baby sung

36 weeks 3 days

2011-08-23T23:00:00.003+08:00

Yikes my weight gain is 2.2kg in 3 weeks! Doc asked me what I had been eating and I was like Ërrrr..."

Baby has gained about 0.5kg and is 2.750kgs now. Whoa! Amnio levels are a little on the low side - 11+ to 6+ this week. I've been asked to rest more because anything 5 and below will mean an induction. I don't know how I'm going to do this amid all the crazy activity...I'm probably going to be moving office soon as well as a larger space that I've been eyeing has freed up....

I can't quite believe that I'll be popping another one soon...I'm thinking back to the hospital experience with Ellis and I can't imagine doing it again so soon

Dental Visit

2011-08-03T13:58:00.002+08:00

I finally brought Ellis to the dentist!

I had been putting it off because just based on her temperament we did not think she would go through a dental check without any screaming/holding her down. Whenever I broached the topic of dentists, she would tell me "No" very insistently and get all upset - she said that visiting the dentist would be "painful"- I'm not sure where she got the notion from. And she said she was NOT going to open her mouth for the dentist to check her teeth.

But yesterday her friend Anne had an appointment with her dentist and Alicia (Anne's mum) invited us along. I thought it might be a good idea for Ellis to ëxperience"the dentist (and realise that it didn't have to be scary), and hopefully maybe even get her into the mood to check/polish her pearlies.

We went to LuAlly Dental at Raffles City....Dr Phua was nice and chatty, and wearing pink scrubs! Ellis watched Anne get her teeth counted and checked as well as polished. She didn't want to get into the chair, but allowed Dr Phua to count her teeth standing up...she even got to hold the little round dentist mirror! At first she opened her mouth a little....then it got bigger and bigger! The good news is that she has a nice full set of 20 teeth, and no cavities..yay! I couldn't get her to get her teeth polished, but it was a good start. I hope she has a positive view of the dentist..and that she gets her teeth polished on her next visit!

33 weeks 3 days

2011-08-03T13:49:00.003+08:00

latest update - baby now weighs approximately 2.005kg and is growing very well (according to doc chua). My weight gain to date - 6kg (?) How is that possible? I don't know...looking back at pictures I do think I look less puffy than I did when pregnant with Ellis.

So baby #2 has put on 0.5kg over the last 4 weeks and I put on a total of 0.8kgs. The chart of her weight gain is uncannily similar to Ellis' so doc is expecting her to be 3kg at full term.

29 weeks 4 days

2011-07-05T21:16:00.002+08:00

A routine check with the doc. Weight gain since the last visit (me): 1.6 kg. Baby currently weighs in at about 1.5 kg. Which means that if she hits the same weight as E at birth (3kg), she's going to need to double her weight in the remaining 11 weeks! My total weight gain from prepregnancy weight is a surprisingly lightweight 5.6kg - I was quite surprised...my target gain from now is supposed to be 1.5 - 2kg / 4 weeks according to the doc.

Doc says she's growing well and on target (phew!) - she's still happily kicking around inside :) I've recently been busy working on her quilt - I just finished piecing the top save for the sashing...just got more fabric today for the back and the binding. So exciting! This time I really researched to understand proper quilting techniques so I think this one will be better executed. There's still so much to do and the weeks are flying past...

28 weeks 2 days

2011-06-26T23:00:00.002+08:00

The little critter is getting bigger - and more active. She seems to be perennially jabbing me in the most inconvenient spots. I can feel what feels like a fist shooting out near my ribcage. It feels like she's pummelling my bladder and also stretching herself in all directions. E also did what I think were arm stretches, but I seem to remember this more during the end of the pregnancy.

My appetite's increased, I feel tired from walking too much, and in general heavier and clumsier. I caught myself going off balance a couple times.

I've got only 3 months left and a ton of things yet to be done. There's a lot of home improvement that needs to happen - we're planning to convert the current study/workroom to the nursery but I've yet to clean it out/move furniture...been surfing all these design blogs for inspiration and ideas but yet to put anything into action. I also want to update E's room. Lots of ideas up in the air....

(Oh the one thing we did get going on for home reno/improvement - we got new a/cs! The ones we have are more than 10 years old and dying one by one....after putting this off for the longest time, we got a whole new system from Gain City last week - installation will be this coming Tuesday)

On the crafty front, I started on the baby's quilt - I cut out all the patchwork pieces today (rotary cutter, whoo!) and will start sewing tomorrow...I'm looking forward to putting it all together! (And buying a new machine for the quilting!) I also have a stuffed toy for #2 (probably a bunny pattern - got the idea off a onesie I bought for her last week) and there are grand plans for another quilt for E's big girl bed...we shall see!!!

25 weeks 4 days

2011-06-07T10:22:00.003+08:00

Just back from the gynae - it was such an uneventful/no frills trip! (Thankfully) Baby has not been giving me any trouble. She just been giving me active kicks; doc is pleased and says is a sign of baby's well being. It's not disturbing my sleep at all.

She's grown! She looked huge on the monitor compared to last time...and is now about 900 grams. We received a ton of scans...will post later once I get them uploaded.

She kinda looks like Ellis, we think. With the better scanning (compared to when I was preggers with Ellie), we get to see more detail. She looks like she's got the same toes/feet, forehead, lips and nose as her big sister :)

tiny kicks

2011-06-04T23:59:00.004+08:00

i'm sitting here in front of the PC. My T shirt is hitched up; I'm watching for the tiny undulations and pops in my belly. The kicks do "disrupt", but there is something so joyful and miraculous about feeling my unborn baby kick and move that I cannot help myself - to stop what I'm doing, place my hands on my belly to feel, and to watch transfixed.

24 weeks

2011-05-29T23:32:00.001+08:00

Day 2. Yeah....here we go again! I'm going to take it easy and make this a short one since it's been a loooong time. It's nice to feel the kicks and prods again, and having them grow stronger day by day :)

Ingrid

2010-02-23T14:35:00.013+08:00

The daily grind.

Every weekday morning at 8.45am, I drop Ellis off at school.

Other than a brief period in Toddler class (she's now in Playgroup) where she would happily let me go - off and running to play with nary a backward glance! - she's started acting clingy again. It started when we returned from a short trip to Malaysia in November last year, and hasn't really improved since.

I don't think she doesn't like school. Why?

She always tells me in the car on the way home from school (& even on the weekends). Mummy, I want to go to school. I don't want to go home.

And she's always cheery when I pick her up in the afternoon. And, she doesn't complain when Kisu drops her. I think she just wants me to stay with her in the mornings.

There's no bawling or screaming, but she's definitely unhappy and complains when I try to leave. At best, she'll get distracted by a teacher and I'll stealthily make my way out. (I do make sure to say goodbye & give her a hug before I go) At worst, she'll start crying as I start to leave, which she did this morning.

Today, as usual we climb the stairs and reach her classroom on the 2nd floor.

Miss E comes over to welcome Ellis.

Ellis hides behind me and grabs my leg.

Me: Ellie, look at what your friends are doing - do you want to join them?

Ellis (whining) : I don't WANNA see Ingrid!

Ingrid is not a classmate, but MISS Ingrid, who's supervising the kids painting at the back of the room.

I instinctively start to laugh because it's just SOOO funny, but stifle it when:

Miss E: What's that you said, Ellis?

I try to cover up -

Me to Miss E: I can't believe she said that! (feeling like I should chide her instead of finding it amusing)

But I can't help it.

I laugh in the car on the way out and call Kisu to tell him what his daughter did in school today.

Reading

2010-02-18T23:14:00.002+08:00

This evening, Ellis "read" a book all by herself for the first time.

I'm was so thrilled and proud I clapped madly.

It's Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton

Ellie-isms

2010-01-04T21:18:00.005+08:00

Me: Ellie, is Mummy cute?

E: Noooope!

M: Is Daddy cute?

E: Nope!

M: Who's cute?

E: Ellie cute!

