I was surfing around and it suddenly occurred to me that I've not posted anything here for almost a year. Looking back at my previous post just made me realised that how fast my kids have grown. 

Yee Ruu and Yee Sinn are 2 independent individuals with opinions of their own. Yee Ruu is now a chatty little girl who has been attending playgroup for the past one year. She loves school and has a favourite classmate by the name of Emma. Amazingly, she and Emma often have impromptu playdates after school at a nearby playground, much to the amusement of Grandma Lee.

As for Yee Sinn, she has blossomed into a fine young lady who loves reading and drawing. Her school has been doing a great job teaching word recognition and phonics. With the power of reading and curiosity, she could figure out instructions, stories and even simple news articles on her own. It is amazing as well how she interprets situations or people through her drawings. Her portrayal of people and situations are often humorous, if not imaginative. 

Hubby and I sometime wish we could have more time away from work to be with our kids.  We do try to make time for our family nevertheless, taking them outdoors or planning vacations during the school holidays. 

Our kids are only young once and so are we. Let us enjoy these moments while we can.

Oh my, where has all the time gone? It has been almost a good 6 months since I last posted something in this blog. I've been busy with work and of course the kids at home. It doesn't help too, that I'm spending more time with Facebook rather than here.

How fast the kids have grown. The little one is already in school for a couple of months. We have been sending her for 2hr playgroup sessions 3 times a week. And we are so glad that she has been enjoying school so far.

As for Yee Sinn, it is amazing how she has blossomed into a big girl. She can now read simple books on her own. However, she still enjoys listening to us telling her bed time stories. I was telling hubby how blessed we are that the 2 sisters often look out for each other. Sure, they do fight. But most of the time, they are always playing peacefully with each other. Big sister Yee Sinn never fails to ask her little sister to hold on to her as they walk to school together, hand-in-hand. She also never fails to "share all her goodies" when she raids the fridge too. *grin*

My 2 little girls are quite imaginative at times. Both of them love to play make belief (or is it a girl's thing?). They are now in the phase of "being in boxes". I brought back 2 huge cartons a week back. That big brown box is now their "boat", "bed", "tiny house", "bear's cave", "doll house" and the list goes on. Sometimes they have their "extended house" whereby they will make use of my laundry basket and blanket to extend their space. 

The only thing that worries me is the growth rate of Yee Ruu. She doesn't seems to be putting on weight and is quite short considering both hubby, I and Yee Sinn are tall. Let's just hope she is someone who is of a smaller frame and otherwise, healthy.

I just realised I've not been posting quite awhile now. Almost a good 2 months. It has been a busy time for me at work. I am glad that I'm coping just fine at my new job. I do love my new job and have been enjoying what I've been tasked to do. The real incentive is now I do get to spend more time wuth my little girls.

Working so near home has lots of advantages. For a start, I am glad that I can walk Yee Sinn to school. On days when Yee Ruu wakes up earlier than usual, all 3 of us will walk to Yee Sinn's school. After which, I will spend a good 15 mins at the playground with Yee Ruu before I take her back home where Grandma Lee takes over the child care... and doing all these before I start work at 8.30am every morning. The bonding time with my kids is PRICELESS!

On days when I do not have any lunch dates with my colleagues or when I need not work through lunch, I'll take a walk back home to eat with my kids. I will do so as well when either one of them are not well, just to check that they have taken their medicine etc.

During school breaks, I have also arranged for lunch dates with hubby. It's just so convenient for him to meet me near my workplace.

There are also days where I go for Yoga lessons. These are regular lessons organised by the Club at my workplace to instill work-life-balance for staff. Often taking place after work, the latest I get home after these exercise sessions aren't too late either, cos home is just a mere 5 mins walk away.

I learnt a lot from my kids today. I learnt that they have a big heart and see things in a much bigger perspective.

Today, Yee Sinn had her end of the course performance cum graduation at Yamaha. They have been preparing for this day whereby they had to sing and dance several items that they learnt throughout the course.

As we could invite guests, we brought along Grandma Lee and Yee Ruu to sit in to watch the "mini concert". Unfortunately, halfway through the performance, Yee Ruu dashed out and started dancing with the rest of the kids, doing her own free-style dance.

I think it got a few parents upset cos they were video taping their kids. I'm sure some of them have been practising pretty hard and these parents were all so prepared to document their milestone. I tried to get hold of Yee Ruu but she started screaming so I had to let her be. Not too sure why, but I got a bit upset too as she has kind of ruin the entire performance.

Looking back, I asked Yee Sinn how she felt and she just assured me with her kind words.

"Mum, it's ok. Little Bee just wanted to dance. Nothing wrong with that".

These little ones sure have a big heart. It is the parents' expectations (mine included) on how things should turn out often stresses the society.

I'm learning to let it go.

