Go Away You, Haze

Even before the haze is actually visible, you are both showing symptoms caused by the haze.  Ko-ko started coughing and some mornings woke up with a bad sore throat. Mei-mei started with watery eyes and now runny nose too.
Hope the haze goes away soon and you'll both quickly recover. Muakkss.

Chatterbox Evelyn

Left you home with daddy while I went for replacement music classes with Ko-ko. Daddy said you decided to have a lengthy conversation with him:

This is the first time we hear you talking like that. I'm telling daddy that you are trying to call him. Right? So make sure when you wake up in the middle of the night or when you do a poo poo call da-da-da-da-da, ok?

Poo Spa for Evelyn

You were asleep as I was doing some work. When you woke up you were contented to play in the cot so I continued on my computer. Then it smelled like you had done a poo. But I continued to work.

The next time I looked up you seemed to be covered in carrots. At first I thought that you had vomited.  The upon closer inspection... OH MY GOODNESS!!! You were covered in poo... not just you, but the baby cot, cot sheet, mosquito netting and I don't know what else...

I had to put down my notebook, call Kakak to help clear up and carried you upstairs to wash up.

As you were covered from head to toe with poo, I could not put you into your bath tub. So I had to put you on the shower floor and wash off your poo using the shower. Thank goodness you were a good girl and sat still while I washed the poo plus carrots from your body. You did not even fuss when I got water on your face.

Phew.. what a way to start the day.  Certainly put me off carrots for a while!

On hindsight, I should have stopped to take a picture first. Hehe.. maybe this was your secret to your baby soft skin.. POO SPA!

Evelyn Had A Fall

It was in the middle of the morning and I had fallen sleep when suddenly I felt you slip out of my arms. And before I could react, you were on the floor and crying.

Picked you up and you calmed down quite quickly. I thought that you seemed OK. But then when I turned on the light, I saw that you had knocked yourself on the corner of my bedside table. Sigh.. another bruise? Thank goodness daddy got up and brought up some ice. So mummy put the ice on your cheekbone and then went back to sleep.

The next morning, you seemed perfectly fine, except for a little cut on the cheekbone. But now.. it is all healed. Phew..

Reminder to self: Do not sleep on the job :(

Our Day at the Beach with Evan

Daddy and I wanted to do something seeing that you were on holidays. So this week we went around looking and buying the things we needed for the surprise we had in mind for you. Instead it looked like we were in for a bigger surprise. When daddy told you about our plans to bring you to the beach we got these responses from you:

It's so hot...

So boring in the beach

Try as we could we could not persuade you to go. That night daddy tried again.  It seems you had some things about the beach which worried you:

Are there sharks?

Are there jelly fish?

Not sure what daddy told you but he finally managed to convince you to go. So early this morning mummy woke up to make the egg sandwiches from the eggs kakak had already boiled for me.

When everyone was finally ready, we loaded the car and off we went... to buy fried noodles before heading to Pantai Pasir Panjang in Balik Pulau.

We arrived just before 10.30 am and we walked along the rather secluded beach until we found a nice shady spot. Had some of our noodles before daddy moved us to another spot as the earlier one seemed rather close to the water.

After slathering some sun block you headed to the sea with daddy. It was so nice to hear you squeal in delight as the waves crashed into you. 

Halfway daddy spotted a jellyfish which got you really worried. It was already dead but then after that you made sure to avoid the spot which it was last seen.

Daddy took a walk along the beach while we both continued to play in the sand and sea.

After two hours, it was time to head home. Daddy saw that the tide was coming in and he was worried that we might not be able to get back to the car. So we quickly packed up, rinsed off the sea water, changed and headed back to the car.

At the car we had a larger bottle of water. So we got to rinse more and then got into the car and headed home. Before that though, we made a quick stop to buy durians seeing we were in Balik Pulau. We came prepared with a large container and cling wrap to ensure that daddy's precious car does not smell of the durians. We were too full from the noodles, sandwiches and drinks so no chance for laksa. Perhaps next time, when we come we could come with more people so that you have more company to play with.