-------------------------

M: Mummy loves....

E: Ellie!!

M: Ellie loves...

E: Ellie!

-------------------------

(Driving home from school)

E: Mummy, no go home. Want go School. Want go School!!!!

--------------------------

(After bath time)

E: Mummy, where Ellie pants? Where pants - hmmmm Mummy? Hmmmm?

---------------------------

(The teachers have introduced mandarin oranges in school in view of the upcoming Chinese New Year. So Ellis learned the word "ju zi".)

M: Ju zi!

E: Orange!

M: Ju zi

E: No, no zhu zha (mangled pronunciation). Orange!

M: Ju zi!

E: NO! NO! ORANGE!!!!!

So much for bilingualism.

---------------------------

M: Look Ellie, it's a lion! (pointing to picture of lion in book)

E: No lion. Tiger.

M: Lion, Ellie. A tiger has stripes. This is a lion - look at its mane.

E: No. Tiger! Tiger!

M: Lion.

E: NOOO! NO LION! TIGER!!!!!

Birthday Celebration Part 2

2009-12-10T10:23:00.011+08:00

In the morning during breakfast...my baby turns 2! How you have grown, little one!

Ellis' 2nd Birthday Party

With Emily

Cake by Lana, as usual. I grew up eating this and Ellis will too!

Of course, after the cake cutting (& when most guests left) was when the real fun started. I gave up fighting off food stains. After all, the requisite pretty family and cake cutting shots were done.

Of course, no 2 year old party would be complete without a tantrum or two. Here's Ellis' current strategy - throw herself on the floor when made to do anything she doesn't want to do. That would be me grabbing her and trying to wipe off chocolate stains.

She was much more interested in the stairs and elevator located just outside the function room where we held the party than in the party itself. Her routine - climb up the stairs and take the elevator down. She didn't do it in reverse to the chagrin of the adults who had to accompany her on her many trips up and down.

We had a Noah's Ark theme. The party theme and main activity - baking and decorating cookies - was organised by my friend Cindy of myfunbuilders; do check out her site! In all the confusion, I only managed to snap the backdrop at the end of the party. There were also some really cute animal beach balls which I used as decor and gifts - again forgot to snap them in the flurry of activity. (Note to self: Assign a photographer for future parties. If, there are future parties.)

Here's Ellis eating cake (again!) with Shayne. I think she had at least 3 helpings, more likely 4. At that point I was so exhausted I didn't really care anymore. My excuse was: It's her birthday.

And one last shot before we wound up for the day. These are my friends whom I have known like, forever! It's rare to get a group photo nowadays :)

Birthday Celebration Part 1

2009-11-13T14:28:00.003+08:00

My conclusion: She has no idea what the heck is going on.

The Thinking Chair *

2009-11-05T11:56:00.006+08:00

Ms L, Ellis' class teacher at school usually gives me an update on the day's activities when I pick her up in the afternoons. Typically, this consists of, Oh Ellis really enjoyed art and craft today! Or, she had a great time in the playground!

But one day:

Ms L: Today, Ellis and N were playing with the toy blocks, and N took her toy block. And Ellis did this (hand grabbing at face motion) to him.

Me: Oh dear.

Ms L: But when we told her to say "Sorry", she did.

And one week later:

Ms L: Oh, today, Ellis walked past A and she pulled his hair.

Me: Oh no!

Ms L: Yes, she walked past A (who was seated) and suddenly reached out and grabbed his hair. A was so startled, he screamed.

Me: (speechless)

Ms L (trying to soften the blow): You know how A's hair is really curly? I think maybe she was curious about it so she pulled it.

Me: Oh dear, that's no good. But it's happened before, right? The other kids do such things too, right?

Ms L: Errrrm....actually no, not really.....

Me: ......(oops)

* The Thinking Chair refers to the little red wooden chair at one corner of the classroom where the kids are sent to after something like the above happens. Ellis is obviously familiar with the piece of furniture. I'm so not prepared for this. Have ordered a bunch of parenting books off Amazon.

Counting

2009-11-04T19:55:00.003+08:00

In Chinese

ellis: yi - er - san - xiiiiii (like in Gong Xi)

In English

ellis: one, two, three, four.....six, seven, eight, nine, ten!!!! (she always misses the 5)

me: one more time?

ellis: one, two, three, four....ten!!!!!

2009-10-21T14:51:00.005+08:00

So difficult to get a proper shot nowadays with this active toddler! To illustrate...

Jumping is a favourite activity these days - on the bed, in front of the mirror, on the sofa, from sofa to floor, on the coffee table, from coffee table to floor....you get the idea

Taking a breather

And with the lantern she made at school for the Mid Autumn festival.

Sleep - Another Milestone

2009-10-08T19:35:00.008+08:00

Another change in her sleeping habits - I usually sit in the chair in her room and carry her for a bit (5 - 10 minutes) till she's slightly drowsy (but not asleep) before putting her into her cot.

Yesterday and this evening, as I sat her down, she pointed at her cot. I asked her "Ellie, do you want to be in your bed?" and she said "Bed". I wasn't ready to put her down yet so I asked her for a big kiss, which she happily gave "MUAH!" before I placed her in her cot. She scrambled down, clutching her little bolster and started rolling around.

I said "Good girl", "Good night" "See you" to which she giggled loudly and said "See you!" back before I left the room and closed the door. I can still hear her talking to herself as I type this, but I know she'll settle down to sleep on her own in a few more minutes.

Snuggling before she falls asleep is actually one of my favourite times with her (it's one of the few times that she actually lays still and lets me hug her) so I'm a little sad to see it go. But I'm also pleased that she's making the transition on her own. Oh well, my little girl is growing up :)

Ellis Makes a Mooncake

2009-10-06T22:56:00.003+08:00

Oh yes, she did. School had the kids making snowskin mooncakes on 1st October, Children's Day. Which is one day before they celebrated the Mid Autumn Festival. Ms Lou told me that Ellis enthusiastically rolled the dough with a rolling pin, pummeled and shaped it into...this:

The mooncake was place in front of her purely for phototaking purposes - she kept trying to eat it and I had to pull it away from her mouth while still trying to get a shot of them together. Naturally, she got upset at having her tasty creation repeatedly snatched from her.

And to finish off, here is Ellis going "Cheers!" and clinking her milk mug against the jug.

School Update

2009-09-30T22:31:00.003+08:00

After her initial bout of bronchalitis following the start of school (she attended 12 out of 20 days in the month of July) and a month away in August, Ellis resumed daycare in September.

I was this close to pulling her out because of her extended absence, but decided to stick it out one more month. I am glad to report save for 1 day where she had the sniffles, she is well, attending and enjoying school. To the extent that she's off and running when I drop her off, and in no particular rush to leave when I pick her up in the afternoon.

I'm thankful that she's doing well there and even picking up some Chinese - she will enthusiastically say "Zai Jian (goodbye)!" and "Xie Xie (thank you)". As she's the only toddler in her age group that stays in school beyond noon, she spends the afternoons hanging out with the older kids which I think is good exposure for her. They're really sweet too, yelling "Bye Ellis!" when she leaves for the day, or making sure that she has her teddy with her at all times.

And of course for me, I have the luxury of time off - I am free to go to the office, have lunch with friends or go for a spot of retail therapy during the time she's at school.

Photo of the Day 25.09.09

2009-09-30T22:18:00.003+08:00

wearing her hat with doggy "ears" she made in school.

Shit Happens

2009-08-16T21:05:00.007+08:00

I thought my days of cleaning up other people's shit ended when I left the corporate world.

Little did I know but I was in for it again what with a baby and being the primary caregiver. But this phrase took on a new meaning for me this morning.

Kisu had left early for band practice. I was tasked with the early morning bath, something that he's usually in charge of.

Hearing Ellis awaken, I opened the door to her room. First thing I see - a naked Ellis standing up and clutching the rails of her crib. This, I'm not particularly surprised at. You know how she used to rip off her diaper? Well, now it's extended to taking off all her clothes. I don't know - she finds it hot or whatever...she takes it all off.

