Of babes and bears and big butt November 23, 2009

A day of friends and food. Oh, and Christmas coffee (dark cherry mocha!) and paddles and chatter. The girlfriends share my annoyance about Chinese wedding banquets and gowns and customs. They share my love for coffee. And muffins. They don’t mind being the missy’s entourage as she goes tottering around in the mall. They don’t even mind eating her dinner.

Missy Raeann had a grand day with the babes. She was Pink Bubblebee with a butt huge like Piglet’s (because this silly Mommy gave her the regular diaper instead of the swim diaper!) after her swim in the cool waters. She wanted to roam and shop away. She probably thought the teddy bears on the cushy bed are alive. She’s coming into her own now, with whims and fancies, and occasional screams and cries. But she’s ever the sweet one, the little girl I’m so proud of.

What a beautiful Saturday. I love my girlfriends, I love my girl!

October babies turn one October 2, 2009

First of October. Their first Children’s Day. Their first birthday. Their first joint birthday party.

Bean:: We are turning one?

Desperate attempts by the mommies and daddies to get the babies to sit still for a group shot. And a beautiful candid one we got, thanks to D!

Missing Noey!

Häagen-Dazs ice cream cake (Belgium chocolate!) from Momo – the perfect entrée.

Remarkable assortment of glorious food.

Shiny swirls spiralling down from the ceiling.

Endless flow of toys making their cameos.

Chatty, high-pitched Elmo who pretends to fall.

Gerber puffs popping out and picked up from the floor.

That gait around the babies toddlers.

Continuous peals of merry laughter.

The past-the-naptime-but-I-still-want-to-play looks on all four.

Their sweat. Sweet, and says “I’ve having a ball”.

The smiles on the mommies and daddies – oh why didn’t we take a group shot of us all?

And the presents! Chosen and made with so much love it makes me smile and smile and smile.

She goes around feeding. So slow is she in eating that Kate and Bean started eyeing her leftover cookie.

In Grandma's second creation - a peachy-pink polka dotted dress.

Still clapping.

Daddy's girl alright.

I see with much pride and joy how the babies have come into their own in this one year. Noey, the eldest of the four, leads the milestone check at every point. Bean, Noey’s birthday twin, impresses us with his toilet habits and knowledge of words and pictures. Katie the sweetie is the absolute angel who smiles and waves for everyone and anyone. And my own Missy Raeann, the dainty little lady who plays the feeding game with everything and anything.

Born within eight days of one another, this fellowship of babies and mommies has turned out to be one of the best things in my mommyhood journey. This wonderful group of mommies. We double date. We share baby notes. We meet and talk and laugh. We make plans. Oh so lovely ones about them celebrating their birthdays together every year (it’s making me look forward to their second birthday already!). And best of all, we love all the four babies.

This is the first, and certainly not the last. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love you all, mommies and babies.

Happy one, you four October babies.

When you say nothing at all September 24, 2009

I’ve been tardy on the writing front. No words on the blog, no words in the pretty journal. No words even for Raeann’s little book. No words. We were busy meeting babies and mommies and families and friends (primary schoolmates! bloggers! bandmates! good goblins! gideon! wow!), and at the end of the day, I’m just too fuzzy-brained to create.

While breastfeeding just now, I had a moment to slow down, a moment to myself. I relished in the familiar sights and sounds of the homeland – Latte’s barks, the humidifier puffing out cool white mists like low clouds, the clatter of the ceramic bowls in the kitchen. I told myself I’ve got to blog these down. For what, I don’t know. Maybe that’s just me – the mundane stimulate me. The mundane’s brain-numbing, in a good way.

And then I looked down at the little bub suckling away. Her baby hair, too soft. Her legs, wrapped up snuggly in her jammies. Her long eyelashes forming little shadows on her little face. She’s turning one soon. One year old, you know? One year old, can you believe it? One year old!

I’m praying that she’s not going to blame us for a low-key first birthday. There isn’t going to be any party. No fancy cake. In a reverse fashion, we’re making cards for the folks – this will be our birthday ritual for Missy Raeann. A reminder for her to give thanks to those who have given so selflessly, to those who love her so muchly. We’re going for lunch with the folks, and spending the day out in the sun. I’m baking her birthday cake – nothing pretty, just good old chocolate cake with peppermint frosting, with a few rainbow-coloured candies thrown in for good measure. (I always like my cakes old-fashioned, imperfect-looking – I even like bumps and cracks because they look just so homey.) Daddy’s making her something (it sounds really exciting!), Mommy’s writing her something. We’ve a grand plan to paint her a mural on her wall, though till now, it remains a plan.

