Going To School

Denise have been attending Pat's Schoolhouse since July 2006. See how much she has grown!!!

She used to wear whatever I choose and ask me to carry her bag for her. Nowadays, she will choose her own outfit and carry her own bag.

Princess Jigsaw Puzzle

I completed a 500 pieces Princess jigsaw puzzle for Denise's room. Denise helped by fixing the LAST few pieces of puzzle...:)

Had it framed up and waiting to be hanged in her bedroom!

Quality Time with Denise

Ever since Debbie arrived, I feel that sometimes I neglected spending time with Denise. I was determined not to let her feel left out.

I took half day last Friday to spend some quality time with Denise alone. Left Debbie in Suntec Nursery and brought Denise for some shopping. Bought her a girlie PINK handbag from Fox and took her to playground.

Debbie Baby Dedication - Oct 13, 2007 (Saturday)

Debbie had her Baby Dedication on Oct 13, 2007 (Saturday) in church. It was also her first time wearing a dress...:)

GUESS Baby

This is the first time Debbie goes out with something nicer, other than full-suit rompers. Outfit sponsored by GUESS...:)

Debbie - 3 Months

Debbie turned 3 months on Oct 10. She can lift her head now. This photo makes her eyes look real big...:p

Ballet Class

I signed Denise up for a trial Bebe Ballet Class at Crestar. The class is meant for kids below 4 years old. Even though Denise is only turning 4 this December, she is the tallest in the class and she did not want to join in the activity. I think she feels that the children are too young for her...:p

After 15mins into the class, I brought her out to visit other classes.

Bad decision!!! She got stuck in the playground instead...:( I spotted a class for older children and suggested we go for a look.

Good decision!!! She says she wanted to join this class... I have to explain to her that she must attend the younger class before she can dance like that.

Finally we went back to the Bebe Class and they were doing the last routine. When the teacher asked the children to queue for their stickers, Denise's eyes lit up! She joined the queue and collected her sticker (for doing nothing...:)...hahhaha)

Well, maybe I should enrol her for Classical Ballet class for 4-5 years old children instead. Keep you posted!

Getting Ready For Work

7 a.m. - Debbie wakes up for morning feed
7.30 a.m. - After feed, change Debbie into her "office wear"
7.45 a.m. - Take my shower and wake JX up
By this time, Debbie will either have fallen back to sleep (as above) or lying there waiting for us to get ready.
8 a.m. - Wake Denise up, wash her up, dress her and get ready to leave

Some people ask me how do I manage without a maid... Well, it is tedious but the credit also goes to Debbie! She makes it easy for me. She knows when I will be busy and when it is appropriate to "cry" for attention...:)

Brushing - Trial & Error

It was not easy getting Denise to start using toothpaste with flouride. For a start, she has been using toothpaste meant for babies (those that are safe to swallow). It cost about $12 for a small tube and I have tried many ways to switch her to kids toothpaste.

I bought different types of fanciful toothbrushes and all kinds of different flavour of toothpaste. I let her brush my teeth...:p, in exchange of me brushing hers! Nothing works...

Finally, thanks to "Darlie" commercial which shows a boy kissing his Dad with foam in his mouth! I told her when she use kids toothpaste, she can also create foam in her mouth. *BINGO*

Ever since then, I have absolutely no problem getting her to use the new toothpaste...:) AND she has never asked to kiss JX with her foam...*phew*...

Spelling

Denise not only know how to spell and write her name in FULL, she can also spell mine and Debbie's name. She is learning to spell and write JX's name now.

This was what she wrote in the sand pit while waiting for JX to pick her from school!

Exercising with Dad

This post is super-backdated. But I thought it was one of those rare moments where we brought Denise for some sports. Better blog it for memory sake...:p

Yes, from the length of her hair, you can see that these photos were taken quite some time ago...heheh.... Maybe one day, she will become a basketball player like the mummy...:)

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Great tasting doughnuts flown in all the way from Hong Kong!!!

Children's Day Celebration

Brought Denise to Children's Day service in Jurong on Saturday. Thanks to Teacher Glordia, we were seated strategically in the middle of the hall where the view was the best! The service was well-lined up with games, special performance, Praise & Worship and captivating Bible stories. Denise enjoyed herself!

After service, she received a Friendship Band Art Set and a Hello Kitty Magnetic Board!