Bye Bye, Evelyn's Fever

We were instructed to feed you the paracetamol until Friday morning, but on Friday morning you were still warm. So I had to give you a few more doses. On Saturday, you woke up with runny nose and a cough. Sigh.. Apparently it was to be expected.

We spent the weekend in Batu Ferringhi and you had trouble sleeping. But when we left you with Ah Ma while Ko-ko went to Adventure Zone, you spelt for most of the 2 hours. And then woke up feeling very cheerful.

Sadly the cough and cold would not go away. So Monday morning, we went to see Dr. Mary again. More medicine has to be given and until yesterday, you seemed to be getting better. Your appetite was not very good after the fever but seemed to be better since Wednesday again. Hope it all goes away soon.

Get better little girl..

Evelyn's First Fever Scare

Mummy and daddy were at work when Ah Ma called to say you felt warm. It's a good thing Ko-ko was home and he knew how to operate the thermometer. You were having a fever over 38 degrees. I told Ah Ma we'd be back. Called the hospital and they told me to bring you in. Waited for daddy and Ah Ma kept calling, getting more and more anxious as you seemed to be burning up.

Finally we left and quickly went home to pick you up. Went to the hospital and after your weight, size and temperature were taken we went to wait for our turn to see Dr. Mary.

While waiting to see the doctor, we saw her nurse who asked why we were there. We'd just been to the hospital the night before with Ko-ko for his follow up. Then another nurse called you and you were given a suppository to quickly bring down your fever which was measured at 38.7 degrees.

Then we saw Dr. Mary. Everything was checked, she told us what to do and we went home after picking up the medicine.
As expected, feeding you was a breeze.. NOT! Sigh.. it took a lot of screaming (from you) and us performing a series of complicated actions (holding a struggling little girl, opening the mouth and pumping the medicine from the syringe) to feed you. Haha..
Hope your fever goes away soon!

Evelyn's Black Eye

I was just starting my usual morning mad rush when Ko-ko came to me and said that you were awake. Feeling suspicious I asked if he'd woken you up as you were fast asleep less than 5 minutes before. Giving me a guilty grin he said "yes". So I told him to keep you entertained while I got ready.

After finally getting everything ready, I headed up and saw Ko-ko playing with you: him outside the cot and you standing inside the cot laughing. Then only did I realise you had one big and one small eye! Oh no.. you'd fallen in the baby cot. Just like your Ko-ko did when he was young.

The eye was swollen. Not really black yet.. So I quickly carried you down and tried to apply some ice in a towel to the eye. Of course you would not allow me to do so. No tears, but you kept pulling at the towel.

Later this evening when we got back Ah Ma wondered aloud as to whether the fall had its effect on you as you seemed very tired the whole day. Made poor daddy panic.

But no.. there was nothing wrong with you. Look at this picture daddy took, you were almost better. Just a little bruised.

Muakkss.. muakks.. poor little baby.

Evelyn the Bully

You somehow have this obsession with hair. Even your ko-ko's hair is not spared. And the funny thing is when you pull his hair you will shout like you are enjoying yourself. Your ko-ko loves you so much that he allows you to play with his hair although it is sometimes painful when you pull:

Penang International Science Fair with Evan

As our company was the main organisers for this year's Penang International Science Fair, we were given an opportunity to pre-register our children. A lucky thing that you were the right age for the minimum age to participate. So I signed up for the Sunday session. We woke up really early and Ah Kong dropped us in Straits Quay. We got your tag and goodies bag along with some snacks which were provided and then went up to the convention centre to wait for the time to go in. Here you are, waiting to enter. You were pre-registered for the Lego Robotics session.

Parents were not allowed to go in. But lucky for me, a friend was volunteering that day, so she managed to get these pictures of you along working on the robot with the volunteer.

