to 18kgs for when she turns 4 years old, recline even when it faces forward and everything is machine-washable! I absolutely love it. Have I mention the lovely funky colors on them? Yes, it is also spacious and the sides can be removed for large kids. The head cushions on the sides are a very good idea for when the child sleeps, their head can rest on the sides instead of hanging forward or sideways without support. And the cushions on the entire seat is soft and comfortable. It is a convertible which means it can turn forward or rear facing, easy instructions to install and really grows with lil Mia. We took her for long distance driving up to 4-5 hours on this seat with no trouble at all.

12. Cocoa Butter Nursing Cream

I suffered minor cracked nipple on my left breast. It was very painful. This cheeky cream saved my life. It is safe for baby to swallow and soothes the pain. I not only use on my cracked nipple but everytime after nursing. It goes everywhere with me for my whole breastfeeding experience.

13. Ni Organic Baby Conditioner

So this one is not entirely a "must have". But for us, it is. You see baby Mia was born with thick, long dark hair. I am sure she started growing hair on top of her hair first before any other organs or limbs. So this conditioner keeps those nasty tangles away and lessens baby hair loss. Her paed, Dr Powers told us not to forget conditioner on her hair so we've been using this organic product since Day 1. Unfortunately once again this cannot be found here so we used to import from Australia through friends.

14. Sebamed bath products

I have used this product when I was a baby and it is only natural to be using the same product on my baby. Baby Mia has only been washed with Sebamed wash, shampoo and lotion. It is compulsory for her to have lotion before putting on her nappy to avoid those nasty, nasty nappy rash.

15. Baby monitor

This is modern use gadget that saves me the trip of going up and down the stairs to check up on baby Mia. We train our lil boo to sleep without the aid of swings, pats or our presence. She shall learn to put herself to sleep by herself. It works nicely and today at 21 months my hubby and I cuddles her, kisses her all over, whispers sweet dreams and gently lay her down in her cot for bedtime or nap time and leave the room successfully. This monitor helps us hear her while (and when) she sleeps or wakes up. A very useful piece of gadget. I'd like to try those with the little video camera where you can watch them but they're just too expensive and this one does the job just fine.

16. Huggies Ultra, Huggies wipes and Johnsons wipes

Baby Mia used Huggies newborn variety (green color) when she was an infant. Now that she's bigger, she's only been introduced to Huggies Ultra (purple color). It lasts longer, soaks better and lil Mia has no problems with them. Now I was in nappies when I was a baby and those times nappies are not as efficient as they are today. Today we have breathable and certainly more efficient nappies than they were 20-30 years ago. So I am sticking to the modern civilization of nappy-wearing and donate money to the conservation in the name of lil Mia. Huggies wipes are awesome. They are thick and smells great! Now they do have them here in Village Grocer, but not the same variety so we've switched to Johnsons which is not as great but the best we've found so far. I just wish (crossing fingers) they would have wipes in those little travel packets like they do in Coles! Yes, you'd have to buy often but I seriously wouldn't mind since it's SO much easier to carry around than an 80 sheets packet!

Now these are just the list of items we found to be a "must-haves" for us particularly. Lil Mia is now 21 months old and all these products have stayed with her and we still use them daily. If you'd like to try out some of these products, we're happy to lend them to you for a short period of time and see if it suits your baby or lifestyle. Our lil tot absolutely loves all these items and suits her well. I can only understand these items can cost a bomb while some are just ridiculously priced commercially hence we're happy to lend for try outs.

Til then, happy shopping! :)

2011

2011-02-14T18:29:00.000+10:30

There's so much to update about I'm not really sure where to start.

1. To start the year with, Hubby presented a very sexy and sophisticated device

Samsung Galaxy Tab

With the chaos and increasing owners of iPads on the vibe, we turn ourselves to this smaller gadget to suit our family (and work) activities.

I absolutely LOVE it!!

Most functions just like the iPad BUT unlike the famous iPad, this sexy lil thing can operate as a camera, phone and small enough to stuff it in my bag wherever I go!

Most of all, it is now a favourite of our lil tot (which she named it "oyyio ollio ollio" deriving from "Pocoyo" - you can only understand this if you're a parent to toddlers :)

We downloaded heaps of Pocoyo series (and videos of her or us) into this lil gadget to keep our lil Mia (and us) sane during the flight to our family holiday (yet to be updated!) and now it has also kept us from going crazy on long car trips and whenever she gets bored exploring/playing. Hooray for Daddy! Our Hero! :)

2. Lil Boo was also sick for couple days and both of us also took turns falling ill. Mommy thinks she had it bad this time round. I was vomitting and unable to retain fluid nor food for a day. Lost a couple kgs too.

3. The following weekend I ran a talk on personality and career pathways. Must say, I learned a lot from just preparing the talk. John Holland sure puts some people in perspective.

4. I took half day off from work for another interview. Straight right after the interview, I felt it in my guts and mind that their people/company is not ready for proper psychologist/counsellor. They need to be well informed and do more research on how it works. I suppose this must be one of the reasons why Dr Adnan survived only 3 days in JB working for another company. Not many are ready for the change we bring. And it's not easy for them to understand either. Nevertheless, I hope they found the person they're looking for.

5. Papa's bday was celebrated with some great steamboat dinner with the troops and Elynn whom happened to dropby for a visit that night. Also presented both my lovely parents with some "ka-ching" from my bonus pay. Lil Mia had fun not only with food (which she always does) but also meeting some "new" friends. The restaurant's pet squirrel and fishes!

6. We headed off to our hometown for a kenduri from Papa's siblings specially to thank God for Papa and Ayah Mat's speedy recovery from their major operations respectively. We left on Saturday and lil Mia was so excited once we reached there. She met her cousins and played with aunties and uncles. She clearly was tired by 8.30-9pm (her usual bedtime) but with so many people, new activities, new environment and people just kept her right up til 11pm! She finally slept instantly in her car seat on our way back to Encik's house.

7. The best of all (so far) this year is our family holiday in Phuket! It is definitely a highlight event for us and will be for a long while because our lil tot enjoyed herself SO much! She absolutely loves the sea, sand and can spend hours and hours at the beach if we let her! Which we absolutely did on our third day there. She went swimming, had a floatie and ball, played sand-castles, looked at sea-shells and a starfish, buried her leg in sand, played with waves, had a walk by the beach, took a nap, picnic and snacks, had grapefruit from the locals and just chill! She's very much a Daddy's girl in that sense. We'd walk around and when she sees the beach, she'll point at it and goes "mine!! mine!!". There's this fresh milk she enjoys so much there I thought I'd get a whole box of them home with us before realizing they won't survive the trip :p and some local buns which she can never seem to refuse. She had her first tuk-tuk ride and sings almost all day long. She wakes up in the morning singing and if we don't leave the room in few hours she'll insist we go to the beach! Or the hotel pool in her lil swimsuit or little swimmers. She walks with us (instead of sitting in the stroller) after lunch one day back to the hotel just to be like how everyone else does and does not complain or get cranky from being tired. I cannot help but feeling all warm, fuzzy and delighted seeing how happy our lil tot is from the trip. My favourite beach babe :)

8. Back from Phuket and we thought of giving KB a visit. Been months since last she met lil Mia. And ever since hubby and I got married, flight has always been our mean of transportation from KL. This time round we thought of introducing our lil girl to train ride. She'd been on the usual ERL but never on KTM before. And to be honest, the last time my train ride was a good 15 years ago. It'd be nice to experience it again now that they travel overnight and we'll be able to reach KB early the next day. Just as we arrived frm KLIA, we were informed of the flood strikes and emergency stops the train suffered from it. We cancelled our trip and just as well because all 3 of us were just exhausted from Phuket! Lil tot had very mild runny nose too.

9. We had enjoyed our family's visit to I-City few weeks back especially lil Mia. She laughed and shrieked so much that day I thought she'd end up with sore throat but luckily she didn't. So this time round on a smaller frame, we decided to bring her to Sunway Pyramid and enjoy the lights they've put up for CNY. She did in fact enjoyed herself and so did Mommy because she got herself some new pair of shoes! :D

10. It's Valentine's Day today. Initially my very dear dear darling hubby wanted to go to the Deftones concert (yes, it's tonight) with Raymond. And I had thought about what I'd do on Valentine's night by myself with the lil one. Lucky me they cancelled the plan so tonight we shall go out for dinner to celebrate! Yay! :) Will update more soon! :)

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T13:18:00.005+10:30

Lil Mia finally says Mommy (or more like "Mimm-my") and knows what it actually means :)

Daycare is closed for end of the year holidays this entire week so the whole bunch is at my parent's this week. And lil bugaroo is staying with Mama while Mommy n Daddy's at work. I am getting better at "not being too attached to" the lil bugaroo. In fact I even suggested to hubby dearest we hit the malls after work to get some things for myself :) Doing pretty good, eh? Guess I'm getting my life back. Little by little. Though what is life now without my baby girl..? Hmm..

Unlike last year, this year's Christmas was a lil low key. Eve night we spent some family time at Robinsons and Christmas day at the Curve. It was as usual packed tight with people doing shopping while trying their best to get some family time. We try to keep ourselves away from the crowds as best we can. While of course lil Mia gets a balloon, couple hundred dollars worth of new clothes and some play time at the playground. Also, chased after the Christmas carols, fell backwards on a lil broken ride, made loads of friends along the way and had a huge, huge feast at the beautifully-lit Marche. She also caught a mild flu bug on the way. Did I mention she accidentally peed on my jeans? :) So yes, that was Christmas 2010 for us!

Mia's Vocab Works

2010-12-14T14:57:00.003+10:30

Our Lil Bugaroo is 19 months and 23 days. In a week's time she will be turning the golden 20 month-old.

