Bedtime updates

Finally after 2 years of occupying a spot on mommy and daddy's bed, Wayne has grown up that bit more and progressed to sleeping on his own bed @ 2 and a half years old! And the transition was easy peasy! Yay! Well done, little boy!

For those who didnt know, Wayne was sleeping by himself in his cot since he was a lil baby.. until the day we moved to Carissa Park, and decided to let him sleep on our bed for the first few nights since it was a new place etc etc... bad move.. cos he ended up there for the next two years. And as he grew bigger over that 2 years, he occupied more and more space and his sleeping habits got from bad to worse, from sleeping vertically to horizontally across the bed and rolling from one end to another, across poor mommy who was the one between Wayne and daddy.

SO... the day we moved to Martin Place, it was the perfect opportunity to undo the wrong we did. We got a single bed for him and from the first night at our new place, we got Wayne to sleep in his own bed. Surprisingly he was all happy about having a new bed (thanks to momma who got him all excited over his bed) and got in with hardly any coaxing needed. Okay, granted that the bed is just beside our bed but from then on, Wayne just continued sleeping in his own bed, which is good enough a reason for some celebration. Hooray, finally mommy & daddy got back our king size bed space!

Its been almost 4 months now, and its already a routine for Wayne to climb into his own bed each night. But each morning around 7am, Wayne would also climb down onto our bed and find a spot beside mommy and continue sleeping. Without fail. Not ideal but well, we are happy with that compromise.

The next time we move, we'll make sure Wayne's bed is in his own room.. that'll be the next challenge, but I bet each morning he'd end up on our bed too.

Splashing fun!

Just a short 30 minutes by the pool this Sunday evening, but we had so much fun! Wayne loved playing in the water, splashing around and pretending to swim like a fish & turtle which was hilarious! Love the photos captured of Wayne smiling and laughing away as he played!

Tugging at our heart strings

As Wayne can express himself much better now, he is also getting really better in tugging at mommy and daddy's heart strings these days.

"Mommy, please dont go to work today? Wayne love mommy so much.. Wayne dont want mommy to go to work. Daddy go work always come home too late fetch Wayne home..... Wayne wait too long, Wayne cannot wait.. "

And nai nai and yeye also told us that recently Wayne will ask where is dad when it comes to night time... and even asked yeye to fetch Wayne home instead.

Hearing that, coupled with the fact that lately Wayne will fuss more in the mornings not wanting us to go to work, I guess my baby boy has been missing us.. so mommy & daddy has made it a point to pick him up earlier in the evenings.

This evening, mommy also had a bit of fun with Wayne, bringing Wayne out for ice cream and playing around in the supermarket, going round looking for all of Wayne's favourite food, like Yakult and Honeystars.

And here are some photos of us cheeky-ing around. Cheeky boy loves to copy whatever mommy does while taking photos!

And us having ice cream together!!

The other thing that mommy hopes to do more with Wayne this year are fun activities.. like swimming, or art and craft projects or anything fun! Just so that we spend more quality time with Wayne instead of just.. hanging around. =)

Amanda or Dylan?

Bursting with excitement to find out whether our little one is a boy or girl... Each scan from now holds that probability of finding out, making each visit to Dr Lee so exciting. We have even thought of names for number 2. Amanda chosen by me, Dylan chosen by daddy. What do you think? =)

Daddy is always keeping so neutral each time I ask him if he wants a baby girl or boy.. haha! I know what he's thinking... can't say out your wish, otherwise it wont come true. Right daddy? Or maybe he's just trying to manage expectations, not wishing too much for either, so we wont get disappointed whatever the outcome. "As long as the baby is healthy" he'd go... which is true... but STILL!

But ask Wayne whether he wants a didi or meimei, without fail he'd go "di di!!!!!!!". Sometimes calling baby "didi briel" when he forgets that its another baby. So cute.

Once, mommy was telling Wayne about the baby in mommy's tummy and he asked me what's baby's name. Mommy told him we haven't gave baby a name, and asked him what he would like to call baby and he replied "Amos". Which he later shortened to just "A". And proceeded to get a pencil and paper to draw baby's name for us to see. It was so cute. And when mommy explained baby will be Wayne's best friend next time, he was so sweet, he folded the paper which he drew baby's name on, and said "for Wayne's best friend" and kept it in mommy's handbag to give to baby when baby is out. So sweet, right?

