Dear Kate

Dear Kate,

It has been a superb 2 weeks that we've spent together daily. If I used to enjoy my leave, I surpass enjoyment now as I get to spend most of my time with you. I know that time spent together is precious and I'm reaping the benefits of all the care and time showered upon you, because we have become closer than ever now. You call for me nearly all the time, and I'm your favourite person on earth! When you get scared by loud/sudden noises, you race towards me. You give me hugs and kisses when I ask for them. You call for me when I'm right there with you, as if to let me know that you're within the area; and you cry for me when I'm out of your sight. You prefer to do everything with me whether it is feeding, showering, changing, reading or playing - and I really love to do all of those (and more) with you. I've said this before and I say it again, I love being a mother and you make the job so much sweeter by being you.

This two weeks with you has also shown me your terribly naughty side - you throw tantrums, you cry for attention or when you don't get your way, you are very stubborn and display this streak through your actions (doing what we tell you not to/ ignoring us when we tell you to do something right) - and I'm very glad that I'm here to witness this growth. I know that such behaviour is part and parcel of growth and I'm glad that I can be here to discipline you. I want you to know that though I love you with all my heart, I will not tolerate bad behaviour.

I still wish that I can be a stay-at-home mom, but I know that you are in great hands with ah ma; and so I embrace my duo-role as a working mom, recognising that it is important for me to stay abreast with what's happening out there in the big (bad) world so that I do not lose track of myself, so that I can join forces with papa and offer you the best we can.

It may take a while for both of us to adjust to me going back to work again, but I know that we'll both do well (hopefully soon). I want you to know that I love you with all my heart, and though I am not with you physically, I am always with you. I will attack my new role with gust, knowing that I have your support, as well as Papa's.

Wish me well in my new role, my darling; Mommy's going to go kickass!

Love always, Mommy

I did it!

To those who know me, I'm very undomesticated. I may clean and map and wash and wipe, but I cannot cook. Ok, I can and I have before, but I'm not very good and I don't like it and I'm a lucky girl who has many who will cook for me - the husband, the mother, the mil...

I'm thus quite ashamed to say that I have only ever cooked for Kate thrice before; which works out to be three times in 9.5months (counting from month 6 when she started on semi-solids). The first occasion was when the mil was away on a short holiday and I took leave to be home with Kate. It was potato and carrot puree - which I destroyed on my first attempt because I burnt the potatoes and carrots (not enough water) - I know, tragic and embarrassing, but true. The house filled with a burning smell and I was stupefied for some moments before dashing to the kitchen to find to my greatest dismay that I'd burnt the food. Tragic, very.

The second time was at my mom's place and she happened to be out - I attempted to cook porridge for Kate. I thought it tasted pretty yuck - I couldn't boil the rice properly and kept adding water to ensure that the rice didn't burn - thus spoiling the porridge; it definitely isn't going to be congee that's for sure. The husband was so impressed (and amazed, or maybe, shocked) that he snapped a picture of it.

Porridge for Kate - Mama's first attempt at cooking porridge (chopped fish and veg)

Yesterday, something came over me (I don't know what!) and I asked the mil to teach me how to prepare Kate's food. She gave me a live tutorial and it was actually rather easy. This morning, I took the initiative to prepare the porridge and I'm so very proud to say that I DID IT! The porridge was as yums as what the mil typically prepares - I can cook for my daughter!

I'm a happy and proud mom. The husband gave a (semi) praise "that's good".

I told him "now we know that we can all eat baby porridge if I'm cooking!"

Coffee with Ah gong and Ah ma

From as young as 4 months, Kate's been a regular at the coffeeshop below the block. Ah gong and Ah ma will bring her down with them when they go for their breakfast. It's become their regular morning routine, where they spend time with Kate and proudly show her off to their friends. Kate's become such a popular regular at the coffeeshop that Ah gong has exclaimed before "she has more friends than I do" - and that is a huge statement!

Sometimes, when the husband and I carry her to walkabout in the hood, we'll encounter random strangers - who apparently are strangers only to us. They will greet Kate very happily and she, in turn will give her signature cheeky smile with a hello wave thrown in. The husband and I are pretty used to it by now, and we are well aware where we stand on the popularity charts (nowhere, apparently).

