A Children's Play - Baby Love

I have bought the tickets long ago in July, planning to bring Ashley to this play - Baby Love. It's a story about a little boy's feeling towards a new sibling in the house-his baby sister. In a way, I wish this play will bring about a positive receiving attitude on Ashley towards her baby brother who will joins the family in December. I have been on-off talking to Ashley and get her involved in preparing her brother's stuffs, eg naming the baby, choosing baby clothing, sharing toys and room, touching and talking to baby (actually to my tummy) etc. So far, I think Ashley has been positive and looking forward to see the baby. Nevertheless, I am hoping that the play share her feelings towards a 'new-comer' in the family and there's only more joy than jealously between siblings. Early morning, we had breakfast at Long John Silver. This is both our 1st time trying the toast in LJ. In my opinion, I think it tasted better than MacDonald's breakfast and the price is reasonable. We shared a breakfast set and it really made both of us full. The set include a ice milo, 2 toasts and a hash brown. The 2 triangle toast set was filled with juicy cheese, grilled chicken, fried egg and vegetables. The toast bread was even dipped with egg before it was toasted. It's quite healthy and tasted real yummy. Look at Ashley's face, you'll know that she has enjoyed the breakfast as well. Outside the theatre, Ashley waited eagerly... to kill the time, she amused herself by dancing at the entrance. :-p Baby Love was a wonderful play and I see that the children in the theatre love the story. They were all very responsive during the children's involvement portion, including Ashley. She was raising her voice and shouting to the actor. I am glad that she had enjoy the show. The show ended at 12pm (just 1hr show) and we are off to United Square for lunch. It happen that there is a bear workshop by the basement, and I bought Ashley over to take a closer look. Since I have the camera with me, we took some photos. :-) The children these days are really

lucky to have so many toy options. I see that many parents bought the bear for their child. The child get to choose the bear (or other pet animal) he/she likes, and select the clothing and accessories for it. I take a close look at the price... WOW! You know what I mean.... I am glad Ashley has been not been asking me to get one for her. One thing I am really proud of her is that she's not those child who see something nice and would pester mummy to buy. Phew!!! We walk around watching how a teddy bear is made. They have counters showing how it was made-from a teddy skin, stuff with cotton..till pressing and sewing it up. It's quite an opener to watch the flow (esp without having to buy one!) Then, I noticed a board stating the appearance time for real Teddy meeting children session...coincidentally, it's now... so, I excitedly bring Ashley over. I told Ashley there will be a surprise coming.... and truly, she is the 1st child who spotted the Teddy. Needless to say, a photo with Teddy is a MUST! Teddy appearance is overwhelming and well received by the children. It's lucky that we managed to get a photo without the crowd, plus... Ashley got a little gift from Teddy (a beary sticker) Another attraction for children in United Square will be rides almost every corner. I think this is the 'killer' for most parents where they have donated thousand of coins for such rides. Again, I must praise Ashley as she hardly pressed me for more rides when we have come to an agreement (usually 1-2 rides only). We headed home at 4pm when Ashley end her S&D lesson.

We both have a fun-filled day!

National Day Symphony @ Botanic Gardens

It's been a long while since we arrange a family picnic, thus when we get to know that there is a National Day Symphony at the Botanic Gardens, we decide to join in the fun. A pity that mum & dad didn't wish to come along. It was pouring heavily in the morning, and we pray hard that it will stop and not affect the fun. Good thing, the rain really stopped. Ashley was really excited over the picnic. We walk quite a far bit to arrive at the center stage. Along the path, Ashley get to see the swan lake where 2 beautiful white swans was swimming and getting food from the crowd. There's also several turtles in the pond. We also passed by a man-made mini waterfall where some couples are taking pictures. I think this is a good opportunity to stroll along Botanic Gardens. Jeremy has been busy all along, there aren't much chance the family get together in such relaxing walk. Finally we arrived at the center stage, and chosen a good spot. Once settled down, we lay our food. It was sumptuous. I prepared fried beehoon, nuggets, hotdogs. My sister Joanne arranged drinks and deserts, while my eldest sister brought curry puffs and fishballs. The stage is teaching the public some dance steps. It's relaxing to just sit and enjoy the performance. There's a huge crowd and many came with their dogs. Ashley and Vernon sure have lots of fun amusing themselves. Look at their cheeky face! Both children look cute when they put on the green monster ears, waving their Singapore flags. Looking at our picnic photos, aren't you getting hungry too? The symphony ended around 18.30hrs where slowly the crowd disperse. We took our last photo by the greenery before we too start to pack up.

