Pretty world, population four July 1, 2008

So we turn two today.

Just to begin the celebration, I baked him his favourite oatmeal cookies, but with my favourite chocolate chips. He’s the biggest fan of my bakes (that’s why I love him so).

We spent the night into first of July exchanging gifts, sharing dreams, feeling baby, tearing gently. Impending parenthood seems to have a way of bringing out the most sentimental in us both. We held hands as we said good night and fell asleep, and I felt a tear roll down the side of my face.

Lunch was at the beautiful Flutes at the Fort, foliage surrounding. The freshly-baked foccacia with golden drops of olive oil was such an inspiration (I’m going to bake bread this weekend!) - we had two rounds and almost a third. Appetizer was baked oysters with spinach, bacon and hollandaise sauce - we slurped up the sauce and smiled in sync. Our main courses came in a little too tiny a portion, lovely as they were. And we couldn’t help but miss Buko Nero. Set lunches there are still unbeatable. The staff forgot my special request to spring a little surprise on the huddy, so they made it up with their specialty chocolate fondant on the house, this time with the right message, served with sincere sorries and sweet smiles. Nice.

It was a beautiful day to flounce around in my dress, bump showing. We went about town, got tired, and settled back at the homeland watching a DVD with Real McCoy’s chips and Latte’s muzzle wet on our feet. The boy gets more chicken sasami lollies, and the girl in my tummy gets two tiny hats, one with funky stripes, and the other in pastel pink and caramel brown.

I love the day. I love you.

In good food, I find solace June 28, 2008

On a whim, we decided we are going to establish a weekly home-cooked big breakfast routine. So today was scrambled eggs, German Bratwursts (boiled to remove the grease and salt, then toasted to perfection), bacon,  sauteed tomatoes with basil, and toasted butter croissants. With a freshly brewed cuppa for him and mango juice for me. I rattled the ice in my juice, and knew, even before eating, that the day is going to be just beautiful.

He’s raring to go June 23, 2008

I caught the boy cocking his leg to pee on his pee tray at home for the first time. He has always been a squatter, indoors and outdoors. My boy, all of one and a half years. I think he wants a girlfriend too. I’m a little upset he’s growing up. It’s so silly.

The sun seems to be smiling June 21, 2008

The day was packed beautifully. The detailed ultrasound scan, the long leisurely breakfast, the baby-everything shopping, the slow walk down the town, and finally back home to a delirious boy. Because the sun is gentle and the clouds are back, we strolled the boy for a good one and a half hours. The huddy packed in two apples and some cherries in a bag of ice, yakult for me and beer for him. How very lovely.

I like feeling the late afternoon sun warm on my face. The huddy ran with the boy, while I lumbered behind with the baby in my tummy. Then they ran back to me, and we walked side by side, hand in hand, like how I imagined a little happy family to be.

It’s gonna be a baby girl. Latte’s getting a baby sister.

She will be loved.

Berryburst June 15, 2008

One bite into the long stem strawberry that Imp got, and I’m sold. The huddy exclaimed, “OMG, what rubbish strawberries have we been eating?” I almost laughed out my berry. I think I’ll make my way to Cold Storage more often these days. And the weekend has been nothing short of fruity. Strawberries, cherries, apricots, kiwis, tangerines, apples, pears, and even durians (D24 - thick, creamy, yellow, awesome!) - I ate them all. So high in antioxidant and goodness, I would like to believe I’ve redeemed myself for all the junk I’ve been stuffing myself with. I cooked porridge with chicken stock, salmon and greens tonight, just to make myself feel a little less guilty. I could barely finish half a bowl. I’m on a junk-food roll now. Give me my fried chicken and fries and cheesecake and chocolate pie.

You see, I’ve my power berries and fruities to make things right.

Love the Imp June 14, 2008

She’s the generous one who gives away her brand-new pretty peep-toes when they don’t fit. And she pops by with not just the pretties, but also with huge berries and cherries for me, and cookies and sasami lolly for Latte. I can’t wait to have tea with her some day. Thank you imp, you made my day truly. And Latte’s too (he whined for you after you left)!

