#babysisterturnsadult

My earliest recollection of you was when you were a baby. A teeny one whom I loved to smother, because who doesn't love the small of baby youth? You were so adorable and it was like I had a mini toy that moved, batteries not included. 


Then we all grew up and I became a selfish teen. No one has time for baby sisters when we have liftepriorities like... well, you know, superficial stuff #truth I recall you trailing the brother mostly, as you became his sidekick and even though you were my responsibility as I had to chaperone you to go to school together, I have little memories of those days except of you reminding me / claiming that I was a bully (it is called training you to buy your own food please).
Fast-forward to me being a grown-up (well, 20s was a big deal when you have never been in your 20s before) and it still seemed that you were little. Even my friends who were close also always remembered I had a little sister. 


That little sister dished out sagely advice to me as I struggled through a rough patch in my life. How did those wise words come from this little youngling? I was then 24, she was 17. We then led close but separate lives as I continued to find myself in my life, and unknowingly, she found herself too. The years apart seemed very short as I think back now, but she established friends, found her faith and blossomed into a young lady.


When I got married at 28, she seemed still so little - the pictures prove this as she looked still like a big-little girl. When the sister graduated from uni, she came home and that coincided with the birth of our first grandchild in our home. Then started the beginning of how we truly became friends, I think. As much as we were at different phases of our lives, we started reconnecting as adults because (1) we were both in Singapore (2) we started doing more things together as a family unit (3) we get along like two peas in a pod (4) we started (over the years) to travel together (5) despite not living together, our undeniable sister-bond was real.


And, like they say, the rest is history.


I will never ever change anything in the world for our family, and I am thankful that I have a fellow sister who can help me pull this family together through our greedy shenanigans, our siblings-together-ings, and I always have someone watching my back and be there to laugh at/with me at anything/everything in this world.


Happy birthday sister, I love you.

The sister turns 30

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn this year fell mid-week. The weekend before, the mother had a celebration with her family and I brought the kids to join in the fun. We had (bad) food, entertainment in the form of games etc, and the most important objective was met with the children gathering with their cousins and having a ton of fun, so checked!

Dragon dance

Games on-stage

She was very enthusiastic - do not be fooled by the glum face

Waiting for the games to begin

Happy shot with cousins and uncles

On the actual day, we made it a point to have dinner together. Though the sister and her busband didn't make it for dinner, they made it in time to have some mooncakes with us too so that was nice #famiyrocks


It's not a complete festival without some lantern play, so off we went.

My munchkins

Lit lanterns

Sparklers

It isn't how elaborate a celebration is, but how we feel and the effort we put in that makes it special. As little as we seem to have done, I hope the children remember the little pockets of fun that we do together as a family.

17 September, Kate turns 8

17 September. This date is very special, because it is the day that I birthed my first baby. Eight years ago on this date. OMG. Eight. Years. Already.


So... we usually always celebrate it with K, like her party last year, in 2015, her epic Elsa-themed birthday party when she turned 5, 4, 3 (we still have that bear), her special narnee-turned-up-at-her-party party, and her special 1.


This year, we downsized the party because we already informed her that Japan was part of her birthday treat; but we still planned small stuff for her special day. It lasted a whole weekend as we did small stuff with her from Friday through to Sunday (actual day).


Coincidentally, she had no school the Friday before her birthday so I brought her along with me to work.

Getting coffee with my lovely

This meant that she wasn't cooped up at home, I got to spend extra time with her; she managed some work and had some play time making new friends with other children who happened to be in the office on this non-school day too.

She requested for dinner at Haidilao, so I made arrangements for us to eat there on this Friday evening. While the children were not very interested in the food, the girl had her wish obliged with the crew singing her a birthday song loudly.

The Seahs celebrate K turning 8

Keeping in line with tradition of eating with the family, we decided to keep it simple and let her have whatever she wanted. No surprise she opted for junk food. It was a nice effort everyone made to turn up on this Saturday; and it was made special because (1) I scored some party hats - hah (2) we all indulged in eating fast food voluntarily (shudder) (3) everyone rocked up.

For posterity's sake, let it be known that it was the first time I tried the nasi lemak burger which is the current craze at McD.  

No birthday is complete without cake

On the actual day of K's birthday (Sunday), she spent most of the day with the grandparents. It happened to be moving day and it was pretty hectic. I barely saw her all day as she was playing/whatever with my mom, and one special moment worth mentioning was when Mom brought both kids over to our home unannounced. It was a surprise to see them amidst the busy day and the kids had a chance to take a walk-through (they ran) the mostly-vacant house. It was void of any furniture and it was quite a difference from how we lived in it.


It was only in the evening, finally, that our family was altogether over dinner; and a highlight was us bringing out a birthday cake for her. I am quite particular like that; that a birthday must be celebrated with cake.