We ended the day by heading to my house and have a boardgame (pictionary) challenge while the kids play with each other. It was indeed a fun pre-National Day Celebration.

We are shifting again!

This is the 3rd shift since started a family with Jeremy. Our 1st house as a married couple was at Tampines Street 71 in 2002. Then we had our 1st child-a girl, Ashley and shifted to 59 Jalan Gembira (MacPherson Garden Estate) in Oct 2006. She was then 2years+. Unexpectedly, in 2007... we are shifting again! Still within MacPherson Garden Estate-17 Jalan Mesra which is 2 lane away. And this time, I am expecting our 2nd child-a boy, Cieran who will due in Dec. This time, it is quite a heavy renovation works and we went through proper approval . This cost us more than 25K just for the engagement of an architect in ensuring the structure of the house is sound safe with the extension and alterations. The banner sure is costly! So, definately MUST taka a picture as remembrance, right? In this blog, I like to insert the 'before' and after' photos. You'll be amazed how the house turn-over a new look! These are some photos taken during the early-renovation process...

After about 1.5 months, this is how the house was transformed into :

Toilet tiles was chosen by Jeremy, while the wall colours, carpentry designs, house structure was my preference. Really counting down to the completion of this new house...
Shouldn't be too long now... We have fixed the shifting in date as 16 Sept-09.00hrs. As I am 6months pregnant now, I have to be excused from the shift. All the moving chores have to leave it to Jeremy to handle. I will probably be around to unpack the house in the afternoon when the movers have left....

THE SHIFT : The renovation completion was delayed. It was expected to be complete by 30August. But due to several rainy days in July unexpectedly (weather has been unpredictable lately), some of the planned works cannot be done with the rain pouring, thus the delay in the project. Nevertheless, we have to shift our stuffs in on 16 Sept as planned. The movers was amazing! The service was professional and they take great care on our stuffs. They are here early morning at 6.20am (little late due to heavy rain and locating our house). Without further delay, they started to dismantle and wrapped the big items such as bed, sofa, dinning table etc. I am greatly impressed by the teamwork and professionalism. There's a total of 8workers and 1 driver. It was pouring heavily since 5am plus and we are wondering if this is a good sign... how are they going to move our things out when there's no shelter? Worst, our neighbour car was parked outside our house last night which blocked the moving flow. We can't be waking our neighbour to shift his car on a Sunday early morning right? The movers was also a little worried. They have completed wrapping the stuffs by 7am and thinking of how to load them up to the lorry with such heavy rain. They have to monitor and watch the time coz we have auspicious time to meet. Good thing, our neighbour woke up and moved his car to give way to the lorry. While the movers load up the items, we proceed to the new house to get ready our auspicious item in first. Luckily by now, the rain had stopped. The movers say it was a good sign as rain means water which symbolised 'riches'. They sure knows some of our Chinese beliefs though they are not locals. haha! All went well, we had our stuffs in at the time we wanted and they did a real good job. We are very pleased with this mover. The money paid was well deserved with such good job done. By 8am, the job had completed. Jeremy & I bought breakfast and drinks in appreciation.

Finally, we have settled down in this new house. It takes longer time since I am in a inconvenient state in cleaning and unpacking. Haha! Here's some photos of our new house!

Front View

I love bold colours for my kitchen, thus this time I choose bright red, matching with black glass. I love my art work at the kitchen door. I created that during early morning at 3am plus when I have insomia...this is only part 1..wait till you see the part 2 at backyard door. Shall keep you in suspense by not showing the photo here. Visit me to find out. Hehe! Last photo I will be putting up will be my tiles

display. As usual, clay tiles are my liking, plus.... I discover something else when I am choosing my clay tiles... and get the contractor to do the feature wall for me FOC!

I LoVe iT!

A Walk at Fort Canning Park

22 July'07, we brought Ashley to Fort Canning Park. It's been more than 5 years since Jeremy and I have been there. We used to go to this park quite often during our courtship. It is a refreshing walk for us, and it sure brings back some old memories.... and new feeling, coz we have our little princess with us now. Coincidentally, there is 'Ballet by the Stars' performance and a portion was closed for private function (near ROM), as such, we have to de-route to the other side and walk up the park. Nevertheless, we passed by the battle box, and it was educational for Ashley as I describe to her what the tunnel is all about during war time. As we have passed the tour timing, we are unable to tour inside the battle tunnel, thus we continue our walk and in search for the cannon. Ashley was a little excited and along the way, kept asking me what is a cannon. As we strolled along. Ashley is getting impatient and complains that there's ants biting her feet. Jeremy had to carry her along the path. Finally we found the cannon site, as usual, Jeremy loves to 'action'...but Ashley had lost her interest already.... haha!....due to the ant bite on her feet. After pacifying her a while, managed to get her take a picture with Daddy by the cannon. It was not a bad walk at Fort Canning Park after all. At least, there's no hot sun... the air was refreshing after a shower earlier.