Next thing I spy - an open, soiled, POOPY diaper in the far corner with a pile of her scrunched up pyjamas. Then, horrors - the poop.

It's everywhere - smeared in big blotchy patches on her pretty pink and white polka dotted sheets (my favourite). It's caked onto the rails of the crib. Little pellets have rained on the floor. It's on her legs, on her hands, lodged deep within her fingernails. And it's stinky, of course.

It's one of those times where it's so bad that you can't even stop to complain or scold. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry - it was kind of funny in a shitty (pun not intended) way. I just heave the girl out and head straight for the bath. It takes about 4 soapy washes to finally get her nails clean.

Then came the nasty task of cleaning of the crib and room - CIF took care of the crib...and a couple scrubs and stain remover sorted out the sheets.

You know what they say: shit happens.

Bronchalitis

2009-07-20T23:31:00.004+08:00

Five days of school and the girl got sick.

It started with a slight cough (which began on day 3 of school) which turned into wet, chesty sounding hacking and a low grade fever. I thought it was a regular flu but it turned out to be bronchalitis.

Thankfully Kisu convinced me to bring her to the paed, otherwise I wouldn't have known how serious it was. We were told to keep her at home for at least a week as she was contagious.

She was prescribed an arsenal of medication - I didn't like the idea of medicating her so much but her coughs sounded pretty bad and were affecting her sleep.

So, 5 days of school and 7 days at home (childcare is good business, man)

Thus begins the going to school-falling sick cycle.

She's back at school today - and I'm bracing myself for the next episode.

School Part II

2009-07-02T20:52:00.003+08:00

With Ellis in school, I did something I haven't done in the loooongest time.

I bought a magazine at Borders. I went to a fast food outlet, and sat down to an uninterrupted meal alone, with my magazine for company.

It's a simple luxury that I miss.

When I went to pick her, she looked a little teary and grumpy. I was told she was OK but cried a little because she didn't want to nap (no surprise!) Also very thankful she didn't scream or cry (like "what?!! you're leaving me in this place again?!!!!) when I dropped her off. She just sat down and started to play and I made a quick exit.

Once again, back home she was back to her usual self.

The morning off made such a difference. I felt a lot more up to playing and spending time with her when she was back. So far, so good.

School

2009-07-02T09:02:00.005+08:00

Today, 1st July marks the first day that Ellis goes to school.

We finally made the decision to send Ellis to daycare. Work is demanding more of my time and I can't get much done in the day and take care of her at the same time. I had been trying to do both at the same time and it's pretty crazy, for both of us. I get frustrated trying to rush something out when she's cranky and won't let me work on it. I don't really spend any quality time with her even though she's at home because I'm perpetually trying to do something work related. Ellis is also an active child and I think being confined at home is pretty boring for her.

So we found a school near our place and signed her up. I figure we'll at least give it a go and if it works out, great. If not then we'll figure something else out.

I packed a bunch of stuff for school (water bottle, change of clothes etc etc) and gave Ellis her own bag.

Kisu and I dropped her off in the morning. We went a little ahead of time to give her ample time to get to know the teachers and for them to know her. We stayed a little watching her get familiar with the place and toys - she got distracted playing "masak masak" so we left after about 20 minutes there.

I was a little worried but that soon evaporated when I got home to a quiet house and was able to do my work uninterrupted!

I went back during lunchtime - I walked in to see her quietly sitting with the other kids at the kiddy table spooning her spaghetti bolognaise. It was cute...they were all so well behaved! I had imagined kids hurling food at one another during meal times. Her teacher said she didn't cry, just occasionally asked for "Mama" and "Dada". Didn't cry or fling herself at me when she saw me. She just continued eating!

I was going to stay long enough just to make sure that she was OK - she seemed fine but kept putting her arms out to me to be carried when I wanted to leave. But after a few rounds of pick ups and goodbye kisses she let me go off with a wave and "Bye Bye".

Was back at 2.30 to pick her up for the day after her nap. Was told she didn't nap which didn't surprise me at all. Recently she's not been that easy to put down for a nap, even at home. She ended up drawing with the older kids at the school because she didn't want to sleep.

I felt really terrible when I went to pick her up...she looked kind of sad and forlorn and her face seemed to crumple up when she saw me (although no crying). I don't know if it was because she was tired from all the activity and not napping, but I felt just awful, like I had done something really bad to my baby. So the teacher reported that she was "very OK" for her first day and that she wasn't shy around the other kids, even the older ones.

She seemed just fine by the time we arrived home. She was all jumpy and running around like always. Conked out at 6pm though! Her head and eyelids were drooping and I had to let her have a 30 minute nap.

I'm really, really proud of her for holding up so well. I'm still trying to adjust to not having her around but I do appreciate the time off and time to do work. I hope she grows to love school and look forward to going each day.

Small Paul

2009-06-09T22:41:00.001+08:00

Outfit from Auntie Yun-jo

Sleep - Another Milestone

2009-06-05T22:04:00.005+08:00

Last night, and tonight, putting Ellis to bed was good.

I bring her into the room. I sit down on a chair and hold her, facing me.

I turn on the music from the baby monitor.

In about 10 minutes, she dozes off on my chest.

I flip her around, stand up and walk to her crib.

I put her down.

Usually by the time I put her down she's very sleepy, so she flips over onto her tummy and goes straight to sleep. If she's not sleepy enough, she will flip and stand with arms raised toward me, crying to be carried.

Last night and tonight:

I put her down.

She flips over, stands up in her crib, arms outstretched.

I give her a hug and kiss(es).

I step away and wave. She waves back.

I say "Bye". Ellis says "Bye".

I say "Muah!" (flying kiss). She does the same.

I walk toward the door.

I tell her "Night-night" and "Sweet dreams and sleep well. Mummy will see you in the morning".

She's still standing in her crib, looking at me.

I walk out, peek inside and do a last wave. She waves again.

I shut the door behind me. No sound.

She goes to sleep. On her own.

I'm so proud of my little girl :)

photo of the day 04.06.09

2009-06-04T22:32:00.003+08:00

I look just like mum!

In Afton's hat and her new crocs

Photo of the Day 02.06.09

2009-06-02T22:34:00.002+08:00

So I went to pick her up from her cot in the morning and she looked like this. I don't know what she did to her PJ sleeve....

playing with her new shoes

inspecting the batman sunglasses from Grandma & Grandpa

Photo of the Day 01.06.09

2009-06-01T00:18:00.001+08:00

Unfruitful photo day.

The girl is sick....a very drippy nose, sleepy and a little cranky.

But still lots of energy.

Here she is running right at me - she kept wanting to be carried.

Photo of the Day 31.05.09

2009-05-31T00:11:00.000+08:00

sniffly

Missed wedding and some gongfu like moves

2009-05-30T19:57:00.007+08:00

We were supposed to attend one of my old friends, Ros' wedding today.

I was all ready to leave (dressed, make up on etc - even managed to shower without Ellis wreaking major havoc - basically had to keep her locked in the toilet with me.)

But when I went to change Ellis into her going out outfit she felt kind of warm. The thermometer registered a low grade fever. Coupled with the fact that she's having a mild cough/H1N1/crowd at the wedding, I decided we had to give it a miss.

Managed to get her to nap instead and when she woke the fever had subsided and she was much more cheerful (cranky in the morning)

I decided she could have a "treat" since she was sick. I let her go through my toiletries drawer.

It's one of her favourite things to do but I don't allow it unless I'm pretty desperate to keep her occupied. She knows this so whenever she gets the chance (like when I forget to shut the room door and I'm not looking), she'll run in and dig out the contents of the drawer. (cotton buds strewn all over the floor, stacks of pantyliners emptied from boxes, torn up cotton pads, spilled bottles of shampoo, etc - you get why I don't like it much)

Pic below is quite "calm" compared to the usual because I've already removed some items. Although she's quite a samseng she is also turning out to be a bit of a girly-girl. Besides shoes, she loves carrying a paper bag on her arm and now the toiletries. This morning as I was putting on my makeup she got her hands on a bottle of sunscreen from the drawer and smeared some on her face - just like mommy!