But sometimes, he gets real funny, he'd ask me questions like "Wayne hammer baby, can, momma?" or "Wayne flatten baby, can, momma?". So I'm not ruling out sibling jealousy just yet.

Yakkity-yak

2 years and 9 months and Wayne loves to talk!

Once we were waiting so anxiously for Wayne to start talking and now that he can, he doesnt stop! Mommy & daddy are often kept busy with Wayne's many questions.

Why?
Where?
Then?
And then?
And then?
And then?
And then?............... and it goes on and on.

Mommy will always try to answer all his questions but it will always reach a point where mommy has to go "Ermm....... ok Wayne, why dont you ask daddy? Mommy doesnt know why. " Hehe, and the whole conversation would start again with Daddy.

And of course like all kids, the things that Wayne says really makes us burst out in laughter. But thats why its so fun to talk to him at this age too. He loves telling stories these days, all revolving around his trains, and loves to hear us read to him and tell him stories too.

His favourite phrase this week "Clickity clack, dont look bad, dirty Percy's on the track!" - from one of his Thomas story books. He'd repeat the line again again all day.

Wayne also knows how to use his words to win your heart too. He tells mommy " Momma, Wayne loves you soooo much" more than ten times a day. And the first word he says when he knows you are angry is "sorry mommy..." "sorry daddy.." with a sad look on his face, no less. He says it so often, we know he doesnt quite mean it yet. Cos the next moment he may well just be repeating his naughty act. When daddy scolds him, he'd quickly run to mommy and say "Momma, daddy scold me.. again..." looking all pitiful.

And just this week, daddy bathed for him while mommy was in the bedroom. He came out of the bathroom and came to mommy looking all sad, saying "Wayne love mommy so much, mommy went off.. Dad bathed for me, water go inside my eyes and ears...". Complaining already, much to the stares of daddy. =)

The Petite Park

Its been a long while since mommy & Wayne had a morning out together - mommy and Wayne bonding session. Finally mommy brought Wayne out this Sunday morning, while daddy had his weekly soccer session. Where did we go this time? To check out the newly opened up Changi City Mall.. we first had breakfast at Ya Kun's and then spent the morning at The Petite Park.

The Petite Park is an indoor playground, similar to many others around, but this place had a pretend play area, which Wayne enjoyed so much. We were the first ones there, which was great as that meant Wayne could explore the whole place by himself. Wayne chose to spend almost all his time at the pretend play area, where there was a train track and role playing materials like a kitchen set and fruit stall.

Though we had 2 hours here, when it was time to go, Wayne still refused, saying "Not yet momma"! Momma had to trick him into checking out the other toys in other shops before he was happy to put on his shoes. Actually, momma wanted to check out the outlet stores and get a pair of sports shoe for Wayne to wear to school. =) But before mommy could even check out the shops there, it was already half past noon and was time to pick daddy up, so off we went.

Wayne told mommy he loved the place, and that made mommy's day, making my little precious son happy.

Another on the way

Finally am feeling much better these days, and we are thrilled to announce that we have another little precious baby on the way. It has been a stressful first 3 months, with me on bed rest for 3 weeks, worrying too much most of the time and feeling really awful from the morning sickness. It was a total different experience from Wayne's time.

Just into my 2nd trimester now, and I’m in much better spirit. The morning sickness has gone away, I am feeling happier and my appetite has improved greatly. Most importantly, I’ve been able to relax a lot more. I’ve stopped being paranoid and am less worried about another miscarriage now that I’ve crossed the first trimester.

I’m now getting more and more excited about this little baby inside my womb and can’t wait to see my tummy get bigger. Little Wayne has been such a darling, loving baby as well. ‘Good morning baby” he’d go, in the mornings, as he lay his head gently on my tummy. Mommy’s sure he’d make a splendid big brother.

HK and I are so thankful for this little baby.