Fieldtrip to Sentosa's Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon

Carpe Diem had arranged a fieldtrip for the children to Sentosa's Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon on 17 July'07 (Tuesday). This is the 1st time I tagged along. Both Ashley & Mummy are excited over the trip. Early morning, we arrived at the school. After breakfast, the children queue up, wore their shoes, got their water bottle and wait for the bus. Unfortunately while waiting for the bus, it started to rain. Due to rain, the bus got delayed in the traffic. Nevertheless, it didn't snatch the excitement away from the children. Instead, they take turns to sing a song to kill the waiting time. Ashley partner with her friend-Nicole Tham and sing 'Blah Blah Black Sheep'.Finally the bus arrived, and we headed to Sentosa! First stop is Underwater World. The staff greeted us and brought the group to a seminar room for educational talk.

She introduces the sea creatures that we could find in the touch pool, underwater tunnel etc. It was an eye-opener for the children, learning at the different species of fishes, crabs, sea dragon, Jellyfish and fossils etc.

Leafy Sea Dragon, Lion Mane Jelly Fish , Stingray

Ashley was afraid when we go into the underwater tunnel. All the
fishes are BIGGER than her. I spotted some unique fishes and point to her, esp those over her head. There's some divers feeding the fishes, and cleaning the area. The children are all excited over the divers. Besides the fresh water sea creatures, the children also get to see sea water fishes. Next, we proceed to the Dolphin Lagoon. The clever dolphins certainly amused the children with all the different stuns and flexible performance. First, the staff introduce the physical of the dolphin, then describe the capabilities and how they trained the dolphins. Afterword the dolphins put on their best show to the audience. All children watched with amazement.

After the wonderful performance, the children sit by the umbrella huts for their lunch-chicken nuggets with fries and ice milo. As for the adults, we had chicken burger and ice tea.

It was a tiring, but very wonderful trip for children, mummies and teachers! Before we end the fieldtrip, let's take a group photo for memory!

WE HAVE FUN TODAY!

(N2 : Ashley class with form teacher-Ms Cindy)

Ashley @ Cookie Workshop organised by KookyArt

It was a rainy day on 16 June'07...nevertheless, it never stopped us from going to the cookie workshop. In fact, both Mummy n Ashley are looking forward to this workshop. The workshop is from 3-5pm, comprises of storytelling by writer Adeline Koh, followed by cookie making & decorating. We are 'lucky' that we are late (we reached at 3.10pm), yet we are one of the early-bird! Ashley got a early-bird present of Kooky Art apron! It was a wonderful Story-telling session with lots of interactions with the writer. Ashley love the stories, thus I bought the 2 books (at 10% discount) direct from Adeline. It's a rare opportunity for Ashley to have a face-to-face interaction with writer and get her autograph sign in her new books. Next, it's cookie making time! Look at Ashley...all dressed up & getting ready! The other kids as well! They are all very excited over what's coming next. Total, there are 8 little tots in this workshop. Firstly, the instructor lay down
her rules (which works well for the children). They are suppose to watch and listen, before they could lay their hands on the cookie ingredients. Mummies like me are also learning at the same time! To me, besides the basic cookie making skills (which I doubt the lids can remember the steps, but who cares!-Fun is most important), it's also a good opportunity to learn about colour concepts. Eg, they get to mix food colourings such as red and blue... and they get to see the colour turns purple. Having hands-on is always the best learning experience for children.

With little help from me, Ashley managed to decorate icing on 2 cookies as shown in the above pic (butterfly and flower) and she is working on her 3rd cookie. She's already asking me if she can eat them! Haha... well, cookies are Ashley's favorite snacks! I have to remind her that one of the rules that Auntie Isabella (instructor) says was not to eat in class. Ashley was one of the 'fast' student, thus she was given an extra cookie to work on. Now, she is decorating the birthday cake. She named it : The Rainbow Cake'. Adding the sprinkles sure made her cookie looks more yummy! In total, Ashley had made 5 cookies-butterfly, flower, tree, star and birthday cake.

Here's her final product!