The green green grass of home November 7, 2009

Every Sunday before Raeann came along, we used to get our hands chocolatey-brown with earth, pruning and primping away on our greens. It was our weekly routine, this gardening. I liked to pretend we are farmers on the meadows, waiting for a new leaf to unfurl, a new bud to un-tighten, a new bloom to love. Latte would watch us from the inside, patiently waiting, occasionally squeezing his long snout and velvety nose between the gate grilles.

So now our baby’s here. We still garden, but never quite together. I would water, and he would carry the girl and go, “Baby, this is mint”. Or he would water, and I would carry the girl and go, “Baby, this colour is green.”

I guess, in more ways than one, we still garden together.

Can you imagine Missy Raeann carrying a little watering pot with a cute little spout, watering the greens? It’ll be one that she picks, and I’ll paint little flowers and her name on it.

One day, very soon, we’ll all garden together. Missy, huddy and me. And Latte still patiently watching.

Staying home June 13, 2009

It was supposed to be a swim date with the Kohs today. As luck would have it, the huddy got a recall back to the army, just as we were able to step out of the house. So there goes a beautiful day out.

I haven’t felt this disappointed in a while. This flip-flop in my heart. And so I look for cheer-uppers, and found these.

Snapshots of Latte boy and Missy Raeann. Missy settled on a nice neat routine (two naps a day, one-half hours each, bedtime at 8-8.30pm, three meals of solids, four milk feeds). A dear dear dear friend homeward-bound in four days. Chocolate swirl pound cake with lemonade. New onesies for the Missy on the way to the mailbox. A vintagey ring from the huddy. Drippy, cooler day. A long warm bath with the Missy.

No pool, we’ll make do.

Just another day June 4, 2009

I opened the door this morning to a surprisingly balmy weather. Hello June.

So today we decided to stay home. I couldn’t take anymore of Missy Raeann in my pouch. She has taken such a strong liking to it, she wouldn’t sit in her stroller. My back, my back.

I let myself ooze into the couch while the huddy and the baby take an afternoon siesta. Outside, the children in the playschool are singing. Our cream sheer curtains move like gentle waves in the light June breeze. Latte watches me, then nods off to sleep under the white wicker bench.  With a mug of icy cold lemonade (with grapefruit pulp!), a cranberry cream cheese bun and a thick novel, I’m having just about the perfect home-day.

Tell me, what makes your day at home?

It’s in the little things June 3, 2009

Tonight::

Missy Raeann’s sleeping sweetly with Buddy, her new Goldie stuffie from Ikea that she picked out herself. I watch Marley and Me, with Latte at my feet. He presses his nose to mine as I sob streams of hot tears with twisted knots in my tummy. What a tremendous relief that I’m watching this at home and not at the theatre. Then the huddy returns with a warm lava chocolate cake and a punnet of vanilla ice cream. And a most touching text message that made me tear.

Nights like this heal even the most battered of souls.

Good night.

The warmth in the hot day April 19, 2009

These made me melt, in a good way this hot Sunday.

I’ve been waiting so long for my two babies to get together. As expected, there was a frisson of panic in the folks, but as usual, I’m one stubborn mommy who chooses to ignore lectures of bacteria/dirty/unhygienic and the like. It’s all hogwash if there isn’t evidence to back up what one is saying. I have the research results, the credible articles. I know what I’m doing, and I’ll continue to do it. My babies deserve each other. Six months has been too long a wait.

And there was freshly squeezed juice from the huddy, with thick pulp and countless ice cubes in the cup, just the way I like it. The orangey scent lingers around the sink late into the evening. I think about how lovely it would be to dig my fingers into a cold orange and feel that cool first spray on my skin. I mustn’t let the heat get to me.

It’s probably a good day to start singing “Here comes the sun” to the little missy.

There’s more I can do April 7, 2009

For some reason, the huddy’s most recent post set off a tiny ripple of thoughts in me.

We had grand plans to write the little missy a storybook, complete with whimsical illustrations and poetic testimonies to her cute antics. We never got down to doing it. To my credit, I have sporadic drafts – potential titles, two-liners for three chapters, and maybe five verses. But nowhere near a complete book. I now stew in my own guilt.

The huddy got more going on. He whisked off to the bookstore one day, got his drawing supplies, and sat quietly at the coffee table to draw. I know I’m biased, but I’ve never seen anything sweeter.