School has started. Yee Sinn is now back to school for a 5 good hours in the morning from 8am till 1pm. She seems to be enjoying her lessons as she has been coming home with lots of stories of how her day went. Beside outdoor play (which is always the highlight of the day), the school now has Chinese lessons. Let's hope Teacher Liz will do a good job getting Yee Sinn ready for Primary 1 in good time.

Yee Ruu on the other hand, is on a milk strike. I’m running out of ideas on how to make her drink her milk. She has been drinking really little these few days and am wondering if it’s the milk powder, the milk bottle teats or what. I’m already starting to wean the little one off breast milk and she seems upset that she’s not getting to latch on as much as before. I have also tried getting other milk samples beside her usual Friso and it doesn’t seems to be working. Many other mummies have shared that they also face the same problem and it is due to feeding our kids with our breast milk for too long. How I wish my Yee Ruu is a milk lover like her elder sister. Sigh.

It is almost the end of the Dec school holiday. Hubby will be heading to a new school to teach come 2nd Jan 2012. Yee Sinn too, will soon be in N2 next year. I have actually signed her up for school at PCF, but her current playgroup teacher informed us that her new kindergarten will be ready for the new term. Giving her some faith, we’ve decided to let Yee Sinn continue with Liz Montessori instead. We were invited for a preview recently and am glad to say that Yee Sinn’s education is more or less taken care of for the next 2 years.

So what have my kids been up to this Dec holidays? Their dad has been taking them to all the different malls to catch the free shows. My girls by now would have seen Angelina Ballerina, Chugginton, Power Rangers, The Gruffalo, Pokemon.

We also went to the National Museum to view some art masterpieces from the Musee D'Orsay, Paris. We had the privilege to be able to enjoy viewing some works by Vincent Van Gogh, Pissarro, Edgar Degas and Claude Monet.

We celebrated Yee Ruu's birthday yesterday with Grandma Chang and family at my aunt's place. We'll have another simple celebration on the coming Wednesday itself with Grandma Lee.

It was a simple family affair but the kids had a blast! There were toys, goodie packs and the usual cakes and sweets for my nephews.

My little bee is going to be 1-year old really soon. How time flies. It just seemed like yesterday that that I was carrying her in my arms at the delivery ward.

May she be happy and well.

The weekend has been a blast. Hubby and I had a short break away from the kids on Monday. We flew into KL (via budget airline) to attend a good friend’s wedding dinner that evening.

We took Tiger Air in the morning. The check-in counter at Budget Terminal was kind of chaotic. As the designated check-in counters were common for everyone regardless of where the passengers were heading to despite the sign saying “KL” , a whole load of Indian tourist heading to Bangalore just came in before us in the queue and they were due to depart 2 hrs later. Feeling a bit pissed having to wait behind them when our flights were about to leave in 45mins, I feedback to the security and was ushered to another counter for an immediate check-in.

Flight to KL was rather fast and smooth. The queue at the Malaysian immigration took even longer than the actual flight itself. We bought a bus ticket at the airport that took us to Sentral train station. It was unfortunate that we were caught in a traffic jam that was due to a 2 lane road closure because of some “unspecific” road works on the highway to the city center. Only 1 lane was in operation. When we went past the section where the road works were supposed to be carried out, there were no contractors on site! Only a few cones and 1 lorry. But being reminded that I was on vacation, I just sit back and napped in the bus.


Once at Sentral, we walked across the road and took the mono-rail to our hotel. And boy was I glad to have booked Park Royale cos it was situated next to Sungei Wang and Lot 10. Best of all, it’s just a short distance away from the train station.

We were very thankful that we were given a room when I arrived. We put our bags away, freshen ourselves before we headed to the Petaling Street, KL’s version of Chinatown.

We bought some cheap goodie pack fillers for the kids at some wholesalers. I figured out I could save some money by buying them earlier and keeping them for Yee Sinn’s birthday party at school next year. As for hubby, he bought some small thank-you gifts for his colleagues at school. I also bought a tickle me elmo toy for Yee Ruu and a pair of plastic spectacle frame (for only 18RM!!!) for myself. As we strolled along the street, we also bought some cheap fabrics when we came across these old traditional shops selling cloths and fabrics. Can't wait to make some toys for the kids out of these fabrics.

Dinner was at this place called the Noble House. The food was awesome. Very flavourful and creative. We were so sure the food at our friend's wedding in Singapore will not be able to compare to this one. We waited quite a while for the bride to turn up. It was the usual horrific traffic jam that made most of the guests late for the dinner. Nevertheless, I was sure most of us enjoyed the food and company.

We decided to do some last minute shopping the next day. To our surprise, there was a Gundam Festival at Sungei Wang. "Perfect!" I thought. I could leave hubby there while I go around doing my shopping without feeling guilty!

