Its Been A Week

Well actually it's been only 3 days since we left Ipoh. We made a trip back to Ipoh buit since we had to wait for Ah Kong's car to be ready we could not make it back on time for the prayers session. Never mind, maybe we could make it the next time. By the time we stopped by the money changer, picked up the fried oyster and pumped petrol for the car we only arrived in Ipoh close to 6pm.

Actually we have another reason for heading to Ipoh. Remember how we were supposed to attend a special function last week which had to be cancelled? Well it was your Li Min Kor-kor's wedding. She and Kevin Teo-teo had planned for so long to have the wedding in Bali. Too bad, the timing wasn't too good. So now that they're back in Ipoh, we were having a small tea ceremony with the few of us.
We were rudely woken from our sleep this morning. What was the cause of it? Sigh, they were fogging for mosquitoes. This has to be done either during the dawn or dusk, this guy picked dawn! And you got a shock as they actually walked into our compound to fog the area. After that we both could not sleep, so we freshened up and went down to have breakfast.

Headed back up and got ready for the tea ceremony. Dressed you up then I got ready while daddy kept you entertained. It was filled with laughter despite turn out being so small.

Offering tea to Tai Ma and Tai Kong

Tea for 5th Chim Poh & Chek Kong

Tea for Ah Ma & Ah Kong

Wow! Ang Pows to be given!

.. for you!

After all was done, we headed out to town to Pusing Public Restaurant for lunch. It was the same place we went to on Wednesday after the funeral and to my surprise you could recognise that place. You told me: Mummy, this is the same place we came after we sat the bus. Of course you were happy with the place being and air-cond restaurant!

There was heavy traffic to get to that place, worst still to park as there was a market there which was not closed when we arrived for lunch at 12pm. Then again, that was a small matter. Lunch was fantastic, especially this:

"Big Head" Prawn

We're enjoying the food!

Only 20 of us, but it was a lovely celebration.

Congratulations to Li Min and Kevin!

Making it through the days...

As Ah Tai passed away on Sunday evening, nothing much could be done. So we "officially" started mourning on Monday evening. The undertakers were called immediately after she left us and they arrived by 8pm with the necessary items for the family. Ah Tai was quickly dressed and put into the coffin as we stood outside. After everything was arranged and the hospital bed kept away, we went in. You noticed that the bed was missing and asked: Where is Ah Tai's bed? I had no choice but to tell you the truth that Ah Tai was sleeping in the "box". I asked if you wanted to have a look at her and you did. You took a look at her, gave her a flying kiss and even said "I love you Ah Tai". Subsequently you asked to look at her a few times even. I'm glad that you were not afraid of looking at her. Then again, you probably don't fully understand the situation.

Monday was spent getting ready for the funeral. As we were not allowed to shampoo our hair for the whole duration and no haircut for 3 weeks we headed to 5th Chim Poh's hairdresser's place for a shampoo and a cut for you and daddy. The night before I told you that we'll be going to Aunty's place for a haircut. You asked how come it's not done by Uncle Austin. So I had to explain to you that Uncle Austin was in Penang and we were in Ipoh. The haircut went well. Will post them later on when I've gotten the pictures.

The night passed quite quickly. You had many kor-kors to play with, taking a special liking towards Mei Nien Kor kor whom you've barely met before this. That left me free to help around and to fold the joss paper which need to be prepared to be burned the next day. The prayer ceremony was also very simple and all was done by 11.20pm. Gave you a bath, put you in front of my PC with Hi-5 playing while I took my bath. As with the many nights in the past week, you only went to sleep close to 1am.

Tuesday saw us having lunch in McDonalds with you having you usual nuggets, fries and milo. Then we took a nap and soon it was time for the wake. This second and final night also passed quickly. The prayers were finished off with the burning of the paper items representing the home, car (with driver) and effigies. Then to finish the night we got ready just like the night before. You fell asleep shortly after we lay in bed.

Wednesday was a busy day. I woke up with a start and in the process woke you and poor, tired daddy too. We quickly got ready as the funeral undertakers came to arrange for the funeral. A lot of prayers were made and a final goodbye was made by the family, relatives and friends before Ah Tai began the journey to her final resting place. We had to walk a distance behind the hearse until we reached the main road. I carried you all the way and somehow my arms (and legs) found the strength to walk so far. But just before we got on the bus I put you down and realised that my arms had gone numb!

You sure were excited to ride on a bus. Furthermore, you couldn't understand what was going on. After Ah Tai was laid to rest, we went to a restaurant (much to your delight.. since it had air-cond!) for a late lunch. Our week in Ipoh ended when we made our way back to Penang after everyone had a shower.

I wondered how much you know what has actually happened to Ah Tai. But to my surprise as we went downstairs to collect the mail, you told me "Mummy, I miss Ah Tai..." *sob*

Finally We Went Out

After so many days of being cooped up in the house, we went out for a short while in Thursday afternoon to buy some drinks for the house and also to buy some baby bath + shampoo for you as it was already running low.

Then yesterday evening, after many days of eating packed food, the younger generation (you inclusive) went our for dinner while the older ones stayed at home for packed dishes to be eaten with rice. We had McDonalds which was happily agreed upon by everyone, including you. You were happy to be able to have your nuggets and chippies with Milo. Best of all you got the toy which came along with the Happy Meal.