Ah gong, Ah ma walking home from the coffeeshop (Pic taken from the bedroom window)

Suburban Thursday

The day started with Kate and I travelling to the other end of the island to fetch the husband from work. After 3 nights away from us, he was finally back. The drive there - though very long - was peaceful; I didn't have to get up to my usual antics of making faces/singing loudly/finding ways & means to distract her. Kate must have been sleepy because she barely fussed and seemed to be enjoying the ride - amazing!

We had a short wait before the husband arrived, and I thought it was very nice carrying Kate and watching the ocean - the clever little one pointed out to the sea and said "oat" (boat). I really love being by the sea and I only wished I could have taken a picture of her by the waters.

In the afternoon, we had a date with Kate's little uncle and auntie.

Taking the bus

First stop - food court for lunch

After the food stop, we headed to the library which served as a playing-cum-reading field for the kids. I'm thankful I had my aunt to help out - 3 kids altogether is quite a feat! (even though the 4 & 6 year-old were old enough to obey instructions) I cannot believe how big they are already - the husband and I used to bring the boy out very often and it seemed only yesterday that he was as little as Kate.

Hanging out with family is fun

They were entertained in this fire engine for a good 15minutes

Kate had a good time with the kids and I enjoyed meeting up with everyone too. Family time is always great and I'm glad that the kids will always have fond memories growing up with one another.

Polliwogs with Eva

Today's special was an outing to meet Eva, lovely daughter of my ex-colleague, Jo.

It was a nice session - I was treated to a tour of her beautiful home, and it was the first time the girls were meeting each other. They got on like fire immediately! It was totally adorable to see them playing together with each other - taking toys out, throwing balls around (and not at each other), one leading and another following around the house - it was totally fun and extremely cute. They are only about 6weeks apart in age and truly, very similar in build and development. Though I gotta say Eva is alot steadier on her feet and more advanced than Kate in the physio-moto department. Kate's more talkative and much greedier.

Kate and Eva by the playpen

They headed to Eva's bedroom

Eva shows off her toys

We headed to Polliwogs after the home-tour and that was when the kids ran amok and we adults were going to end up with backaches tomorrow. The place was nice and though slightly crowded, it was still fine and besides some unhappiness over a bouncy ball and (funnily) a Friso milk powder container, the afternoon was fantastic and great fun.

Rainbow-coloured balls

Here you go, Mom

Jo with the girls

Crawling

The girls and I

In between running after the kids, we adults managed to talk and catch-up and well, relieve each other of our complaints, worries and minds. It was pouring when we were in Polliwogs, but it stopped when we were ready to leave and Jo's suggested a walk and that was really lovely! The air was cool, there was no crowd and I felt happy! It was such a beautiful moment hanging out with my daughter, my friend and her daughter. I wish I'd snapped a pic of Kate at East Coast Park, but as I'm sure I want to go there with the husband soon, I'll have to fulfill that desire then!

It's mid-week already and I know I will miss Kate so much when I go to work next week (sigh); but today was a good day. Here's to good friends, good company and good times.

Meeting Eden and Finn

Yesterday, I finally brought Kate for her 13-month vaccination. Yes, it's more than a month late because she was ill then and like I said, I finally brought her for it. It went well and I was a proud mother when the pediatrician said "clever girl". I guess she probably says it to many of her patients, but I'm happy and proud nonetheless!

After the needle poke, Kate and I headed to meet up with some friends.

Kate with Eden (and her Mommy standing in the background)

Kate with Finn

I love seeing how Kate interacts with other children - she loves kids and knows no fear and is very sociable (sometimes, too sociable; the older kids who are more aware shun away from her!)

Busy weekend

We started the 2nd day of our staycation bright and early - Kate woke up at 8am and before we got up and about, I managed to capture a beautiful shot of the husband and Kate.

My loves

We headed to have breakfast - Kate helps herself to cereal

Sharing food - a most difficult feat

Let's go! I want to hit the pool already!

Play time at the pool

Couldn't get enough, so we allowed her more in the bath-tub

We dressed her up and headed shopping

That ended our staycation and it was enjoyable. The husband lamented woefully how tiring it is to have a child all-day long and I agree - but as most parents will also agree, it is also extremely fulfilling because you only get to spend that much time with them. And Kate has so much antics that we are always amused and amazed; frustrated or angered - whichever way the emotions swing, one thing's for sure - we love her so much and I'm happy that we have her to share our adventures now.

