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.

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.

Can’t stop smiling May 22, 2009

This week is so full of confetti. Five lovely, lovely things I absolutely have to post-it::

1. The little missy crawls! For more than a month, she has been able to stand up on her own with some support. Then three weeks ago, she learnt to sit up from the lying position. Now, she does the full works, and even leopard-crawls when lured. Gadgets get her moving the quickest. She’s there in a heartbeat.

2. She sprouts her first pearly white, and she doesn’t bite! Maybe, she just hasn’t. But I would love to think she would never.

3. The first significant pay after my maternity arrives, and I shopped for loads for goodies. Just one thing for me, and everything else for everyone else. It beats spending on myself, really.

4. This afternoon, I watched the missy play with my mommy. Their eyes bright, their smiles brighter. For some reason, I felt like crying.

5. I’m going on a date with the huddy tomorrow. I’ll wear the earrings that jingle jangle when I walk and when my head bobs. I’ll wear my vintage blue-white swirly sundress. I’ll hold his hands. I’ll buy him ramen. I’ll miss my Raeann, but I know we need this break so. I’m thrilled.

Have a beautiful weekend, my friends.

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.

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.

Love does not boast January 18, 2009

I attended the most beautiful wedding today.

Truth be told, I’ve never enjoyed weddings.  I love the couples. I love to see the smiles on their faces. But the commercialism, the price tags on designer gowns, mediocre banquet food, run-of-the-mill hotel setups, irritating yum-sengs, champagne pouring, dry-ice effect, dummy wedding cake, predictable programmes, irk me to no end. I can’t remember a wedding I actually love, until today’s.

The flowers were a palette of local summery colours – violet orchids, yellow sunflowers, pink and white sweet williams. Not quite those you would expect at a wedding, but how lovely. The bridesmaids donned cultural pretties – kebayas, cheongsams, sarees, with bouquets of local flowers, all whimsy and un-posy. The ringbearer wore a chinese new year-y ensemble, and the flower girl, a red and white kimono. The helpers wore cheery resort-y tops. The gorgeous three-tiered fruit cake was baked by the bride’s aunt, who spent months perfecting the recipe and icing. I couldn’t stop smiling.

There was no lengthy sermon. There were no endless hymns. Just beautiful pieces that I found myself singing along to. Just words of sincere thanks and love from the couple. Just a message from the bride’s father that I missed (because of Raeann’s feeding), but so wanted to catch.

The church was imbued with a beauty so filled with emotions, where everybody seemed to know everybody. I watched the bride walk in with her beautiful garland of flowers on her head, a raspberry-hued red. Her white gown, so simple and unassuming – the most beautiful I’ve seen. She choked on her tears while saying her vows, while giving her thanks. I felt like crying too. I’ve never met the bride, but I wanted to go up and tell her I think she is the most ravishing bride I’ve ever seen. Simply because she is she.

This is a wedding that needs no sugarcoating.

This is a wedding that celebrates love in the simplest, sweetest of ways.

They rock December 30, 2008

The festive week had been a long one. We’re happily caught up in the social whirl, celebrating friendship, kinship and love. This season, I relived the feel of chocolate melting in my mouth. So momentous I wanted to snap a picture of my chocolate-smeared brown teeth. And there was the midnight craving for ice cream (long feeding does something to my tummy, really!). So the very sweet huddy tried to indulge my whims in the most unbelievable of ways – make his own ice cream! It was milo with tic tac mints and marshmellow, slushed in ice and salt. But we fell asleep before any creamery magic occured, so it’s now a bag of milo ice sitting in the freezer. Still, it’s so sweet. He’s awesome, this man.

These days, we spoil ourselves silly with the company of Missy Raeann. She travels far and out with us, all over town. With her, we had delightful lunches, teas, dinners with friends, while she remains contented with her milk on the go. She’s getting a beautiful rosy tinge on her cheeks, which I would like to believe is the culmination of brilliant foods like ice cream, puddings and apple sauce (I’m so proud of my sauce!). Everything seems illuminated, with her in my pouch – the trim little trees by the roads, the misplaced toy on the countertop, the Dick and Jane calendar on our wall, the swirling of the laundry in the washing machine. She’s mesmorized by almost anything and everything. And it’s contagious, this love for learning, for life.

Life’s as good as you want it to be. Live it.

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.

Rainy days are happy days December 8, 2008

How I love cold drippy days. The clarity of the air is intoxicating. December is good like this. With a pot of hot earl grey, and stew bubbling away on the kitchen stove. Raeann sleeps snug in her crib, after a long conversation of ahhhs and oooos with Mommy and Missy Reindeer from Ikea. I laughed so much I forgot I was hungry.

Yesterday, after the low dark clouds drifted away in the evening, we had a most rejuvenating long walk with Latte, Armani and his lovely owners. It was one of those perfect December days – light breeze with dancing leaves, pink hues in the evening sky, joggers with dogs and toddlers, and a lot of laughter. Raeann was lulled to sleep by the motion of her stroller, and again, just waking up long enough for me to tell her “Hey you sleepyhead! Fancy a run with the doggies?” Latte was contented to sleep the rest of the evening away in the corner of the hall, smelling sweet of mango and chamomile, a bath long overdue. As I tucked Raeann in to bed with a bedtime story, she flashed me her toothless grin. I almost teared, you know?

