Kate turns 7

We had been planning this day for weeks. This little one knew that she wanted a party with some friends and the husband and I obliged by arranging for a playdate with a small group of friends. The night before, she was happily reminding us that 'it is 17 September tomorrow!'
The day rolled along and in our half-asleep state (while the kids were already bouncing off the walls, as usual), we hugged our firstborn and wished her HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Our morning routine was business as usual, and we all met at home after lunch. K was visibly excited and couldn't wait to head to the club to meet her friends.

Waiting for her guests to arrive

She was impatient (obviously, minutes felt wayyyy too long) and started bouncing off the walls, asking every few moments 'what time is it?' Finally, after half hour, we gathered most of the children and started to play.

Most of the little ones

The sister and I deliberated if we ought to play some games, and I think despite our lukewarm efforts, we didn't have to worry too much as the children were not too focused on quality it seems. They gamely played along, and we cut our losses by cutting down the number of games played - especially since I was barely audible with my croaky voice.

Simple games



Simple games - special mention to the sister for getting these balloons!
(In hindsight, we could have just used the damn balls at the gym!)

Playing catch

The highlight - water play!

JUMP!

Party food

Happy Birthday K

My beautiful child

With her little friends

It was past 7 by the time most of her little friends left, and I am thankful for the patience for my family who came by to just hang around. Family support is so helpful when there are situations, or just to shower love and I am extremely thankful because my family is truly super awesome. As my kids continue to grow up, I must say we are looking forward to more mini ones - looks to the brother and sister!

With the loving grandparents

Missing the busyB

PRECIOUS

Dear baby K,


No matter how old you become, you will always be my special baby. A parent will truly understand this statement, regardless of how cliché it sounds. A firstborn will always be a firstborn as you introduce so may 'firsts'.


You have brought change to my life (and your Papa's), teaching us responsibility, growing pains, laughter, unconditional love. You brought awareness of many matters - observing traditions, leading through behaviour, sensitivity... the list of lessons is endless. This year has been pretty significant, with the start of primary school and I know that you have struggled through as much as I have; but we shall not give up because this is just another phase of life that we will soldier on and we shall become stronger and better as we do so side-by-side.


You have matured and laugh at jokes that your little brother makes alongside us adults, as you understand that he is the baby now and is less aware. You become more territorial as you begin to treasure your own space. You are growing up and learning to deal with responsibility that comes with school in terms of managing money, making new friends, learning new routines and cope with the awe that comes with the 'big world' as you are the littlest in this 'big children school'. I only hope that you learn within these hopefully safe environment, as the school we have picked for you is one that will allow you to thrive.


There are so many wishes I have for you, and I hope that we will always be able to talk to each other about things big and small, so that I never stop adding to this list of wishes I have for you and I, as we both learn on this journey. This year, you become the bogay child with your toothy, dimpled grin and I marvel at how beautiful you are, how mischievous and sensitive you are, and how blessed I am that you are my baby.


Happy birthday, my child. I love you beyond purple balloons, to the US of A and right back to your little bogay smile.

May you continue to soar to greatness

Spending time with my firstborn

K had no school on Friday and as a treat, so that she and I can spend more time together, I brought her with me to work. It's nothing too exciting, nothing over the top, but having her with me the whole day gave me a nice, warm feeling as we could have lunch together, and while she had pockets of time where she was not by my side, it was still nice as I had intended for her to just be with me, so that we can just well, hang together-ish.

My plan of ending work earlier did not truly happen, and it was already 5 by the time I was ready to go. We spent some time having ice-cream though, and lunch was also her choice (ugh, horrid McDonalds!) and I guess the day was pretty successful as she was with me, through the day, and it was a nice change from her daily routine of school/being at home.

A yoghurt all to herself

Look at her, all limbs and such an adorable child. She is growing up, as she should be, and I still marvel at how this girl is my child. There is so much to learn on this parenting journey, and while I struggle to be patient, I do hope that she knows that she is loved beyond the moon and back. I do not expect her to be a genius, but I wish her to have a heart of kindness. I do not expect her to be a millionaire, but I wish her to be sensible to ascertain right from wrong. I do not expect her to be perfect, and I always tell her that I will always love her, no matter what, even if I am mad/frustrated  with her - because no one is perfect and I hope she knows that I am imperfect because I get frustrated and snappy with her; yet she will always be perfect in her special way, in my eyes.

Ah, this crazy thing called love!

Buying a bike

After the husband's ironman feat, it's sparked off the children's interest in bicycles (seeing the husband's borrowed bike taking centrestage in our living room, LIVING ROOM). After weeks of badgering, questioning, asking, pleading... the husband conceded and then after several chances of co-ordination, we made it to actually buying a bike yesterday.

Cycling

Cycling

Cycling

Regaining my running mojo - about my exercise regime

With our new morning routine that started in July, my exercise regime has gone awry. My free window period that used to take place every morning (between 0545-0700) has changed. I realise that I crave routine and with the changes, it is slightly disconcerting.


The result of the consistent exercising every day from Jan - May this year, is that I became super toned, and also super thin. I had not realised that, until the regime broke and now that I am 3-4kg heavier.