Birthday cake for the birthday girl

While it was only our family at dinner, I made it a point to invite Godpa (on holiday in Amsterdam on this day) and the siblings (the sister + her busband were at Formula 1) to join in the birthday song and it warmed my heart to have people loving her from near and afar; bothering to sing those simple but meaningful celebratory words to this little girl that they have all watched grow up. As both my phones were used for facetime, I did not manage to capture the special moment, but my heart is full remembering that moment.


What a journey these 8 years have been; clicking the past 7 birthday celebrations definitely made me feel so blessed that I had enjoyed such precious years with this child.


Dear baby Kate, no matter how old you are, you will always be my baby. It can be challenging growing up, I know - for both you and me; but let's remember that we are both learning and growing each day and I will always love you no matter what.


I know it's not always fun for you, but let's remember that it's all to equip you with skills on this long road called life. You have definitely grown to become a witty, sometimes snarky girl; you have an infectious laughter and your arms and legs are so lanky I'm surprised you don't trip over yourself more. You have a beautiful button nose that I truly adore and your teeth are so big, I cannot wait to watch you grow into them. You are sweet and sensitive and you can be mature and so understanding that it breaks my heart at how soft you are inside.


Let's continue holding hands no matter how old you get, I hope you will always tell me silly stories no matter what age you are.


I love you baby girl.


Love forever, Mommy

Milestone

The husband and I have been in talks of moving for a whole year.


It started because of us planning ahead for primary school life, and options of upgrading especially since there are new BTO flats next to our current place. The motions of house-selling/buying has been on-going for several months; and two weeks back we finally crossed a major milestone. It is significant enough for me to put it here for posterity.

It will be fine as we are in it together. Onwards!

While it was such a momentous date, we still continued with our lives; brings to mind how the world is big and regardless of how one is - be it extremely happy, sad, tragic, good or bad, life does go on. So I guess we lived up to that by still being ourselves; i.e. silly.

"Mommy, take a picture of me!"

Family.

Exciting times ahead, as we go through the progress of moving and re-moving.. it'd be fun, somewhat painful, but definitely all good. Woot!

Happy birthday to our dearest papa

Dad turned 65 last Friday. He spent 2.5 days on a short cruise with Mom and it was lovely to know that they had some leisure time with each other.


For dinner, we planned to meet altogether and although everyone kinda had plans in bits and bobs, we agreed that everyone will meet for cake even if they couldn't make dinner.


However, it turned out that everyone could make it! We didn't eat fancy, but we didn't need to. We had home-made noodles with mee sua (longevity noodles), Mom topped up with some add-on dishes and we were so full. The sister bought tarts and the brother bought cakes. With our full family present, dinner couldn't have been more perfect.

Happy birthday... Papa...

Perfect 10!

It was such a lovely end to the week, and I felt so happy being part of this family. In moments of despair and uncertainty, in good and fun times - it's only made better and worthwhile because we have family to share them with.


Happy birthday Papa, you are a good man and we are so proud to be led by you as our head of the family. Here's wishing him the best of health and happiness!

Happy 爸爸节

The husband and I will not be around on Father's Day (18 Jun), so we had a meal a week earlier for yum cha.

Love, love, love these people

As we all get busy with lives, it's time that is most precious for us to give to one another.

Love this crazy bunch of love

Sweet treats for Mother's Day

Mother was unwell, so we kept the celebrations simple and home-based. Thanks to the husband who made the effort to recommend a joint, ordered the food and delivered it to everyone at home.


For desserts, we were blessed with abundance of them in different forms.


First, the mother went for a baking class and she made this tasty, amazing pandan-gula Melaka -coconut cake.



MOM

Mmmmm

Then, a girlfriend surprised me with this decadent treat from Tarte.

Pretty in pink

Caramel, macadamia, choc tart. Yummeh!

Not pictured, are the 2 tubs of ice-cream from the SIL - peanut butter and matcha flavours from Udders. I was so stuffed from dinner and cakes I did not attack the ice-cream, yet. Hope it's still around next week when I visit the mom again.


It was a simple Saturday with simple food and the surprises made it a thrill and fun. Most importantly, the family was mostly altogether and that's what makes it best. Family love.

Mom turns 60!

For Mom's 60th, we planned a birthday party for her. Thanks to the sister's stewardship, it happened! We catered for food, booked the venue, prepared some decorations (balloons!), tried to set a wardrobe theme...


It turned out to be a relaxing yet busy evening of entertainment, family laughter, good (sufficient - inside joke) food, and the husband was sweet to bring some speakers, but the echo-y room did not allow for any music to be played.

Happy mom :)

Birthday only complete with cake, longevity buns and bonus of hand-made
cards by the grandchildren

FAMILY.

Because she looks so adorbs!

 It was so heartwarming to see everyone having a rocking good time, gathered to celebrate Mom. She's done so much for everyone and it's great to have a party to celebrate her.

6-0!

Twas a nice, happy, celebration on this lovely weekend past.