It must have been a relieve for you to be able to go out at last. I know I am. For the past few says it started with you being told to keep your volume down, followed by being confined most of the times to the upper floors so that Ah Tai would not hear you. And when we are downstairs (mainly during meal times) we keep to the kitchen. One good thing is that you were quite happy to stay upstairs with your many Kor kors and also the many notebooks for you to play with. Also Chim Poh's room has Astro so you can watch your Channel 613 too.

Today we'll be kept at home. Dinner is Ah Ma's famous Hainanese Chicken Rice. I wonder how long me we'll be in Ipoh. Some of the overseas relatives have left to go back home...

Updated: Ah Tai passed away peacefully at 6.30pm on Sunday 6th September 2009. Rest in peace.

Dilemma

Everyone is in a dilemma. What to do? What to do? Is it the right thing to do? Should we do that? No one dares to make a decision.

What is the issue? Ah Tai is still hanging on. She's suffering and the family hopes that she will be relieved of her pain as soon as possible. Cruel though that may sound, when we look at her lying there breathing with so much difficulty that is what we wish for her. To be free of all the suffering that she's currently enduring.

Then on the other hand, we have this big wedding coming up. Li Min Kor kor had planned and planned this wedding for a long long time. But no one is able to confirm if they are able to go or not up till now. We've all got question marks swimming all over our head.

No one is willing to leave Ah Tai and miss her wake when it happens. No one wants Li Min Kor kor to be all sad about there being no one attending her wedding?

So what should we do? Everyone is now busing checking on what our available options are for cancelling the tickets to Bali. But no one has made the move to come to a final decision.

Back in Ipoh

We're back in Ipoh again. In fact we've been back since Tuesday. Yup, we left on Monday for Penang and headed back to Ipoh again on Tuesday after lunch. How come? It's because early on Tuesday morning Su Kor-kor called daddy to say that Ah Tai was on oxygen to help her breathe. Our hearts just dropped to the floor!

We finished our work in the morning half and headed home to have lunch, pack and off to Ipoh we headed again. Over the weeks we've seen Ah Tai deteriorate a lot. She is now not eating at all and the nurse advised not to force her to eat anymore since she doesn't want to have any food or liquid. Once in a while one of the Kor Poh or Chim Poh will dab her lips with some water so that her throat is not too dry. At any one time, there is always someone accompanying Ah Tai. Most of the family are all back here in Ipoh: the Kor Pohs from Hong Kong and Australia, Chek Kong in Japan and all your Kor kors are back too.

It breaks our hearts to see Ah Tai in this condition. She's not able to move anymore and she's resting on hte hospital bed. They've moved the bed to the living room and she's right there was I am writing this. While you have been a wonderful "Evan Therapy" for her, you are now not really allowed to go too near her as you might wake up up from her sleep. You are only allowed to whisper when you are downstairs, so most of your time is spent in the room. Good thing we have so many kor kors to accompany you and entertain you. Good thing also I brought back some of your favourite DVD along with some books.

It's time to let go and we all have to do so, no matter how unwilling we are and no matter how much we will miss her when she decides that it's time to leave us. One consolation is that we will all be with her when the time comes.

A Stop Over

As planned we headed to Ipoh after having a light breakfast. Before that, I had to make you do your big business first. Yvonee Kor-kor complained that you were throwing stink bombs at her! After that we packed everything and headed back to Ipoh. Throughout the whole trip in the car from PJ to Ipoh that you were hungry. So I gave you biscuits that I'd packed and even Yakult that Ashley Kor-kor had bought for you.

When we arrived in Ipoh, everyone was in a sombre mood. It seems that Ah Tai's condition had deteriorated even further. Worst still was the sight of Ah Tai being in a hospital bed. It sure was heart wrenching to see her in such a condition.

Anyhow we went out for lunch with everyone. Even Ah Kong and Ah Ma were in Ipoh as daddy had told them of her condition. We picked a coffee shop which was not too crowded. Most of our favourite haunts were crowded and parking was another problem. Again you said that you wanted to eat in "restaurant with air cond". I just ignore you, but you wre happy with the coffee shop as it had air conditioning.

We ordered "Kai See Hor Fun" for you and you ate and almost finished everything including downing some of my Milo when.... Uweeeekkkkk.... Everything came out again! Yikes! This time it's overeat that caused you to vomit. Daddy quickly picked you up and gave you a wash in the restroom while I went to get some worn clothes from the car. Lucky there was another bag with the dirty laundry. I guess at this time, dirty clothes is better than vomit filled clothes!

We went back and I explained to you that your stomach was small and so your small little stomach cannot have too much food inside while I was dressing you up.

The afternoon was spent with everyone trying to convince you to call Ah Tai, to ask her to eat and to just talk to her. Initially you seemed afraid or shy with her. But after a while you warmed up and just needed a little convincing to call her "AH TAI!!!" at the top of your voice, much to her delight. She's stopped talking and yet when she sees you or hears you call her she's smile widely. Daddy calls it the "Evan Therapy".

Sadly we had to leave on Monday to go back to Penang. Of course before we left, you gave her some "Evan Therapy".