Vocabulary
Appa/Papa/Pa
papa (my dad; she could say this at 14 mo)
Abam
abg (my younger bro; also at 14mo)
Mama
mama (my mom)
Wan
mama (my mom or her Wan Ma)
Didd-dy
daddy
Mimmy
mommy (only according to her daddy, I've never witnessed it and I've a stinking feeling she won't say this in front of me =)
Te-ku
thank you (usually when she returns things to you, not the other way round)
Cat/Auw (initially but it's almost completely being replaced by "Cat" now)
perfect pronouciation yay!!
Auw
also refers to any type of animals
Eyow
hello
Paii-Bai
byebye
Bib-bikk!
the maid (it's so funny when she calls her this)
May-en!
Min (the maid)
Ba-Na
banana
Ee-yai Ee-yai Ow
the chorus part from the classic "Old Macdonalds has a farm.."
Bee-bee
referring to any "little people" from little babies to under 5 yr olds

That's about it, I guess. Hope I've not missed out anything. Most times she uses body and sign languages to communicate. But she understands almost everything we tell her. For example, just couple weeks ago I was heading out the door and lil Ms Social-Butterfly here can never see anyone leaving the house without her! So I told her, "baby, go get your shoes on the stairs". She looked at me first, and I repeated myself one more time. And off she went! Mind you, I couldn't point out where the stairs nor shoes were because it is at the corner of the house. Nervously waiting if she's succeed, it felt like AGES!!! 2 seconds late she came back running with her pair of shoes in hand! I could not be more proud of her! It really made me feel like a zillion dollar mommy for the rest of the day =) =)

She also knows how to nod now. Daddy had to teach her how to nod. Apparently she doesn't know how to do it properly so now we're practicing yes=nod, no=shake. She used to shake her head for both yes and no. Which is quite funny and extremely adorable!

These past couple of days she seemed to laugh a lot. She'd giggle in the car and laugh histerically when we're at the mall. She's turning into a very happy baby and nothing makes us happier than that =)

We love you Mia Dahlia
xx

Home Sweet Home

2010-12-12T17:56:00.003+10:30

I have been at my parent's for 2 weeks stretch. It has also been utterly exhausting to commute back and forth from work and from lil Mia's daycare. So you can imagine my relief now that darling hubby's back from out-stationed and we're back to our normal regime.

Few things need to be sorted which also requires time and ka-ching! But I guess we can ask Santa instead!

So dear Santa,
I've been fairly good this year and here's my wishlist:

1) New pair of lenses
2) Few makeup items - the ones I had before got trapped together with the crashed car some time in Sept. I doubt I'd be able to get those back!
3) Pair of flats - last pair lost it's flower thingy in front
4) A kiddy table and chairs for lil Mia - she's into drawings and colorings now that she can spend a good 10mins with a paper and colored pencil at hand
5) God knows how much my darling hubby needs some casual t-shirts!
6) A brand new sofa set!

Hope that's not too much to ask for, Santa my man =)

Koda went missing yesterday. She went out in the morning and was not found til this morning when Bibik went searching for her again. She was found among the bushes and open land in front of our far end neighbour's house. Thank god!

Wishlist 2011
1. Having moved to Bangsar and much closer to workplace (so I can leave an hour later for work!!)
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! At least a walk or take lil Mia to the park every weekend.
3. Drink more fluids (am getting better than before actually)
4. Cook more often than I'd like to
5. Find some other kind of side-income I can manage
6. Plan for another family holiday!
7. Maybe a playmate for Koda?
8. Go for hair perm!!!
9. Hopefully get to visit Adelaide with lil Mia tagging along =)

Sighh..

Wonder Woman

2010-11-23T00:01:00.002+10:30

I feel like a Wonder Woman today.

6am - Woke up, ready for work.
630am - Mia's up wanting milk. Packed her bag (breakfast, lunch and snacks) for daycare. Daddy changes her nappy.
7am - Pile everyone up and off to daycare/work. Battle traffic.
8am - Reach daycare/work.
9 - 6pm - At work.
6pm - Quick shop for tonight's dinner. Pick up Mia. Battle traffic.
8pm - Reach home. Cook rice. Daddy changes Mia and keep her entertained while Mommy changes and cook dinner (ayam masak merah yum!).
830pm - Put Mia to bed.
9pm - Dinner and ME time!!
10pm - Usually too sleepy to be awake.

And tomorrow continues.
Not to mention there's 2 bags of unfolded laundry, messy floor with toys, dishes in the kitchen and that tantrums toddlers have ONLY when you're-busy-doing-something to deal with.

Nevertheless, I love my crazy days. By the end of the day - leaves me feeling fulfilled, satisfied and fully aware that I've exercised my role as a wife and mommy. Don't talk to me about multiple kids yet. I'm not ready definitely.

So for those with maids/helpers/living with extended families, I think they're somewhat lucky with a little less load in their hands. I'd love to just stay with my parents but I prefer so much to live by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents but I also love my independence. Makes me appreciate and value myself and my lil nuclear family even more.

Plus, with hectic days like these, who needs exercise? =)

Those single moms living with their child/children in a household with no maids/helpers/extended families, I salute you. I don't know how you do it, but you are certainly heroes. Hats off to you, definitely.

Year End

2010-11-21T23:26:00.002+10:30

2010 is ending very soon. Sooner than I thought, really.

Have I achieved this year's resolution?
Let's see..
And yes I've lost most of preggy weight, spent time with my lil nuclear family as much as I can, love more, been to one country I've never been to before and no, I haven't been taking vitamins!

Our lil monster turns 19 months today.
We toook her to the park, the moment the car parked and she looked outside to the park, she squealled with delight! Ran towards the big kids playing slides and see-saw. Watched boys playing futsal and cheered happily. Ran up and down the skate-board ramps. She was yawning by the time her Daddy carried her to the car. So with no surprise tonight she's in bed by 8pm!! Ahh.. wonders of the park =)

I'm excited for my new office to be built soon. Temporarily I'm place in a small room fit for less than 20 people. Also, to start interviewing a new CPSC staff by end of the year. Sigh.. so much to look forward to next year. Lil Mia's 2nd bday bash, moving home, family holiday, office expansion. To name a few.

From the last update, our Raya turned out well. We celebrated at my parents' this year and head off to Pahang visiting some old relatives. Then to KB for the in-laws. In conclusion, we had road trips and plane trips this festive holidays. By the time we got back to work, there are open houses and wedding awaiting us to attend. Then comes Eid-ul-Adha. Lil Mia was down with cold this year so most of the day she was sleeping. We celebrated at my parents'. I baked macaroons, cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake while mama prepared scrumptious chicken rendang, opor, lemang, ketupat, kuah kacang and nasi ulam (I roasted the beef loin). A joyfull celebration this year.

Last Friday was our company's Annual Dinner. Held in PICC attended by more than 1000 staff. It was such a big, grand event hosted by JJ (Hitz.FM) and I could've enjoyed more than I had that night if I wasn't feeling under the weather =( Oh well, hopefully the upcoming event would be a blast.

Lil Mia's enjoying her daycare days. On Thursday she actually ran towards her school once she got out of the car and we had to call her back for a hug and a kiss. For Lil Mia, sending her to daycare is the best decision we've made for her. She's learnt SO much since. We couldn't help but notice the confidence she has surrounding strangers or other kids her age. Her social skills are building up so fast and she learnt how to play with other kids beautifully. I suppose it was the right age for her to start daycare. I know there are many school of thoughts out there about when to start. I guess the decision relays entirely on our judgment as human beings and observations as new parents. What ran through our minds starting a 16 month old? She's too young. Or we should have started sooner. Yes she had adjustment issues when she first started. Just like any other kids her age. It took her 2 weeks to adjust and she did pretty fast. They say we should start younger because adjustments would've been easier. And I wonder is it on the parents or child? And what kind of environment is healthy for a little baby to enjoy daycare? Same environment all day, no new stimulants or exposure? I guess by the end of this, we just do the best we can given what we have at the moment in time. Cross fingers, and hope for the best. And alhamdulillah so far I deem our decisions has been good so far for our little girl.

I am so behind with movies. Harry Potter just came out. I need to watch more movies.

Last Saturday I made an appointment with Keith for Lil Mia's first haircut. At first he suggested on a bob-cut which I also agree on. And then he spotted her lovely curls and changed his mind. So she had her fringe cut and a trim instead. It was her first time and I am disappointed with myself for not taking pictures! She willingly sat on the kid seat but once Keith came round and fiddle with her hair, she got a little freaked. So up on Mommy's lap she sat with her first orange-flavoured lollipop. She never had lollies before so of course she had no idea what to do with them. Once she tasted it, I was surprised she wasn't all over it. So I let her feed me with it while making ridiculous sounds with my teeth. So that got her occupied enough while Keith does his job. When he's done, I changed her clothes and off we went to the bookstore. Bought her a 200 stickers activity book, then to Delicious for a treat while waiting for Daddy to service the car. He later joined us for lunch and we head home.

The Friday on the weekend we had our Raya open house, I crashed our car into another car in front of us. There were 4 cars involved and ours was the last one. Luckily Mia was not with us. I don't know about other new mommies out there but the first thought in my mind after work is seeing my little girl. Unfortunately that day my parents took her from daycare early and spent the rest of the day in their home. So that left us driving that 45 mins drive after work to their house to pick her up. And because the traffic was bad as always, hubby dearest wanted to stop to have dinner first. So we did. After dinner, I was aching badly to see that little chubby face that I thought I should drive instead. It was drizzling and I was pretty fast on a highway. I remember slamming the brakes but the road was slippery and we were going downhill. So there goes the car and bruises on us and body aches for a week.

That's about all happened so far. Oh and I went for an interview recently. They called wanting me to come for an interview. So I did but have not heard from them so far. I'm very confused and heavy-hearted about it. We'll see how it goes.

Til then, good-night =)

Daycare Drama, Shitty Big Boss and Raya

2010-09-08T14:07:00.002+09:30

A day before Raya. Insyallah.

Tomorrow will be my last day at work. Yep, am working til the last day before raya. The upper management are so kind they let all Muslim staffs have half days tomorrow so I'll be leaving office around noon. Pick our lil one up from daycare, pack our things and head off to my parent's.

Lil Mia has been doing pretty good so far. She still cries in the morning before we depart but instead of reaching out for me, she'd reach out for her blankie on my shoulder instead. Both of us developed a habit since her arrival of putting a little blankie on top of our shoulders when we carry her. She used to spilled milk out when she was a little baby that we always make sure to have the blankie on the shoulder she'd rest her head on. Now that blankie has turned out to be her "security blankie" together with a little cat half her size. You'd often see both blankie and cat with her where ever she goes =)

So blankie and cat are 2 severely important items to have before we leave her in daycare. Yesterday one of her teachers said she didn't cry (for the first time) at bath time. But she did cry a little when they pulled blankie away from her to pull her clothes up for bath.