Beautiful, these days.

Confetti, confetti November 15, 2008

Life has dealt me some very good cards lately. Here’s my week in brief, enamoured with all things simple, but oh so lovely.

• The college class swung by for a visit, and I never felt more refreshed. Ten years have twinkled by, but some things remain the same. Only now I have to talk, drink, manage the Macbook, and bottle-feed the girl at the same time. And it makes me wish I have three hands.

• More gatherings in the days to come, which always get me in a somewhat thankful mode. How awesome it is to be surrounded by friends who genuinely care.

• I know I have been resistant to social networking online, but I’m glad I eventually became a part of it. Joining Facebook has got me re-acquainted with my past, a past I would very much like to revisit. Can I gush about how I got in touch with my very first crush in my primary school days? I squealed in delight (and I’m not ashamed of it!). The huddy just muttered, “oh okay”, and went back to his game of Fallout 3. So much for trying to induce some greenness in him.

• Oppressively hot and humid days are over for now. I caught sight of a sky freshly rinsed by the rain, with air fresh as mint. It’s nice.

• With Raeann, I’ve seemed to slow down, and I’m glad I did. Beautiful is she when she sits contentedly in her bassinet, looking at nothing in particular. She taught me that it’s okay to stop and stare, to freeze time for as long as I want to. The laundry can wait. The dishes can wait. I want to take it all in now – the moments of nothingness, the grandeur of her presence, the beauty of idleness. I will sit and stare with her. At her.

To more good days.

Today October 29, 2008

Today – John Denver

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today

I’ll be a dandy, and I’ll be a rover
You’ll know who I am by the songs that I sing
I’ll feast at your table, I’ll sleep in your clover
Who cares what the morrow shall bring

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today

I can’t be contented with yesterday’s glory
I can’t live on promises winter to spring
Today is my moment, now is my story
I’ll laugh and I’ll cry and I’ll sing

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today

Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today

My orbit has shrunk down to one that revolves round our little family, particularly the baby. I’ve had midnight meltdowns where nothing seems to come right – she nurses poorly, my nipples are hurting, I need more snoozing. I’ve had afternoon exhaustions when not even my favourite book pleases. But more often than not, the moments are perfect. She smiles, and my day is made right again.

Today, the huddy took over the early morning feed, brought Raeann down for her daily sunshine, and made me a most delightful breakfast of soft-boiled egg nestled in a bed of toast.

So today, I want to give thanks – to glorious sunshine spilling over the edge of my bed, to folks and friends pouring in with their blessings and well wishes, to a faithful boy keeping guard over his mommy and sista, to a loving husband who has been nothing but WONDERFUL, to a beautiful baby whom we love. Love love love.

Miracle Baby August 22, 2008

Baby David who hates to be swaddled

Their little one came early. A beautiful addition to the family. Congrats, Adrian and Xinyun! Watch out – Raeann’s very eager daddy is eyeing your baby.

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)!

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?

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.

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.

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.

good things March 17, 2008

• the wave of nausea hits again late last night just when we were about to switch off the bedside lamp and go to bed. it’s hunger pang that’s not about to go away. the huddy got up immediately and fixed it promptly with scrambled eggs. i heard him tell latte, “mummy’s hungry. daddy’s cooking!” and i smiled from inside out.

• yesterday, i was half asleep in bed when latte trotted into the room, looked at me, ran out, came back in again, nudged my hand, then scurried out. stranger than strange since he always keeps by my side when i nap in the afternoons. i followed him out and there he was at the kitchen door – the kettle was whistling. i have to tell the huddy theatrically  – latte saved our lives!

• lunch today was tomato chicken stew with vegeroni spirals. i haven’t cooked in a while, and it’s nice to cut, chop, flavour, taste, infuse, and smell the sometimes bewildering scents that fill up the house. it’s good, this stew.

• tonight, we are going to the karen photo exhibition at the asian civilisations museum with the good goblins. i miss that place. i’ll tell baby, mummy and daddy got married here, and it’s beautiful.

• tomorrow, we’ll hear the baby’s heartbeat.

 it’ll be a good week.

she makes me smile March 10, 2008

 this was in my mailbox – a country style magazine and a most lovely photograph taken by gen. and best of all, her words written with so much love and friendship, sent all the way from down under. i re-read her note, over and over again. each time, i smile and once, i put my hand to my heart. this is one friend who understands my love for country, shares my love for pretties, breathes in moments big and small, just like me. i told the huddy, i’m surrounded by so much confetti i can never be really unhappy. and tonight, i’m looking forward to curling up in bed, savouring the glossy pages and gorgeous pictures, and reading her note and be happily reminded that i have a great friend. gen, you’re a gem.