A Delicious Dinner

It sure wasn't easy waking you up from your nap. At long last you woke up a little groggy but quite cheerful and refreshed from your nap. As we could not decide on what to have for dinner and steam boat was one of the option, we decided not to shower you before dinner. So off we went for dinner. In the car we were discussing on what to have for dinner when you gave us your 5 cents worth: I want to eat in restaurant with air cond. Sigh.. a little too high class not aren't you?!

So after driving around a little, we headed to Bangsar Village. Ashley Kor-kor recommended this place called Delicious. And the food sure was delicious. A little late than our usual dinner time, but since no one was really hungry, it was fine. In fact, I think we over ordered. As usual your choice of food was either fish and chip or macaroni. And since you were given a choice, you picked macaroni despite having just vomited macaroni the day before, much to our surprise. One thing though, I made sure that you did not overeat this time. You loved every bite of it. It was called Four Cheese Macaroni which was cooked then baked before it was served.

As usual sleep time was really late: after 12 midnight. Wow.. I dread to think of trying to readjust back to your normal sleeping hours... and later to even earlier than your normal hours so that you will have enough sleep on school days.

A Time for Some Shopping

We had yummy Japanese food for dinner yesterday night. You napped until quite late but it's a good thing as we were waiting for Uncle Dennis who'd driven from Singapore. So I woke you at 7.30p.m. and after a long time, you finally got up to take a bath and we waited a while before Ashley Kor-kor and Uncle Dennis got back.

Off we went and had dinner. As usual, you only slept after 12 midnight. This morning you woke up at 9a.m. waking me up too. You did wake up in the middle of the night, a little confused and I think you were looking for daddy who was sleeping on the floor. Other than that little incident, you slept until the morning.

This morning we had brunch with Ashley Kor-kor and Uncle Dennis. WE had "bah kut teh". This is the first time I had BKT for brunch. WE usually have it for dinner or supper. It's a little different from our usual style: on top of the BKT, we had steamed fish and some dark soy sauce meat. After that we headed to 1 Utama.

First thing on our "to do" list is to get that shirt for you for the upcoming function. We headed to Zara and at long last we found what we were looking for. In fact there was quite a good choice there. So in the end we picked 2 shirts and a pair of long pants as well as a birthday present for Annabelle who's birthday is coming soon. Phew.. all settled.

Next on our "to do" list: take a ride on your Thomas the tank engine. This would be the third time that we'd come to KL and NOT miss your Thomas. After riding on Thomas, the boat and a taxi, we headed to the washroom to wash your hands. We're not taking any risks!

Walked around a bit, bought some things in Cold Storage then had some drinks in A&W before heading to the one other thing what needs to be done while in 1 Utama: feed the fish. There was no fish food for sale when we last came down and a good thing the stall was opened today. Too bad the fishes were not really hungry. We walked around until Ashley Kor-kor and Uncle Dennis were done with their shopping. Headed home for some tea before you KO-ed. Now it's almost dinner time, I'd better wake you up soon.

Lunch in KLCC

You are starting to show signs of being a procrastinator! We woke up this morning and after I'd taken my bath, and all you still hadn't finished your milk that I'd heated up in the cup for you. Sheesh, it's already cold again by the time you were forced to finish. Then I had to try to get you to do your "big" business which you refused, then you took a bath and at long last we could leave the condo. It was 11am by then! And the traffic heading towards KLCC was horrendous! By the time we arrived in KLCC, it was 12noon!

We walked around for a while before decided on what to have for lunch. It's a place called California Kitchen that daddy had spotted when we walked past it earlier. The food was great, we had pizza and salad while we ordered the kiddy meal for you which consisted of your favourite Macaroni and Cheese, came with a juice and ice-cream.

We all enjoyed our lunch and Yvonne Kor-kor joined us shortly after that. Just as you were finishing the last mouthful of the pasta, you chocked on the spiral pasta and vomited! Yikes the gagging motion made you vomit everything. Poor thing. Lucky daddy reacted fast enough and he caught the vomit in his hands (daddy the hero!). Everything came out and you messed out your shirt and overalls too. Daddy brought you to wash up and you LOOKED clean. Only problem was you didn't smell too nice.

We walked around for a while before heading to The Gardens. Since the smell was too "wonderful" we walked into Pumpkin Patch and picked something for you to change into. Walked around a little more before heading home. You had a little tea time before you allowed me to bring you to the room. less than 10 minutes later, you were already sleeping. And you're still sleeping now. Will let you nap a little longer and we're going to have a late dinner.

We're in PJ

We left the coffee shop after lunch when the heavy rain subsided a little. And since we'd packed before heading to see the school, we headed out directly to the Penang bridge. There was not much traffic and soon we were on the highway heading towards Kor-kor's house in PJ. We'd already taken the house key from 5th Chim Poh when we were in Ipoh the weekend before.

Although the traffic was not heavy, it was not a good drive. It rained most of the way, letting a little after Ipoh then continuing to be heavy rain again until we reached the Damansara toll. Not a pleasant weather to be driving. We arrived sometime after 4p.m. and headed straight to Kor-kor's house as Ashley Kor-kor had warned us that the traffic will get really heavy at around 4+ as people start to leave early due to the fasting month. Shortly after we arrived Yvonne Kor-kor came back and while she entertained you, daddy and I took a short nap. Hey, we didn't get to nap on the way here..