In the end, he ended up buying some model kits as we figured out it would be much cheaper there with the sale compared to Singapore.

Our way back to Singapore was an adventure itself. We kind of miscalculated our timing to catch our flight back. We were lucky that we decided to take the express train from Sentral station to LCCT. We got to the check in counter a mere 25mins before the flight took off. It was really a scare as I seriously thought we would have missed our flight home.

I guess we'll be careful not to cut our timing so thinly next time. Had we taken the bus back to LCCT like the way we came from, we would be late for our flight!

To end out trip on a pleasant note, we ordered the in-flight meal of Nasi Lemak from Air Asia. To our surprise, it was really good for airline food.

It was a good break away from the kids. Hubby and I agreed that we should do this more often.

Been taking the kids out to Toa Payoh for their "Joy Rides" recently. It usually cost me $3 per 15 mins of ride in those motorised cars.

I must say that Yee Sinn's coordinations have improved since the first time she tried driving on her own. Previously, we'll control the cars via remote controls. However, these operators usually rove around other areas in singapore and they often occupy the space at Toa Payoh for a 3 months stretch.

The cars run by the current operator do not come with remote control. Oh well, it doesn't really matter cos Yee Sinn can drive around on her own these days.

As usual, I will make Yee Sinn share her rides with her sister. Some times she'll gladly give up her ride for Yee Ruu to have a go, while other times she'll refuse. Yee Ruu too, enjoys such rides. Hubby has been commenting that I've been induldging them too much lately.

I'm happy when the kids are happy! * LOL*

Yee Ruu is a cheery baby. She's smiling most of the time when she sees me getting home from work.

She never fails to brighten up my day after a hard day's work. Love my kids to bits!

She's 11th month old!! My little baby will be 1 year old in a months time. Looking back at my previous posts, I realized that time has really flown by.

Yee Ruu is growing up into a fine little girl. There are couple of words that she has been saying, mostly the "M" and the "B" sounding words such as Mumm Mumm (for Food), Nan Nan (for milk or the boobs), Ma Ma ( for me), Ah Mah (for Grandma Lee), Pah Pah (for hubby), ball, book, bear, bird and bag. I suppose it's not too bad a milestone.

She is now moving around much faster and steadier, often cruising around with support.

She's still a little small in size for her age but I suppose its alright as long as she's healthy and happy.

Just the other day, Yee Sinn, being an affectionate sister, reminded me to place an order for Yee Ruu's birthday cake. She specifically told me to take her along to choose the cake design as she wanted to be a part of her sister's party. One more month to decide if I want to throw a birthday party for the little one.

I managed to ballot for the corporate pass to Snow City for this holiday season and the kids were really excited about it.

Just this morning, Yee Sinn was talking non-stop about heading to Snow City for to make her snow man. To prepare everyone for the cold, I even took out some of our winter wear from our luggage. They included hubby's gloves, our beanie hats and some warm jackets for the kids.

So how was the the experience? Honestly, there wasn't much attractions in the city itself, except for a huge giant slope where we can slide down with an inflated tyre. All of us, except Yee Sinn and Yee Ruu had a go at it. Yee Sinn simpled looked at the slope and refused to slide down with us. She was just happy being at the foot of the slope making a snow man.

As for Yee Ruu, I wasn't sure if she enjoyed it. She was very silent throughout our stay at Snow City, most likely too cold to even wimper.

Guess it helps that the entrance fees were free for us due to my company's corporate membership card. Otherwise, I don't think I'll pay that much just to touch the powdery artifical snow.

Little Bee, as what Yee Sinn calls her baby sister, is now better with her focus. She can now sit through several story books in the evening before bed time. Of course, her favourite books are still those touchy freely kind, often borrowed from the library.

She has also been enjoying her MRT rides. We have yet to take her on the bus though. Even though we have the car, we do enjoy travelling by public transport to town during the weekends. The traffic jams and parking on a Saturday evening along Orchard Road is just pure madness these days. Am so glad both my kids don't mind the little squeeze on the train... beside, living so near town helps loads. :-)

Here's another photo of Yee Ruu standing excitedly on the train seat, happily looking out of the windows though there wasn't anything much to see.

I've got a new hobbie - Sewing. Hubby bought me a sewing machine a couple of months ago. I didn't really have the chance to use it until recently and I was hooked onto several craft works. He also brought back an old yardstick so that I can mark out my fabrics nicely.

I have made my girls several stuffs ranging from simple body pillows with matching pillow cases to pyjamas pants. I have also made a blanket for a close friend's son who was about 2 months younger than Yee Ruu.

My favourite place in town is now Plaza Singapura where I can check out discounted fabrics from Spotlight.