That’s how he is. He sings into the iPhone to record songs for our babe – “So she won’t be bored in the train,” he says. He dreams of opening an ice cream parlour – “So little missy will be the most popular girl in school.” He cleans up Latte’s pee tray every morning, just so I don’t need to get dirty. And he stocks the fridge with cakes, ice cream and cookies, because his wifey has a tooth sweeter than sweet.

Mommyhood has been merry, but I know it wouldn’t have been so easy if not for him.

This ethereal life is mine to keep, but I want to do more. To be a better wife, a better mommy, a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend.

Can I?

I must. And I will.

Pink and brown and white March 21, 2009

What a wet month. Gone are the long, warm, golden days. The hallmark of March this year is torrential rain that strikes in the most unpredictable of hours. The maddening idiosyncracies of the local weather.

So we spend the grey-hued Saturday afternoon in the nursery listening to the rain outside, the homeland smelling of mango and camomile – Latte’s bodywash. The boy’s getting some soft stools, and the huddy is one tired man cleaning up after him.

I settle down with a book on the bed beside Raeann’s bouncer. The nursery is pretty – stripes on the curtains, flowers on the cushions. There are lovely shades of pink, brown and white, some of the yummiest colours ever. And best of all, it’s filled with handwritten cards, toys and gifts with love from all around. And Raeann’s playtime squeals.

I can’t believe that it won’t be long before she wakes up in this very room, to morning light sliced in from underneath the drawn curtains, to Latte scratching at her door. And she will soon learn to embellish her room with our country finds, and be enamoured of all things country and pretty.

It’s a nice thought for a quiet Saturday afternoon at the homeland.

What did you think about this Saturday?

My boy March 16, 2009

This was Latte in 2006, when he was four to five months old.

He’s grown so much, my boy. Now, he’s Gor Gor Latte to Missy Raeann.

When I first found out I was pregnant, one of the consolations for the unplanned pregnancy was knowing that my little bub gets to be the happiest baby because she would have the loveliest doggy. I know this for sure – Latte’s going to give Raeann some pawsome love-filled years that every child deserves.

Latte boy, Mommy loves you so, still. I can’t cuddle you as much. I can’t bring you out on walks. I can’t clear your pee tray. But when Raeann’s older, Mommy can do all that, and more. I’m all achy-breaky when you whine because I can’t play. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

I need another me December 21, 2008

It had been a long, long week. Cyn left, Trina’s back, Shane’s here, Superstar visited. Amidst the get-togethers and pretty pressies, the little missy is turning fussy. Just yesterday, I nursed her from 2.35pm to 8pm, with breaks of only 15 to 30 minutes in between each feed. Another growth spurt. I needed afternoon tea to clear my fuzzy mind. The huddy busied himself baking fresh bread in the kitchen, and I can’t even begin to describe how much the heavenly scent of bread and ice cold peppermint tea in a pot have helped. I took in a deep whiff, and I’m ready to be moo moo mom again.

Latte has been howling everytime I head out with Raeann. Prior to Raeann’s arrival, we have only heard him howl once for Armani. Now, it’s a regular affair. Treats and toys have lost their charm on my boy. Today, his long, saddening howls sank my heart. I teared.

What a week.

Latte boy, happy barkday December 18, 2008

Chicken and oatmeal cake with yogurt frosting. Dog treats (from his dog pal Scottie in Malaysia!) as candles.

Can’t wait!

Just for you, Mommy

In a glorious swirl of time, Latte boy turns two today. Truth be told, I would rather he remain one every year. He has been the most pawsome dog one can ever ask for. I have been charged with guilt ever since Raeann came along – he has been getting less of me, and howls whenever I go out with Raeann. It breaks my heart so.

Latte, hope you like the cake Mommy baked for you. I wish I could do so much more. Happy barkday, my precious boy.

My words December 16, 2008

Blue stripes. Brown stripes. Bundle in the pouch.

Golden snowflakes. Red balls. Orange pressies.

Coffee. Peppermint. Candy cane in the mug.

Parteas. Cookies. Friends near and far.

Latte. Barkday. Walks and treats.

Auyongs. Four of us. Magic.

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.