This morning she cried as usual before I leave but she lets go of me when I gave her to Teacher Ivy to carry. Once in, she's okay again. So it's true. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks before they settle in. For our lil one it's even harder since she started on a Thurs, then there's the weekend, then the following Tues was a public hols, then the weekend again where she was bitten by bugs again and stayed home on Mon, then tomorrow half day followed by a week of Raya hols! Aghh!! She just started to settle!! Now I'm stressed, instead! =(

Anyway, Daddy hurt his foot. So he's off to the docs this morning. Hope all is well for Raya. So far we've done most of our Raya shopping. Not that we have much to buy this year. Lil Mia has 7 sets of bj kurung this year. 2 of which we bought, and the rest tailored by her grannies. It'll be the first time she's wearing one. Last year she was only 5 months and I felt pretty ridiculous to put a 5 mo in bj kurungs considering our weather so we bought dresses instead. This year Lil Mia is walking with almost perfect balance.

Since the last enrty, I had been in Bali and stayed at the awesome Hard Rock hotel. There are tonnes of pictures which I'll upload later. Got myself few temporary tattoos, dresses, clubbing at Discotheque, drinks and food with friends. One of the best holidays of my life :)

Then got myself into trouble with my big boss. Well, really he's asking too much. And good timing too when my immediate boss was still enjoying himseld in Bali that day. So I made a decision just to get out of the meeting room, then talked and clarified things with Dr Adnan (head of dept in another branch), turned out it is not as how big boss requested it to be. Also that he had lied abt some other things which in turn made me lose respect for him as a big boss. So to cut it short, I stood up for myself to what I believe in, my values and rights, also to what I've been trained to do, and because it is just unethical what he's asking for. Got me into a meeting with the even higher management. Put on a brave face, went to the meeting with a mindset of "if they're going to push me further into doing this, I'll resign. I do not feel there is a point of me be working for someone/something that goes against my values and unethical." So at the end of the meeting, our bigger boss turned out to be awesome. Understanding and sees my POV. Unfortunately no decision can be made yet. So I've just to hang in there for a lil bit and hopefully we'll get an answer.

At the moment, I think my big boss hates me. He takes this personally (which is very immature of him), picking on little things I do, is very stubborn, extremely high ego, male chauvinist and just generally not happy. As long my immediate boss backs me up, I'm here to stay. Don't give a rat's ass abt big boss.

So there's a lot happening. Now I'm looking forward for Raya, especially for my lil one since it's only her second Raya. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone else "Salam Aidilfitri" and a Happy Hari Raya =)

xx

The Update so far..

2010-08-26T13:56:00.002+09:30

I left the daycare at 9.15am!!

We reached there sharp 8.30am and met a lovely young lady - Teacher Ivy. She happened to be Nicholas's (the principal) sister. We went into the room where lil Mia will be staying and playing with friends her age group. They already have an older girl named Mia at the centre so they're calling my girl, Baby Mia.
Like we use to.
I'm liking the centre already =)

So Baby Mia was not quite friendly as she used to be. Until she came into the room. We met 11 mo Tristan and his mom who just started a week and a half ago. She played a little with him then went over to hug me. I guess she kinda get the anxiety/nervous vibe I was experiencing. Then again, she just had her dose of Zyrtec and cough medicine so she could be a lil sleepy. Ivy came over and I talked over things with her - how and what time naps are, what she needs during change time, times she eats and milk, where things are, etc.

The teachers then took her out to play at their garden along with other kids. She wouldn't go if I didn't. So she walked around with me holding her hand or just walks around my legs. So I entered the garden and soon as she started playing with other kids, I kissed her head and said my goodbye. Then I slipped off. I think she didn't notice. And now I'm feeling that was not a good idea. Next time, she has to see me before I leave. A quick goodbye.

45 mins later I received a text from Nicholas

"Baby Mia had stop crying for nearly half an hour and playing with friends and
teachers in the garden. She seems getting settle herself already. A well
performance baby. Good day!"

I immediately called him. She cried about 2 mins after I left for about 15 mins. She was looking for me. I knew I should've said my goodbyes properly! Oh well.. never mind. Better luck tomorrow!

Darling hubby and I had been brainstorming on things we should pack for her. So in the end I packed 4 outfits, 6 nappies, 2 milk, 1 bottle, binky and blanket, toys, Mao and Dibo, toilettries, wipes, snacks - half an orange, yoghurt, 3 cherry tomatoes, cheese ciabatta, lunch - chicken porridge, her spoon, diaper-change mat, cough med and extra socks. I was tempted to bring along her pillow and quilt blanket bt Daddy said she hardly even use those anyway *wink*

At 12 I called Nicholas again. Just to make sure everything's allright. They must know I'm nervous and it's my first time sending her to daycare. Also mentioned to foget the cough meds. I think she's quite stressed already - doesn't need extra. Oh yes, my lil one had such nasty, nasty flu over the week. I had 2-days MC from her paed. She had fever, cold, cough, sore throat, the whole works! So she (and I) were in bed almost a week (since last Friday) til she got better today and off to daycare! *phew* That's the reason why we had to delay sending her early this week. And giving meds to an almost healthy toddler is no fun. In that respect, I'd rather deal with meds when she's sick. Damn cough meds and antibiotics!

Can't wait til 5.30pm to pick her up!

Anxiety Attack!!

2010-08-26T08:23:00.003+09:30

I'm super-anxious. Been up since sahur. Been packing and thinking over things to bring along. Playing the scene in my mind for days. Thoughts of the good and worse can happen. I never expected to be so anxious and nervous this way. It almost seem ridiculous.

It's lil Mia's first day at daycare today.
She's 16 mths and 5 days.

-blank-

2010-08-10T16:24:00.002+09:30

So much had happened.

So deep are my thoughts.

There are highs and lows.

I love the highs and the lows.

Nuff said for today.

First Steps

2010-08-04T19:00:00.002+09:30

Dear all

My lil 15 month old is now officially walking. Stand back everyone!

Yes, you read correctly. On Monday (Aug 2nd) at 15 months and 12 days lil Mia and the family went to KLIA to send papa off to Indonesia on a business trip. Both Mommy and Daddy took a day off work because the little princess had diarrhea since the Friday prior. We decided to take lil Mia to the docs. In the afternoon we shot off to KLIA and boy she had fun walking! We managed to have those first few steps on video (which I'll upload as soon as I can find the time to). She had been walking with guidance at the park and few times at home or on outings. She could mange maximum 3 steps by herself from the weekend she turned 15months. It was only on Monday she managed a whole lot more steps!

Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you little one.

xx

Little Dibo

2010-07-16T11:31:00.004+09:30

I've not written to my little one for quite a while now.

Dear baby

You are so strong and heavy now (9kgs).

You're getting cheeky and michievious sometimes.

This morning you figured out that if Bibik takes you in the morning, it meant leaving Mommy and Daddy off to work. To you, it's unfair for us to go for 'outings' without you.

Your giggles and laugh are infectious.

Often no matter how grumpy we were from long late nights of work, just that little giggle from you turned our moods and faces to smiles and later, laughs too. Do you know you make a lot of people around you smile and brightens their days? You're a special one. Very special.

You get annoyed and angry sometimes too.

And we get frustrated just as well as you do. It's okay little one. You don't need to know how to close your bottle cap yet. Or eat rice with your chubby little hands. Or put on your pyjamas. Or catch your sister Koda. Or be included in games with other kids in the playground. You don't have to know them yet. Mommy and Daddy's happy doing all those for you, for now. Take your time, little one.

However you turn out to be, Mommy and Daddy loves you to bits.

Never forget that.

Updates and Trip!

2010-07-15T14:31:00.005+09:30

It's been a while.

I had my awesome-ness campaign running and it's finally over!!!!!

Omg running the campaign took a huge chunk of me from my hubby n lil baby. All the stress, anxiety, worry, protocols, media, big namely people involvements are seriously not funny. Especially when your name (and the only name) they look at - I'm not even confirmed! How do you put someone whom is not a confirm employee in charge of something big like this!? Are you insane?? What if I screw the whole thing up? And not up to your expectations? Agggghhh!!! *faints*

Okay.. it's over now. Phewwwwwww..

Now back to slightly normal (i've still to conduct talks and workshops lined up, not to mention my schedules are filled with appointments til next week!) life. I've been working on weekends for 5 weeks in a row now. And this weekend will be the last. I cannot afford another. This weekend will be crazy since I've to be at the office by 2am!! Yes, people. AM. Bloody event!

Here are some pictures from our family trip to Langkawi. No, it's not our first trip. Our first was to Canberra. It was short, sweet and nice. We were also there for baby's passport.

Langkawi was to introduce lil baby to the beach. We went to Glenelg beach but she was too small (2 mo) to experience it. Now I have a feeling she'll love beaches. Just like her Daddy. Let's start signing you up for swimming lessons!

I'll be packing up for trip again real soon.

Hope I get to update again!

Kak Fatan's wedding

2010-06-18T18:00:00.004+09:30

The newly weds with the Khairul's

June 5th, 2010 was their wedding reception. After 2 years of me 'langkah bendul', finally my darling elder cousin got hitched! When I told her I was getting married 2 years ago, she had actually pinched me several times for not waiting for her. Well honey, enjoy married life now =) We were there the night before for their solemnization ceremony. Straight from work, with work clothes and all. The ceremony was over but to show our support (and food!!), we went anyway.

Congratulations the newly weds and welcome Hairi to the family! =)

p/s: credits to kde for this pic which only arrived today in my inbox =p

Worthwhile

2010-06-18T12:46:00.003+09:30

Despite my hectic schedule yesterday, during one of the breaks before my next patient came in there was a knock on my door unexpectedly. "Come in.."

And there she was. Those bright shiny eyes.
Those eyes that should really be filled with loads of laughter, shining heavily with joy.
I will always remember those eyes.

"Hi Ms Miza. I've news for you."

I've not seen her for weeks. In fact, she had peeked into my busy mind early that morning left me wondering where could she be. She's having holidays, I thought smartly. She has an appointment with me scheduled for today in fact so I'll be seeing her. So seeing her yesterday was a delightful surprise.

"I'm going to Egypt in September. Dentistry."

My heart swelled.
My chest felt like bursting.
She held a box and handed it to me.

"This is for you. Thank you for everything."

You see, this bright girl had suffered in silence for years. A victim of domestic sexual abuse. With only one person she'd confided into. A friend whom is in Melbourne now. Mom is out of the question. So all she had was her studies. Which she excels tremendously. And rewarded her with a ticket out to "safety".