So just the other day, I got hubby to pick up some new fabric for his bag that I promise I'll make for him. He recently bought a new yoga mat and I told him I will sew him a bag where he could put his mat, block and belt. Fussy hubby was very particular on the design so I made him explain clearly his requirements. It took me an entire evening and night to complete this project, in between tending to the needs of my girls.

Heh heh! So proud of myself. I'm ever so grateful to my teachers who gave me the skills from my Home Econ class! It was priceless.

I have been successful in getting Yee Ruu to bed by 8.30pm the last few days. Hope we’re all disciplined enough to sustain. I do see the benefits of tugging them to bed early. Yee Ruu will be in deep sleep within 20mins from the lights out. After which, I will spend some time with Yee Sinn with some bed-time stories. She will have her own routine which includes drinking her last bottle of milk, brushing her teeth before we say our good nights.

The best part is, by getting the kids to sleep by 9.30pm the latest, I’m able to do my chores and even watch the 10pm drama on Channel U! YAY!!!!

October is the time of meeting of up friends.

I have been spending a couple of evenings these few weeks having dinners with some ex-colleagues and university friends. It's has really been a crazy week... I have been away for dinner from Monday to Thursday! My kids will only want their mama to tug them into bed. So these few nights, I’m feeling a little guilty as they wait up for me.

I think I need to reset their routine after all my late night indulgence. I need to start getting more sleep myself too.

I need to exercise! Am feeling a little unhealthy recently. My appetite has been humongous since I started breastfeeding Yee Ruu…. and I don’t think it’s getting any better even though I’ve dropped a few pumps.

There are some exercise programs organized by the gym at my new workplace so I’ve just signed up for my first Yoga class! I hope that I’ll be able to shed off some fats and oil my limbs a little.

Hubby has decided to sponsor a brand new Yoga mat for my new hobby. Let's see what he's going to buy exactly. Next week will be my first lesson so am really looking forward to it.

Yee Ruu turns 10 months old today! See how much she has grown! Unfortunately, the amount of hair on her head is still just as sparse. Sigh.

I simply love her toothy smile. She now has about 6 teeth and can be a little rough when she latches on during her night feed. She is now a cheeky active 10 months old toddler and is able to pull herself up to stand on her own. She cruises around with support and can get around places pretty fast.

My little baby craves for my attention. Very often, she will compete with her elder sister, who will run towards me, for hugs and kisses the moment I step into the house after work. Her face will light up with excitement and she will yell for attention that says something along the line of "Please pick me up too!! I want a cuddle!"

Like every other kids I know, Yee Ruu loves her outdoor time too. She loves to be at the playground with her sister and I can see that she can't wait to be able to walk and run around with her sister and friends.

We try to take the kids out as often as we can. If we are early from work, they would be at the playground downstairs with other kids. Last Sunday we brought them to West Coast Park in the evenings.

Weekend is around the corner... lets see what we can plan for them.

I love my kids to bits!

Today was my first day of work at my new place. I felt kind of strange and in fact, a little spaced-out with the lack of work to do. This was because I was working my butts out till my very last day at the previous organisation and suddenly, I had so much time to myself.

Many told me it's a happy problem and of course, I'll enjoy myself while I can. What I really like about my new job is it's only a mere 5 mins walk from home. So it's goodbye to all the morning and evening traffic jams. I'll be saving quite a bit on petrol too.

As it was also the actual day of Mid- Autumn festival, Yee Sinn and her best friend Xuan Ying had a date at the playground down stairs.

The kids were pretty excited about their lanterns. Yes, I think we burnt about 2 of them but oh well, I guess that was part of the fun too.

We also brought our little babies down to enjoy the evening breeze. See how fast our kids have grown. Xuan Ying's brother Wei Hao is a couple of months younger than Yee Ruu but amazingly, he weighs a lot more than her. Anyway, I'm not comparing between them. I'm just so glad my little girl is eating and sleeping well and will grow up to be a fine young lady.

It has been a long night getting the kids to bed after all that excitement. I must try to sleep early to cos I don't want to report to work late and leave a bad impression.

Good night folks!

It's going to be Mid-Autumn tomorrow so all of us gathered at Grandma Chang's place for dinner. We promised the kids that they will get to play with lanterns this evening.

It was Yee Ruu's first mid-autumn celebration with us. She often looked on intently at what all the other older kids were up to. I'm sure by next year, she will be carrying her own lanterns and running around the streets with them.

We had a hearty dinner before we took a short stroll down the streets. As usual, the kids were delighted. They sure enjoyed the company of each other and were disappointed that we had to call it a day. The adults had fun too. Both Grandma and Grandpa Chang were happy to see their brood of grand children walking the street with lanterns dispite being a noisy bunch. I was more afraid that they would make a nusiance of themselves by talking so loudly along the quiet street.

I had to pack the kids back home by 9.30pm as it was getting late. I needed to prepare for my first day of work tomorrow and would want to be at my best.