Latte and Armani again! December 1, 2008

After all the playdates for Missy Raeann, Latte finally got his own playdate with Armani (who might well be a distant cousin from down under, as we have earlier suspected!). Within the hour, he got cornered, snapped at, and his treat taken from under his nose. All by Armani who is merely half his size. And still, he was full of smiles, full of charm. Even when he had to stay outside the kitchen while Armani took a leisurely tour and temporary respite from Latte’s relentless herding. He’s such a gracious host. We’re ready to bring more dog pals into the homeland for more playdates! Any dog keen to be herded by our tireless boy?

We are proud pa{w}rents.

Latte boy, you’re turning two soon. Mommy’s baking you pupcakes!

Loves of my life November 18, 2008

They give me perfect moments, so serene with beauty I had to sigh with contentment.

Durian, durian September 27, 2008

The mother-in-law bought me five durian pancakes, and I’ve been rationing them so Raeann doesn’t get too overfed. Latte goes slightly hysterical when he smells the durians (he used to scoff at them!), and begs for them in the cutest ways possible for a dog. Yesterday, he ate a small chunk, then sat in front of the fridge and barked, whined, then looked at me. When we ask, “Where’s the durian?”, he goes right to the fridge, much to our amusement.

Today, he gets a larger piece of durian treat as I sit curled up cross-legged on my couch, and watch him lick in relish. And he smells so lovely of durian breath!

My boy’s a durian junkie like his Mommy.

And we’re thinking of baking him durian cookies.

One boy, one girl September 18, 2008

The cot’s up, and I can’t wait to buy the mattress and the sweetest bedding. There is a certain blissed out vibe in the homeland, even when the days are long and hot, and my body is always beady-sweaty-wet. We talk about how Latte will get his runs or treats each time we return home with Raeann, so he’ll associate the baby with all things lovely. And I’ll continue to cook him his daily meals even during the dreaded confinement period, so he will always feel loved by Mommy.

This boy has been the most wonderful companion. He’s sweet, he’s gentle, he’s obedient, he’s loving. He’s perfect, to us. Raeann’s one very lucky girl who’ll get to grow up with the awesome-est-est dog in the whole wide world.

Now, I’m waiting for the huddy to return with my teatime treat – a waffle, plain, so I can share it with my Latte boy. And he’s at my feet as I punch away on the keyboard, looking up at me with his brown eyes. I’m all blissed out, again.

The week in pixels September 8, 2008

September started stupendous. I’m letting every bit of the amber sunshine into the homeland. And eating every morsel of the chocolate rounds in the cookie jar.

My very handsome boy

Pollination in progress. Do not disturb.

Bread in the baking

Tales for Baby Raeann

Japanese sweets with Min

Happy Huddy after ramen

Cheery orange top from Prissi

Gotta love this month. Good week, all.

Snapshot on rainy days August 26, 2008

• The after-drizzle air smells of fallen wild fruit, and I’m liking the slight breeze on my skin. But it’s bad news for Latte boy, who can’t have his regular jogs with the huddy. To make up for his loss of exercise, we hide his toys and make him search the homeland for them. The clever boy knows all the names of his toys, which still amazes us to no end. Proud parents, we are.

• The huddy’s got a new toy and he’s quite contented to have the rain for company for the next couple of days. He’s one very happy man now, I must say.

• It’s strange how I’m getting cravings all over again. Today’s fudgy chocolate cake, which I hope to be able to bake tomorrow, unless there’s a new craving. One thick slice with a cup of English Breakfast. And a good read. And more drippy weather.

• My feet are sore from the shopping for Raeann (short trips only, really!). Nothing that I own seems to be able to support my weight these days. There must be pretty, reliable, affordable shoes out there that can take the walking. Ladies, any suggestions?

• The last week before the new term begins. It’s all about friends, food and flowers (the duranta plant is blooming again!)

A tale of Mari and her three pups August 17, 2008

I knew I would cry, but I didn’t know I would be this touched. It’s apparently based on a real life story about a family that was caught in an earthquake in Japan, 2004. What a marvel, this little actress. The Japanese really have a penchant for producing heart-wrenching tear-jerker animal stories. So I watched and sobbed and sank my tear-soaked face into my pillow and hugged my Latte boy until 3 am in the morning. Now my eyes are swollen. Latte boy, mommy loves you.

Latte in August August 14, 2008

I can’t believe I can love a dog this much.