Below’s a journal of the first trimester visits to Dr Lee and my thoughts:

I'm pregnant! - 20 November 2011

I remember rushing to HK telling him excitedly "Oh my gosh, I'm pregnant dearie!!". It was kind of unexpected as it was my first ovulation cycle after the miscarriage and we werent really trying for a baby the very first month. But it happened, and we were so delighted! Excited yet cautious, we decided not to be too excited over it, lest we got disappointed. So for the meantime, it was mommy's and daddy's little secret. But it brought a smile to mommy's face each time I thought of it and touched my still flat tummy.

Gynae Visit #1 - 30 November 2011 : 5 weeks and 3 days

First visit to Dr Lee was just to take a blood test as it was too early for any scans. Brought Wayne along, he was a good boy. Mommy had wanted to show Wayne the baby on the monitor, we’ll do that the next time darling. =)

Gynae Visit #2 - 9 December 2011 : 6 weeks and 5 days

I was a bundle of nervous wreck before this first scan. After the previous miscarriage it was just so frightening to go through the scan. I dreaded Dr Lee's words "I'm a little worried here..." which still seems so fresh in my mind despite it being almost 4 months since. Thankfully this time it went well. Huakai and I are so thankful. Baby is now 6weeks and 5 days, sac is growing well and of the right size. I am recovering well from the miscarriage procedure and all the stats look good. Thank God! Still wary & extremely careful till the first trimester is over, I can't stop worrying.

Gynae Visit #3 - 23 December 2011 : 8 weeks and 5 days

Third visit to Dr Lee's at 8 weeks got me all nervous again. So stressed was I that I couldn't help being paranoid the night before imagining all sorts of scary scenarios that could play out the next day.

At 8 weeks and 5 days, baby was at 9 weeks and 2 days. Growing faster than its 'age', which is a good sign. However, Dr Lee got me worried when he told us that that blood flow to the baby didn't seem as apparent as it should be at this age. Perhaps it was the position of the blood cord, or perhaps the cord was thinner than normal, resulting in the low visibility of the blood flow. And baby's heartbeat was not as loud as it should be. But Dr Lee said not to worry as baby's growth was good and movement very strong, all good signs that outweighed the negative factors. But how could I not worry???

On another note, I got a whole new set of medicine and supplements to take. All these pills are scaring me. Feel like puking just looking at them. I haven't been eating well at all. In fact lost 0.2 kgs since my last visit. This pregnancy has really been tough. All day, I'm feeling nauseous and bloated. Not to mention tired, dizzy and generally just feeling down and uncomfortable most of the day. I've been given MC to rest at home but staying home all day doing nothing, hasn't been helping my mood much. On the other hand, going out has proven too taxing for my body. I really hope this morning sickness will be gone by the 12th week.

Before leaving, I again asked Dr Lee if he was worried. He said no, but somehow that offered little assurance. I foresee I'll end up visiting him yet again the next week just for that added comfort.

Little sweetheart, be strong for mommy ok. Loving you.

Gynae Visit #4 - 3 January 2011 : 10 weeks and 2 days

Only one word to describe our fourth visit to Dr Lee - reassurance.

You see, the night before I had some bleeding. My worst nightmare. I associated bleeding with miscarriages, which was exactly the symptom I had when I had my previous miscarriage. It was a public holiday that day, but still I called Dr Lee on his mobile asking if that meant I had a miscarriage. He said no it’s just a sign of weakness, told me to take another progesterone pill, rest and see him the next day. I did as told, took another pill, rest but cried myself to sleep the whole night. I thought it was over.

So there we were the next morning, mommy bracing myself for any bad news. Took my weight, oh dear, lost another 1.5kg. Another bad sign, that’s again what happened after my miscarriage. Then waited for the all telling scan. Daren't look at the monitor at all. Then I heard "Baby's moving well" ... Phew... Big big relief. And from then, I relaxed as Dr Lee showed that baby was doing well, heartbeat very strong now, and bloodflow was good. All my worries were gone in that 10 minutes. Thank you God. In fact, baby was 11 weeks and 2 days in size, one whole week bigger! Yay.