In school, she receives a PINK Dining set from her teachers, Miss Wendy and 邢老师. Miss Ada from the Playgroup, gave her a story book titled "I'm in Charge of Me!" and 莫老师 gave her a set of Colour Pencils. Every student in Pat's Schoolhouse receives a book written by a Pat's Schoolhouse Alumnus titled "My Feathered Friends."

What a fruitful Children's Day!

Fever... MC from Wednesday - Friday

Denise woke up on Wednesday with a fever. Kept her away from school for the rest of the week. It's my first "taking care of 2 kids without maid" challenge. I was tempted to ask my mum or sister to help, but didn't.

But everything turned out fine...:)

Debbie is still young and not mobile at all. She needs little supervision!...:) As for Denise, she was a little cranky. And she always have a reason/excuse for refusing to follow instructions... sigh.

Forgiven by an ANGEL

I was so blur today... Brought Denise to Clarke Quay, supposedly to attend her classmate's birthday party. When we reached there, the entire Italian restaurant was empty! Immediately I knew that something was amiss!

The "pizza-making" birthday party was YESTERDAY! Denise has been looking forward to the party...:( and I felt so bad having to disappoint her...

I broke the news, apologized profusely and of course she cried! Then I told her I will bring her to Macdonalds for breakfast and buy her a toy to make it up. She was very very very sad and I knew she was very disappointed.

After breakfast, on our way to Raffles City, she said, "Mummy, all my classmates attended Bryan's birthday party."

"No, you told me Reena did not attend"

"And me also."

Ops! I felt so bad... "Denise, Mummy is so sorry..:(..."

"It's ok, Mum. Nevermind." And she gave me one of the biggest and most assuring smile.

I gave her a big hug and a kiss and said, "Thank you. Come, let's take a picture together. Just you and Mummy!"

Favourite Food - Spaghetti

One of Denise's favourite food is SPAGHETTI! The day we sent the maid home, we decided to go for a mini-celebration. We brought her to Swensen's and ordered Spaghetti for her!

And Debbie? Sound asleep in the carrier throughout dinner...:)

Denise the "Acrobat"

Back At Work

Debbie is exactly 2 months and 4 days old. Today is her 4th day in Suntec Nursery. So far, she has been great! Sleeping and eating well everyday. Auntie even commented that she is very bright and responds very well for a 2 month old baby...:)

Except for bigger eyes, she does look like Denise!

Denise's 3rd Haircut

Yes, you read it right! Denise is turning 4 this December and last Friday was only her 3rd haircut! And the most expensive, so far ($13.90; still cheap comparing to some kids salon charges...:p)

To parents who are wondering when will you ever get to tie your girl's hair... Well, Denise was born with "very little" hair. It literally took us yeee..aaaarrrrsss.... to grow her hair to this length. Her hairstylist-cum-mummy only trims her fringe when it covers her eyebrows. So there is hope for everyone....hahah.....

Blogging!

This week was Debbie's 2nd week back in church. Many parents came up and told me to enjoy her infant stage. They say babies grow up so fast and we will forget how they were when they were babies. And how they wish their children were babies again...:)

I enjoyed every of Denise's growing stage. Whether as an infant, starting solid, sitting, crawling, walking or eventually running... Whether it was carrying her in my sling to work, taking public transport to office every morning or eventually to driving her to school now.

Every moment was sweet and memorable. But I never look back and wish for those moments again... Not that those were dreading moments but I look forward to every new things that she will do. And the surprises she will bring as she grows up!

For parents that think they will forget the growing up years of their children, try blogging! At least blogging ensures that you keep a record of their growing up photos and those unforgettable moments!

Another Sibling?

Denise attended a Canvas Painting Workshop in school recently. She did a beautiful painting of our family.

If you noticed, she drew something else in my tummy. The teacher told her that Debbie is already out, she replied, "There's another baby in mummy's stomach"... Hmm...

National Day Performance 2007

The photo above was taken last year (8 Aug 2006) during Denise's National Day Performance in school.
And this was taken recently (8 Aug 2007) during her performance this year. She still has the same smile, round cheeks and small eyes but see how much she has grown in a year! (esp. her hair)

FINALLY I learnt how to upload a video. Here is a short clip of her outstanding performance.

And Nicole Choong, if you are reading this, yes...Denise is wearing the T-shirt she borrowed from you...:) Thanks!