"..I remember what you said. About moving out to safety. So I decided to go."

Dear H****, my thoughts are with you always. Thank you for being vulnerable with me. I feel honoured being able to share your life experiences. I am grateful for your open-ness and allowing me inside your doors. For truly, that is also an experience gained and life lesson learnt for me. I hope we keep in touch. And I hope you'll be able to find yourself in Egypt, now that you're no longer living at "home". May Egypt be your new home now and you'd feel more comfortable in "your own skin".

Love always.
xx

I gave her a huge meaningful hug. I rubbed her back. I told her I'll miss her. And I told her I'm very proud of her. I also told her to keep in touch. And she'll post me the book I gave her to write as a diary. When she had felt it was not safe to keep such diary in her home, she can give it to me as safe keep.

I think I'll leave the box on my table for a while. It is wrapped with a red ribbon. With a little card note. A reminder of another success story. And perhaps as a forgiving symbol to those I've lost in my counselling career. This is to make up for the others.

And this is why I love my job.
It makes my life worth living.

Awesome Night

2010-06-18T12:02:00.006+09:30

I had an awesome time last night at the Ball. Don't think I had a night like that for ages! It's so good to feel that energy again. Screaming songs with a live band til our throats hurt, dancing like fool and jumping away like there's no tomorrow. It was just awesome. An awesome night, indeed. Great company + good friends = awesome night. Food at the Ball costed 8k. Up to 10 varieties including 2 desserts. Foods wasn't bad (except for those dry scrawny salmons), other than that everything else were just o-kay.

As for my LO, sorry Mommy didn't get to see you before your bedtime. I got home by 11pm and head to McD with Daddy to get something to eat. By the time we reach home, you were sound asleep so Mommy just lay beside you and kissed you good night.

Although it was a formal event, do we look like we care? =)

Once those big VVIP left, we hit the floor and danced away!

Delilah

2010-06-17T11:38:00.002+09:30

I have been listening to this song quite a bit. I think it's beautiful, and always have. There's just something in the air these few days. Something melancholic, unspoken yet uplifting, inspiring and beautiful.

Past, Present, Future

2010-06-16T16:16:00.007+09:30

There's something about these few days.

I find myself looking back at pictures, blog entries and memories of the past. There a some too scary and hard to revisit, but I did anyway. And many that are nice and sweet. I love every bit of them. Those bittersweet memories.

Something very exciting came into my Inbox this morning. With my heart pounding so strongly in me, I explored every aspect of it. And I started dreaming again. Those dreams that were once "put-on-hold" is slowly coming back to life again. I could feel the fire. But not able to reach it yet. There is only one thing that is holding back. And I hope to resolve it as much as I can.

With that exciting news, also bolted me back to my old past. I miss my old past. Certainly. It all once looked so.... right. In place. Perfect. Til reality hits in. And I'm back to square one.

On a different note, when I was younger, looking at people working in offices and in their suits, I had always wondered what kind of job I'd be in. Will I be yelled at by my boss, while working in those open spaced, cubicles? Gossiping with my colleagues through those cubicles? And perhaps, somewhere, sometime late in life, be promoted and have a huge office with a great view by the window.

Today. I am in my own office. A big, comfortable leather chair, a desk that could fit a couple of desktops or laptops AND a working space, 2 armchairs and 1 normal chair to accomodate my clients/patients. I've a good boss (hot, too!) and I work within my own means - a one womanshow. I wear a coat everyday to my office. I'm not that far from looking like that successful careerwoman I had once imagined in my dreams when I was younger. I am not rich, but I got to where I want to be. Here I am. Little did I know that extra experience and degree I hold skipped my steps into a an office room of my own and landed me a professional career.

Alhamdulillah. Thank God for what I have.
My own little nuclear family whom I love and loves me the same.
Although little Mia can probably argue she likes her cat a slightly better.

In future I just hope to be in the same position I am in today. Nothing more or less. I don't dream big and one not much of a goal setter. Food on the table every meal, bills paid, kids taken care off, and I'm one lucky lady, mommy and wife =)

My Past, Present and Future

Aug 15th, 2009

Reliving the Past

2010-06-16T16:05:00.003+09:30

It has been so long.

3 years to be precise.

It was rough. Tough.

Indeed, hard.

But we somehow made it through though I'm not sure how.

Or if we actually did made it through.

Sometimes, I miss you. I do.

And the times we shared.

I wish you well. I hope you're great.

But if it's too difficult to forget,

I'll slide back down under the covers and simply wait.
Missing You

Chilli and Little Mia

2010-06-14T11:50:00.002+09:30

Yes, little Mia has finally experienced the small slice of chilli at Paparich's last Thursday night. We all (Papa, Mama and the Khairul's) sat down fo ran early dinner before we head home. Out in the corner of my eye, both Papa and I saw her picking on something on the table but none took a serious look. Not until she suddenly cried out loud! I eased her mouth open and saw that little slice of chilli (must've fallen off papa's fingers when he accidently knocked on my chilli+soy sauce mix for my kuey teow soup). None of us noticed the chilli except of course, the little Mia.

So while Daddy picked her up, I gave her some cold water and a couple spoonfuls ice cream. Of course she loves ice cream! And quickly settled down as the heat wore off.

Sigh.

Mommy's little mug shot.

Long Holiday

2010-06-01T16:19:00.002+09:30

So our trip to Pahang went well. Little Mia slept most of the journey. The wedding was nice. We sat at the VVIP table. Little Mia left her vomit on their table cloth. It's the second time she threw up like that. The first time, in her sleep after her first vaccination. This time, it is due to that piece of fried chicken she tried to swallow and ended up throwing them all up on the table cloth and some on mommy. Oh well..

Unfortunately the following weekend my MIL was admitted for pneumonia. She's back home now resting and came back with an oxygen tank for life support. Her lungs are swollen and she's tired most times. We drove and on our way back to KL, we stopped by Cameron Highlands. Little Mia is not used to travelling too long. And this trip was definitely quite long for her. I took 3 days EL.

The following weekend was our family holiday trip. We stayed right in front of the beach. It was awesome! We even took little Mia for island hopping. And the rest of the time was spent on the beach. She even fell asleep twice on the beach. It was also her first time tasting sea water :)

So now I'm back at work. And planning on my next trip out.
This time, I'm leaving hubby n baby out =)

Updates

2010-05-03T14:38:00.002+09:30

First entry for 2010..

Nice one.
Not that I've been THAT busy.
Suppose I've been putting time to waste too much, too long.
Plus, I've been updating the baby blog quite often.

Let's see.
The year came in and there's no new year's resolution this time. It's still the same, about losing that kilos from preggy-days, eat healthily, walk more, etc etc. Another addition to this year's resolution is to spend as much quality time as I have with my little nuclear family. ZIP. Hello 2010.

February came, I resigned from my old job. Best decision I've ever made in my entire short life. 2 weeks later I stumbled upon another job and within a couple of weeks later, I started working again. I went through 2 job interviews and was accepted both positions. One offering higher salary, nearer to home, more time at work, less benefits and less time with family. The other offers lesser but with more benefits including for my family, less working hours and further than home. I took up the latter. Nothing tops filling my time with my family =)

By early March I reported for duty and the first day of work I returned home feeling a little blue and slightly disappointed. That was the only single day I felt crappy about work. It never happened anymore since then. My little monster has just started crawling since I've been at home after resigning. Since then she had a lot of opportunities to learn how to crawl. Now she's crawling faster and faster each day. She's even climbed up nearly 2 flights of stairs in our home to get upstairs!

Then April came and we counted the days to the 21st! I was feeling blue mixed with excitement that our little bundle of joy will turn the big ONE. Everyone's feeling hyped about it and plans for her birthday party started out. Invitations went out two weeks before the event. We had her party Apr 25th, the following weekend of the 21st. She was bitten by an insect and her whole right leg swell right up during the party. Of course she was clingy throughout the party. Damn insect! But I baked a rubber duckie cake, and made a pinata for her. I also baked a 30th Wedding Anniversary cake (red-velvet) for Mama n Papa.

This month we have applied leave for our relaxing family vacation. It'll be in conjunction with our 2nd year anniversary and of course little Mia's going with us. We've not been on vacation for quite some time now. This weekend we'll be in Pahang for a wedding. A long drive with little Mia along. Awesome!

The News

2009-11-24T01:45:00.001+10:30

How am I to juggle work and a wife with a 7 month old baby?
We shall soon find out =)

I start early next month.

Silent Prayer

2009-07-24T23:49:00.003+09:30

God the All Mighty..,
if by your willing,
I am able to give heaven to my child,
if that is the power you promised to all mothers,
and as you turned me into a mother,
then with all my heart,
as now she is born,
that when her time comes,
to be rejoined with you,
I forgive all her future sins - as I hope you do too - ,
and that heaven is the exact place where I want her to be.
Amen.

Storm

2009-04-19T09:11:00.004+09:30

This is going to be "interesting".

I've so much in my mind. So much that I feel if I don't vent out to someone soon, I'm sure it'll consume me and eat me alive. I'm sick and tired of people telling me what to do and what not to do. The arrival of baby should be something I look forward to. And I do. God, I cannot wait to hold her. It's the other part of the story that's killing me.

I don't want to believe he'll leave me for not doing what she wants me to. I refuse to. She always uses that to defend and make me do what she wants me to do. Manipulative, yes. Sad. I always get the blues when these things happen. I feel un-supported. Yet, I don't want to offend.

Remind me this when it's your time, baby.

Life Fulfillments

2009-04-12T08:24:00.000+09:30

I'm curious to know how the pain of giving birth feels like.

Every woman describes and experiences it differently. I hope mine would run smooth. I know it may sound strange. But today while having lunch, a very wrinkled and old lady (maybe in her 80's) with her old seat-type-crutch sat next table to us alone. For reasons I may not be able to explain, I thought to myself, if I didn't get to feel the joy of being married.. and the pain delivering my own children at least once, I've not experienced and lived a fulfilling life. A very sad old hag I'd be when I'm as old as that woman next to us. After all, they say your happiest day is your wedding day and childbirth is the most excruciating pain. For now, alhamdulillah, I'm about to satisfy both my life-fulfillment needs. So yeah I am curious to find out what all this childbirth pain people all over the world are jibber-jabbering about. And now labour pains.. bring it on before I call in the drugs! =)

Transition

2009-04-08T08:43:00.002+09:30

Are you kidding me?

