Fireworks @ Fullerton

Samuel always wanted to watch fireworks. But the loud bangs scared the hell out of him and he went hiding in the building with Daddy. I end up watching them by myself. It’s beautiful although it looks like the sky might be polluted with all these.

And the Pelican boil is quite good at The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill. Samuel was attacking at the lobster and crab for the whole night. I have nothing to complain, this means I could take all the time I want to slowly break down the crab and sip my wine.

Our date nights are returning… 🙂

The farm tours

Our typical Sundays are usually spent in churches. But since there is no Sunday school this week, we brought Samuel out.

I wanted to make sure it is an educational trip so I decided on farm tour. We started off with the Weekend Farm near Choa Chu Kang. My mum and helper were thrilled to see a large variety of vegetables, fruits and other dry groceries. They happily went off to their shopping while we explored the place with Samuel.

I actually wasn’t expecting to see Koi fishes, Goat, Birds, Veggie farms all in one place. Obviously Samuel was happy. He even pointed out which are the vegetables he liked. Although it would have been better if there is some arranged tour to learn about farming, but guess he is too young for that.

Next, Longkang fishing at Quanhu Fish Farm. I tried to hold Samuel’s hand to guide him in fishing Longkang (literally ‘drain’ fish), kneeling down but he could not reach the pond. I got too engrossed in my fishing attempts and he almost fell into the pond. After which, he refused to do the fishing. Oops…

Once you start, you want to make sure you get some good catch. Longkang fishing is not as easy as it looks. The fishes are tiny and they are used to darting from all directions. Occasionally they even jumped out of the pond when trying hard to escape. You need to be really quick. Everyone was determined to catch as many fishes as possible; fierce competition especially between the Daddy and Mummy. I think the adults have more fun than Samuel. We paid $6 for this half hour session and brought home a small, plastic fish tank with our catch.

The morning ends at Farmart where we have our lunch. We played a game or two at the mini arcade, explore the Farmart area and soon it was time to set home for Samuel’s afternoon nap.

First movie with Cousin Sophia

The pair at Camp Asia

Last Saturday was your first movie going with Cousin Sophia. The two of you is like partner in crime. I can totally see the reason why your teacher preferred to keep two of you separated. One scream, the other follow with a yell. You guys were fidgeting at one point, I was getting worried. Imagine 2 monkeys attacking the popcorn bag nonstop, there were popcorns everywhere. Next, you took off to the steps and Cousin Sophia went along. Still, as long as you guys are not making noise. I’m fine for you to sit anywhere. Having the two of you in an enclosed space like in a car can be overwhelming. I cannot imagine having another pair in 3-6 months’ time. I supposed when you run out this time of the restaurant, there were 3 other followers. 🙂 But I was happy we finally see the movie, ‘How to train your Dragon 2’ before they pulled this off the theatres. It feels strange watching these with you. Daddy and I seen the first one during our dating days. And now you are there with us to watch the sequel.

Experiencing snow

Last December, we were away in Europe for almost a month. Since then you have been asking me when can we go visit Switzerland and telling me how much you love travelling.

Lucky for us, you travelled really well. We had to sit through many long coach rides to get to different parts of the countries. It amazed me how you just go on the bus each time to nap, regardless the time of the day. To my relief, you did not scream out of boredom or for bathrooms even I feel some of these journeys were too lengthy for an adult. And when it’s time for the pit stops, you visited the bathrooms as if you were expecting them. We have a lot of fun peeling and putting back layers of clothes just to get you to the bathrooms, all within the 15 mins pit stops!

Although looking back, I wish I’ve brought along your pram. At least we won’t have all the body-aches carrying you and travel backpacks. Despite your sensitive lungs and allergies, we managed to survive through this winter holiday. I think clearly air back home is just not as good.

We have so much fun chasing after doves, pigeons, making snowballs, eating ice cream on snow mountains, shivering together. We had a lot of ‘first times’ together, even celebrated your 3rd birthday on Jungfraujoch/Top of Europe. I learnt that you could survive on any food if there is not an option. I think you learnt the word ‘cold’ in this trip. And that snow is something we do not have back home in Singapore. The world is different and that you need to explore to know. That’s what I wanted you to understand.

I hope you will always remember our winter 2013 Europe trip as you grow up. It’s your first experience with Snow. And I would definitely love to bring you to more winter trips.

 

Do you know I love you?

I sneaked out while Sam is sleeping today. It was nice to walk the street by myself, watching the christmas lights while having a yogurt. I missed these times. With a kid in hand, you can forget about peace and you are particularly in battle mood at all times. Every attempt to duck the christmas crowd is a challenge.

My phone started vibrating. That’s when I noticed 3 missed calls and a recorded message on whatsapp. The recording was from Samuel (via my mum).

“Mummy! Where are you! Mummy! Where are you!”, he chants. Uh oh! I forgot to inform the ‘boss’ the I’m going out tonight. I thought to myself while making the return call. My mum picked up, couple of knocking sounds and I hear baby talk. Samuel has been in and out of this ‘i’m a baby’ mood, he gabbled on with “Mama mimi Mama mimi..”. I told him since I’m not able to understand him, I’m going to hang on.