Saturday night, the husband and I took some time-out from Kate and headed out for some adult time. We went to Resorts World Singapore and caught the live performance - it was our first time there and the atmosphere was very carnival-like and buzzy (very much like Genting Highlands). The husband and I agreed that it is a possible idea to have a staycation at RWS - maybe next time!

Sunday, we headed for my girlfriend's animal-themed birthday party.

Tigger K with her daddy

I am Tigger K, hear me roar!

Outfit even comes with a tail - soo cute

The husband with a giraffe and tigger

We all had a good time and it was most fun that Kate has playmates. Giraffe Charlotte's 7 months now and she's beginning to be very responsive. Very soon, she'll be walking and the two girls can then play with each other already - looking forward to the day.

After this birthday luncheon, we had a wedding dinner to attend. Kate was a hit at the dinner - all her grandaunts and granduncles, aunties, uncles and cousins were taken with her antics and she was very independent, preferring to walk around and explore on her own. I think the night was fun as Kate peppered it with clapping along when people did, and she even randomly did a 'yum seng', pronouncing it a little off-key and lifting an arm while doing so! Haha, she's at an imitation phase now and most of the time, she'd imitate what she sees or hears, and it is terribly endearing - and amusing!

There was a photo-booth at the dinner, and the family had a silly time playing dress-up with the props provided. I'm impressed and delighted that the in-laws were game enough to join in too! That was the end of our super-busy and eventful weekend and here are some haha pictures to complete this entry.

Silly shots

We love you very much, baby Kate!

And off he goes (again)

For the too-manyth time in a month, the husband is off for work. Only 3 days, but which can seem soo looong. Through the years we've been together, I'm pretty much used to his work travels by now. However, I don't have to like them. And last night, as we both moved around the room in quiet stealth (as Kate was sleeping), I said to him "I increasingly do not like you going away."

As much as I am the world's most supportive wife (you may verify this with the husband, thank you very much), I do miss him when he goes away and now that we have Kate, it's even more difficult to have him go away. Yes, I miss him as my husband, yes I miss the extra pair of hands that is so good-to-have when you have a little child, yes I miss someone I can poke fun of at any/all time, yes I miss talking to him, but with Kate, there's been a slight shift and the separation is more tough.

I know many people everywhere in the world endure separation, and some of these are for truly long periods of times away from their loved ones. So I'm trying to stay thankful that the husband's away trips are bearably short.

We miss you.

Running like clockwork

Time allows people to sync with each other well. Love adds that dash of smooth when working together, complementing each other so much that you barely notice the running; you just move alongside each other.

Long weekend begins with staycation!

The husband had an off-day on Friday and that marked the start of our long weekend together - YAY! First stop, dim-sum for brunch. Then came the event of our day - an overnight stay at a hotel.

Sometime back, the husband and I wanted to go on a short holiday with Kate. Due to his hectic work schedule and a mishmash of different reasons, this holiday didn't happen. So the husband planned for this staycation and I gotta say, it is totally lux to have somewhere different to sleep in for the night. Helps that we don't have to make the beds and that the shops are just below the block - a very ideal alternative to our holiday, really.

Someone got comfy rather quickly

Kate and I dressed alike by chance - white with red-stripes

One had a shower, one went for a run & one did nothing!

Balcony view

It's really late now but I wanted to capture our Family Friday. I'm pleased that we spent all day together, and even more pleased that we have tomorrow and Sunday to go! It's so comfortable to have all of us sleeping on the same bed on this large-sized bed. Really ought to convince the husband to upgrade our mattress at home.

Today, I'm thankful that my baby wants me - she's a little more clingy to me lately, it seems. I also appreciate the husband acting as my personal shopper. And as I look to my left and see my 2 most favourite people in the world beside me, I cannot help but feel blessed.

Ice-cream makes people happy

Thursday was boring. Though I had plans to make plans and I tried to do so with various people, none of them materialised and the day went by with little for us to do. The highlight was definitely when the husband came back from work and after dinner exclaimed "let's go out!"

YAY!

Ice-cream time!