Rocking the Tshirt diaper look

Pleased after the session

And here's a new "trick" she's picked up. Sigh.

Fun for Ellis, bad news for mommy.

La la la la

2009-05-30T00:41:00.005+08:00

Ellis absolutely adores this song.

I play it for her on youtube over and over and she sings along with it...the la la la bits and she can say "song" & "elmo".

I find myself humming along.

another elmo clip i can never get sick of watching :)

--------------------------------------------

This is the song
La la la la
Elmo's song.
La la la la,
La la la la,
Elmo's song.

La la la
La la la la, la
La la la
La la la la, la

He loves to sing,
La la la la,
Elmo's song.
La la la la,
La la la la,
Elmo's song.

He wrote the music.
He wrote the words.
That's Elmo's song.

End of Term Party at Julia Gabriel

2009-05-30T00:20:00.003+08:00

Selina & Sebastian

She wanted a balloon so I blew one up for her. Took me a few tries.

That's all I'm gonna get?

That can't be right. Service please!!!

Outdoor playarea with George

Playground. It was hot.

Back inside for music time and "graduation". Each child gets a "certificate" and portfolio of all the art & craft he/she did over the term.

Hanging around after class

With teaching assistants Siti & Shoba and teacher Lin (L-R) and Sebastian

With Selina & Sebastian. Pity Jolynn was sick or we would have had Jolynn and Joey in the photo as well.

Photo of the Day 29.05.09

2009-05-29T00:18:00.006+08:00

happy in the morning...(guess who removed the O?)

...to super cranky in the afternoon. When she's upset, she grabs at her hair, which explains the messy do.

...happy again in the evening, after an afternoon outing. She also gets really hyper in the evening. I don't know why.

think she's trying to poo here

my mexican jumping bean

Photo of the Day 28.05.09

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

After bath with slicked back hair

Afternoon milk

Fooling around with mummy's flip flops

Photo of the Day 26.05.09

2009-05-26T23:18:00.004+08:00

After waking up, before her bath and breakfast.

Yoghurt at lunch

"No More!!!"

Dinner

She wants her fruit first, as usual (before the main meal).

She's indicating that the fruit bowl be placed in front of her. This is accompanied by "Ur! Ur!" to indicate the urgency of the job at hand.

"Mmmmmm...munch!"

After her bath, milk before bedtime

Photo of the Day 25.05.09

2009-05-25T22:46:00.003+08:00

- Riveted by Sesame Street on Youtube. Mom gave me my very own laptop!!!

* Day 1 of the 2 week AM-PM series.

Aunty Yun-jo

2009-05-18T22:38:00.001+08:00

18.05.09

Look, Aunty Yun-jo from London has finally come to Singapore to see me. Thank goodness she made it before I left for college!!!

Bonding over cheerios

Photo of the Day 15.05.09

2009-05-15T22:15:00.003+08:00

"So, property prices falling yet? I need a larger play area!!"

Lego Time

2009-05-10T22:21:00.005+08:00

* her hair is growing longer and looking more "girl" - my hairdresser offered to trim her fringe at my recent haircutting session. It made such a big difference!

photo of the day 08.05.09

2009-05-08T22:08:00.000+08:00

"SELL!!!!!"

Photo of the Day 05.05.09

2009-05-05T22:32:00.001+08:00

out of focus but I like this pic

2009-04-22T07:08:00.005+08:00

Ellis has a habit of pulling down stacks of neatly stored diapers off the shelf in her room. She's also discovered how to open the flip top bin next to the changing table - and fishes out a dirty diaper once in a while.

This morning I sat at the dining table opening the mail. From the corner of my eye, I spied a chubby little hand reach out and place a diaper on the table in front of me. It too scrunched up to be a new diaper, but it wasn't bundled up neatly (which I do before throwing dirty diapers into the bin) either.

I looked down and saw the little girl standing there in her blue T-shirt looking up at me. Only her T-shirt - she had ripped her diaper off herself! (We sometimes let her go just with Tshirt and diapers at home - I think it looks cute)

I just could not stop laughing.

photo of the day 15.02.09

2009-03-27T21:38:00.001+08:00

more messy food pictures

2009-03-27T21:34:00.000+08:00

08.02.09

getting my daily news fix

2009-03-27T21:28:00.002+08:00

02.07.09

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 3

2009-03-24T17:29:00.002+08:00

Our final day in KL (2nd day of CNY)

(L-R) with my Uncle Robert & cousin TK

Ellis was very taken by my cousin TF's doggy, Whiskey. She got scared off by its loud barks, and was on the verge of tears more than once, but curiousity got the better of her and she just couldn't stay away from the pup.

Ellis and Tai Po (great grandma in cantonese), my mum's mum - who turns 89 this year! Tai Po tried her best to entertain/bribe Ellis by giving her mandarin oranges or kum.

Another extended family shot, this time with my Aunty Irene, Ellis' grand aunt! My aunt is amazing - she singlehandedly handles all the cooking during the CNY period. My favourite are her wantons!

Not sure what my uncle's hair is doing?! Must be from too many hours scrunched up on the couch watching Chinese New Year entertainment programmes on the telly.

Getting closer to doggy

One last shot with Grandaunt!

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 2

2009-03-05T08:01:00.003+08:00

More photos from the trip...

26.01.09

This girl loves sitting on everything and anything. She particularly loved opening the hotel wardrobe and sitting on the raised bottom - which was the perfect height for her.

Family shot, together with my cousin Thiam Wai (aka the caged animal)

New year garb - not completely new because she'd worn it once before to school. But it's the only cheongsam that she has, so. (Her jumping and running during the 1st day of CNY tore the seams on the side!)

I find this shot really cute because it shows how teeny she is - she's holding up those breakfast order forms that they hang on hotel doors. Something about the length of the cheongsam as well.

And this series wouldn't be complete without the mandatory shoe shot - here she pairs chinois style with Daddy's crocs.

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 1

2009-02-13T17:41:00.004+08:00

We made our annual CNY trip up to KL, Malaysia to visit my relatives on the 25th of January, the eve of Chinese New Year. My maternal grandma or "Tai-po" (greatgrandma in Cantonese) to Ellis resides there, as do my youngest Uncle, Aunt and some of my closest cousins. This is the 2nd time that Ellis has travelled overseas, the first was last year when she was 3 months old.

Here we are at the airport before our flight. Much as I had lots of barang to carry, I didn't want to drive up. The prospect of having to handle Ellis for a 5 hour car ride was too daunting. I was pleasantly surprised by the facilities at Terminal 2. There was a "Family Room" - a pretty large room with a TV and couch, and changing rooms adjacent to it. Outside there was an indoor playground where I plonked Ellis to kill time while waiting to board.

The plane ride this time round was not as easy as the year before. She didn't like being strapped down and was very cranky as she was sleepy and couldn't settle. Longest 45 minutes ever.

More shots since we were bored while waiting for our room to be cleaned up at the One World Hotel in PJ.

Photo of the Day 24.01.09

2009-02-13T17:13:00.003+08:00

In her new Gap swimsuit (notice her trying on my shoes, again!!!)

I don't buy very many clothes for the girl here unless they are on sale. I like to buy her clothes from Gap and Old Navy online. I get them shipped here by Borderlinx - it works like vPost, only better. You need to have a Citibank Card though to use the service.

And from the front

Photo of the Day 23.01.09

2009-01-23T14:49:00.005+08:00

The kids were asked to dress up in their CNY finery for school today. I pulled out a gift from my ex-colleague Dora - it's a cheongsam and "fur" trimmed vest set that she bought in China on one of her frequent business trips there.