“Mama, do you know I love you very much. Very, very, very, very much…”. I went all mushy, mooshy. I responded with a weak ok. And he continued to chant. So I explained that I will be home soon. He refused to hang up. Finally I acknowledged him by saying that mummy loves him too. That’s when the happy boy finally sweetly said, “ok, bye..”

Some traits

I am happy that we are almost over the ‘naughty two’ (frustrated) period that he couldn’t talk to express what he wants. Now that Samuel could talk a lot more, I learnt so much more about him.  It is these moments that make me feel happy that whatever efforts we have put into parenting is worth it.

Sweet talk

One day at Ikea, he hides in the children’s house and refused to come out. So I asked if he would like to come back home with Mama. His reply almost brought tears to my eyes: “Mama, I want to go home with Mama because I want to wake up every morning and see Mama.”

Yesterday, grandma cuts his nails. When asked if he’s comfortable with his nails, he replied with “I love you, Grandma!”

Potential Foodie?

Whenever we fetch him from school, barely 5 sec into his baby seat. He would ask: “What do we have for food?”.  My mum even told me that he sometimes placed his order before he set off to school. “Grandma, I want to have corn later.”

Outspoken

My dad came to fetch me from my facial appointment, along with Samuel. I hopped on the car, not knowing he was in the back seat. And I hear a voice, “What are you doing here?” I turned and saw my tot giving me a puzzled look. I was still thinking of how to explain to him when I hear him respond with “Must be come out to Orchard and eat without me.” We bursted into laughter.

Systematic

In the past, whenever I asked him to clean up, I noticed he doesn’t get to it. And I used to think he’s ignoring me. Now that he could talk, “Mama, I am still playing. I want to keep the puzzles first before I keep the books. And Mama, I want you play puzzles first.”

Cheeky

“Mama, I want to watch fireman sam one time before sleep.” And when the show ends, he tap onto another movie on my tablet. When I gave him the ‘not approving’ grunt, he laughed and close the tablet cover instead.  That’s when I realised he was pulling my leg after all. 🙂

Negotiation

Samuel asked for a hug and while toying with my necklace, he asked sweetly “Mama, I want to go for a walk. I want to bring my milk and drink it as I walk. When I go for a walk, I will be tired later and then I can sleep.”

Siblings?

Back in May 2013, I started a draft blog about how Samuel prefers to have a sibling.

And this is what I wrote.

Last weekend, I asked Samuel “Do you want a Didi (弟弟 little brother) or Meimei (妹妹 little sister)? He replied without hesitation, ‘Meimei’.

Maybe he is parroting my words or maybe he associated play mate with ‘Meimei’ becoz of his cousin Sophia. In any case, I don’t think Samuel looks like he can be the only child sort.

Soon after, I got pregnant. I tried to make sure that Samuel is ready for a sibling. So I popped the same question again. When I asked him, I wasn’t even sure it’s going to be a girl yet. And he says…

Mama, when you have a baby. I will look after your baby. And you can look after me. Also, MeiMei would use my scooter while I cycle and baby Didi would still be in the stroller.

It seems he knew it’s a girl before us? Obviously, this vision of his is stuck in my head. Is this the 6th sense?

2013 Mother’s Day Celebrations

Samuel wishes me Happy Mother’s day happily a few times, clapping his hands each time. He probably thought it’s some sort of birthday for me.

There were three twos. One, we had 2 celebrations, one with my mum in Gardens by the bay and another with a Mother’s Day concert in Botanic gardens. Two, 2 days in a row we did picnic on the grass. One in garden by the bay watching the light show with symphony of popular hits like Lady Gaga and another in the botanic garden to Classical symphony by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Three, we went to Gardens by the bay on 2 trips in a day. 🙂

On Saturday, we hit home for Sam’s nap-time as usual. Daddy saw the photos and decided he wants to check out the flower dome. So we head back – Anyway my mum and myself wanted another funky memorabilia. So the family hurried down but the queue was too long and they were closing the photo booth so only my mum and myself dashed in and fortunately managed to do another shot before the photo booth closed. (Actually they were closing and my mum coaxed and begged them to let have another shot ;)) Check out these funky shots. For each round, we were given four attempts to put on different hairdos while the booth has this automatic countdown timer.

Later that night, we stayed on to watch the light shows. Originally the plan was to eat at the restaurant in the Gardens, but the queue was too long. So we bought the food and had it sitting on the grass. Samuel was reluctant to come in and join us sitting on the grass. I think my dad taught him to be too clean. Haha!

It was nice watching the stars, taking a night walk through the garden to Marina Bay Sands and back.

On Sunday, we met up with cousin Sophia. The crowd is crazy at the Botanic Gardens. It was my first attempt attending the concert at the park so it was a bit overwhelming. I wasn’t prepare to park 15 mins away and end up having to walk all the way in. Still, picnic at the gardens is always nice and the music was intriguing for Samuel.

