Preparing Wayne for a new chapter

It is another milestone for Wayne as he starts school tomorrow. Mommy cant help but feel really nervous and excited at the same time. My little boy is really growing up. School would be good for him I'm certain.. but mommy being mommy, cant help worry whether he'd be able to adapt.

Mommy keep having nightmares of Wayne being traumatised by the experience of mommy leaving him all alone with strangers. I'm worrying too much I know.

Meanwhile, like a proud mommy watching her son grow up, mommy spent the day before Wayne started school preparing all that he needed for his first day. Daddy commented that mommy was even more excited than Wayne about starting school, which was probably true.

Mommy made sure Wayne had his nails all cut short. Even trimmed his hair for him so my little boy looked all smart. Ironed his school uniform and labelled all his things, packing them neatly in zip lock bags. Daddy even bought a new pair of school shoes for him.

Preparing all the things Wayne needed for the first day..

Wayne's new pair of school shoes All labelled... there was his water bottle, milk powder dispenser, milk bottle, toothbrush, toothpaste and mug amongst others Wayne's towel and extra set of clothes for the afternoon Labelled his school bag as well

And made sure everything was ready and packed the night before..

Mommy was then worried Wayne wouldnt be able to recognise his things, so mommy went through all the items in his school bag with him and showed him all the labels with his name on it. I think mommy's enthusiasm must have rubbed on Wayne, as soon Wayne too was really excited... "Yay Yay Wayne is going to school tomorrow!" he shouted, or perhaps he remembered how much fun he had making banana milk the week before. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Our simple but happy Saturday

We have been having so much fun with Wayne lately, spending alot of time together as a family and really enjoying watching Wayne grow up. Perhaps due to the fact he'd be starting school soon, or perhaps because baby number two is coming along... mommy just misses Wayne so much more each time I'm at work and just want to spend as much time with him when I can.

Weekends especially are so precious, we'd do simple things together but yet feel so happy.. Today, knowing how much Wayne loves trains, daddy suggested bringing Wayne for a train ride. Just one stop each direction but it was enough to make Wayne so happy & excited!

And some photos of Wayne at the playground. =)

The simplest things in life can make us happiest..

Banana Milk at Mindchamps

Wayne would be starting pre-school next week, how time flies! After months of uncertainty over which branch and month Wayne would start in, we finally got everything confirmed. Mommy of course started to get nervous as first of March drew closer, and called Miss Threez, the principal of Mindchamps at Paragon to seek some advice on how to ease the transition for Wayne.

She suggested we bring Wayne to visit the school the week before to familiarise himself with the place and even suggested we let Wayne participate in one of the sessions.. how timely that mommy and daddy had taken leave this Friday afternoon to visit Dr Lee and hence, it turned out to be an afternoon of fun for Wayne as he joined in his classmates for their gourmet session.. making Banana Milk!

Surprisingly Wayne seemed pretty comfortable the moment he entered the classroom. That's when it struck mommy that my little boy has grown up quite a bit over the months. While he used to be really timid and unsociable with other kids and unfamiliar people, Wayne is now much braver.

When he entered, he immediately asked mommy, "Wayne play too, can?" and when I asked him to ask teacher for permission he turned to Teacher Serene and asked "Can, teacher?". And quickly proceeded to find himself a chair beside the other students. Wayne participated so well in class, following the instructions the teachers gave, wearing gloves, putting bananas into the jug and pouring milk into the jug. Wayne turned to mommy each time he completed a task, face beaming with pride and excitement. It was a really good session, Wayne enjoyed himself alot, and he would nod his head each time we asked him if he wanted to go to school.

Wayne waiting patiently together with his other classmates

Mommy could tell how excited he was to participate.. this shot was taken just after Wayne had his turn to put the bananas into the jug. Little boy looked so pleased with himself.

And here he is, pouring milk into the jug with the help of Teacher Serene
All the kids gathering round teacher to watch as she blended the banana with the milk, to make Banana Milk!
Everyone waiting eagerly to

have a share of the banana milk they made together Wayne having his first sip... yum yum..

and having more..
Haha, my greedy boy asking teacher for more banana milk when he finished his..
And yes, he did get a second round of banana milk!
Looking all satisfied!