I think kiddy brocade cheongsams can be found here, but the vest is pretty unique and the mums and teachers at class were so tickled seeing Ellis in it. I'll probably put the girl in it again for actual CNY since it went down so well today!

results! kids guide giveaway

2009-01-23T14:22:00.008+08:00

Hello and thank you to everyone who participated in the Expat Living Kids Guide Giveaway!

The following participants win a copy of the Guide each:

Please email me at dorothyloh@gmail.com with your mailing address and full name, if you haven't already done so.

Li-san Tan
E-laine Tan
Goh Kai Ching
Shereen Ng
Sylvia Wee
Stella Clare Wee
CY
Mimishiku
Baby Cyan
EL

I'm still busy trying to sort out ang pows and will be away for a short break during CNY, so I'll mail your copies out when I'm back - hope this is OK with everyone! Happy CNY!

P/S I'll be compiling and posting the tips soon, look out for them.

Photo of the Day 22.01.09

2009-01-22T14:45:00.000+08:00

With Aunty Pat, who's back on holiday from London.

And here's Pat carrying Ellis last year.

photo of the day 14.01.09

2009-01-15T16:38:00.000+08:00

last call! expat living kids guide giveaway

2009-01-13T23:21:00.002+08:00

Send in your mummy tips by 14th Jan, Wednesday. I may send you a copy of the Expat Living Kids Guide if I like it!

Details here.

*Edit: Thank you to all who sent in their tips..now begins the task of sifting through tips and deciding on the final 10!* Will update soon :)

photo of the day 12.01.09

2009-01-12T15:53:00.008+08:00

Making a mess out of her breakfast. I made her crepe filled with yoghurt and caramelized bananas* and let her eat it with her hands. Ended up feeding it to her because she squished and dumped half of it into her bib. She finished almost everything though!

She likes the mouse. When she sees me on the laptop, she cries and wants to be carried to the table - she'll then peer intently into the screen, fiddle with the keyboard and click on the mouse.

The girl has a fascination with shoes. She will walk up to the shoe rack and take a variety of my shoes out. Sometimes she walks over to me and hands me the shoe, other times she will wear them and walk around. She also likes her Dad's shoes. Once I caught her with her foot in his boot.

* Here's the recipe I concocted.

Crepe 1/4 cup plain flour

1 egg

water

1/2 tsp sugar

Mix the flour, egg and sugar together. Add enough water to create a think pouring consistency. Lighly butter a frying pan and ladle enough batter to form a think layer on the pan. Flip when underside browns slightly, and cook several minutes on the other side.

Caramelized bananas

Slice a ripe banana. Melt a tsp of butter in the frying pan and add the bananas in. Cook till bananas soften and brown slightly.
Spread a layer of yoghurt on the crepe, and top with banana. Wrap it up into a neat package and slice it up for your child.

I had my crepe with a layer of nutella topped with the banana. It was yummy!

photo of the day 10.01.09

2009-01-10T15:30:00.005+08:00

Her little pink sofa, which she loves. She likes to climb onto it and shake her legs to the music from the CD player. She climbs onto it angling her body sideways - first her right leg, then hand on the back of the seat to steady herself, left leg up and then flip to the front. She's also taken to standing up on it and trying to jump off.

my mummy likes taking close ups of my face

2009-01-09T16:46:00.002+08:00

08.01.09

school

2009-01-08T10:07:00.005+08:00

Figure i'll just keep blogging and figure out the post dated entries later. I'll stop blogging for good otherwise!

The latest development for ellis is that she's now attending "school"!

Ever since she turned one and started walking actively, she's been a bundle of energy and I felt she was getting quite bored at home. I'm not the type of mum who will actively structure learning activities so I felt kinda guilty that she wasn't exposed to more when she's absorbing everything like a sponge.

I was thinking of trying Growing Up Gifted or Julia Gabriel and decided on the latter based on word of mouth recommendation. I brought her for her first class yesterday. I thought I was setting myself up for disappointment because I had pretty high expectations given all the good reviews from friends, but it was really quite impressive, and a lot of fun - even for me!

I particularly enjoyed the story telling session - teacher Lin read a book called "Titch" and had lots of fun sounds and actions to accompany the story. All the kids paid rapt attention - something which I thought was very commendable given the distracted kids I've seen at other classes I've been to.

Ellis not unexpectedly, ate 3 cookies versus the other kids' 1 or 2 during snack time and wanted more. Ignoring the half eaten cookie on her plate, she kept pointing at the container full of cookies that the teacher's assistant was holding. Since I'm told that what I'm paying for in fees goes mainly to the organic food served, this cannot be a bad thing.

For a hour and a half, the kids did sponge stamping, ran around in the playground, played with bubbles, sang songs. She's still not of the age where I can just leave her at class and take a break while she's there, but I was still glad for a proper structured programme and for the interaction with other kids.

She conked out in the car on the way home. And finally I was able to put her down for a nap in the afternoon - something which has barely happened since she turned one. I'm looking forward to the next class :)

giveaway! expat living kids guide 2009

2009-01-05T08:02:00.007+08:00

I have 10 copies of the Expat Living Kids Guide 2009 to giveaway (retail price $5).

Of all the baby guides and booklets I have read, this is my favourite. It is a directory of sorts, with sections on family health, childhood education, kid's activities and shopping for maternity or kids. It's where I looked when I was trying to find enrichement programmes for Ellis, or need creative gift ideas.

* For the chance to win yourself a copy, send me a mommy tip to dorothyloh@gmail.com ("subject: kids guide giveaway") by 14th January* Please also include your contact details.

I'll pick 10 winners - guides will be sent by regular mail.

Your tip could be anything from a special way to help your baby sleep (my secret trick is to sing), a recipe that your picky tot can't resist, a cool mommy and baby hangout, or a great baby product that you can't do without. Really, anything that would be useful/helpful to the rest of the moms reading this blog!

photo of the day 04.01.09

2009-01-04T16:52:00.000+08:00

ellis is in a H&M marimekko outfit (compelte with sombrero-ish hat) from her 3 fashion forward (& fashion loving) aunties in London - Toon, YJ & Pat

...and.....

FLING!!!

What is Ellis Doing Now? 13 Months

2008-12-19T22:38:00.016+08:00

It's been a while since my last development update, and I probably can't remember all the intermediate steps but here's where she is now:

She's grown into a little person with such a personality! Based on my observations so far, I'd say she is a cheerful, happy, active and determined child. If you read Tracy Hoggs like I do, I would place her as a cross between an angel & spirited toddler.

+ Relentless. She enjoys exploring all things curious and new to her, like the wires behind the stereo, the toilet bowl. The more I try to stop her the more she tries to get at it. She remembers things that she's seen that I won't allow her to touch, and the minute she gets a chance, she goes for it.

I've had to haul her out of the kitchen countless times loudly telling her "No!". She knows she's not supposed to come back in but she will stick one foot inside the kitchen door all the while checking for my reaction, and almost always will wind up back in the kitchen. Once I wasn't watching she came walking out grinning with a dishcloth between her teeth. I gave up and installed a safety gate.

Sneaks past me in the kitchen (yet again) as I'm preparing food to get to the yard - so she can stick her head into our front loading washing machine and peer around.

She probably got this gene from me - my parents have reminded me often enough what a terror I was as a child.

+ A little whirlwind. Gone are the days where she would sit down quietly and flip a book. She tears around the house non-stop leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. DVDs and books swept off shelves. Contents of my overturned handbag on the floor. Junk mail thrown in the trash strewn all over.

+ Most definitely not the gentle sort Rams walkers into walls. Runs with abandon. Tosses and flings items with force everywhere - including remote controls, cordless phones, my mobile phone (cover ripped off). The alignment of my glasses is completely askew after she flung herself on my face several times.

+ NO!!! ELLIE!!!! Aiyoooo.....words constantly used by Kisu and I around the house these days.

+ Walking. She learned to walk pretty quick. When she started (just before she turned 1) she refused any assistance or hand holding. She figured that falling on her butt is the best way to cushion her fall, and then she graduated to running!