After that you had a shower and we headed to Jaya One for dinner. Daddy read about this place Fontera's which serves Tex-Mex good, so we gave it a try. That plan almost had to be scrapped as they did not have a kiddy menu but they had Fish and Chips which suited you dine and so we went ahead and had dinner there. The food was quite nice and since there were so many of us, we tried a wide variety of food.

As always, being in a new place meant that you were all excited and refused to sleep early. By the time you called it a day.. it was past 12midnight!

Preview of something good?

Haha.. I wonder if it's really good or not, but we took Thursday off to bring you to have a look at another school. I had brought up the other school and every time without fail, you'd say you didn't want to go to that school as the floor was dirty. Then again, we did realise that they only started you on Mandarin at the age of 5. And since we do not (and are unable) to speak to you in Mandarin, we worry that you'll not be able to catch up if we decide to send you to a Mandarin based school. So we looked around and found this one.

It's not too far from Ah Kong's house and they start teaching in English for the 3 year olds and when you join the 4 year old classes, you'll be taught Bahasa as well as Mandarin. So after talking to the principal, we decided to bring you to the school to try it out. I had to tell you in advance that we'll be looking at another school. Here's how it went:

Mummy: We'll go look at another school on Thursday ok?

Evan: Is it the "Chinese school"?

I have no idea what "Chinese school" you are referring to...

Mummy: Um, yes the Chinese school.

Evan: Does it have air con?

Mummy: *faint* Yes, they do have air con.

Evan: Ok, then we go have a look.

Wow! I didn't know air con had to be a selection criteria! Actually daddy liked the other school because they DID NOT have air con. Wouldn't fresh air be better?

So yesterday we woke up, had breakfast and waited for daddy to finish his teleconference and got ready before heading to the new school. Although it is school holidays at the moment, we decided that it wouldn't be too formal and crowded to scare you as this school is relatively larger than otters. As expected, you didn't really want to join the class, and you didn't want to answer the teachers question although we know that you know the answer to her questions. Shy? Perhaps...

After a while we asked you if you liked the school and you said "Yes" (that was after you noticed the air con!). So we registered to start in mid-September after we come back from our trip. We're glad that you like this preview of the school. Hopefully you'll be ok in this school.

We joined Ah Kong and Ah Ma for lunch before heading on our little family trip to KL. Yup, mummy and daddy took 2 days off and now we've got a 5 day long weekend!

In Ipoh Again

When we told you on Thursday that we'll be going to Ipoh over the weekend, the first thing you said was: I want to help Kor-kor wash her car. It's been 3 weeks, and yet you can remember doing that. You sure have a good memory! Ah Tai is still not feeling well and so we made the trip back yesterday evening after mummy and daddy left from work. Ah Ma did not join us this trip as she's got a wedding dinner to attend tonight.

Shortly after Ashley Kor-kor, Yvonne Kor-kor and Kor Poh got back, you decided that you wanted to go upstairs. Why? It's because you didn't take your afternoon nap yesterday, slept only after 12 midnight last night (or should I say "this morning") and woke up before 7am this morning! Sigh... In fact I fell asleep before you last night.

As I am typing this, you are still sleeping, totally tired from your adventurous day yesterday. Good thing we had a heavy brunch today, but I'm guessing you'll need something to eat after you wake up later on. Ashley Kor-kor promised to let you help her wash her car, and you were agreeable to it, except you also told her "The clouds will wash you car clean". And you know what? It was just raining a moment ago! But the little shower probably made her car even dirtier!

Ah Tai is having water retention on her feet and it was very swollen the last trip back. This trip, 4th Chek Kong has removed a lot of the water from her feet, but she's not really eating or drinking well. I hope that she'll get better soon. We're glad we made this trip back as she seemed rather happy to see you. Although you are not willing to go near her to cheer her up. Sigh.. daddy's upset at you for being such a naughty boy!

I'm Telling You...

This is NOT for you...

It's too dangerous for you...

DON'T do that!!!

Don't talk with your mouth full...

Can you hear me?

Are you listening to me?

What on earth is that sound?

Sounds like a nag, huh? No, it's not coming from me nor daddy. It's YOU. Yup, you are telling us these things. Obviously, you picked such things up from us. Some I recognise as from daddy or I and some from Ah Ma even. I've mentioned before that we needed to be careful of what we say. Little ears are listening! Haha... But's its really funny when we hear you say that as it's something totally unexpected to come from you. Then again, some things should not be heard OR repeated by Mr Little Ears + Little Mouth. So everyone be warned, be careful of what you say!

Fear

We went out shopping on Saturday after daddy got back from golf. We needed to get you something decent to wear for an upcoming BIG event. So off we went to Gurney Plaza. The news about Influenza A (H1N1) is a topic which is mentioned in the newspapers everyday. Deaths and more new cases are spreading in Malaysia but the reality of it never hit me until we noticed this: quite a number of people wearing masks in the mall! That's when we feel geli and wanted to head home as fast as possible.

We didn't manage to find you the shirt, pants and formal shoes that was needed, but we also did not feel like going out on Sunday. So it looks like we'll be utilising one of our days off for the month to go shopping. Hopefully it won't be too crowded seeing that it's not school holidays yet and we need to search for the clothes and the pants probably needs to be altered too.