I am afraid.
Well maybe not afraid afraid..
Perhaps more of overwhelmed..

Playing the 'what if' game in my mind.
What if I cannot handle it.
What if I'm a bad mother.
What if I drop her.
What if everything's my fault?

It'll never end.

So I'll take it a step at a time.
I wish we'll have a good relationship.
Well.. don't everyone..?
I wish we'll have a healthy relationship.

I promise to do my best with what I have available at the moment in time.
That's all I can hope for.

V-Day

2009-02-14T20:06:00.001+10:30

Rise and Shine
Happy Valentine's Day!

Quarter-Life Crisis

2009-01-31T13:39:00.004+10:30

Its when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like.

You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.

Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure.

You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you're doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person. You want to settle down for good because now all of a sudden that becomes top priority.

Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You begin to think a companion for life is better than a hundred in the shack and for once you would not mind standing tall for that special someone which otherwise you had never thought of until now.

You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that every one reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Send this to your twenty-something friends.... maybe it will help someone feel like they aren't alone in their state of confusion...

We call it the "Quarter-life Crisis"

With permission from Kak Mas (whom took it from someone else whom took it from someone else) - you get the drift.

Best Times

2009-01-31T07:34:00.002+10:30

i am at the best times in my life
how could i not be?
just married and a soon-to-be mommy
if thunder comes and sweeps away
i'll always remember
i had the best times in my life
an no one is able to take that away from me
=)

Sweet Revenge

2009-01-25T14:13:00.003+10:30

Last night was our 8th month wedding anniversary and quite shamefully to say, the first time I remembered. So this is what I made as a special treat for us after dinner. Pistachio Souffles.

Of course Koda was not allowed to have some because firstly, she's a cat. Secondly, our monthly wedding anniversary has nothing to do with her. She wasn't even with us yet when we got married. If it were Mowkie, maybe. She was with us throughout the whole ordeal even slept with us in our bedroom.

And she hates feeling left out.
So this is what we discovered this morning.

My pistachio souffle recipe! Dumped into her water bowl! Aghh!!

Buttery Baking Series

2009-01-13T23:24:00.003+10:30

As promised, here are the photos of my Shortbread Cookies. I'm too lazy to write up another entry to this blog, so I've quoted the entry I wrote on my baby blog here.

Haa.. When the temperature shoots up, and nothing much to do indoors, I start to scamper around the kitchen searching for a reason to bake and cook!

There's the roti jala and curry series - which didn't make the mark to snap photos of - and a pound cake! In all honesty, I was looking for my long bought pistachios to make the long overdue pistachio souffles. Couldn't find them anywhere! Til my cake was rising in the oven, I found those pistachios hiding on the side of our shelf. Ugh geram nya! Anyway, here's the absolutely rich, dense, moist pound cake. Easy ingredients. It's too hot to bother going out and buy anything.

The batter - luscious texture

Ready to go into the oven!

Very pleased. Dense and moist.
The top has a thin crust to it and oh so lovely. Notice those little black dots in the cake? That's from the vanilla bean paste we bought when the family was around. Thought of doing some baking while they're here but not a chance! Mama conquers the kitchen with her yummy-licious cooking!

And these were made the night before. Shortbread Cookies!
Again, easy ingredients and dreamy.

Before baking.

Into the cookie jar! Quick!

YUM!

Ahh.. the joy of baking =)
Very satisfying.

Welcoming Summer 2009

2009-01-13T11:24:00.003+10:30

The heat is on!
A scorching 41 degrees today and I don't like it.

With such weather, no one's allowed to go out today. Not even Koda. I've prepared some frozen ice water in bottles in the freezer and cut watermelons in the fridge to cool off during the day. Thought of making something that I can chuck into the oven but hubs mentioned beef curry so it's roti jala time! Mama brought a roti jala cone from home and has yet to try them on.

Yesterday he mentioned there's no cookies in the house. He googled and found a simple shortbread cookies recipe and I followed it. It's ever-easy, not too sweet and makes 20-30 cookies. Melts in the mouth, takes less than a quarter of the day to prepare and bake. Easy-peasy. Perfect for this preggie lady. Trick is - best quality butter you can ever find and vanilla beans. YUM! I've pictures and will share soon.

This blog has been neglected for a long while. With a baby coming along, I've decided to focus my attention on him/her. And write down as many thoughts, physical changes and note every detail I can for the baby blog. 25 weeks into the pregnancy world and already the discomfort settles in. While many ladies out there talks about morning sickness, I'd have to say that's the least experience I had to encounter. My biggest concern was my backpains. Horrible. If I were to fall preggie once again, remind me to be prepared of the backpains. Then again, each pregnancies are different. We'll just wait and see.

Well, off to making some yummy roti jala and beef curry!

Resolution

2009-01-03T12:15:00.003+10:30

2.0.0.9
1. lose most of these baby-weight (g'luck!)
2. eat healthily (especially while breast-feeding)
3. not to forget my role as a wife, especially after the baby arrives
4. take vitamins
5. find baby food recipes
6. walk more, car less
7. call home more often
8. love more, think less
9. sell those no longer worn clothes on e-bay
10. take health-care more seriously

It's said this year's summer is the coldest in 17 years. And I LOVE it!
So on NYE we headed off to watch the fireworks. Only to be disappointed with people's rave in front of The Grand. Certainly not a place for this heavy mom-to-be. This year has the worst case of arrest and I'm not surprised.

Hopefully next year we'll be able to find a better spot and bring the little one along for his/her first firework watch =)

Another year ends, to another year begins

2008-12-29T18:42:00.011+10:30

*Babymoon*

Yes, we are expecting =)
I am 23 weeks along, with a baby bump, gaining close to 10 kgs and been stuffing my face with food every few hours.

That would be approximately very close to midnight with a kebab and coffee in hand hehhe

Right before confirming my pregnancy with Dr. Frearson, my GP-before changing to Dr. Chandler, an ob. Look closely at the clock on the wall, our appointment was at 11am. Was very nervous. I had only taken a take-home pregnancy test kit 2 days before and it had 2 blue lines. Seeing how nervous I was, darling hubby took me out for breakfast before the appointment.

*this was taken right after the positive home-preggie test*

So I am now gaining and gaining and gaining weight. I'm already at a weight I've never been on before and curious to see what's my maximum by the end of it. I'm also crossing fingers I'd be able to shed off most of it.

Baby's been kicking about since 16 weeks. S/he loves to kick about and now I can actually see my belly moves to his/her beat. Few days ago s/he had the hiccups.

I've also created a baby blog. It's a blog for all our future kids and also for my own keepsake.

As the big 2.0.0.8 ending very, very soon, I'd like to recap the year before 2.0.0.9 arrives:
1. Moved into a lovely new house
2. Marry the man I fell in love with for 6 years
3. Be the wife of the same man
4. Went on a honeymoon
5. Conceived for the first time
6. Worked and left the company
7. Road trips and travelling just the two of us
8. The addition of Koda to our small family
9. Discovered how much similar Koda is preparing us to parenting!
10. Learning so much about babies and pregnancies than I'd ever learnt anything through school!
11. Saw a hearbeat that is not mine in me!!
12. Finding out nausea and hunger can appear at the same time
13. Thought I'd know everything I'm supposed to know about pregnancy only a hell lot more!!
14. Backpains! Backpains! Backpains!
15. Diagnosed with a blood condition
16. Learnt what reflux is all about!
17. Looked at my own uterus accepting my pregnancy
18. Looked at a foetus at 7 weeks old
19. Gained weight more than I've ever had in my life!
20. Constipation, constipation, constipation
21. Saw a heartbeat that is not mine in me!!
22. and discovered the possibility of being or walking alone but not feel alone =)

Though the new year hasn't even begun yet, I just know 2009 has big plans installed for us. Surprises and challenges awaits!

A be-earlied Happy 2009, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:55:00.003+10:30

This was unshamefully taken from bugbites
Yan, i hope you don't mind =p

I love being married.
He didn't promise a large, wealthy life.
Nor did he ever promise an easy one either.
What I see is what I get.
Nothing has changed, thankfully.
He is still he and I am still me.
Except now I am a wife.
I am his wife.
And everyday seems to get better and better because of it.

Updates

2008-12-19T20:58:00.003+10:30

Phew~
It's that time of the year yet again.

I am now recuperating. The whole fam was over for 2 weeks or so and our days were filled with their company. During their stay we managed to go on a road trip to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, then to Gold Coast before they left back to Msia. We stayed an extra 2 days after sending them off to enjoy the awesome beach and some precious time together. Now we're back home and everything's back to normal. Though I must admit, I've started packing a little and getting ready for another short 'getaway' (or adventure/experience) =p

Now that we're back home, Christmas is less than a week! Boy, time flies! Christmas deco are all up and people are busy shopping around for last minute gifts. It all looks pretty exciting!

I think Little Miss Koda is still a little nervous when we get ready to go out. She's been left home alone with a dear friend coming to visit every other day to fill her bowls while we were out. The whole fam just loves her to bits. Even Mama!

I've pictures to update and more things to blog but for now, my back hurts. Ouch!

A Tribute

2008-11-21T15:24:00.007+10:30

*Imad in dark blue*
1990 - 2008

Last night Mama called with the news. It was shocking but expected kinda way. He's been battling heart problems ever since we knew him. A very intelligent engineering major young man, straight A student and more like a family to us. More than often he came for sleepovers and join family activities. First time I knew him we were at Nando's with my mom and brother having lunch. Shy boy but quickly overcame it. He came few days early to our wedding to help with preparations and was very diligent.

*Imad in white*
May 26th, 2008

He was playing football yesterday afternoon and was at his university campus. After the game, he went to his room and collapsed. They took him to the hospital and he passed away at around 8pm or 9pm (Msian time). The last time we met him was at the airport. He had came to see us off to GC for our honeymoon and back to Aust.

Yassin and Al-Fatihah to Imaduddin.
May he be placed among the best.

Oh Dear..