An intimate celebration it will be. For our little girl who’s the biggest thing in our lives. She’ll learn what it means to be contented. A sort of peace that is lasting and pure. A gratefulness for things and people that should never be taken for granted.

Taken by D at Elliot's party.

Another one by D.

In the dress lovingly sewn by my lovely mother-in-law

Pretty, drippy Sunday August 30, 2009

It has just rained, and the air is cool to the skin. Outside, the garden smells fresh of mint growing gloriously in the garden. How lovely it is to sip tea (from Gen!) from a pretty cup (from Bemused!) on this drippy Sunday! I sit on the couch by the window, Janet Seidel tuned on low. The after-rain slightly-chilly breeze blows in, and I shuffle my feet gently to keep them warm.

We are going to the nursery later, for more herbs in the garden, and flowers on the table. I know exactly where I’ll put the fresh blooms – in my watering pot in the middle of the antique-stained dining table. And a small pretty one for the little missy in her hair. The cushions on the white wicker bench need some new covers – floral-patterned I hope, but none too feminine. And our family photos, big and small, waiting to be hung up on our pink wall.

This beautiful weather makes me dream. And it makes drinking tea so so lovely.

This weekend June 21, 2009

This must be Missy Raeann’s busiest weekend to date.

It started with a double date with the October babies. The mommies had coffee and smoothies, the babies had bites and got all drooly. We were quite a sight, I must say. Till the next date, and I really can’t wait!

Then she went swimming! Finally! She was Little Miss Sunshine that day. Scarlet glow. Big hugs. Infectious chuckles. I expected her to feel clueness, or even afraid, but she was totally cool in the water. Oblivious actually.

Then Daddy came and whisked her away from the float for some much needed exercise after a heavy tea of baby bites, organic rusks and breast milk.

What’s swimming without a taste of the water? She had multiple gulps of the mineral water at the Club. Oh my funny baby.

And we had the most awesome company of Adrian, Xinyun and their Mister David. Every date with this lovely family is delightful. I think of food, laughter, magic (you two know what I mean!) and all things nice and homey. Thank you guys, for yet another great day out.

The missy’s now sleeping, maybe even dreaming, after a fabulous day of photoshoot with Gideon, our wedding photographer turned friend. Sun-splashed afternoon. Inky black hair. Pulled-out socks. Almond-shaped eyes. Pooping in Canopy.

I’m so blissed out.

And so tired.

Socked June 18, 2009

The cutest socks from the chic mommy-to-be! And a lovely cheery note that made my heart leap. The mailbox was full that day with my online purchases for the baby and me. But nothing beats a parcel sent with love. Thanks, babe, thank you!

Not just a slice of cake June 14, 2009

Because of Missy Raeann’s early bedtime, this mommy hasn’t been out in the evenings for more than half a year. I haven’t been moping about the loss of spontaneity in the nights, but there are times I so wish I could be out there, watching the streetlights cast a fuzzy glow on the sidewalks.

Last night, the huddy joined the Kohs for a late night tea at The Cookie Museum. The sweet couple very thoughtfully bought me a lemon steamed cake with lavender flowers. I love lemon, I love lavender, I love cakes! Of heady lemony scent, this cake was glorious (albeit a little dry because I left it in the fridge to eat for breakfast this morning), and just perfect for a Sunday morning breakfast with lemonade sloshing up and down the side of my glass.

Thank you guys, for thinking of me.

Awesome 30, my huddy May 2, 2009

This PERFECT day ::

A lovely surprise birthday partea for the dearest huddy.

The homeland wrapped in balloons of blue and silver.

A very scrummy chocolate banana expresso cake.

Hot piping 126 Geylang dim sum.

His “best friends” – whisky, beer and wine.

The real best friends I can’t thank enough of -

Adrian the brudder, XY the missus, David da boy, Shuz the babe.

Two sweetest guests – Imp and her man.

My toy my toy, the ice blue KitchenAid.

And to cap off the awesome day,

The scarlet glow on his face.

Of food, friends and family April 18, 2009

The huddy tried to recreate the Penang laksa we were so in love with (from the lovely Hos two doors down!). It wasn’t quite the same, but it was still yummy. We’re so going to try it again, time-consuming as it may be. I was eager to do up the blend for the paste, but Missy Raeann chose to go on a nap-strike that day. She was kind enough, though, to play with her toes long enough for me to bake Superstar some really soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies that I am rather proud of. It was a cosy evening with one of my besties, someone who played such an integral role in my getting together with the huddy. Happy birthday, Superstar dear.

From the Superstar. Pretty in pink! Worn today to the third of many weddings.

Hey you! Yes, you, mommy. Better take a pretty pic of me!