Still there was the bleeding to be concerned about, so Dr Lee ordered progesterone injections and bed rest for the rest of the week. As for my weight loss.. Dr Lee asked HK to feed me more. I liked how he said that. Like it was the hubby's responsibility to feed the wife. Nice. Not my fault. =)

Just another 2 weeks to go before I reach the first trimester. The point where the risk of miscarriages reduces significantly. I can’t wait.. and I pray everything will go smoothly. And hopefully, by then, my morning sickness would have gone away, please please don’t let me be one of those unfortunate few who experiences morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy!! I want to enjoy my second and maybe last pregnancy, as much as I did for my first!!!

Reflections of 2011

I haven’t been blogging much of late, and without realizing it is already the last day of the year, and it only seems apt to have a closing 2011 blog post to take stock before the next year slips in.

2011 has been eventful to say the least. It has been the most mentally draining year for me, for as long as I can remember. Then again, our lives have always been rosy and on an uphill trend for the past years and I guess at some point one year has to pale in comparison, and the year was 2011.

From the very first start till the mid of the year, HK had somewhat of a mental breakdown over his health. Till today we don’t know why it happened but it did and I’m glad it’s over. Thinking back, I wonder how I managed to stay strong. There were nights I cried myself to sleep and never felt more alone than ever. HK had always been my pillar of strength and support and I relied on him emotionally tremendously. Having that pillar gone, and having to stay strong for him and Wayne, was a struggle but I managed to. It broke my heart seeing the person I love most in that state and I’m just so glad he is well and happy and again the man I adore and look up to with all my heart.

There were many other downs for us this year, there was Gabe’s diagnosis and heartache of seeing him have to go through an operation at such a tender age. It was such a stressful period for all of us, waiting for news of Gabe and the worry and concern we had over Gabe, Mich and Terry. I’m so glad we are now enjoying watching Gabe grow up and getting to know him and pray God will continually bless him in this life of his. Of course, all of us will always be there for this precious addition to our family.

Then came dad’s fall and operation, minor as it may sound now, we were so worried for him then.

And then I had a miscarriage in August, which after a few months now, still brings back some painful thoughts.

Just when we thought that was it for the year, HK’s mom then had to go for a heart procedure done in December, which got us all worried as well.

Having said all these, we still have a lot to be thankful for in our lives. A lot revolving around Wayne, experiencing the many firsts in his life and the joy of seeing his smile each day.. and of course our little new addition on the way. HK and I still have each other by our sides, we have our family, friends, people dear to us. HK also came to know God in 2011, just a little, but it’s a start. If you ask me, even as I close this year, the one thing I’m most grateful for in my life is HK. I love him so much and am so thankful, good or bad, he’s here with me. I thank him for loving me the way he does, each and every single day, with his “deepest love, fullest devotion and tenderest care”.

And as the year comes to a close, we can only look forward to a new year, and be excited over what it’ll bring us. So with this last blog entry for the year, I wish everyone a very happy 2012!

Thomas addiction

Wayne woke up and the first thing he muttered, eyes still closed, was Ben and Den. Trains from Thomas and Friends which he has been asking mommy to buy for him. And on another occasion, he muttered "ipad" in his sleep. Is this not addiction?

Every morning when he wakes up he goes to the living room to play with his many engines all laid out on the floor. And he bugs us for the ipad and iphone daily to watch youtube videos of Thomas and friends. Yep, no more apps, he has upgraded to the youtube which he of course realised offered him many many more videos compared to the apps.

So we've been trying to limit his access these days, which hasnt been too bad. We've managed to distract him with the many engines he has now, thanks to Xmas.

But on the other hand, all these Youtube videos hasnt been all bad. Wayne has picked up so many new words from the videos. He now talks mainly in "Thomas language". When you ask him to come to you, he'd go "Ready or not!" and run towards you. When he is pushing something, he goes "Push and puff and puff". He talks to his engines as he plays with them, and re-enacts scenes from the videos he has watched with his engines. And, he has even started to tell mommy bedtime stories all revolving around his trains. Good imagination, baby!

Lantern parade

Long weekends are so awesome. Usually Sunday nights are pretty depressing & we don't fancy late nights out. But not when the next day is a public holiday!