Its likely a GIRL!

Couldn't stop smiling after visiting Dr Lee... after what seems like eternity, we finally had a glimpse (or the lack of it) of what little baby's gender would be! And it does seem like an Amanda at this point. Dr Lee didnt want to confirm it till our detailed scan in March but it was enough to send mommy to the moon. I'm just keeping fingers crossed that we dont get a big surprise when we go for the detailed scan a few weeks later.

I feel so thankful and blessed really.. I know its a little too early to confirm and feel this way, but that was really how I felt as I walked out of Dr Lee's clinic. God could have given me another boy, and with all honestly, I would still feel very happy and thankful for a little baby boy thats all Huakai and mine to love and cherish.. but God is so kind to us to give us a girl (likely.. I know) - and that makes me very happy x 10000000000!

Weight is up to 48.8kg this visit, baby is doing good, and as Dr Lee put it "chubby" in size at this point.

Mommy and daddy are extremely happy!

That familiar fluttering movement

Into my 17th week, mommy has started feeling baby's movement. Earlier than I did in my first pregnancy with Wayne.

Those little butterfly like movements in my tummy... so sweet and tender, it still feels so familiar despite it being three years ago since I last felt that. It sure brings a smile to mommy's face. Soft and gentle now, mommy knows those movements will get stronger and stronger, a sign of little baby developing.

Guitarist Wayne turns 34 months

My little guitarist boy turns 34 months today! 2 months short of turning 3 years old. We love you baby!

Playdate with Qin mei-mei

As the kids grow up, they are able to play with each other, which makes it so fun bringing them together!! One year back, Qin was too young to play with Wayne, but now she is a year and 3 months and yay, she can play! So mommy & Aunty Yuwen arranged a swimming playdate with our little ones.

Wayne was so excited about having Qin over. The whole day he kept asking mommy what time Qin Qin would be coming.. finally at 4pm, she was over and Wayne was so happy and excited!

Both kids got into their swimming costumes and wasted no time in getting into the water. Qin was so cold in the water she trembled for a while!!! So for Qin it was just a short 20 minute play time! But she loved the water so much, splashing around and when Aunty Yuwen wanted to pick her out of the water, she refused! Water baby!

While Wayne loved playing big kor kor to Qin, protecting her when Aunty Yuwen walked away, he was not so good with sharing his toys. He had six pieces of toys but was only willing to share one with Qin Qin. Mommy has to work much harder in teaching him how to share. I'm sure he will be better given more time. Afterall he never really had to share his toys with anyone.

Sweet Qin Qin smiling away. After the swimming session, it was snacks time! Biscuits for the little ones, which made them really happy and satisfied. Us adults get really hungry after swimming too, dont we? Mommy was all prepared! =)

And finally, after bathing, they continued their playdate at home, before Qin had to go home. Till the next time!!

Morning exercise

We had wanted to bring Wayne to the riverside for a morning walk today. He loves going to the river where he would run and run and run. It is also one of daddy and mommy's favourite place to just stroll as that place is really serene and nice, where many would be having their weekend brunch. Lots of kids would be there too, either on their bicycles or just running and playing around.

Unfortunately it started to drizzle just as we were about to step out. So we ended up on the 14th floor of our apartment where there is a sky garden, looking at fishes and exploring the outdoor gym. It really is quite a nice place to have a quick workout as its really windy and the view awesome.

Daddy the poser

Confinement plans

Having to 'jostle' with the one thousand and one other Dragon baby mommies, finding a confinement nanny itself was a challenge. Thankfully, managed to confirm one through one of the confinement nanny agencies. Eased my mind off one thing.

Was intially quite stressed over where I should have my confinement done, given that our current place is so tiny. Finally we decided on a 'stay-out' nanny.. one that comes only from 9am to 6pm. It was more expensive than a stay-in nanny surprisingly... cos as the agent explained, the nannies are from Malaysia and needs a place to stay for the 'stay-out' arrangement. A difference of $400.. but thats fine as this would allow us to have the confinement at our current place, which really is the most practical choice, given that Wayne's school is in Paragon and daddy's office is in town. That would minimise travelling time for daddy, meaning we all get more rest and get to spend more time as a family which would be really important in the first month.