Butterflies in my tummy June 12, 2008

It started off as a twirly, squirmy sensation. Like that of a hungry stomach growl, only without the growl, without the hunger. I sat up, put my hand to my tummy, waited. Three seconds later, it mini-kicked me! Twice!

I would like to think it’s a gentle one.

There is much to look forward to.

I can roll all I want from tonight June 10, 2008

The rain’s like a tyrant here. A draft of cold wind, some rustling of leaves, and then the rain cometh. The big, fat drops hit us and splatted loudly on the walkway as we struggled to fish out the brolly. But I had a nice warm shower thereafter, and I’m all dry and happy again. So I sit here smelling of sweet aqua lily, wearing the huddy’s oversize shorts (because I can’t fit into my ‘S’ anymore), and dreaming of a pot of hot earl gray on the breakfast table tomorrow. Tonight, I’m going to let the trickling of the raindrops lull me to sleep on my new mattress. I’m the queen on the king. It will be a good good night.

bits and pieces June 8, 2008

• We splurged on a king size Sealy Posturepedic Luxembourg ultra plush mattress and some duvet set with 600 thread count. All in the name of baby and good sleep. The guilt inched in as I thought about how I won’t be working from August to April next year. But, this should at least help the huddy get more winks as I journey to the washroom countless times in the night. And baby auyong would fit in snugly and sleep like a king. Like it should.

• The auyongs celebrate our second year of marriage bliss come first of July. We talked about the impending celebrations and I giggled like a little girl in his arms. Latte and baby are joining, and I just can’t stop smiling.

• I often felt that I was forced to grow up faster than I should in my childhood days. The brother, on the other hand, was probably made never to grow up. And it’s time he does. After tears of anger, anxiety, frustration, love from all of us, please do.

• I’m not that big now, but I’ve learnt to love my belly and even flaunt it a little. That got me seats on the train thrice in two days. And the cherry on the cake - the huddy says:: you’re too slim to look like you’ve a pot belly! you’re a glowing hot mummy with a preggy belly. he sure knows how to make his wifey happy. Very happy.

• I’ve visions of the nursery bursting into a rich palette of colours, with just the right amount of country that pleases even the huddy. Now, I just have to get hands-on in the sprucing before I get all lumbery.

• Good news from the besties keep pouring in. It’s like a return to the more idyllic times when everyone’s smiling from inside out and outside in. Happiness, to me, is always doubled when shared. Share yours, won’t you?

Love, Me June 5, 2008

Tonight, it was all about Sex and the City with Real McCoy’s Smokey BBQ chips, his hand holding mine, his cheeks keeping my nose warm, my cheeks keeping his ears warm. The show, to me, was more about love between friends, than love between lovers. It made me miss my good goblins even more. And it was a lovely walk home. No sun, no smoke, no one. The calmness of the night is mesmerizing. We let our hands swing, our laughter echo. And I’m happily reminded by the huddy - there’s really no quota for happiness, no quota for love.

Earth Cafe - Not our cup of tea June 1, 2008

We wanted to bring Latte to the Earth Cafe for a while. So on this glorious evening of pinkish dusk, we walked him over. And it was a major disappointment.

• There were only four to five choices for pooches (and they call themselves a pet cafe). We opted for the Meal Retriever, which was supposed to come with lean beef cooked and served with a generous helping of rice, celery and carrots. The boy likes potatoes, so we got that instead of rice. And dinner for our poor boy was two small balls of potato, with sprinkling of ground beef, specks of celery, dots of carrots. Sure, we did opt for the smaller serving, but only after we were told it was about the size of his water bowl, which was pretty decent and bigger than his food bowl at home. How misleading! And the food was served so piping hot the huddy had to smash the potato balls and hold the bowl in his hand till it was cool enough. I couldn’t take the miserable portion and gave my eggs from my club sandwich to Latte. All the time, I was thinking our daily cooking for Latte beats their food ten hands down.