+ Communicating a whole lot more. Shakes her head violently when she doesn't want something. Points resolutely and vocally expresses herself if it's something she wants.

+ Happy Gives us big squinty-eyed mouth-wide-open gummy grins. Claps. Chuckles loudly, shrieks when excited, squeals when tickled.

+ Seems a lot more social. Is totally a little flirt - when she spots a stranger she likes (say a fellow mum at the paed clinic, or someone in a public lift) she tilts her head and smiles coyly at them (!) Not shy when it comes to food. She went after a daddy feeding his 10 mth old at a recent party - she wanted some of the banana puffs he had in his hand.

+ Manja - will come running & smiling at me as I'm seated on a chair and bury her face in my knees. Awww!

+ Sleep habits all gone haywire, her morning nap is a no go and afternoon naps are tough to put her down for. She rarely falls asleep as I rock her - she's developed a squirmy gene and has slept anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. I am quite a wreck because of the lack of break I have from her. Nighttime is very good - she sleeps from 730 to 7am. Thank God!!!! But we had about a month of blips. She has done everything from waking every 2 hours, keeping us up for up to 1.5 hours and for a period, kept waking at 5.15am, sharp. Kisu and I were a complete mess then. The worst was during the 2 weeks my inlaws were in town and staying with us. I finally had help and could go out but all I could think of was sleeping!

+ Eating She's no longer the baby who eats everything and anything, alas. Still loves her food except that she's become more picky. No more porridge. She likes rice - sometimes. She'll eat cheese, bread, eggs, cheerios, kix, yoghurt and practically any fruit. But all the other stuff she used to eat without a fuss is now not so easy.

*I'll be doing a tonne of post dated entries & pictures very soon.

2008-12-11T10:09:00.002+08:00

i'm still around despite a lack of posts. There are a lot of backdated posts swirling in my head and pictures too.

Been busy from the in-laws being in town and straight after that any free time has been sucked into updating the Dotted Line site.

Not to mention that I have less free time now cos the girl is refusing her morning naps and is walking/running and getting herself into all sorts of scrapes which means that I have to be extra vigilant or run around after her. More on that in the posts to come...hitting the 1 year mark has definitely been a milestone with lots of accompanying changes!

this is why you don't let your attention stray - not even for a second

2008-12-08T18:48:00.003+08:00

08.12.08

I turned away to read something for 2 minutes, and when I looked up this is the sight that greeted me.

Her hair is all weird 'cos she grabbed it with cheese & avocado smeared all over her little hand.

30 november 2008

2008-12-03T12:49:00.004+08:00

That's the official day I stopped breastfeeding Ellis. After 1 year and 2 weeks.

I had no definite date in mind beyond knowing that I'd like to stop after a year. I'd been slowly weaning her off - reducing one feed at a time over a week or two. She doesn't miss it at all. And no problem switching to formula either.

Me, the thought of stopping was worse than the reality. I kept holding on to the final morning feed, reluctant to stop because I didn't want it to be the LAST feed. But I woke up on the morning of the 1st of December and instinctively felt that it was time to stop. So I just didn't nurse her and the morning of the 30th became my last feed, without me even realising it at the time.

I don't miss it as much as I thought I would. I guess because Ellis is developing more teeth and it had started to hurt! She didn't seem to nurse as long as before either. Probably full on solids or just plain distracted. I don't feel as bad as if she wanted it and I wanted to stop.

It's not bad - my boobs can finally take a break and no more nursing bras, whoo hoo!

Photo of the Day 02.12.08

2008-12-02T18:42:00.001+08:00

walking (running!) and more eating...

the fine art of dining

2008-11-17T18:16:00.004+08:00

ellis is already pretty good with eating finger foods as I started giving her food to practise with since she could do a "pincer" hold.

17.11.08

So I thought I'd try to see if I could train her to eat on her own with a spoon. Here's her first time at it:

On came the big bib from aunty jenna - you can see that she was none too happy with me for making me wait for her food to snap a picture.

The verdict? I had to help her along naturally - there was some mess but not too bad considering it was her first attempt at it. I suppose how fast she progresses will correspond to my tolerance level for mess. I'm trying very hard to ignore the inner voice to "clean up!" and focus on letting her learn.

Happy 1st Birthday Ellis!

2008-11-14T22:01:00.005+08:00

Ellis Turns ONE!

Her grandparents, Kisu's parents flew in from LA specially for the occasion and we threw her a dduk (Korean rice cake) party, in Korean tradition. We got a professional photographer to come in and there are lots of colourful shots from the food - I'll post those photos once they're ready.

Here we are on birthday morning. It's 8.56am, the exact time she was born. (i.e. the same moment a year ago where I heaved a sigh of relief after 13 hours of labour)

The princess on her birthday in hanbok from grandma (halmoni) and grandpa (harabogi).

Gramma in the background and pre-headgear

In full traditional gear, playing with her gold rings and bracelets

The little pouches the rings and bracelets came in - I thought they were so pretty I had to post them. The characters on them are Fu (prosperity) and Shou (longevity).

To end, a series of photos that had Kisu and I cracking up because of Ellis and her hilarious expressions!

Happy Birthday Ellis! Mummy loves you and is proud of you little one!

Photo of the Day Backdated I

2008-11-10T22:07:00.001+08:00

13.11.08

With Halmoni, Kisu's mum. For fun, Halmoni has tied Ellis to her back using her apron! Something about carrying babies on the back in Korean culture. Ellis is holding the drumstick from her drum set - it is not an instrument of torture.

Harabogi's turn!

All dressed up and ready to go out!

10.11.08

Grandpa teaching Ellis to play the drum!

This is Ellis' Harabogi, Kisu's Dad. My parents in law were in town for 2 weeks leading up to Ellis' 1st birthday - which is a BIG event in Korean culture. That and the baek-il (100 days) which they missed.

They were besotted with Ellis as only grandparents could be. They brought her toys, fed her, sang, danced and played with her with such gusto and were endlessly tickled by her antics. We the parents could not understand how her jet lagged grandparents at twice our age could have double our energy.

These pictures were taken at the Hankook Rice Cake House along Thomson Rd - we were there to order birthday duk (Korean rice cakes). While my MIL did the duk-ordering, my FIL decided to pluck the drum off the shop display, plonk Ellis atop a commercial freezer (that's what she's sitting on) and let her go wild. I'm sure Mrs Kim, the owner wasn't too pleased but she was too polite to say anything. In return, we bought kilos of duk from her, so I hope she didn't mind too much!

Photo of the Day 31.10.08

2008-10-31T22:40:00.000+08:00

In this picture, I feel like I can almost see a shade of a grown up Ellis

Walking

2008-10-29T14:01:00.004+08:00

Ellis decided to walk today - with help of course. She'll allow you to take her hands, be pulled up into a standing position and put one foot in front of the other in big wobbly steps. But she can walk! Previously I'd tried to get her started, but she wouldn't want to - from a standing position, she'd let her legs go limp and buckle at the knee. She's been practising going from one room to the next. Her favourite journey is from the living room to the master bedroom.

Once in a while she'll stop, arch her head back to look at me and give me a wide gummy grin. And maybe take a break as she kneels into a sitting position. But before long she's up and back at it again. It's a novelty for her as much as for us, her parents.

Anne & Ellis

2008-10-27T21:17:00.003+08:00

02.10.08

Baby Anne, Alicia's 4 month old and Ellis meeting for the 1st time

photo of the day 22.10.08

2008-10-24T16:17:00.002+08:00

whoa - i don't know what happened to her hair!

photo of the day 18.10.08

2008-10-24T16:09:00.002+08:00

Sleepyhead

it's so hard to get a photo of her when she's sleeping because she tends to wake quite easily with just some slight sound. she must have been very tired on this day because she didn't stir when we opened the door to her room. I hesitated for a little too long - you can see her just coming out of her sleep here with the one eye open...

what is ellis doing now? 11 months

2008-10-14T15:46:00.002+08:00

Physical Progress

1. Cruising and standing on her own - she's pretty fast walking with help from the couch or bed. And she is just starting to learn stand on her own, this tends to happen when she's distracted - she lifts her one hand off whatever she's using for support. But when she realises she's on her own, she gets nervous and drops onto her butt.