2008-11-19T14:48:00.002+10:30

It sure has been very long! My darling little girl Koda has been up to some very mischievious things lately. And she's turned more vocal than before! This morning she was playing with blinds again and somehow got caught in it. So I assume with her weight, it broke. Luckily I'm married to an engineer whom loves to fix things. This morning he jumped up on my then crawled onto hubby and mew in his ear. Suppose she's trying to tell him she did something wrong. He inspected the blinds while she sat watching and made up a guilty face. Yeah, right. Never fall for it. Last night she was lying around so I came over and asked if she's depressed. Hubs said "don't fall for it!"

I've been playing in my mind the times when my family comes down. It'll be our first family get-together since we left after our wedding. Now that I've my own nuclear little family, I'm missing my extended family even more. Unlike being single, I've always insist in making my own decisions, set my own goals and turn to friends for advice and support. I'm not your typical girl whose close to her family and get along with her mom. Now for me, those days are certainly over. And it had started to change rather dramatically during those "trying" times leading up to our wedding. Almost felt like I'm in a different dimension. Suddenly I feel like I'm daddy's little girl and everyone takes care of me. Now I call Mama for advice, Papa sms weekly asking how I'm doing and to refer to him when in doubt or in need, I call Abg and Adik randomly when they're in college. Kak Long emails more often, cousins asking or sms-ing how I'm doing etc. They're all concern about darling hubby and asking how we're doing almost weekly. When all these while I had thought that when I'm married, we'll be further apart. Interestingly it brought us closer, eh? One of the wonders of life.

I never know how to answer honestly when people asks "so how's married life treating you?" Do you want me to detail everything or would you rather a simple answer. So I'd usually respond with "okay" Which often feels more than okay to me. Of course we've our ups and downs, lows and highs. We're not living in a fairy tale land here. And when I entered married life, I didn't enter it with a happily-ever-after mindset either. I don't even expect to be happy all the time. And I'm glad I'm not. But most of the time, I am. As cliche this may sound to you, I'd rather be no where else right now than here. I'm not even curious what my life would've been like. I suppose the correct answer would've been it's different. There's ups and downs but there's always us. Unlike single life, it's either I'm alone or with understanding friends. Especially when we're so far away from our families. I suppose the distance from our immediate families just brought us even closer to each other. But it's definitely more than and okay.

As usual, since the last I blogged there had been so many changes and happenings. But we're still the same =) Oh we've been Scrabble addicts recently. But always with a dictionary or the cheat-o-matic website in hand to check our opponent's words really exists. Trust me, you'd want it in handy especially when you play with darling hubby hehhe!!

My Little Tiger

2008-10-29T15:34:00.002+10:30

This morning it was Koda's routine. Get her bowl filled, drink, go outside for potty and jumped into bed with me. Rather, to annoy me. Now that darling hubby's so busy with his work, she seems to be asking more attention from me. Last night she mew to announce she caught a small moth. Played with it and ate it. Eww! I still have trouble comprehending that cats eat those stuff. This morning she brought in an acorn and played football with it noisily. She even brought it to the bedroom to announce it. Gosh. My little tiger.

I had forgotten our monthly anniversary. We went to the market and darling hubby suggested dinner at a new Szechuan Chinese Restaurant in town. Love the ambience. Simply love it when out of the blue he takes me out to eat. Then some gelatos and coffee for dessert.

I had planned to write more but am getting distracted at something I think I might 'need'. hehee!

Updates

2008-10-24T10:33:00.004+10:30

Darling hubby's been rather boring these few days. He's engrossed in his work especially now that he's only few months left. So yesterday I got up seeing him asleep on the sofa as usual after a long night's work. Get dressed and decided to give my hairdresser a visit. Absolutely love her. She's Korean and as most of them are, they're very into fashion and styles and take great interest in them too. Though they're nothing comparing to Europeans, I don't mind Koreans at all. And I love the fact she does my hair exactly how I want it to be. Good. A bonus when it's only 5 minutes from home. Only thing is that they're always busy so I can't do drop-ins like with mine back in Msia. Bummer.

Now with a nice blow and healthy feel to my hair, I can't possibly head home can I? So took a detour to Dymocks and Angus n Robertsons, browsed and gave a read through some books. Thought of doing some groceries but left my list at home. So just went through those yummy delicacies and gourmet items. That's what I love about Burside Village. Everything is there. Only I had to make 3 rounds to get a decent parking spot at lunch time. That's gotta be better than parking in BSC or Pavillion, I thought. Lunchtime or not, it's always full!

Head home it's already 3pm and darling hubby just woke up. He gets ready and we head out for an yummy, huge, early dinner at Spargo's. Must be brunch for him. Then as we browsed through the mall after a heavy meal, I spotted something really nice at Colorado. Half an hour later we both ended up with a pair of shoes each!! Yay!

Koda has ventured outside the house area now. To parking lots and beyond. So long she doesn't get into Sylvia's way, I just hope they don't fight.

The Attempt to Sleep-in

2008-10-21T16:57:00.003+10:30

I was loving my night's sleep since darling hubby was up the whole night writing his thesis while the rather comfortable me conquers the whole bed to herself! Yes of course my heart goes all out to darling hubby up all night working away, and yes I do miss that hubby-warmth and soundly snores! But I've to admit, I enjoyed last night's sleep.

Now as much as I was enjoying it, I thought I'd sleep un-disturbed when at 5am in the morning, a 3 kgs bundle of dense furball jumped on the bed and made herway straight onto my tummy. Gets herself comfortable and slumped herself half on my belly and the pillow next to me. I thought to myself half sleepily, fine. Sleep. Few minutes later, she starts purring ever so loudly! Somewhere between 5.30am to 6am I stirred in my sleep and she's gone. Only to jump back on few minutes later so I cried out to darling hubby and he peered through the door. I turned to my side thinking to myself she might not want to get on me this time! But she came around and slumped on the pillow I was hugging onto instead! Third time round, it's already 7am. She let out a mew and I stroked her saying, "you're not gonna let me sleep, are you?" and she purred. I called out for hubby and asked him what she wants, is her bowl full or the back door open for potty. He filled her bowl and she followed him. So I hit the sack at a final attempt of having few more seconds to myself.

Just under 2 minutes, she's back on the bed nudging both my hands for a stroke/rub. So I let her sleep and stroked her. As soon as the purring stopped, I made a silent attempt to leave the bed and make breakfast. And guess what, she wakes up! Walks around the house and playing! Goodness!!

I made berries pancakes for two and end up eating mine all by myself. Darling hubby's too engrossed in his work to eat. I think he's motor's running and he'd rather not stop or else it's hard to get started again. So I let him be.

Then my next attempt to just be in bed catch up on some light readings didn't go undisturbed either. Koda jumped and joined me. She's either curled up next to me or on my belly while I finish reading. She's one of a character there. One bloody of a character!

Come mid-noon I went to the kitchen only to find there's still breakfast for him on the table, untouched. So I dress up and decided it's time for some air. Soothingly coaxed darling hubby to join me for coffee and take some time off his work. He's been working more than 12 hours straight. Managed to get some coffee and sandwiches for lunch then straight home. Guess what, instead of continuing his work, he went straight to bed! Poor thing. And Koda? She's happily playing outside.

I think she just enjoys harrassing me in bed.

It's her new thing.

Sigh.

Shopaholic!

2008-10-21T16:28:00.003+10:30

When they released their first 2 books few years back in MPH bookstore (M'sia), I used my own allowance and bought them both. Not that I was eye-ing for them. Incidently, I was waiting for my soon-to-be hubby then, for a casual date and found the catchy book cover in Kinokuniya (KLCC). Thought I'd do some light reading to let time pass by. And indeed it was!

The very first few things about her writings was that she made me laugh. Now, I believe only my darling husband knows it's not easy to make me laugh (whole heartedly and intentionally, that is) when I'm alone watching TV or read books. I hardly laugh watching cartoons or comedies unless there are people around just to please them and show I'm having a good time. A people-pleaser, really.

Anyway, I bought the first few books then the next few when they're released and brought them all to where-ever I move. Then when I was back to MPH for holidays a year or two back, I bought the continuous books and the latest, Shopaholic and Baby. Somehow lost in the midst of starting a new life, I completely forgot about the book and had abandoned it. Today I've finished reading it and looking forward to getting her latest, Remember Me?

Little did I know there's a movie release on her first book Confessions of a Shopaholic! Played by Isla Fisher and will be out in 2009. Now, no, I'm not going to wait til the make a movie out of her new book. I'm determined to read it first then rattle on about how the movie was nothing like my imaginary characters in my mind when I read the book! Of course my imaginary characters are better.

Honestly.

Maggi

2008-10-16T11:11:00.003+10:30

I know. I know. September as usual is a month of celebration. A bonus when it's Ramadhan. I've pictures but I don't feel like uploading now.

Picked up a couple packets of Maggi (curry flavour) noodles last weekend at the market. Koda this morning while waiting (rather impatiently) for her bowl to be filled, managed to raid the shelve and one of them fell. So try as I might, unsuccessfully, to wake up darling hubby (okay Koda and I both tried) for breakfast. I've had chicken sausages, potatoes, veges and scrambled eggs in mind. It's almost 11.30 and he's still sound asleep. In his defense, he was up all night writing his thesis. Fine. My gaze went to the packet of noodles lying on the kitchen floor. Now that's something I've not had for a very long time. Suddenly those nostalgic memories of boarding school life hits me. It's time for some curry Maggi noodles 'kosong'. No egg, no veges, nothing.

Gosh the smell. I remember. The bitter. The sweet.

Koda wasn't very active last night. We both think the drugs has wore off and the pain is starting to set in for her. She'd tempt to play if you play with her but most of the time she sleeps or just lie down. Poor girl. She's still not allowed to play outdoors. Though this morning I woke up to her purr and numbness in my left arm where she comfortably snooze off.

Raya went out fine. We set off to Sydney for a small getaway sometime before Raya. We went crabbing once with Hamdi. That reminds him to ask when he wants to pick up his kitten.

Off meeting Steve to pick up something very, very important. For now, my noodles are getting cold.

Koda Care

2008-10-15T18:36:00.002+10:30

Oh dear. Yesterday we sent Koda for her de-sexing surgery and microchip-ing. She's almost 6 months now (in 2 days time to be exact) and before she gets on her first heat, it's time to de-sex her and get that microchip done so she can run freely outdoors without darling hubby worry sick. She has fell down our backdoor balcony once completely unharmed but shivering scared in the cold winter night and turned up in front of Julie's (our neighbour) back door. Luckily we have engraved her name and my number on her collar.