Our Epic Family Adventure Part II

We took a break at the Ranger’s station to refill our water. The last one km was tough, the slope was steep upwards. Subconsciously when you know it’s the last one km, it’s just feel your battery is draining.

But we finally arrived at our destination, TreeTop Walk. I freaked out in the centre part of this 250m suspension bridge when I noticed the height of 25 m beneath me. Still the experience was totally worth the visit! We walked at least 3km to get here and time was running out. I mean when you have a baby, you have to make sure you are on track. This is where it started drizzling. We took some photos and then head out.

Obviously it didn’t occur to me that it could get messy. Of course, I have forgotten my geography. The weather does change more quickly in the rain forest. So very soon, it was really raining cats and dogs. My husband run with the baby while I run huggling my bag. (I just got this new bag.) My heart sunk and I tried digging for the dust-bag to protect it as I ran. And this is how it was for the next 3-4 km out. We run from shelter to shelter. It was thundery and the showers were really heavy. We didn’t think it is safe to remain in the little shelters. And the rainforest canopy didn’t protect us from the heavy pours. We could be stuck here if any of the trees fell. But I didn’t foresee that all the trails were now muddy rivers. At one of the shelters, we asked one of the happy campers under the shelter if we could have their NTUC plastic bag. At another shelter, a nice lady who is not local offered us her towel to dry the baby. She was very persistent and so we took it. At this point, I forgot we have a HFMD toddler on arms.

While running, my hubby came up with a command line, ‘Finger in mouth, bag over face!’ to prevent baby from choking under the bag. Samuel would peep beneath the bag every now and then to make sure I’m still running behind. My hubby like a commander would be shouting ‘steps!’ and I would carefully thread downwards as we run for our life. He told me he learnt that we should alert the next person behind us carefully of the steps on Discovery Center. Okay, I begin to see why it’s important for city dwellers like us to watch Discovery.

And this is how it must have feel for those people running for their life in the movies. You are exhausted but you simply have to keep going with your family. We are totally drenched and water run under us. I stopped deciding to hop around the small pebbles on the puddles of water – My shoes were like boats. We were focused about getting out.

Finally, we arrived near the SICC. We then decided it’s best I continue walking slowly with the baby and bag while my hubby make a dash down the hill to pick up the car. For the next 15 minutes, we strolled along in the rain with the other families. They were carrying a baby and two tots. I admired their strength. A nice elderly family stopped their car for us. In fact, of all the beemers and mercs that went by from SICC, this was the only car that stopped and it’s a small Camry. I could see there isn’t much space for us and they had fabric seats. I was so drenched that I think it’s a bad idea sitting on their fabric seats. Besides I didn’t want to take the ride when the other families were still walking down hill so i turned them down.

Some 10 mins went by or could have been minutes – Time move slowly when you are weary. Finally our car arrived! We drive uphill so I could pick up the rest of the families who are caught in the rain too. Although majority has left in a cab by now, the other family thanked us and told us they had a cab coming too.

Lessons learnt: Bring something waterproof into the rainforest. Umbrella is a mandatory item. Don’t forget your titbits for the baby. And most importantly, my hubby can be a hero. He is definitely so much stronger than I thought. Time to get him to do more! 🙂

Our Epic Family Adventure Part I

My tot never sleep in. He is like the fully charged energiser bunny when they woke up. So it’s almost a family tradition to spend time with Samuel on weekend mornings. Hopefully this can help drain some of his energy and he could get some nap in the afternoon. Never mind the fact he has HFMD, because staying indoors would only make him more cranky. As long as there is other distraction, he would at least stop scratching the bumps. But with this HFMD condition, we had to hide away in some secluded parts of Singapore and you know how hard this is on an island with population of  5.3 Mil, to avoid human contact (especially with other kids).

We racked our brains to think of places and decided after breakfast to stroll through MacRitchie Reservoir Park to TreeTop walk. (Although both Daddy and dear son would argued to say they were happy to stay at the main reservoir area but mummy likes her spontaneous idea) At the main MacRitchie Reservoir Deck, we try to find out how to get to the Treetop walk while Samuel got distracted by a monkey. I’m impressed that they have an eatery, kids’ playground, bathrooms, lockers and drinking fountains. I made a mental note to come back for Mee Siam.

Seeing that the shortest trail to TreeTop walk is near SICC (Singapore Island Country Club), we drove further down Thomson Road and parked at Venus Drive. The sky was beautiful and sunny when we begun – We were not aware that there was a weather forecast warning of thundery, heavy showers. We talked about bringing an umbrella before we set off from the car but was too lazy to carry it with us.

As we strolled towards TreeTop Walk, we took our time and happily ‘smell the roses’. The fact the tot is too careful not to dirty his shoes didn’t help – He requested to be carried through the journey other than at tracks where he noticed monkeys. I swear while other visitors were afraid of the monkeys while the monkeys were afraid of Samuel.

Lesson learnt: probably better idea to bring a backpack then a leather bag for trekking.