I guess there is no chance of you willingly wearing a mask on the flight... I asked you (quite seriously) if you wanted to when we were reading this book of yours where the doctor is wearing a mask, but you laughed and said no. Should we buy the mask just in case? Sigh...

Having Fun...

Found this picture in my e-mail sent by Ee-ee that was taken the first weekend we were back in BM:
And nicked this picture from Ee-ee's facebook:

Happy Be-Early Birthday to Alan Ku-ku

We'd picked Alan Ku-ku and Nanna from the airport on Saturday from their holiday in Bangkok and Vietnam. After dinner, we had to go home that night. No overnight stay in BM as mummy had some work to do.

I managed to finish my work early on Sunday, so we managed to squeeze in a kai-kai session in Gurney Plaza with Ah Ma while daddy and Ah Kong went for their golf game before we headed back to BM again. After walking till our legs were about to drop in Gurney Plaza, then a round of ice-cream we went to G Hotel to look for Ah Ma and we left to go home for our late lunch. As I was hoping to bake a cake for dinner in BM that night. Kakak helped you with your lunch while I'd wolfed down my lunch so that I could start on the Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake that I got from this nice lady's website. Good thing you were to engrossed with your lunch and cartoon that you didn't insist I waited for you to help me man the mixer. By the time you were done with lunch, I just needed your "help" to mix the chocolate portion of the cake and put the 2 portions into the cake tin.

The cake was put into the oven and off I went to take my shower before Ah Ma got back to drive us to BJCC. When it was ready, I put it out to cool and I even managed to remember the candles. Yup, it was supposed to me for Alan Ku-ku's birthday celebration which falls in September. Since he was leaving on Monday to London, we decided to celebrate his birthday along with his farewell.

The cake turned out disastrous. It sank in the middle and rose quite high on the sides. It's the worst cake I've ever baked so far (I think... ). And that was not the end of it. As the cake was put in the same bag as the candles, the candles melted as the cake was not cooled down enough. Aihhh... a BIG disaster.

Anyhow, we had a yummy simple dinner cooked by Grampy (under Nanna's supervision) followed by some wine (milk for you) and the cake. I'm glad to say everyone said the cake tasted ok, despite the looks. Hehe..

To Alan Ku-ku, Happy Birthday to you! And have a safe trip to London.

A Love Affair

Haiya.. with the bath tub, believe it or not! We were back in BM 2 weekends ago and since the water pressure in Nanna's place is rather low, I filled the bath tub with water so that you could take your bath inside it. And you loved it.

When we left on Monday, you were making a lot of fuss insisting that you wanted to bring back the green bath tub. Managed to snap a few pictures of you enjoying yourself in the tub. You'd usually turn away from the camera, but this time, you willingly posed for me.

That evening, there was no electricity for a while and since it was so hot and (thankfully) the lift was working, you went for a swim with daddy and Ah Kong. While you were swimming, kakak helped me boil water while I filled up your old bath tub. You were so happy when you got back from your swim.

Ever since you've been asking for the bath tub quite regularly. Despite it being so small (smaller than the green one) you were happy just being able to sit in the tub! Maybe we should go look for the rubber stopper (at last) so that you could bathe in our big bath tub...

At The Car Wash

Now how come you slept for more than 2 hours on our way back from Ipoh? Well, you were a busy bee just before we left Ipoh, being Ashley Kor-kor's assistant. Yup, you were busy helping her wash her car.

She'd actually asked if you wanted to help as we were on the way back from brunch. Then it started to drizzle then rain. So what to do? The plans had to be abandoned. Then as we sat in the kitchen chatting with everyone, you looked out the window and asked "Mummy, is it still raining?". I said "No" and you remembered the offer to wash the car, so you promtly said "OK, then we can wash car now". No way Ashley Kor-kor was getting out of that deal.

So the both of you headed out to the garden armed with a wash cloth, soap to wash the car and a pail. And boy did you have fun washing the car, I saw you playing with the water hose too. Managed to capture some pictures with Ashley Kor-kor's camera as you were almost done:

Had to give you another bath again before we left Ipoh as you were all wet and sweaty from the hard work. Ashley Kor-kor says she owes you for helping her out and that you were really working seriously to help her wash her car... Hhhmmmm... what would you like from her?

We were in Ipoh

We spent Saturday and Sunday in Ipoh this weekend. Ah Kong had mentioned after we got back from BM on Monday that Ah Tai was not feeling well, so we'd be going back to Ipoh over the weekend.

So on Saturday, we tried to get up as early as possible as Ah Kong had taunted daddy saying that by the time we're ready, we'll be leaving Penang around noon. Ok, we tried to get up earlier, but we only left at around 9.15a.m., not too bad I'd say. It was raining cats and dogs just as we were leaving and daddy had to fix the car seat in Ah Kong's car. Luckily there was a covered spot for the car to be parked and for us to load the car.

We arrived in Ipoh at around 11.30a.m. and we dropped the things off and said "hi" to Ah Tai before heading out for lunch. Ah Tai was quite happy to see you, surprisingly she could recognise you as she seems to have lost some short term memory and cannot recognise most of us.