There was a lantern parade at Merlion Park that mommy chanced upon online so we decided to check it out. First, we had to figure out where the Merlion Park was. Turned out to be the area at One Fullerton where the Merlion was. Ok, not too hard to figure.

We parked at Esplanade & the walk across the bridge to One Fullerton was quite enjoyable, with the breathtaking view of MBS, Fullerton Hotel and the CBD area. Nice.

Got there & immediately saw the crowd with all their self made lanterns. There was a lantern making booth!

But, you know what??? Wayne didn't fancy the lanterns! :(

Because of the Merlion! He was afraid of the water spitting Merlion. Despite explaining to him that there was nothing to be afraid of, he was still scared & so didn't really enjoy the whole event, including the lanterns. So we left shortly to try out the food at Gluttons Bay at Esplanade, which was only decent at its best.

Lots of people at the Merlion Park

The lantern making booth

Wayne looking wary of the Merlion standing behind him

Wayne not looking very happy with the lanterns made with Starbucks cups

Sigh, maybe next year we can try again.

Dinosaurs are scary, Thomas not

Last Thursday, mommy knocked off work early at 5pm sharp & was very excited as mommy had planned a rare weekday evening activity for Wayne - to check out the relatively new indoor playground at Great World City, Amazonia, which had received rave reviews online from other mommies and daddies out there. Mommy was looking forward to having a ball of a time there with Wayne, grandma and grandpa that night!

BUT before we could even get in to the play area, we were greeted by this scary looking, big dinosaur right at the entrance... and you can pretty much guess what happened next.

"Pa pa, pa pa, pa pa!" Wayne went. Yelling, and pulling grandpa away, not allowing anyone of us to get anywhere near the entrance. And so.... that was the end of our indoor playground adventure.

And we ended up here. At the kiddy rides section, where Wayne had like four rides on this Thomas train. With a big smile on his face. Sigh. Two and a half years old now, but still as timid. How?

Qinqin mei mei

Wayne really loves babies and children. Today, we met up with Tracy, Yuwen and KK and little Qinqin. The two little ones really loved each other. Wayne was every bit the big kor kor he was to little Qinqin. And Qinqin seemed to adore Wayne lots, staring and looking at him with wide eye wonder most times. She loved pointing and touching Wayne's lips with her tiny fingers. And Wayne would just stand still, letting Qinqin touch and 'explore' him.

After dinner, when mommy told Wayne that all of them would be going to his home, Wayne got so excited and happy. From the time we reached the carpark of our home, Wayne was super hyper, telling everyone to follow him, "This way! This way!" he kept shouting. And once we reached home, he immediately showed them his bed and proceeded to bring out all his toys from Qinqin to play. As for Qin, she just crawled around our place following Wayne where ever he went.

Super adorable - both of them. Qinqin, please come again soon for more playdates k!! Swimming next. =)

"Sweetie"

Wayne made my day.

Usually in the best of moods in the morning, Wayne woke up this morning and gave mommy a big hug while mommy lay snuggled in bed, warm and groggy.

"Mmmmmmm... Wayne love you soooo much, momma.. " he cooed as he hugged.. melting my heart.

Mommy replied, "Thanks Wayne, thats so sweet." and little boy pointed to himself, telling mommy "Wayne sweetie."

Mommy burst out laughing.. so all the times mommy called him sweetie, Wayne actually picked up the word quietly in his mind, now being able to surprise mommy by saying it aloud.

Thanks darling, you really are mommy's sweetie.

Ice cream delight

Simple pleasures in life : Ice cream with the family.

Wayne loving his chocolate ice cream with waffle!

And the overpriced but quite delicious ice cream & chocolate fondue. Auntie Jen, we will wait for your home cooked chocolate fondue, oki?

While the whole family paused and turned for a photo, little Wayne was the only one continuing his ice ream feast, having his mouth wide open in this photo! Can you spot him?? Daddy looks fat in this photo here! Lesson learnt: Never take the spot nearest to the camera and try making yourself smaller by leaning back.

And coincidentally, while mommy was blogging on our ice cream feast, Da-yi, Uncle Terry and Di Didi Briel were having their own ice cream feast far far away in Tokyo too! Love you guys!!!