The huddy brought me back to Buko Nero. It always has a special place in my heart. Lovely Tracy remembered us as the couple who took our wedding pictures there some three years back. I couldn’t stop smiling – this place holds too many precious memories. Lunch was as usual, a sweet delight under the tangerine light. I fell in love with the fresh strawberry salad with yogurt and lime foam, peppered with crushed mint. So wonderfully light and refreshing it’s about the best (healthy) dessert I had in years. Equally amazing was their milk chocolate and coconut cake with gula melaka coulis. Crusty at the side, chewy on the inside. And made especially sweeter because the huddy gave up his dessert for me. Not because he wouldn’t like one, but because I would love one more.

On the way to the wedding, I looped my arm through his, with Raeann snug in my sling. This is – my beautiful family.

Everything in a week April 4, 2009

One week without the Internet was somewhat painful. The new modem is finally up and running, but it still doesn’t seem to like working with our router at all. For now, I’m thankful for the connection. Boy, am I glad to be back.

We haven’t done much, but that’s the beauty, isn’t it? Often, we’re so caught up watching out for what’s ahead of us that we fail to enjoy just where we are. And I’m determined to soak everything in this time. This long term break gave us much to cheer about – glorious times in the homeland, getting toasty with freshly brewed coffee, and album-ful of pictures to laugh and roll over. And I caught up with friends, new and old. It’s lovely.

My girl my girl my girl!

An awesome Saturday with imp, and knowing my girl loves coffee too!

Missy Raeann started her first solids on 1 April. She entertained us alright with her scrunched up face at the first taste, then immense sudden interest in the organic brown rice cereal. I would like to think she’s one picky discerning eater like me.

What's that???!!

Actually, quite good lah.

And while strolling in the neighbourhood last evening, she propped her head on the sidebar of the stroller, listening intently to our conversation. What a charmer, this little missy.

I had lots to write, but I’m feeling baked today, and yearning for a good pot of tea to go with a good book. And a scrummy cake.

Just for the record, the huddy and I are saving up for a Kitchen Aid to sit pretty and sturdy on the kitchen countertop. One can’t splurge in these turbulent times, but we can dream. And save.

It’s a bad habit, these random musings. I wish I could sit down proper for a good piece of writing, but I’m absorbed by scattered thoughts.

I need some tea.

It’s a beautiful today March 7, 2009

Today, I had fun. Like getting candy-cane on a non-Christmas Day.

Lunch Unlimited at 7atenine was an eye-opener. A degustation of sorts, we were served around 15 items from a surprise menu, each so exquisite and pretty we had to take pictures of them all. Each nibble was heavenly. Service was impeccable. I ate like a queen. Only better.

Photos and montage courtesy of the girlfriend

And there was shopping for the little missy, who slept snug and sound in the pouch, waking up only for quick big chomps on our hands. She’s getting more bubblegummy – sweeter, stickier. And as always, endearing as can be.

Mommy and Aunty, can't you see I'm sleeping? No pictures, please!

So this is today. Today, unlimited. Today, spring. Today, perfect.

The rainbow connection February 26, 2009

This part-time route that we’ve both chosen to take gives us little moolah, but it’s enough to buy us rainbows on an idyllic Wednesday evening. And a good round of dim sum, mango puddings, lemongrass jelly and coffee with two dear friends and their happy little boy. More than enough.

Richard Of York Gained Battle In Vain

A second one emerged soon after we took this picture. BEAUTIFUL.

Missy in mommy's nursing cover @ Starbucks

For her bedtime lullaby just now: Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.

Seeing two rainbows in a day has got to mean something beautiful’s coming our way. Everyone’s way. Have a blessed week, folks.

The bits that make up a whole February 24, 2009

The litany of stress that comes with having to meet tight deadlines whilst nursing the cherub, is fortunately, all behind me for now. The social calendar is filling up, and colourfully so. The days zip by, seesawing between sun-splashed glory and darkening grey skies. Amidst the maddening weather changes, I celebrated my birthday with loved ones over a few days, over homecooked delights, over sashimi galore, over a post-dinner walk. And there were meetups with friends, friends and more friends over the weekend. I meant to write about them all, I really do. I have them embedded in my mental scrapbook of confetti moments, but there are too many pages to count, too much minutiae to jot down. What a happy week. I give thanks to dear friends. Made, and kept.

Brunch @ The Marmalade Pantry with the two ladies I so love. And shopping and mudpie!

I'm all mush when I watch the huddy look at the missy

An evening walk after the fun-nest day with the Kohs. Latte boy, Mommy will bring you here one day!

When words are not enough January 29, 2009

I wish I had more time for writing. I want to be consumed by words. But these days, I’m surrounded by sights so brilliant, emotions so strong, words fail me. And these are the things that make me tap my feet in joy.