I smartly thought experience with Fluffy and Mowkie I'd be able to handle Koda's recovery from surgery fairly well. I was wrong. Unlike both Fluffy and Mowkie, Koda's utterly complete the opposite. Right after picking her up from the vet, she looked alert and ready to play. Reached home, she rushed to her bowl and started looking at both of us gestering us to playtime. Now like any surgery, it is strictly important for her to stay put, no jumping or games, feed only half the amount of daily food and no picking or licking her wound. Dr Stirling has also mentioned to watch out for signs of pain, swelling, discharge from wound, and reduced appetite. Koda on the other hand seems to still love eating, jumping from couch to bed to our laps, running and sliding her body on the floor catching imaginary insects or rounded lumps of papers. We ignored any games she plays but only cuddles and stroke her to help her relax. She's also restricted to indoors only for these couple weeks. I don't think she's happy with that.

So after dinner she usually takes a nap for a few hours and wakes up around 11pm. But not last night. She was up and about up until we were sound asleep. It's a no wonder after those bouts of jumping, running and sliding last night, early this morning about 5am she gags, glugs and vomits on our bedroom floor, hallway and in the shower. Luckily darling hubby's already up doing his work before hearing her gags and glugs, quickly picked her up and send her to the bathroom. It was a considerable amount of odourless vomit from her meal. Amazingly, right after we clean up, she's up and about doing more jumping and getting excited because we're up. Fluffy and Mowkie had only taught me of being silent, sleep and lying around after surgery. Nothing like this.

I made a call to the vet explaining everything and she wants us to keep close eye on Koda in case she vomits again and for any sign of pain. She also suggests we keep her in a confined area (i.e laundry room or toilet) and that idea doesn't seem very appealing to darling hubby. So we try to keep her from jumping too much and ignore her playtime.

It's interesting how we became particular and start noticing small changes. We whisper around her when she's asleep, carefully inspect her wound every few hours, cuddles and try to calm her when she's hyper, and takes note what time she sleeps, wake, eat, and poo! It sure feels like we're taking a peek into parenthood, eh? =)

Little Waltz

2008-10-02T17:42:00.000+09:30

Ramadhan

2008-09-01T19:57:00.002+09:30

Ahh.. first Ramadhan as hubby and wife didn't particularly turn out the way I'd imagined to be when I was young and naive. Well, I certainly wasn't taking many into thinking at that moment. And alhamdulillah we passed through the first day healthily and satiated by the end of the day.

Jemput goreng is still a must menu for breaking fast. Tonight was accompanied by ayam masak lemak and bok choy vege dish. We've still some lamb roast and vege roast leftovers from last Saturday's roast weekend with friends.

Koda's really cute. She snores, purrs, farts, sighs, grunts, every sound you can possibly imagine but meow. She only meows when asking for her food at mealtime. Today we went and bought a new brand of food for her. She's such a pig. But it'll be nice to see her gaining weight a bit more than the first time she arrived. The other night she actually went to hubs lips and kissed it because he was snoring so loudly. Hehe.

Dreams =)

2008-08-31T21:52:00.000+09:30

Koda pt 2

2008-08-25T16:33:00.003+09:30

Woke up in the middle of the night to find darling hubby snoring in my ears on my left and Koda purring in my ears on my right. No wonder I woke up.

Today is Koda's third day being introduced the outdoor world. She only started chasing ants today. She enjoys watching Youtube with hubby dearest, listens to rock music, follows us everywhere in the house, thinks my Sea World dolphin her worse enemy and my echidna her play ball. Sylvia's very not happy with her. She hasn't been around much either since she first met Koda. The first time, she pounced, hissed, spit, made very aggressive noises through our grill door from the outside. Poor friendly Koda. Sylvia has a new name now. Krazy Kat

Koda

2008-08-24T13:30:00.002+09:30

Introducing... Koda!!
She's a 4 month old tortie British Shorthair who purrs SO much and loud! She sleeps on my lap and in bed with us, still very much a baby, makes baby sounds sometimes, sees darling hubby as her playmate and me a source of comfort and food provider, love snuggling with us on the sofa and have only heard 5 mews since she came! She sleeps in any position she's in at the time. Even when being picked up, she can still close her eyes. Follows us around to every room/corner we go. Currently in training to walk on leash and adapting well.

Her flight was delayed for half an hour last Thursday but half an hour after, was inspected and turned into our hands at 7.30pm.

Mission Accomplished =)

2008-08-20T12:47:00.002+09:30

Ok when I ventured into my first missions, I wasn't expecting to be successful in a double mission =) But I certainly am very happy. Tomorrow our mission arrives and will introduce you. Definitely.

Is it.. is it not..

2008-08-17T22:25:00.002+09:30

A few seconds dip and it showed results right away
Is it trustworthy? We shall find out tmrw, i hope

Lamb Shanks and Blintzes

2008-08-05T15:42:00.004+09:30

After quite some time having no-rice asian based cooking, I just realized perhaps darling hubby would prefer to have a more Msian style food. He is Kelantanese, anyway (where people eat rice for b'fast, lunch n dinner). Not that he had complained about it. He eats everything I make every time. Sometimes even requests some ideas. The few days we were at my parent's before we leave the country, Mama dearie would often asks what he likes to eat and assures me that he is a more rice-traditional food type of person, tengok muka pun mama tau! No, he's not a fussy eater nor a hate-vegetables type. Except pumpkin and tempeh. Loathes them. Other than that, he eats all types of cuisines. So yesterday I cooked rice and made sambal terung. Bought 2 huge eggplants (and seriously, they are huge in comparison to the long pencil type we are used to back in Msia) and used one of them to make the sambal, and also the ever so simple ayam kicap. Two most simple dishes and he sat at the table for quite some time there. Even requests those leftovers for his lunchbox to work today. Oh dear.. selfish selfish me..

On the contrary, here's some pics from last week. Spiced Lamb Shanks and a bed of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Blintzes with fresh blueberry sauce.

I'm not going to tell you about my mission until I've accomplished it. But I sure am looking forward to this weekend!

Wind and Pour

2008-08-04T14:22:00.001+09:30

psst..
am on a mission

Cold cold Days

2008-08-03T11:52:00.004+09:30

0.8 degrees it was last weekend. Followed on close to that figure a few days onwards and set out to be the coldest of days. That surely didn't stop us going casserole hunting! hee..

So that had resulted in darling hub-hub knocked down with swollen tonsil, cold, and flu-like symptoms for the whole week! if i tell you how difficult he is with medicines, you won't believe me. then again, i am too =p After our last casserole dish broke into two, we managed to find a good one that is not heavy for me to wash! ain't that just great! plus, it was on sale! Am absolutely loving it. Finding myself looking out for recipes and reasons to make casserole dishes.

Yesterday, with a husky sexy voice (don't be fooled, it's the flu) he took me out again without any agenda actually. B, jom go out! That's all he needs to say to get yours truly here up early, long shower, and out the front door though I've no idea where we're going or what he's up to hehe.. And didn't I mention I'll try not to shop ridiculously early on this year? So though we didn't get anything from those tempting tempting shops, it was such a good outing I must say. Went for a movie, surveyed some items for the home, had pizza, coffee, and walked around town. Simple and nice.

And guess what now. His tonsil hurts again! Ok, one thing I can't do much about is his amplified snore at night when he's sick. Oh dear me. Sometimes it scares the hell out of me in the middle of the night! Poor b, we better get extra comfy pillows soon and some Codral in you! jeng jeng...

Short and Sweet

2008-08-01T22:00:00.001+09:30

Am clean.
And cleared up.
*yay!*

Dark Night

2008-08-01T10:58:00.003+09:30

Few weeks ago as we were comfortably snuggling on our sofa watching TV after dinner as usual, at approximately 11 or 12 midnight, came a faint crying sound outside. Perfectly like a cat's mew. We immediately exchanged looks and obviously the first two times I heard them, I assured hubby that it's Sylvia, the fat cat. Along came the third time, I gripped his arm and said, b it's help! Someone's screaming help! Over a miniscule second of the fourth and fifth cry, I changed my mind again. Then it came louder. And definitely help! We rushed through the front door and peered overlook our balcony, a woman was running, screaming please somebody help me, chasing a tall unknown male screaming back to her in an Asian dialect (Korean I thought, then again, could be Cantonese?) while he disappeared around the corner. Neighbours along the streets had came out their front doors and hubby dearie (without a jacket and short khaki pants) had long rushed into the bitter cold winter night and chasing after her. So does a few male neighbours alongside. Wrapped in a thin sofa blanket, I waited on the balcony till he re-appears (risau jugak lah!) with others, I overheard few neighbouring women on the streets along the lines of 'I've called the police.. they're on their way.. what happened?' No one knew. There was a police car further up the corner of the street and the woman screaming help was talking to him.

Just as we thought the neighbourhood was safe enough. Sure was an eerie night tho. I supposed the way the screamed help was so frequent, making her sound (honestly!) like Sylvia.

Oh he's up now.

Grumpy grumpy me

2008-08-01T00:59:00.003+09:30

the one thing i hate about winter is
when it's so hard to get fresh herbs grown
and available in the markets as well.. sigh

One month's worth of update

2008-07-25T14:24:00.004+09:30

Oh my my it's been almost a month! Ok nothing much has changed except.. my visa's been approved yesterday so am no longer here nor there (yay!), mama's got a new maid which I'm sure she's terribly happy about, papa's got a new driver for him in Muadzam and one in KL, darling hubby's well and been hanging out at home more often, our wedding photos came out in one of M'sia's mag (which I've no idea about til papa called recently and mentioned it, then had pestered them to post us a copy here), am not all cleared up yet (and so I discovered), so he bought me health insurance and I've to schedule for another appointment soon, finally got in touch with dear Kak Nana when she sms mama and gave my number here! yay! there's a new Indian cuisine restaurant in town, the girls and their bf's came over for some lasagne and pizzas recently, oh that reminds me to set up a date for mamat to come over, he's back with my dvd and wanted to come over the weekend before but we already had plans at the time so we've to reschedule, and... I'm back to baking goods! =)

Ok it may sound as if I'm in a rush here but we've to do groceries shopping tday and am planning for a lamb roast yum! so I've to compile some things before we head to the market!

oh yes, to missbumblebee, no i've not the time yet to upload our wedding pix byk2 lah dearie, but will do soon, ok? =)

All Clear

2008-06-29T20:19:00.002+09:30

Yes, and I'm about 90% sure. So we went to Burnside pharmacy and get the essentials.