• Food for the humans was mediocre. Not that I expected much, but for $9.90, the dory should at least not look like it came from an anorexic fish. No iced water was served, so we got ourselves a bottle of mineral water and pomegranate juice (miserably small again) - which were cleared off our table before we could finish them when we both went to look for Latte who was getting too friendly with a beagle. We packed food home from the trusty Hwa Nam next door, and made a mental note to feed Latte later in the night.

• Maybe we are just too critical, but the service staff didn’t look like they were dog lovers at all. We just didn’t feel quite right at home there.

Still, the darling had a fabulous time frolicking, herding and just being happy. For that, I’m thankful that there is such a space in the neighbourhood within walking distance.

It got us thinking on the walk back home. One day when we have the resources to set up one ourselves, it’ll be one done with love, done for love. Dogs deserve much much more than what they are getting at this cafe. We won’t be back.

The days these days June 1, 2008

So we did a little of museum-hopping with the in-laws yesterday. I thought I could manage some three museums, but I gave up after the National Museum and the Peranakan Museum, which I love by the way, but it does fall short of my expectations. Nothing beats the experience at the old Peranakan Place more than a decade back.

I like that the day was a little wet, but not drippy enough to dull the mood. Dear Superstar and Robin dropped by the night before and we talked and laughed lots. She gave me a pretty white straw bag as my belated birthday present, and I couldn’t wait to don it for a Saturday day out with the folks. One of my besties, she sure knows me well.

After they left, I did some quick reading of my students’ reflection journals, and I smiled (and smiled and smiled and smiled). These youths are sweet little things. You know, I think I can do this for a long long time. I love this job, these youths, more than I ever think I would. So, this is what they call job satisfaction.

And my boy. Lying at my feet as I am writing this. The white cotton candy fur around his neck. His velvet muzzle poking at my big toe. The brown eyes looking up at me when I call his name. Mummy, when are you bringing me out for a walk? Later, darling, later. When the sun is down, when the sky is pink. Then we will go a-romping and do some butterfly chasing.

I must write more. I must.

I can’t wait to see you again, baby May 22, 2008

I just had a cup of dark red sweet cherries, some strawberries the shape of perfect hearts, and a rose red apple with an unbelievable crunch. The fridge is stocked up with colours - dark purple mangosteens, royal purple grapes, green papaya, orange juice, pink guava juice. I’m feeling good just seeing these doses of edible colours. I’m even getting a pinkish glow on my cheeks these days. It certainly helps that I’m loving my pregnant body more and more. So what if I have to discard frumpy dresses that I can no longer fit in. It doesn’t even matter that my waist is disappearing as it thickens. The miracle of life, of love, surpasses all. Hooray to the second trimester. I shall savour this glow.

The huddy says hello to baby every day. And I’m teaching Latte that there is a baby in my tummy. He seems to get it, really. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll know if it’s an Andy or Yuling junior inside me come this Saturday.

Come guess with me - boy or girl? I really have no idea.

Grow ginger grow May 17, 2008

This got me leaping for joy on a golden Saturday. Our very first ginger flower bud! The huddy planted a stump of ginger some time ago, and while we’ve been having lots and lots of young ginger peeping out from the chocolatey earth, the flower remains elusive. As a non-lover of the ginger as a food and spice, I’ve had my reservations on that stinky little stump occupying a precious spot in my pot. But the huddy was hopeful, with a promise of pretty blooms one day. And yes, we’ve done it. The daily watering and coaxing has paid off, finally. I’m mighty proud, immensely pleased.

I’ve in my mind a scarlet flower in the drifts of green. I really can’t wait.

he turns twenty-nine this eighth of may May 12, 2008

it’s amazingly coincidental how we got a common class out of the 175 classes. And since it’s no secret by now that we are man and wife, I went ahead to plot. What started as a simple plan for a birthday song with a small cake to mark his last year of twenty’s-hood, became a full-fledged surprise colourful celebration by the dear class. Through the wonders of IM, they had a whole script going on.