Sleeping Postures

Some interesting shots I took when the children were sleeping...

1) Denise and Daddy (like father, like daughter)

2) Debbie sleeping on the sofa when Daddy was watching TV in the living room (I told you she is an easy baby..:p...)

3) Denise and Debbie (some peaceful and quiet moments for Mummy)

4) Debbie (doing her "salute" while we were watching the NDP broadcast at home)

Debbie's FIRST Bath

Debbie turns out much eaiser to handle as compared to when Denise was an infant. Debbie enjoys taking her bath!

Denise was different when she was a baby. I remember telling Denise that the "whole of Jurong" can hear her screams when I take a bath for her...:p But she still turns out fine... Now, Denise has no problem going under the shower and letting water (with bubbles!) run down her face! It's something not many children can do...:)

Debbie - My Baby Sister (10 July 2007)

Finally, Mummy is back to update my blog... (Thousand apologies to all my fans out there! Mummy is still deciding if Debbie and I should share a single blog...)

After a rough count, more than 74 family and friends came to visit Mummy and Debbie in the hospital! We received loads and loads of Pampers (sizes ranging from Newborn - M), countless boxes of Chicken Essence, ang bao and many other gifts... Thanks to all Uncles and Aunties for your generosity!


Daddy and Mummy says that Debbie looks like me... What do you think?One thing for sure... I am definitely enjoying being a BIG SISTER! For those thinking of stopping at ONE, do not deprive your only child of enjoying sibling relationships...:)

Chinese New Year Performance

This is a super-outdated post. I just downloaded these photos from my camera to make space for Debbie's photos.

Denise performing in Pat's Schoolhouse during this year's Chinese New Year. Early in the morning, the school was already filled with proud parents, ready to capture every moment of their children's performance.

Denise was dressed up too! I took half day so that I can spend some time at the Fund-raising Carnival with her and of course, to capture as many photos as I can of her dancing and singing...:)

Mummy Warded!

Denise came to visit me when I was warded in the hospital for observation recently. It was a preview of how it would be like when I deliver Debbie next week.

She kept asking why must I stay in the hospital... Can she stay with me... Who is going to pat her to sleep... But she is indeed a reasonable girl! When it was time to go home, she gladly kissed goodbye and left with JX.

But when she was home, JX had to distract her with her new Polly Pocket toy. She woke up in the middle of the night crying for me...but JX managed to put her back to sleep. Wonder how it would be like when I get warded for 3 days after my delivery!!!

Another Birthday! Nicole Tay (19 Jun 2007)

Denise attended another birthday in Suntec Nursery. This time Nicole was celebrating her 2nd birthday!
Denise was very excited. She was all over the cake when the people were singing Happy Birthday song to Nicole.

Even though it's in December, I am already thinking what birthday cake should I get for her 4th birthday!...:)

Time Out!!!

Sorry to all my fansss....out there.....:(

Mummy has been too pregnant with Debbie. Please forgive her for not updating my blog regularly and faithfully.

I will be back soon!

This is for Aunty Mel!

This post is for Aunty Mel! She bought Denise this outfit about one and a half year ago and finally...Denise can fit into it!

Look at the way she is posing...:p That's the results from watching Miss Universe with her....haha...

Daddy's Birthday (7 June 2007)

We celebrated Daddy's birthday when the clock struck 0000hr on Jun 7. We bought a simple cake and gave him a small little surprise when I brought the cake into the room...

Actually Denise was very sleepy but when she saw the cake, she jumped out of her bed and got very excited! Hahah....

First Trip to the Movie (31 May 2007)

Yesterday was Denise's 1st trip to the movie! We were ready with our popcorns and Coke...:)

Our seats were 4 rows away from the screen and I think it was too intimidating for her! When the commercial came on, she clung on to JX and cried...:( I guess she just didn't like the big images and dark surroundings...:( JX had to bring her out to calm her down.

Not wanting to waste the tickets, I was determined to "make" her stay for the show. In the end, we found an empty lover couch at the back of the theatre and she only agreed to come in when I promised I will hold her throughout the show...:)

We sat at the back and the moment the movie started, she forgot all about the darkness...:) And even asked for her Shrek hairband! However, 3/4 into the show, she was tired and fell alseep in my arms...:p She did not even catch the ending...hahahha.....