You had a lot of Kuey Tiau while we were in Ipoh. Lunch on Saturday was "Kai Si Hor Fun" (shredded chicken noodles) which you finished the whole bowl. Dinner was home cooked food. Then we went out for supper. We went to try our luck with Cowan Street's "Nga Choy Kai" (Bean sprout chicken). Again you had another bowl of noodles in soup. Halfway through your noodles, you said "Mummy, I got ngk-ngk". Yikes.. and there I was thinking it was a good thing that you'd already wee-wee, no need to use the outside toilets!

Well, you finished your "job" and you were both drenched in sweat. Lucky for me daddy volunteered. While you happily continued with the rest of your supper, daddy had somewhat lost his appetite. But in the end, nothing was wasted.

Sunday was brunch in one of our usual haunts whenever we're back in Ipoh. No more kuey tiau for you. In fact you weren't too keen on the Wantan mee either. Instead, you were happy with the 2 half boiled eggs that daddy ordered for you.

We left shortly after lunch and you slept all the way back to Penang.

40 Amazing, Wonderful Years

Yup, that's how long grampy and nanna have been married for. We were back in BM over the weekend as Alan Ku-ku was back, and so was Alex Ku-ku to celebrate this important celebration. It was St Anne's Feast and daddy was worried about the heavy traffic going around BM. Trust Nanna and Grampy to pick such a day to get hitched! Haha...

Anyhow we left for BM after everyone (finally) got ready and headed towards Penang bridge. Nope, no ferry ride that day. We had to stop by Queensbay Mall to pick up some wine from Jusco before crossing over. We had lunch together then you played a while with Alan Ku-ku before I had to bring you up to the room for a nap. Didn't want a grumpy little boy for company during dinner!

Thankfully after a lot of "Why? Why? WHY?" you finally went to sleep after I pretended to fall asleep and ignore your questions. You woke up after a short nap, but in a very good mood.

Soon it was time to go out for dinner. Mummy had booked a place in Starview Restaurant in Prai. Dinner was nice, and daddy took a few shots.

After dinner, we headed home and since everyone was all dressed up daddy set up his tripod and took a family picture. Only one missing were Alex Ku-ku and Rui Fang Che-che as he was over at her house after dinner so that they could both come over. But they were too late. In fact, even Chelsea was in the picture. Can you spot her?

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY TO NANNA & GRAMPY!

Welcome Back

We spent the whole weekend, including Monday in BM. How come? Because Alan Ku-ku (or as Nanna insist on you calling him "Tua Ku") was back for holidays after living in US for over 2 years. Surprisingly you were very happy and willing to play with Alan Ku-ku. Of course, he was very obliging in your requests. Then again, there were times when he dreamed away (he's a dreamer!) while playing with you half way.

The weekend was spent with a wonderful dinner (will blog about it later), yummy poh piah made by grampy and nanna on Sunday and a lot of time just gossiping with everyone in the family.

Daddy tried to take many shots, but this looks like the most decent of the lot with you looking at the camera (almost anyway...).

Ku-ku will be back until the 11 of August before he flies off to London to start his new job. I'm sure we should be able to squeeze in another trip back to BM before he goes off.

Oh Wow!

We reached home a little later on Monday evening as we had to stop by Gurney Plaza to pick up something for Sue Kor-kor. Since we were a little late, our big boss (you-la!) called to check on where we were. Mummy had to call Ah Ma to tell her to start dinner without us, since we were already on the way back. I tried to tell you to pass the message to Ah Ma, but knowing you.. no message would be passed (and you didn't!).

The moment we walked into the house, you were already seated at your high chair eating dinner. And the first thing you said to us was "I can cyker too".

What? What? What did you say? Daddy and I could not figure out what you were trying to tell us so excitedly. Then Ah Kong explained that you managed to cycle through, making a full circle. Unlike what you've been doing since you started to cycle. Good job, little guy. You did it. And you were so proud of yourself, you kept telling us your achievement.

In fact you called me again yesterday to tell me that you managed to cycle through again. Ah Kong said you're getting better at it and it's become natural for you to make a few full circles. Yay!

Congratulations

This few months seem to be filled with joyous celebrations. Saturday was another day. Ah Ma left early to join them and we met up with the Phuah family as well as the Teoh family at The Brasserie for a semi-buffet lunch to celebrate Uncle Sin Tien and Aunty Ean Na registering their marriage.

As expected I had to pry you from in front of the TV to give you a shower. After that you parked yourself in front of the TV again watching the new series Special Agent OSO. We had to have a round of negotiation (Even a "We'll leave you behind if you don't want to go" couldn't budge you!) and finally came to an agreement where you got to finish the show then had to turn off the TV. No more movies after that. Good thing we arrived on time. Family were starting to arrive and be seated before the VIP arrived. In fact they were already there, only they were having their pictures taken.

You had a good time feeding yourself the soup. It was pumpkin soup and you had a little bit from the second round too. You were given a children's meal and we picked your favourite chicken nuggets with chippies. As expected you ate more of the chippies than chicken. Dessert for you was jelly (I had to dig out all the fruits inside!) and marshmallow with chocolate fondant. You were so interested in dipping your marshmallow inside, and so were your cousins.

We left after a round of family pictures. It sure wasn't easy to take a picture of the entire family, but certainly not as difficult as the Ban family pictures!

Could not find a recent picture of the new couple. This was taken during Annabelle's birthday party last year. Congratulations to Ean Na and Sin Tien.