Wednesday was assigned to a new project due end of this week, Thursday went to the clinic for a follow-up (though I must say, am not entirely convinced with her work at the time but since it's cleared up today, am a bit fine with it), Friday to Syar's picnic and the chest clinic, and Saturday to Aunty Bedah's. Today is spring cleaning day.

Poor hubby's back hurts tonight from sweeping the courtyard though we managed to do some groceries that were long due. Soon we shall head to the yellow and blue building to get some things for the house.

Hmm.. so. For a while there, I've been thinking. Strange enough, why is there endless laundry since we got back? Now I realized, it's winter. We pile clothes on ourselves for one day. Then out they go into the laundry bin. Now, that's why. Weather's been cold as usual.

Things to buy:
1. Casserole dish
2. Vacuum cleaner
3. Heavy-based saucepan
4. Coat rack
5. More photo frames

And yes, I have recently turned into a photo frame collector. There are still a few we received as wedding presents lying unpacked on the floor but not all wedding photos are in our hands, yet. Hopefully, soon.

Aunty Bedah's so sweet to give us a wedding present. It certainly is being put into good use. Thank you SO much, aunty. And gosh her potato puffs are good. *yum*

Friday also was movie day! We hired some movies and watched them before bed. Which also resulted in me having nightmares. I've been waking up feeling tired these couple days.

Now that we're a little financially stable (plus salary's coming in next week *yay!*), it's time to update some items for the house. And that means.... shopping!! And clothes! Okay not that I've not done any before the honeymoon, but it's winter and seasonal shopping is a must, rite? =p

I am absolutely dreading to go work tomorrow. Sigh. And the appointment at 11.30. Oh my my! Help!

One day, I wonder..

2008-06-29T19:04:00.003+09:30

So now.. what's next?

Honeymoon..
Have fun..
Enjoy each other's company..
Go on short vacations..
Celebrate puasa, raya, bdays, anniversaries together..
Settle down..
Then...
make babies!
Well, I guess once we've made one, there wouldn't be a "what's next.." question. The list shall go on.. and on.. and on..

Yeah..
That sounds like a good plan, eh? =)

A month and fresh noodles

2008-06-24T12:24:00.010+09:30

This morning I was just about to stir into conscious when he kissed my forehead and wished happy anniversary. So I forgot. Big deal. *bwek*

I didn't actually, really. I remembered yesterday =D

Last night he requested double chocolate fudge brownies. *yummo*
I'm supposedly due for a checkup today but since he's a meeting, we rescheduled for tomorrow. That reminds me to give them a ring soon. On Sunday after watching countless 'noodle-making' videos, he got all geared up to make some of our own. It certainly was NOT as easy as they made them to be! Somehow he managed to turn them into...

kuey teow/fettucine!

hehe ok I'm not too sure which it turned to but it's similar to either. Only kuey teow's generally made from rice flour and fettucine from 00-type flour. This one's from our own plain flour. Which I had fried and made char kuey teow-my version. He said we're no longer buying noodles anymore after this. If you say so, b =)

Later that night we snuggled up again (it's especially cold that day) and watched Gattaca.
I must say, I've been having troubles keeping my eyes open after 10pm lately. It's rather annoying. I'd be happy to wake up early in the morning and sleep later than 10 at night as I used to when we were back in Msia. Hopeless now.

Haggard

2008-06-24T12:10:00.004+09:30

At some time on Friday we watched this original version of Herr Mannelig and went into obsession for Lord of the Rings

So we headed to the video rental shop and rented all three Lord of the Rings's DVD (plus Gattaca) and spent Saturday evening snuggling on the couch with my 'cuk' blanket watching a marathon of LOTR. It was the first night I managed to keep my eyes open past 10pm and all the way to 3 in the morning.

The song and movie sure creeps in. Don't you just feel like watching LOTR again? Sigh.
That night I dreamt of being on a mission =P

3 wks and 6 days

2008-06-20T13:43:00.002+09:30

That's how long I'm married to a wonderful man. Holding this next and new role in my life is certainly so much different. From being someone's fiance to a wife is a switch nothing to what I had imagined. I thought I was prepared, for sure. Just like I heard from every other females embarking the journey. But it's not til the night papa gave me away that I felt it all. It's all a rush of emotions. Everything is, that night. Nothing has prepared me for that night. No words, no amount of encouragements nor any advises I get prepares me for it. And I bet nothing would have.

Our daily life has changed tremendously, of course. Meeting people, introductions, lovely wishes and gifts. Interactions are certainly not the same. People start looking at an adult, leading your own life instead of trying to direct it to theirs. They are still full with endless advises, support and encouragements but in a different way now. Ways perhaps only a newly married couple would be able to understand. We always feel loved especially around our family, and this time it sure feels a lot extra. More over with an additional member to the family. *spread the love, spread the love*

We have turned into people with great responsibilities. With that word, unconsciously, comes confidence, willingness and hope. It all shows in our body languages with other people. We seem to notice that with one another. And I must say, I am outmost proud of my man. I didn't see it coming but it came at the most perfect timing. And so I begin to understand more of him. It's true they say. Every day, every step, every stage, every phase, we learn something more about the other. That's why we are never ready to get married. We can never be 100% sure especially nearing the day. There are only a certain amount of trust and belief that we must've hold onto at some point in our r'ship, to make it happen. Yeah, couple years before we're married, I can say I'm sure this is the one for me. I can bravely say I'm ready. Come few months before the wedding day, then all doubts and uncertainty sets in. All the 'IFs' starts filling my mind tremendously. Generally, reality sets in. If there are any hardships engaged couples had to go through, I'd say for us is this. Couple months before the wedding. That's where I struggled hard and asked for strength. Alhamdulillah, everything went beautifully and fine. Heart and health was all I asked for, remember? And those were just exactly what I get.

Was online with Suc last night. A new year, a new beginning. Need to send photos to her soon.

Am getting headaches often nowdays. I think today's due to sleeping without a pillow last night. Slept on dear hubby's arm instead hehe.. This morning on the way to work we came across this boy drinking his chocolate drink and made me wanting for one. Geez am almost turning into a slob! So we went down to ... and came across some free tasting cheeses and bread. YUM! I don't remember the name of the cheese now but we gotta find that cheese! YAY!

Scones

2008-06-19T17:16:00.002+09:30

Baker's Delights choc mud scones and spinach, fetta and pesto scones when heated are absolutely marvelous.

Am not much of a scone fan. Just don't enjoy the texture of it. Nor am a sponge cake fan. After doing our weekly groceries we stopped at the bakery and bought those scones. Yummo!

Darling hubby ended up not going to work again today (boss takde, ceh!). I suppose it's due to my nasi lemak this morning for breakfast. My sambal was really HOT! We bought a new brand of dried chillis (the usual brand cannot be found anywhere now for some reason) and it's very superbly hot. My beautiful hubby here has sensitive tummy, though he loves spicy food.

It certainly is very cold here.

Baby

2008-06-18T13:39:00.001+09:30

kak long's email early this morning..
"if you decide to have baby,
may he or she be as cute and inquisitive as this one.."
this one sure is, eh? =)

8 days

2008-06-18T11:22:00.002+09:30

relief. sad. guilt.
if other emotions occur, it's temporary.

Back to work

2008-06-17T11:45:00.003+09:30

Felt much much better and started work yesterday. It was such a hard decision to make that morning hehe.. but on the way to work I felt unusually happy. hmm.. maybe the thought of meeting everyone and the sights on the way to work suddenly made me excited. It certainly does have that sudden calming effect on me. Guess it's the mere thought of being back. Yes. Home =)

They were surprised of course. Especially when I had mentioned to be back on the 4th instead 16th =p Workload is not much. Updating with my projects etc etc. All good.

So what's the plan tday? Off to the long missed rundle and shop shop shop!! ok maybe not. i've definitely and successfully burn a LARGE hole in darling hubby's pocket. just the essentials now. just the essentials. ;)

Roasts

2008-06-16T20:20:00.000+09:30

Tonight's the first time I cook dinner for us.
Balsamic-dijon maryland roast.
We dropped by the market just before it closed after work.

Much better

2008-06-15T14:18:00.002+09:30

By today am still very cautious to how I'm feeling.
I take note every pain and movement.
So by the end of the day, the night before I close my eyes, I was still contemplating in my mind whether I should go in for work the next day or not =p

Hommie

2008-06-15T12:38:00.002+09:30

yes.
we're back.
home sweet home.
indeed with massive entries soon.
for the meantime,
we're recharging ourselves.

Headache

2008-06-14T14:14:00.001+09:30

This is terrible.
Bad, bad, horrible headache.
me need food.
more foooddd.

Train of Thoughts

Updates

First Movie Date

15 years dream

silent thought

Love

Raya 2011 Prep! (Part Two)

Raya 2011 Prep!

Frustrations

Goodness Me! And Ramadhan 2011 update!

Paci Story update

Developmental leap!

Vocab Alert!

5 years from now..

My Wishlist

Elevator Morning Horror!

Mia's 2nd Bday Splash Bash

Party at School

Mia turns t.w.o

Mia's two year old party prep!

Jar of Hearts

*Smile*

Sorrow

Broga Camp

Pillar of Strength

March Madness

Missing you

Must-haves

2011

Merry Christmas 2010

Mia's Vocab Works

Home Sweet Home

Wonder Woman

Year End

Daycare Drama, Shitty Big Boss and Raya

The Update so far..

Anxiety Attack!!

-blank-

First Steps

Little Dibo

Updates and Trip!

Kak Fatan's wedding

Worthwhile

Awesome Night

Delilah

Past, Present, Future

Reliving the Past

Chilli and Little Mia

Long Holiday

Updates

The News

Silent Prayer

Storm

Life Fulfillments

Transition

V-Day

Quarter-Life Crisis

Best Times

Sweet Revenge

Buttery Baking Series

Welcoming Summer 2009

Resolution

Another year ends, to another year begins

Merry Christmas!

Updates

A Tribute

Oh Dear..

My Little Tiger

Updates

The Attempt to Sleep-in

Shopaholic!

Maggi

Koda Care

Little Waltz

Ramadhan

Dreams =)

Koda pt 2

Koda

Mission Accomplished =)

Is it.. is it not..

Smile