We figured a 9 to 6pm help would be good enough, mainly to help me with my 3 meals, herbal bath and bathing the baby. Dinners and laundry for the whole family would be included , plus maintaining the cleanliness of our home too. I intend to breastfeed baby so that bit would be taken care of, and hopefully I can also manage with taking care of baby by myself as much as possible, like changing diapers and putting baby to sleep. I just prefer to be the main caregiver for my baby, hopefully I'd be as strong as three years ago, able to cope with the lack of sleep and two hourly feeds. Hoping I would recover as quickly as I did from my Csection wound too.

And after the one month confinement is over, we'll probably try 'tingkat' food for dinners so that our meals are taken care of. With that, I think we should be able to cope pretty well. Hopefully! I hope I'm not under estimating everything here, with 2 kids to care for. Many of my friends are amazed we dont intend to get a domestic helper with 2 kids.. and those with kids are already saying we'd surely change our minds when baby number 2 comes along. We'll see.. =) But for now, its still a no.

I choose to think its because I have the best husband in the world who willingly helps me with so many things, like washing the bottles, dishes, house, changing the diapers, bathing the kids and etc! Haha! We'll see. Meanwhile, I'm just excited and looking forward to having our new addition to the family!!! Four in the family. Feels like such an achievement. =p

Best friends

Baby is officially Wayne's best friend and it warms mommy's heart each time Wayne refers to baby as his best friend.

4th February -we visited Dr Lee again for mommy's routine check up. Mommy weight was 47.6kg, up 0.3kg from the last a good sign cos it meant mommy was eating well again. We brought Wayne along for the scan, and Wayne was so excited. When the nurse spoke to him and asked him why he was there, he told the nurse "Wayne come see Wayne's best friend". It was so cute. And when we spoke to Dr Lee and Dr Lee was telling us about baby, Wayne interrupted Dr Lee, telling him "Baby is Wayne's best friend". Mommy couldnt help smiling. We asked Dr Lee to try to tell the gender, but baby was not in the right position, so we'll have to wait another 3 weeks till the next visit to find out. We were happy to know baby was growing well and everything was going smoothly.

Wayne has been sweet.. at night, he would 'pat pat' baby and say goodnight to baby. He loves putting his ears to my tummy and he'd look up at me excitedly nodding his head each time he hears baby 'talking' (its actually mommy's tummy rumbling).. and he'd tell mommy "Baby talking.. Baby say good night to Wayne, baby say good night to mommy, baby say good night to daddy." And just this morning, he woke up and told mommy "Wayne loves mommy so much..... and baby too." Feel so happy and proud of Wayne. Wayne also said "Mommy, baby. wayne and daddy best friends.. four best friends." How sweet, right?

My loving little boy.

Baywatch Singapore

Lots of sun, lots of fun!

Living up to our 2012 promise to Wayne for more fun activities, we dragged ourselves out of bed this Saturday morning, packed all our beach goodies, all ready for a morning out at Sentosa! Turned out it was too early (although it was 9am) in the morning for mommy & daddy cos we realised we forgot many things, like the beach mat, Wayne's beach ball and sand castle tool set. Ooopss.... but no worries, we found all these in one of the shops by the beach!!!!

Yummy snacks for Wayne!

(But turned out he was so busy having fun with the sand, he only had a Yakult and a quarter of a banana!)

Daddy having his breakfast from Killiney before starting the day - nasi lemak, chee cheong fun, french toast, otah and drinks for mommy & daddy! Simple food but super shiok!
As for Wayne, he wasted no time in having fun with the sand!

My little boy looks so grown up yet again... see how red his cheeks got from playing under the hot sun!! His swimsuit from our Sydney trip is so 'Baywatch'!

And for mommy... I was all comfortable in the shade catching up on my many magazines! Felt so good to be outdoors, it was such a relaxing morning, just chilling out, watching my precious boy playing with his daddy & having so much fun. Happy.

And Wayne seeing daddy take a photo for mommy, couldnt help running over to be part of the photographs!

Wayne's favourite playmate.. 3 swings high in the air, and it was time to pack up and head home as the noon sun came along, proving too hot for us!!