“Sir, I have a stomachache!” -> Boy with fake stomachache ran to hostel to collect the cake he bought the previous night -> “I’ll go and see how he is!” -> Girl brought lighter to boy with fake stomachache -> Boy and Girl lit up candle outside the classroom -> Boy and Girl saw no sign of me and decided to go ahead with the birthday song -> Class sang song to a bewildered huddy who was simply clueless -> Big present given, and a crown put on his head -> I arrived -> They put a tiara on my head -> We sang the birthday song again, cut the cake -> Huddy opened the present (t-shirt, soft toy dog, voice-recordable bear - these cute youths!) -> Two seats were prepared for the ‘king and queen’ (so hilarious!) -> Photo-taking like it was the last day of school (112 photos in an afternoon!)

We had so much fun. There was so much laughter. Just to sweeten things up even more, we ran off and bought them sweets and chocolates. It was a day to remember. For him, for me, for all of us. I’m so loving my time in school.

sweetie shelties May 4, 2008

We had the wonderful-est weekend. The furry boys met up for a late afternoon walk, Armani tottering his way around (limping for two months, that poor chap!), and Latte relentlessly herding him around. The merciless sun showed its prowess, so we succumbed and it was back to the homeland for ice cold tea and more doggy frolicking. We’ve never had another dog at the homeland, and Latte proved himself to be a most delightful host. Armani had free access to Latte’s buffet of toys on the floor, his treats, and even his favourite spot in the homeland - under the white wicker bench. Our ditsy boy just wanted to groom and herd his little friend. Nothing else mattered.

As dusk gathered, Armani fell asleep under the wicker bench, while Latte simply watched him sleep. Like his guardian angel. So we passed more than three hours of laid-back Saturday fun with the Sheltie boys and our neighbour from across the street. I can’t think of a better way to spend the blistering day. He’s happy, we’re happy.

I so adore Armani. I want another Sheltie. But two Shelties and a baby, it really can’t be. For now, I’ll keep it to Latte, baby, thee and me.

home soon April 28, 2008

it doesn’t take a drippy day to make home-leaving a dreadful one. the huddy woke up early just to make me a deli cheese omelette with sauteed tomatoes. colourful toys were strewn all over the floor - latte’s little way of marking his territory in the homeland. he was an especially sticky one this morning , following me wherever i went, attempting to knock down the door in his latte way when i made a brief trip to the washroom, and keeping vigil under the dining table while i had my breakfast. “he seems to know you’re going to work,” the huddy said. as if on cue, latte sat down right beside me. that sweetheart. my two loves at home while i walked out into chips of blue sky. work has been lovely, but not so when i just miss this and that. good thing i only work out of home three days a week this semester. latte boy, mummy will be home before you know it.

jagabee-d April 26, 2008

amidst the grading, it was a sweet saturday afternoon of colourful theatrics and bollywood dancing from om shanti om, latte warming our feet, and finally getting our hands on jagabee. the heady scent of deep fried potatoes and the strangely comforting crunch of junk make for one great break. and i had a cool vanilla and chendol softie too. never mind that they are artery-clogging. indulgence is bliss.

my bouncy baby April 20, 2008

the puking has begun. five momentous pukes to date and i’m not liking it at all. the jolly gynae is all smiley though. very good, he says. how comforting.

baby has grown so much, so well. from the mass of cells it was just four weeks ago, it’s now a fully-developed 58mm little one with legs kicking and hands clapping (or so they seem to be doing).

it bounced. “hello, mummy. hello daddy. i have a head!”

huddy:: is it bouncing???

jolly gynae:: oh yes, it is!

it bounced. again. “yes, i’m bouncing! it’s like zorbing! watch me!”

it was one of those moments. he held me tight and stroked my tummy.

i can’t even begin to describe how deeply touched we are. baby’s safe, baby’s good. that’s all that matters.

my idol April 12, 2008

lim kay tong has outdone himself again in the photograph (to the goblins:: see who wrote the article!). i was starstruck. the little girlish fan in me was resisting the urge to walk up, take a picture with him, retrieve the ticket stub, find a pen somehow and get his autograph. he’s the best-est local actor, i hereby declare. and shanty, oh shanty. what a brilliant starlet. natural, un-contrived, beautiful. it’s the perfect last show for my siff this year. we caught a couple of bad ones unfortunately. but this, was just great.