While you were building robots, I went down to look around and see what else there was at the science fair. When the hour was up, I went back up to collect you. It was well arranged where I had the other portion of your tag which both had my phone number. The volunteer would only match both numbers before letting you go off with me. We went to the other side of the convention centre and of course you got excited when you saw the Lego's set up by Legoland which had a booth there:

Took me a while to convince you to leave. Why it is that you've got lots of Lego at home and yet you need to play with other people's Lego??!!
Here is another booth which you were playing with another child. I have no idea what it was supposed to be:

Then we went down where Agilent was one of the sponsors and were having some games. All you need is to get your "passport" then go to the 4 stations to play the games, then get your passport stamped for the corresponding game.  

After the first game, we had to leave as we had bought tickets for the astrodome. The astrodone was an interesting experience. I think you loved it.
We went back down to continue with the other 3 games. Daddy had already finished his golf game and was on the way to pick us up. But since you were not done yet (due to the very LARGE crowd), he parked his car and waited till you finished.

Here you are trying out the last 3 games:

When you finished and got all 4 pages of your passport stamped, you collected your gift which was a little bottle with Agilent logo and we headed home. Only half a day, but it was fun. I enjoyed this time spent together just with you. I hope you did too.

My Love Notes from Evan

When you started school this year I had asked if you wanted me to have your recess snack ordered from the counter. But you had told me that you didn't want it. You wanted to bring your own food from home. So on top of packing your little container with your box milk or Milo along with a selection of biscuits, I would also add a little note for you.

One night, you asked me where I kept the "sticky yellow paper" and when I showed you, you asked if you could have a piece. You also wanted to write me a little note. These are a few of the notes you had written to me:

My heart melts when I see this message with so many hearts. I love you too darling.

Evelyn's First Solids

At 6 months and 9 days, we introduced solids to you. We had wanted to do so earlier but were very busy the past 2 weekends. So today we went home during our lunch time to feed you the solids.

When we got back we were a little disappointed to find that you were asleep. But as I was cooking instant noodles for our lunch, you woke up. So daddy quickly washed and sterilised all the "equipment" that I had bought in preparation for your new adventure in solids.

So what first food did you eat? This organic rice cereal which daddy bought when he was in Singapore. We were worried that we may have problems finding the rice cereal which we wanted as I heard that it was very popular and always out of stock. So the pantry is all stocked with your cereals *grin*

Mummy had bought a new set of everything for you. Here's your rice cereal all mixed and ready for you. I mixed a little too much for you for a first meal. It was one spoonful of cereal and 1oz of milk.

OK, everything is ready and you are seated on the high chair all strapped in and wearing your bib. Everyone stood around watching in anticipation of you taking your first solids. Ko-ko, Ah Kong, Ah Ma, Kakak and daddy with his camera as I got ready to feed you.

When I showed you the spoon, you refused to open your mouth. It was a surprise as daddy had been tempting you with his spoon and everytime you'd open your mouth, hoping for a little taste. Perhaps you thought that mummy was also only tempting you with food. Finally after much persuasion you opened your mouth. As expected you did not know how to push the food to the back of your mouth to swallow. But after a few tries.. yay you did it. And you sure looked like you loved it. Don't believe me? This picture says it all:

See.. I told you Evan Ko-ko was also as excited as you about you eating solids. He had changed into his school uniform and watched and encouraged you as you ate your solids.

Yup, you certainly enjoyed it.

Halfway through your meal, Ko-ko had to go off. He was very understanding that mummy was feeding you so he only requested that daddy waved goodbye to him as he headed off to school with Ah Kong and Ah Ma. Here's Ko-ko cheerfully waving goodbye to daddy:

Daddy got back to the house after and took a picture of your icky little mouth:

You took around 15 minutes or so to finish up your rice cereal mixture and mummy gave you some water after that. So ends your first adventure with food. Another milestone for our little baby girl. Oh how time flies..

Happy Birthday To Our Darling Evan

I knew it was coming but I still feel all soppy to think that my little guy turns 7. I woke up this morning with the intention to make the little flag which you like to add to your breakfast. But as I was picking out the things I needed from my craft drawer (in the darkness as daddy and Evelyn were still sleeping) I heard you opening your room door. Thank goodness you were still in your sleepy mode. So I quickly told you to continue sleeping on my bed and picked up what I needed and went to the bathroom, locked the door and made this simple flag for you. 