What's new, is how I am exercising now. My options are:
1) Ending work early and going back for a workout.
While this has happened on a few occasions, where I fit in a run before dinner, the act of rushing home just to work out then rush the night routine (of putting the kids to sleep) - is sometimes daunting (also known as, I get lazy). It is also a challenge to slip out of home once I see the munchkins as they start talking to me etc etc...


2) Fitting in a workout before work
By the time I send K to school and come to the office, it is about 0745. I have tried to Kayla to finish the workout by 0830, in time to wash-up and be ready for work by 0900. In that same time, I can practise yoga.


3) Running to the office
This works brilliant as it combines me working out and making my way to work. It works best when I pre-plan my wardrobe and have an outfit to change into when at work, and it is great for days that I need to start my day earlier. The route is a nice, easy one cutting through Orchard Road and works great in the early hours of the morning.


4) Running home from the office
I have tried this on a handful of occasions from my previous offices, and yesterday, I did it for the first time from this premise. It felt pretty good honestly, and though my body is protesting slightly at the long run (been so slack), it is still an effective way in using my time, fitting in a workout and forcing me to go the distance.

11.9km

5) Exercising on the weekend
I try to work out at least once on the weekend, whether at home, out for a run, or at the gym. So far, so good - except that my routine on Saturday (my regular visits to the gym) is going to change soon. So let's see how that unfolds.


The husband made a comment recently that it is not only applicable to specific people who may be required to be fit in their role at work. Exercising regularly is a lifestyle and I believe that if we make some effort, it should be something that we do for ourselves - whatever your motivation is. It has been several years since I started my lifestyle of exercising regularly and it's amazing how much it impacts my daily life. I get grumpy when I don't exercise, I feel sluggish when I am not active. I feel not as happy with myself (and my body) even if there is absolutely nothing wrong with me. The benefits of exercising totally outweighs any reason to not exercise and I am glad that the husband is a constant motivation for me to keep active, not forgetting us wanting to play lead examples to the children.


I'm definitely in good spirits today after the run yesterday, and now if I can control my gluttony more... I can be even healthier than what I am right now :P

Lantern-making with Godpa

It has become a tradition where the Godpa owns an annual event with the children. It started two years ago, when I handed him the task of working on a lantern-making craft project with K. Last year, I requested that he helps - not one, both two kids - because both of them were in the same school, and so he did. (Sadly, I could not find any pics that documented the lantern of 2015).


This year, the end result is definitely the best - you know what they say, practise makes perfect!

Minions!

Lit-up minions

It's nice to have something for the children to have, even if it's this one project every year. They get to spend time together, and this year, I ended up taking a nap while they were working at this craft - ahhh, how nice!

Throwback - 4 years ago

I absolutely adore the (relatively) new feature that FB launched. It prompts you of memories on the same date x-years ago, and I make it a point to flick through memories daily.


It reminds me of what I did (I usually have a clear flashback - proof of memory still not failing entirely), of how the kids looked before (this is totally endearing yet scary - they always look adorable but how quickly they have grown!), and it's always nice to have a chuckle. 

This popped up on my feed today

Look at my little baby princess... she's so much more grown up now. She has lost her baby fat (no more YY), and her arms and face are so much more adult-like now than 4 years ago. Her hair is a constant though - messy!


Feeling all warm and fuzzy as I think back of all her baby-like antics, and also looking forward to celebrating her 7th birthday very soon.

Cebu, 11 Aug, coming home

Our flight home was at 4pm, which means that we had the whole morning, until lunch to finish off the holiday. The morning was a repeat of our last few days, where we had breakfast - headed to the pool - then washed up. Our request for late check out was approved, which made things easy for us to have a spot to shower and all.

Checked out, and waiting for our ride

We arrived at the airport - no drama there - but we did spend some time trying to check in. Turns out, due to our separate flights into Cebu, there was some mix-up and the counter staff took a while to locate the seats for J and I. After some long moments, we got our tickets - phew.  What was amusing was, during this time that we were waiting, J was self-entertaining by pretending that he was in the Ironman race! He was playing pretend by swimming, cycling and running - just like his Dad. I cannot express how thrilled I am at this positive influence!


Our flight was slightly delayed, but besides being called out on the public announcement 'calling for passengers Seah C..C... and Foo C...Y...' - oops (the husband was eating and I had to do a pee stop for J), we made it.


The seats were apart, and J asked to sit with me while the husband got some alone time. The flight back wasn't too bad... and I even managed to eat my meal in peace while J slept. He had his meal after me, upon waking up so the timing worked out pretty well.

Game time

The highlight of the flight was probably when we got invited to go to the cockpit! How thrilling! It started with J wanting to say goodbye to the pilots, and we were fortunate to have 2 very friendly pilots who invited him inside to take a look. They were warm and super nice, even encouraging J to sit on the pilot's seat!

In awe - so many buttons!

Rare visit

We finished off our visit in the airport by playing with this gadget that I had noticed previously. We spent some moments snapping our pics, seeing it pixelated - pretty cool!

Captain J

Us

We purchased duty free items, picked up our luggage, caught 2 cabs (big luggages much!) and made our way home.


It was nice to be home, and still being on holiday mode, we headed out for a late dinner. It was very nice to have an 'extended break' to not need to think about heading back to work/reality the very next day. Love it!


And so, this marked the end of our holiday to Cebu. All the days captured here: Day one, two, three, four, five , six and seven.