Phone Calls

I have been receiving phone calls from you quite often recently. I guess with Ah Kong at home with you, you cannot call him at work anymore, so daddy and I are next on the list. You'd usually call me (with Ah Ma or Ah Kong's help) first. And if I don't pick up the phone, daddy's next. And if that happens daddy gets a "Daddy, where's mummy? How come she din pick up her phone?".... Big boss!

Recently you'd call me around 5.30p.m. to say this:

Mummy: Hello..

Evan: Umm... mummy.

Mummy: Yes Evan?

Evan: Why are you not back yet?

Mummy: I'm on my way back now.

Evan: Ok, bye. See you nater (later).

And hang up before I can say anything else!

This was what you told me this morning, shortly after I arrived at work:

Evan: Ummm... mummy.

Mummy: Yes Evan?

Evan: Why are you working today?

Mummy: Er.. because it's Thursday...

Evan: When are you coming back?

Mummy : After work ok?

I sure felt like going back home right after the conversation. Sigh.. I know I said somedays you just make me want to pull out my hair. But then you still know what to say or do to make us just love you more.

Other than mummy or daddy, you also call other people. You know the speed dial on my phone belongs to whom. There are days when you'll want to call Nanna or Ee-ee and the moment I unlock the phone (thank goodness you don't know how to do that... yet!), you'd call them just to say "Hi Nanna, how are you?" then don't really listen to their response and hang up the phone after that!

Mr Smarty Pants

There are things that you tell me that makes me either want to pull my hair or roll on the floor laughing. Here's some conversations that we had recently:

While giving you a shower, you'll always want to put some of your liquid soap mixed with water for your rubber duckie:

Mummy: Evan, don't waste my soap

Evan: It's not yours, it's MY soap!

While watching your Sesame Street VCD.

Evan: I dowan to watch this

Mummy: Then you go change to your other VCD

Evan (Pulling my hair towards the DVD player): You change it mummy!

Mummy: No.. YOU change it

Evan (Mimicking my tone): YOU change it!

You do pick up what we say very quickly. I used to (or still do?) have a habit of saying "Do you want that to happen?". So nowdays this is what you get:

Mummy: Evan, if you don't stand properly you will fall down. Do you want that to happen?

Evan: I dowan that.

Now I don't even have to ask the question, I will get a "I dowan that". And recently I have noticed a change in your response.

Trying to peel you away from the TV to take a bath:

Mummy: Evan, let's go. Take a bath otherwise the school will close and we won't get to go to school!

Evan: I want that!

Just to escape from having a haircut:

Mummy: Quickly finish your lunch. Otherwise Uncle Austin's shop will be closed and you won't be able to get a haircut.

Evan: I want that.

Argghh... I want to pull out my hair!

Going to School

It's time for you to go to school. Ching Ern's mummy had kindly lent me a great book to help prepare you to go to school. That's a wonderful book and you love reading it at night. I hope this is enough to prep you for going to school WITHOUT mummy or daddy. (I've already reminded you MANY times that we won't be going to school with you).

We've been to look at a school which was the one daddy went to (yup.. it's THAT old!). And we were quite happy after talking to the principal. We thought we'd look at other schools too. We brought you to another school for a trial class, but you (and us too) weren't too keen on the classes. So that was scrapped.

We stopped looking for a while as we didn't know when we'll be moving back to Ah Kong's house. Now that the house is almost ready, we have to start looking again. Since yesterday was a replacement holiday for us, we headed to daddy's old school for you to try it out.

Of course by the time we woke up, had breakfast, drag you away from TV, give you a bath it was already 10.00a.m.! We arrived at the school at around 10.30a.m. and the children were just finishing break time. Ok, I reckon our timing wasn't too bad since the first class after break was singing. Being the shy you, you refused to sit on the floor with the other children. Then came numbers and followed by story time. Every time the teacher invited you to sit with the children, you refused. Sometimes halfway through the class you'd wander out looking for some toys to play with. Daddy or I had to bring you back to join the class.

After school, I chatted with the principal while you played around with daddy. We had lunch and a haircut before heading home.

Here's our conversation that night before going to sleep:

Mummy: Did you like that school?

Evan: Hhmmm... School is too far.

Mummy: Do you want to go to that school?

Evan: No.

Mummy (Worried): Why not?

Evan: The floor is too dirty!

I do recall you telling me that you needed to wash your feet halfway through class that morning. Aikkks.... Looks like your cleanliness obsession is very apparent!

So have we decided on that school? Well, we're thinking of looking around and see what other options there are before finally deciding on one. After all, we've probably got more than a month before we make that move.

The Weekend Has Started

Yup, as Saturday is a public holiday, we get Monday off as a replacement holiday. And since we have 2 days of leave to clear for this month, daddy and I decided to take today off also. So what did we do. I was hoping for a lazy morning, but you woke up at your usual time, a little past 8a.m.. Sigh.. so after a while we went outside for breakfast while daddy slept on. Later on daddy woke up to join us and he had to dial into work for a quick meeting.

After that, we all got ready and off we went. I was hoping to eat lunch at the Bangkok Lane coffee shop, but it was closed! So we headed to Gurney Plaza for lunch and a little retail therapy. Halfway through your sandals gave way. Daddy had to carry you while we got the cobbler to fix your sandals. In the meantime, daddy's arms were about to give way so we headed to Parkson to buy you a new pair of sandals. They sure have a "wide" variety of sandals. In the end, we decided to buy you a new pair of shoes seeing your old pair is getting tighter and (hopefully) you'll be starting school soon.