Got ready and dressed then went downstairs to get breakfast for you, me and daddy. 

So here you go, a special breakfast for my special little boy on his special day: 

Got you to pose with your breakfast. Still having your sleepy face:

Happy Birthday darling. May you be blessed with all the good things there are in the world. We love you loads. (Angu-gu from Evelyn)

*Muakksss*

Spending the Day with Evan and Evelyn

It is the first day of the school holidays for you and the morning was spent in Adventist Hospital. You both had appointments to see Dr Mary. Evelyn had her 2 injections and Rotavirus to take while it was time for Dr Mary to review your never ending cough.

We missed the appointment as both daddy and I were very tired from Evelyn's restless night. So we had a rather lengthy wait before it was our turn. As it was already quite late, we decided to pick up Evan's medicine later on.

We headed to the next stop, Adventure Zone. Yup, we're there again. A little birthday treat for you.

 

As it was lunch time, we decided to have lunch there. Mummy also decided to have a "coffee bath". Sigh.. spilled the whole cup of coffee on myself. Lunch was pizza and a club sandwich. You barely ate as you just wanted to spend time on the slides. As for Evelyn, you just enjoyed yourself watching the crowd and then fell asleep.

Evan's 7th Birthday Party

As usual your birthday was planned for the weekend. You had wanted an "Italian night" party, but since some guests could not take cheese, we opted for option #2, barbecue. The days leading to the party was madness. Daddy and I had to make trips to Cold Storage, Tesco and Jusco to buy the things needed. Ah Ma also was busy preparing the things for the barbecue.

Here's the picture of my little birthday boy:

While waiting for the food to be ready, you played with your cousins. Abigail was a little unhappy in this picture as she was losing in the game.

Here's chef daddy preparing the barbecue chicken:

Everyone sitting everywhere in the house, eating, chatting and laughing. I love the easy-going pace when we have parties at home. Less stressful. Even Evelyn was good about it. She got to take naps in between in her own comfy baby cot.

This of course is the "kiddy table". You picked the cups and plates for the party this year.

I love it that you're so excited that we're celebrating your birthday. Look at your excited face when it's time for the cake and song:

Isn't the little jelly car cute?

And finally.. opening the presents...

Happiness when you saw all the toys picked for you:

Our guests also went home with a little picture of you:

Reunion Finale with the Phuah's

The weekend was a celebration with the Phuah's. As usual Ah Ma cooked up a storm. Strangely I forgot to take a picture of the food.. Hmmm.. There was a special "menu" for the children too. You enjoyed your dinner and most of you even went for seconds. After that, it was play time for the children. Here are the 3 of you posing with the many guns you have. Ian is not in the picture.. he must have ran off to play with the other toys.

 Loved this picture of Boh-boh Poh, your two Tou-tou's and Ah Ma:

That evening, we were treated to coffee by our personal barista, daddy. Yummy coffee made from the new coffee machine:

On top of that, we had healthy dessert of ice-cream made from frozen fruits. Uncle Sin Tien brought his newly bought machine to make the ice-cream for us. Yummy..

As a surprise, we had a cake to celebrate Aunty Ean Na's birthday too. Here are you kids all excited to blow our the candle.. even before we started to sing the birthday song!

And once you've all helped yourselves to a piece of the chocolate decorating the cake, you all ran off to continue playing.

That's the last of the Chinese New Year celebrations for this year.

Chinese New Year in Ipoh

That morning we woke up at a leasurely pace as we were not having the lion dance this year. So we slowly woke up, had breakfast, did the usual round of giving and receiving ang pow. While chatting and hanging around, we also spend some time to take pictures.

 Daddy and Evelyn

 Our first family picture.

 Love this shot of the two of you

 The both of you with Ah Kong and Ah Ma

 All of us in one picture. Took this picture using tripod and timer. Turned out well.

Soon it was lunch time. As usual lunch was mee suah soup with fried egg. Yummy. 

The only picture we had of dinner was this of everyone doing the "lou sang".

Happy Chinese New Year