Maybebabe got me country teacups from London, and a droolicious recipe book so filled with childlike innocence and wholesome goodness. She’s like a santarina who fills my home with pretty gifts every time she jaunts back to Singapore. Babe, I really can’t say enough thanks. I love them, and I love you even more.

The sweetheart is growing so fast. She’s grabbing, she’s slobbering, she’s cooing. And as always, she razzle-dazzles my life.

Raeann’s suckling hard under the cover, and thriving with each drop of milk. It makes me smile.

I’ve had tough days of sleep deprivation, of sore throat, of endless tasks. But it’s all good when I have someone(s) to keep my perspective where it belongs. I’m holding on tight to my postcard-worthy moments, and doing all I can to return the enormous love that I’m receiving.

F for… January 14, 2009

Over dinner and coffee, the little missy had a most entertaining, educational evening. The two babes are so good with Raeann! One calms her down, the other cracks her up. I couldn’t have asked for better company.

Aunty Imp taught her the /f/ consonant with the most child-friendly of words – friendly funny faces! The babe got Raeann giggly the whole night, and her slight fever from her vaccination miraculously dissipated. All it takes are two friendly funny faces.

I’ve found the perfect babysitters. Aunty V, you are in charge of making her comfy. Aunty Imp, you go make her giggly. And brainy!

Meanwhile, this mommy will go feasting.

With her January 8, 2009

I’ve had the most marvellous of time romping about the island with the little missy. Crabs and Thai food and birthday celebrations with the good goblins. A most beautiful afternoon tea with Gen and Jon at Tea Cosy, with the prettiness of everything so exciting I’m feeling inspired to do some tea parties again. I’m so glad for this blossoming friendship, for someone who knows exactly how much it means to savour tea with a pretty name from a pretty teacup. Enid Blyton, country florals, minutae writing – we can’t get more similar. Thank you, dear, for everything.

And then there was ice cream with Beanbean and little Noah! The babies’ second meeting, and this time, they sure seem to hit it off. To more playdates.

He’s not looking at ice cream.

He’s looking at my babe!

Raeann couldn’t stop smiling at Noah. She knows a handsome boy when she sees one.

Life’s picking up tempo for the next three weeks when I go back to cover some lessons. I can’t bear to leave Raeann, I can’t.

Us, two thousand and eight January 1, 2009

As the little one wondered how best to say goodbye to 2008, we whisked her away on a dim sum date at Victor’s Kitchen with the Kohs! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the eve – exquisite simple dim sum, minty lychee, fabulous company, away from the hustle bustle of the city.

Looking at this picture, I can only say – Raeann, hooray to eyes bigger than Mommy’s! And yes, we shall work hard together on the triceps.

There is no place I would rather be, than with my little family.

Blessed 2009, everyone. To love, peace and all things lovely.

Colours December 11, 2008

Pretty pregger Allie came visiting and brought along with her some really hearty laughter and a kaleidoscope of colours bunched up prettily in a simple bouquet. They now sit merrily in a tall vase on the dining table, all summery and cheery. A reminder of how sweet everything can be.

Today, we brought Missy Raeann out for lunch, then coffee (sigh, decaf for me) at the library. Other than having to breastfeed her twice, she was very much the pleasant baby, wide-eyed at the beginning, then winky-sleepy. We are lapping up the attention she is getting with her full head of hair, which is getting browner by the day. Rather cool, if I may say.

I watched her twitch her eyelids as she fell into deep sleep in my arms. Then I cuddled her closer, my nursing cover as her blanket, the chatter nearby as her white noise comfort. I never thought I would be able to spend an afternoon out at such a languid pace – sipping latte, reading, with the little missy with me.

This is my shiny new life. As a very merry mommy.

Ladies’ Night November 28, 2008

After a long day of non-stop feeding, there is nothing more welcoming than a simple evening. With the girlfriends! The huddy politely left us so we could have a good girly gathering (Latte boy included so he wouldn’t have to roam the streets and get chased by feral cats). Raeann and I were pampered with gifts so cheery I couldn’t stop smiling. Missy Raeann slept through it all (again!), waking up just long enough to show how big her eyes are.

The laughing is healing. The friendship is comforting. I had such a wonderful evening.

And it was Thanksgiving.

Thank you, babes.

The Tehpengs @ the Auyongs November 23, 2008

I’m so smitten with their boy. He’s charming, and oh-so-picture-PERFECT.

Ask him “where’s mei-mei?”, and he points to little Raeann sleeping ever so soundly next to him. Too cute, too cute. We all got a mmm-mah-kiss from him. Too sweet, too sweet. (Last two pictures taken by Tehpeng.)

What a darling you’ve got there, lilsnooze!