2. Top 2 teeth are out but not fully grown in.

3. Her thighs are getting bigger - does that count?!

Emotions & Personality

1. Throws the occasional tantrum when she doesn't get what she wants.

2. She's figured out where to find me in the mornings so she'll crawl into my room to wake me up from bed. If the door isn't open she'll bang on it till it is.

3. Has learned how to point. She points at whatever she wants to touch or eat; whatever she's interested in.

4. Likes to play hide and seek!

5. She mimics, alot. Especially sounds - so if we give her a funny chuckle, she'll make one back of her her.

6. Has figured out how my mobile, TV and aircon remote work - she'll flip channels or turn the A/C on and off for fun.

Eating

1. I'm planning on weaning fairly soon, so I've cut her down to 2 milk feeds a day morning and night.

2. She's a pretty adventurous eater - so far the more exotic foods she's consumed include laksa, bibimbap, and kim chi. She didn't look at all bothered by spicy or sour.

3. Think she's more interested in adult food than her own.

4. Will harass me when I eat even after I've fed her!

Sleeping

We had several blips over the past month. She started getting more difficult to put down at night. This used to be the easiest put down of the day, but she started getting very cranky. She also started waking up in the middle of the night - the worst was four times in one night but thankfully that was only once. I think I cuddled her for too long at night before I put her down - I thought it'd be OK as long as I didn't let her fall asleep in my arms (she didn't) - but it still got her into the habit of having me around when she was going to sleep at night. She started crying for me and refusing to let me leave the room. We had to nip it in the bud really quick and things seem to be back to normal now. I've had to reduce the cuddle time and plonk her into bed pretty quickly. She wails abit when I leave the room but settles down almost immediately.

christian siriano maternity

2008-10-10T18:24:00.004+08:00

No, you didn't read it wrongly - my latest favourite project runway alum (& winner of s4) is actually designing a maternity line!!!

It's called - get this - Fierce for Moody Mamas by Christian Siriano. Oh my. Early sketches look promising. I'm guessing Victoria Beckham would wear his clothes if she had a fourth child.

Wonder why he would venture into bump fashion? Might it be a "hot mess"? Well, according to sources Christian "thought it would be great for a gay man to team up with two women who've never had a baby to do maternity clothes."

Fierce.

F1

2008-10-09T16:40:00.003+08:00

26.09.08

hit by F1 mania

photo of the day 25.09.08

2008-10-09T16:23:00.004+08:00

look at my tummy!

enraptured by the lift display panel, yet again....

reaching for yet another DVD box set to fling....

Photos of the Day 21.09.08

2008-10-01T20:26:00.002+08:00

waving

Dote Now Open

2008-09-29T16:16:00.002+08:00

photo of the day 20.09.08

2008-09-20T18:35:00.000+08:00

photo of the day 17.09.08

2008-09-17T18:14:00.002+08:00

Her new "skill"

bed head

2008-09-15T18:12:00.001+08:00

15.09.08

what is ellis doing now? 10 months

2008-09-14T10:38:00.001+08:00

Physical Progress

1. Probably her greatest progress is that she is now able to comfortably and frequently pull herself into standing position. She started off using her wooden toy (pictured) - it was all very wobbly and unstable at first. But she's gotten much better at it and she's now pretty stable. She'll use anything (stable or not) as leverage to get herself standing - CD shelves, the coffee table, dining chairs, her high chair.

2. Her crawling can reach feverish pace - especially if she's excited and has her eye set on something. She crawls SUPER fast, launching a rallying war cry before she heads toward her target. A favourite is the man hole in the kitchen - she'll go for it when I'm not looking.

3. Pushes doors open. Goes "exploring" - from just the living/dining room, she's taken to crawling into various rooms, toilets etc. She will also crawl around looking for people.

4. Likes whacking soft toys, rummaging through our waste bins (paper stuff only!), shoes, pulling off rubber corner protectors.

Emotions & Personality

1. She is a truly happy baby - she smiles, chuckles and laughs all the time.

2. Can't sit still - she is all over the place - over at the shelves pulling out DVD sets (and the DVDs out of the boxes), playing with Kisu's guitars, trying to get things on the coffee table, going for the bin, banging on the lift door. She also loves to stand and observe the lift display - the panel where you can see numbers change as the lift goes through different floors.

3. Not afraid of loud sounds - she'll go in search of the vacuum cleaner when she hears it.

4. Likes rough and tumble stuff - loves anything with movement.

5. Enjoys playing "Toss" - she will throw her bolster, soft toys and pacifier out of her crib. And she'll stand by the side, hands on the rail of the crib peeking over at the item waiting for you to toss it back in. Gets super tickled as her bolster sails over her head back into the crib. She'll go scrambling after it, pull herself up the side of the crib and toss it again. And repeat. She LOVES it.

6. Will respond to "sayang-sayang" where she'll stroke my arm, "good" (instead of giving the thumbs up, she holds up both palms). Also has learned to stick out her tongue. If you stick out your tongue at her, she will follow suit - plus waggle it around with her trademark cheeky look.

7. Says "Mama" and "Dada", and she will repeat it if you say it to her. Other favourite "words": "Ah-thhh", "Ah-Da", "Bvvv", "Vu-vuh"

Eating

No major changes, except that I feed her larger portions now! She can eat the same amount of protein as I do in one meal. E.g. 1 chicken drumstick or 1 piece of fish fillet.

Sleeping

No changes in her nap schedule either. But now her pre-nap routine has changed. Sometimes, she will sit quietly and let me cuddle her a bit before I pop her into the crib. Other times, I have to humour her by playing "Toss" first, or by carrying her and dancing around. Now, she is never close to sleep when I leave the room. In fact, almost always, she is standing up by the crib. I just tell her to "nap" and say goodbye before I leave the room. Then she settles on her own.

Progress at 9 months

Photo of the Day 13.09.08

2008-09-13T20:05:00.000+08:00

photo of the day 06.09.08

2008-09-12T10:37:00.001+08:00

before swimming class

crawling

2008-09-12T10:32:00.001+08:00

05.09.08

random photos 28.08.08

2008-09-12T10:20:00.003+08:00

trying to leave the room to let her nap...

cheeky grin as she chomps on yet another remote

"toys" - coasters and baking tins

photo of the day 25.08.08

2008-09-12T10:08:00.002+08:00

one of her favourite past times - chewing on the playstation control

this is what happens when daddy dresses me

2008-09-12T10:02:00.001+08:00

24.08.08

front = back

back = front

photo of the day 23.08.08 standing

2008-09-12T09:59:00.001+08:00

photo of the day 22.08.08 bath time

2008-09-12T09:43:00.003+08:00

after bath

routine

2008-08-31T10:14:00.004+08:00

7.00 am: Ellis wakes
7.30 am: Bath time (Kisu)
8.00 am: Milk Feed
8.15 am: Prepare Ellis' breakfast.
8.30 am: Breakfast
9.00 am: Nap time
9.30 am: Prepare dinner - brown rice porridge in the slowcooker.
10.30 am: Wake & Play Time
11.00 am: Milk Feed
12.30 pm: Lunch - this could be any variety of things, but usually brown rice cereal with veggies.
1.00 pm: Nap time
2.30 pm: Wake & Play Time
3.00 pm: Milk Feed
4.30 pm: Cat Nap
5.30 pm: Dinner
6.00 pm: Bath
7.30pm: Milk Feed & Bed Time

MUMMY IS FREE!!!!!