After an hour, we headed to the basement where the cobbler is located and did a little shopping in Cold Storage before picking up your sandals. Boy, he sure has good business. We had to wait a while more before your sandals were ready. Before we left you insisted on a donut. Ok, we bought your donut, paid for the parking and home we headed. It was already 4p.m. by then. Way pass your nap time.

Went home and you insisted on eating your donut before napping. You turned on the TV and that was the end of your nap. The person taking a nap in the end was me! Hehe.. yup, I dozed off while you watched Tigger & Pooh, Higgly Town Heroes and woke up in the middle of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

I went for a swim without you today. You'd been telling me that you wanted to go swimming for the whole week, but now that we could go, you decided that you wanted to watch Pocoyo! Sigh.. the allure of TV is stronger than swimming.

After dinner we watched a little TV before I finally got you to go to the room. It was close to 10p.m. before lights were out and you had a lot to say still before finally dozing off.

What a busy day we had and I'm so happy that I've got another 3 days off to spend with you still...

Sleep Deprived

I feel so groggy and drowsy and I type this post. And I also feel really jealous as I know you are fast asleep on my bed now too! Ah Ma called to tell me that after you got back from lunch (you went out for lunch with Ah Kong and Ah Ma) you went into the room, telling Ah Ma that you were really tired and by 2.30p.m. you'd already fallen asleep.

So how come you napped so early AND willingly today? It's because you woke up very early. I think around 6.35a.m.. Don't know why you woke up so early. I tried to ignore you, but you decided to sleep on me and when my alarm clock rang, you jumped right out of your skin (yup, it's really loud). And the moment you realised that I was awake, I got a "Morning mummy" followed by "I want to bathe now". At 7a.m.!

So I was super busy this morning, giving you a bath, getting ready myself, making and feeding you breakfast, eating my own breakfast. Good thing when I left this morning, you were already in a good mood, so you happily said "Bye" and gave a big hug to both of us and let us go to work with no fuss.

Oh, how I wish I was back home, taking a nap in my bed too.... Sigh.

Dinner with Friends

A few friends at work had planned to gather for dinner for a while. Everytime we come up with a day, something happens that caused the plan to be postponed. At long last, we managed to have our buffet dinner gathering yesterday at E&O Hotel's Sarkies Corner.

Daddy had a meeting that ended late and luckily Ah Ma had helped me to bathe and dress you and so you were ready and waiting for me when I reached home. Down we headed to the car where daddy was waiting for us. We arrived a little later than everyone else. Jing Ee and Brettany were already enjoying their dinner. You were given the "Chairman's" seat at the head of the table with a very large high chair. It was too high and so we had to get it changed for you. So after settling down, you started to enjoy dinner. You ate sausages, wedges, pasta, prawn crackers, poppadoms and prawn fritters.

After that you had to er.. make a "deposit" and we continued with desserts. What did you want? Ice-cream, of course. You specifically wanted the pink one and also wanted me to add hundreds and thousands to your ice-cream. Halfway through your ice-cream, you told me that you'd finished the hundreds and thousands and asked for more. So we added that and also raisins.

Aunty Asher tried to take some pictures (taking pictures of 3 kiddies is no simple task).

With Jing Ee

And before we left, the chef even gave the 3 of you lollipops. Before everyone went home, we managed to get a group photo (almost anyway).

I noticed that you were not too keen on playing with the other kids. I was not even allowed to hold other children (uh oh!!). But before we left you warmed up (too late) and gave Jing Ee a kiss and hug before we got into daddy's car.

Mr. Clean

Ee-ee mentioned to me that the last time we were back in BM you seemed to be very particular on cleanliness. She's brought you out to feed Grampy's fish. So some fish feed were put in your hands and immediately after throwing the food into the pond, you insisted that you wanted to wash your hands!

This cleanliness obsession is very apparent. A little bit of water on your shirt and you insist on changing. You need to wash your hands after touching anything that is a little messy. Right after you come back from cycling you'll insist on taking a bath immediately.

So what happened when we wanted to go swimming yesterday? Swimming has been something that we all look forward to when the weekend comes. Daddy and Ah Kong were off for an afternoon round of golf. So it was just the two of us. Kakak told me that there were some leaves in the pool, but I gave it little thought as we headed to the pool yesterday evening. Ah Ma had also mentioned that it was very windy the night before.

But the sight that met us in the pool... Sigh.. as the wind blew the leaves all got stuck to the corners of the pool. The wading pool (which we don't use) was full of leaves. The moment you notices the leaves... you stopped dead in your tracks and refused to budge. Any amount of persuasion could not get you to jump into the pool. There was one corner which had fewer leaves, but NO.. you refused to swim. What to do? We had to take an about turn and went upstairs again, abandoning our plans.

Too many leaves in the pool ruined our plans. Actually come to think of it, the pool wasn't too clean since there was some debris that blew in from the construction next door.

Then again, I guess there is nothing wrong with preferring to be clean. So there will be less chance of me seeing you all covered in dirt.. unlike someone I know.