Kate (does not) hop-scotch

"woah woah" (the way Kate barks), says Kate the moment she saw the SPCA dog

They all look so yummy, wonder if Mommy will let me eat any?

Happy Kate

My baby and I

After a waffle with yumsy black forest ice-cream, we headed to do groceries. I realise that the husband and I do an awful lot of grocery-shopping. I think it's mostly because groceries are necessary but I also think it's a sign that we have matured and mellowed - afterall, we have to prioritise our spending and diapers are a must-have in our lives now!

Zooming down the aisles

I gotta say that the day ended on a high despite the most of it being rather unexciting. I do think that being with your loved ones make any activity more cheerful and fun, simply because.

True love

I've been walking around the past 2 days with mini-patches of plasters on my face and arm. Though relieved that I'm not in real pain, these patches are not sightly - at all. Close ones (relatives) have pointedly asked me 'what's wrong why like that ah?' whereas strangers, well, just stare (some more obviously than others).

I'm pretty thick-skinned so I just plough on as normal and try to respond with minimal fuss.

The husband and I had a wedding dinner to attend, and after much debate and (internal) struggle, I decided to go (for various reasons - the most obvious being that it was a wedding dinner to celebrate a friend's love and union. Who am I to act so selfish and vain to think that people may mind what I looked like?!) So in the middle of dinner, when the husband made a passing remark to me "my friends are rather tactful not pointedly asking you what's wrong with you, hor"; something struck me.

Truly, the only person who did not ask or question me, was Kate. Neither did she eye me strangely or differently - at all. To her, oh the lovely innocence and pureness of a child, I was her mother and still am. Regardless of what I look like, how I smelt, how I dressed, whether I ignored her, scolded her or anything - she still treated me exactly the same.

Of course, the husband and my family were cool about my looks, not like anyone dodged me like the plague - but that's not the point. What is, is that my little precious did not judge me and impressed upon me how she is really my offspring and she loves me unconditionally.

I reciprocate whole-heartedly. True love.

Mid-week public holiday; Kate turns 14-months-old

It would have been halfway through my short break. Knowing that the break is now doubled brought me immense joy. This Wednesday coincided with a public holiday and it was great the the husband could spend the day with Kate and I.

Kate heading out of the room enthusiastically for breakfast.

We'd originally planned to bring Kate to the zoo, but the doctor's ordered 'no sun' (for me) so after some thought, we decided to head to Ikea! As it was a public holiday, the crowds were crazy - there was a Q that snaked more than halfway through the popular Ikea restaurant! We were determined troupers and luckily for us, managed to share a table and the husband headed off to get us food. We had not prepared Kate's usual porridge, so she also shared the food that we ate!

Kate browsing the catalogue while Daddy prepared her food

Kate takes her reading very seriously

UMM

Not sure what, but something's tickled her fancy!

After our hearty meal, we headed to walk-around the showroom. I always like going to Ikea, even if I don't need to get anything. I find the displays extremely pretty and lovely to look at.

Fiddling with a kiddy chair

Hi Mama

Independent Kate - she'd refused to allow us to lead her, much preferring to do her own thing halfway through

Doing her own thing includes squatting in the middle of nowhere

GUESS WHAT SHE'S DOING!!

Yup, she did a poo. That pretty much ended our Ikea adventure.

We then headed off to the next destination in our plans for the day: a visit to my dayi's house. She made popiah (yums) and it was also a mini celebration for my niece, Annette.

Kate plays bubbles with the kids

Birthday girl, Annette standing on the left of the picture. She turns 9!

Relatives who hadn't seen her for a while lamented at how she's grown and how cute she looked waddling around; Kate delighted and amused everyone with her antics, and it made me happy to hear everyone praise and dote on her. She's a lucky child! We bade everyone goodbye by 4pm as she was becoming cranky from fatigue, and indeed she kicked up a huge fuss in the car on our way home; I know the husband and I were very relieved when she finally settled down to sleep.

The day with Kate ended there as the husband and I headed out to an adult affair (wedding dinner) without her. It was nice to spend adult time with the husband and I constantly remind myself how fortunate I am to have him in my life. Things may not always be smooth-sailing, but it doesn't have to be. What's important is that we are always there for and continue to love one another.

Happy 14-months old, dearest baby Kate. Love always, Mommy