REPEAT

Product Review: Bonds Bumps Soft Cup Contour Maternity Bra

2008-08-19T13:34:00.018+08:00

The last time I posted about the Bumps Soft Cup Contour Maternity bra by Bonds I had yet to try it. Now that I've worn it several times, I thought I'd post a "formal" review in case any of you have been searching for something similar.

I bought it for A$28.45 (sign up as a member and get a slight discount off original price) on Zodee, an Aussie site. The registered shipping cost an additional A$7.95 and took about 2 weeks to arrive. Total comes up to A$36.40 (approx. S$45) which I think is a really good price considering how rare it is to find something like this here.

I'm lucky that I got my sizing right - I just took my current size and coverted it against the Aussie sizing chart. Didn't bother measuring myself.

It's marketed as "Maternity" but it is a nursing bra that can also be worn during pregnancy. Have to say that I am very pleased with it as it has all the features I'm looking for. My favourite things about it:

+ It's a basic, seamless bra in black - great for wearing under fitted knit tops.
+ I like that the cups are padded to give sufficient coverage but are not overly bulky. I don't wear nursing pads as I don't need to, and anyways I find that they bunch up and look so bad under the thin fabric bras.
+ The cups fold down smoothly and easily and STAY down (my MIM one kept popping up, was overly padded and did not fit well).
+ It's lower cut than my other nursing bras so I can wear tops with more open necklines. The existing bras I have are cut such that they tend to peek out at the corner of scoop necklines.

The bra is made of cotton - feels similar to a thin T shirt-y material and does not have an underwire. I would have preferred a microfibre material - but this works out ok. It has 6 settings on the back opening, which is great for our ever changing proportions. The straps are even adjustable to make it racerback but this isn't a big plus for me because I rarely wear such styles.

Fit wise, there is a bit of a crease at the bottom of the cups where it doesn't fit me a 100%. It's also not as well fitting as my regular Marks & Spencers underwire, but of course that bra cost me almost double what I paid for this one. However, it feels comfortable on so I'm not complaining. Also, I wish they had a nude version instead of white - not that I don't like white, but it tends to show up under light coloured clothes.

The best bit for me is that it's built like a regular bra, so you feel actually feel like a normal person again! It seems like a small thing but it made a huge difference to how I felt in my clothes. Better and definitely happier.

I did try the MEV knitted bra and it was comfortable and well priced. I think I might have gone for the MEV bra if I was a newly nursing mum - it's soft and straightforward to use but at this stage I want something that is closer to a regular bra. Also thought the colours of pink and grey slightly odd since I'm used to basic black or nude.

In any case, I'm giving the Bonds bra a huge thumbs up - go get it!

What is Ellis doing now? 9 Months

2008-08-18T14:22:00.004+08:00

At 9 months:

Physical Progress

1. Crawling more in a regular manner, but still lapses into commando style - especially over longer distances.
2. More often making what we call the long journey from the living room across to the dining room right into the kitchen.
3. Can pull herself to sit on her knees.
4. Favourite activity of late: Pulling up alphabet pieces off her rubber playmat and biting on them.
5. Has learnt to fling stuff, including pacifiers and soft toys out of her crib. Especially the pacifier - 'cos she knows we will come into her room to pick it up if we hear it drop on the floor.
6. Constantly pulls herself up to the edge of the crib.
7. Can pick up and feed herself small pieces of food; holds her sippy cup and drinks from it. A slight improvement from before but she still doesn't like water all that much.
8. Is definitely not the "gentle" kind. Makes sudden, jerky motions, whacks her toys on the ground, claws at my mouth, which she thinks is a toy.

Emotions & Personality

1. Can most definitely understand "No" but usually chooses to ignore it.
2. Smiles her gummy grin a lot.
3. She is a very curious baby. Likes observing people and things.
4. Can respond to verbal prompts, like waving when we say "Bye", lifting her hands to do "High Five", clasping & unclasping her hand when we sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and her favourite, clapping super enthusiastically to "Clap-Clap"
5. Still doesn't like strangers very much. Almost always guaranteed to cry if someone unfamiliar attempts to carry her, or even make faces at her!

Eating

1. Has started on meat, so far she's tried fish, pork and chicken and seems to enjoy them.
2. Now on 3 meals a day: Cereal, fruit & yoghurt for breakfast, brown rice cereal & veggies for lunch, brown rice porridge, meat and veggies for dinner.
3. Still does 4 milk feeds.
4. Has a great interest in "adult" food. So we feed her stuff off our plates occasionally - including bread, chocolate chip muffins, claypot rice, mashed potato.

Sleeping

1. Pretty much the same - 2 - 3 naps a day but they have actually gone longer. In fact I sometimes put her to bed earlier - 6ish because she does a long first nap and shorter naps subsequently, which means that she gets sleepy earlier.
2. Wakeup time still hovers around 7am.

Progress at 8 months

A Rare Family Portrait

2008-08-18T14:05:00.003+08:00

16.08.08

We were at Culina at Dempsey for brunch with Georgie, Gary, Amol & MJ

Photo of the Day 10.08.08

2008-08-11T17:14:00.002+08:00

Rain

Majulah!

2008-08-11T16:43:00.004+08:00

This is what I call her cheeky grin.

Photo of the Day 08.08.08

2008-08-11T16:25:00.001+08:00

2008-08-07T13:28:00.004+08:00

Finally...a simple seamless & lightly padded T-shirt bra that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

My Bonds Bumps nursing bra arrived in the mail today! Got it off Zodee. It was recommended by a couple of friends who bought them in Australia, so I thought I'd give it a try.

It wasn't too expensive at all - close to S$40 inclusive of shipping. (I saw another nursing bra highly recommended by a friend called the Anita bra over the weekend - the price tag? A whopping S$120! And not padded!)

Haven't worn it out proper yet but trying it on it's pretty comfortable and the cups can be folded down properly, thank goodness not like the MIM one I got. It also has an impressive SIX settings for the back clasp opening.

baby sung

36 weeks 3 days

Dental Visit

33 weeks 3 days

29 weeks 4 days

28 weeks 2 days

25 weeks 4 days

tiny kicks

24 weeks

Ingrid

Reading

Ellie-isms

Birthday Celebration Part 2

Birthday Celebration Part 1

The Thinking Chair *

Counting

Sleep - Another Milestone

Ellis Makes a Mooncake

School Update

Photo of the Day 25.09.09

Shit Happens

Bronchalitis

School Part II

School

Small Paul

Sleep - Another Milestone

photo of the day 04.06.09

Photo of the Day 02.06.09

Photo of the Day 01.06.09

Photo of the Day 31.05.09

Missed wedding and some gongfu like moves

La la la la

End of Term Party at Julia Gabriel

Photo of the Day 29.05.09

Photo of the Day 28.05.09

Photo of the Day 26.05.09

Photo of the Day 25.05.09

Aunty Yun-jo

Photo of the Day 15.05.09

Lego Time

photo of the day 08.05.09

Photo of the Day 05.05.09

photo of the day 15.02.09

more messy food pictures

getting my daily news fix

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 3

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 2

CNY '09 Trip to KL - Part 1

Photo of the Day 24.01.09

Photo of the Day 23.01.09

results! kids guide giveaway

Photo of the Day 22.01.09

photo of the day 14.01.09

last call! expat living kids guide giveaway

photo of the day 12.01.09

photo of the day 10.01.09

my mummy likes taking close ups of my face

school

giveaway! expat living kids guide 2009

photo of the day 04.01.09

What is Ellis Doing Now? 13 Months

this is why you don't let your attention stray - not even for a second

30 november 2008

Photo of the Day 02.12.08

the fine art of dining

Happy 1st Birthday Ellis!

Photo of the Day *Backdated I*

Photo of the Day 31.10.08

Walking

Anne & Ellis

photo of the day 22.10.08

photo of the day 18.10.08

what is ellis doing now? 11 months

christian siriano maternity

F1

photo of the day 25.09.08

Photos of the Day 21.09.08

Dote Now Open

photo of the day 20.09.08

photo of the day 17.09.08

Photo of the Day Backdated I