Good Friday

It's the long weekend! Hooray! It's a bummer that the husband is away, but we do what we gotta do and try to enjoy ourselves despite of his absence.

This morning, I awoke to the children pottering around the house (when I say pottering, I really mean stomping around like giants and talking shouting at me before 8am in the morning as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I reciprocate by ignoring them to my best ability. It's usually a half-win with K but sure-lose with J.) and I felt super tired when my alarm went off (of course, I did go to bed at 2am but hey. it's my me-time so don't judge.)


Anyway, the plan this morning was to go to Slappy Cakes. I'd read of this a long time ago and today was the right time to bring them. The place is pretty small, and we were lucky that when we got there, we were first in line (a queue formed behind us while waiting for our table). The menu was simple, with options to pick batter > accompaniment > sauce/extras. We tried a set of that (buttermilk base, strawberries, hazelnet spread), along with 2 different types of breakfast sets. They all turned out pretty yummy and I was quite happy.


The highlight, was of course, making pancakes!

Self-explanatory pic

Serious business

The children had so much fun and it was a joy watching them enjoying themselves. They were so enthusiastic and boasted that they would be able to finish another tube of batter... but I convinced them that we wouldn't really be able to and that we'd be back again. It was sweet when they gained confidence and offered to cook pancakes not just for themselves, but for the granny, helper and me.


After eating, we strolled around the Grandstand and got some snacks (Easter cupcakes and a lemon pound slice, and another coffee for me from the Dutch Colony). We also chanced upon a playzone/playground. We had no time for playground play, so I offered for the children to take a ride. Star Speed, it was!

A rolling, spinning, sports car that 'flew' forward/backward/sidewards.

We had no time to stay on as the big girl had tuition, and so we left. Thankfully, the children were well-behaved and did not fuss much. We had a nice drive home and drove right into a thunderstorm! It was pissing rain and I was glad that we were headed home, in comfort and safe. While the girl revised her work, the boy and I had some quiet play time.

LEGO builder

We have a party to attend later, and I'm looking forward. To hanging out with family, as well as have fun as I know the sister has put in effort to have games and stuff!

Official invite

Right now, I'm enjoying my pound cake with berries, with music playing, recapping our day... while the kids recharged.

Peace & quiet

I miss the husband. A week before he is back!
Happy Good Friday!

My birthday weekend, version 2017

So, I turned 37 last Saturday. Took me a while to get to documenting this as it has been a busy week. Not hectic, just busy. I did have a lovely birthday weekend and I am going to write it down so I can refer to it when I forget details of it next year! #goldfishmemory


Eve of birthday, Friday, 17 March
It starts with drinks with the BFFs on Friday evening.
The twin (BFF who shares the same birthday) discovered a Gin o'clock event at the Conrad and signed us all up. Why not? I had little expectations (I just wanted to eat and drink) and it turned out pretty nice.








Gin for 1, please!

I wasted little time in getting my weekend started. I took out my book and waited comfortably for my friends to join me. Over the course of the next 2 hours, everyone in our little 'party' turned up. The husband was the special-est guest who rocked up last - hah!

The original trio

A party is a party when we have cake and candles!

That night, I tried different cocktails of gin which was pretty interesting, chit-chatted with the girls, appreciate the time that everyone took out to attend the little sesh - especially as the husband told me he was dog-tired and was this close to not turning up (gasp) - he did, which was what mattered. It's also always nice to have this close group of friends gather and make merry.


Besides tasting different types of gin among the crew, the boys created some self-entertainment called "how quickly can you drink a pint of beer?"  That livened spirits up aplenty and provided positive responses between the drinkers and audience!


The night ended after we were all stuffed - with gin, bar snacks, beer, jelly cake and love.


Actual birthday, Saturday, 18 March
The day's regular routine goes on. So that morning, we had breakfast and the boy had class. I enjoyed some leisure time with the bestie and the daughter... we then had plans to bring the kids out to play. Bonus moment was lunch guest my mother who came out to town to join us for the meal. After a simple lunch, our original plan of heading to Art Zoo was foiled because, too hot! The mother was smart to have made her exit before we headed out to the sun.


We then foraged head-in to the IT fair unknowingly (oops) but it all kinda worked out when we managed to find a place for the kids to have fun, while the adults managed to sit so hoorah. It was 2-hours of play in this indoor playground called Cool de Sac at Suntec City.

Queuing up to get painted

Dressing area

Cowabunga!

Rainbow face

Playing dress-up

Besides the usual indoor playground type of activities available, there were also different zones (dress-up, as seen above), and an electronic zone (wii type of games), and artistic expression (painting).

Boyband - first time seeing the boy dance!

This sweetheart dedicated a message too me :)

Before I knew it, it was 530pm! I had originally needed to head home by this time to get ready for my dinner date but oops - thankfully, the husband pushed back the appointment by half an hour; plus the bestie offered us a ride home. Hooray! That made things a lot easier for me (getting a cab would have been impossible because, IT show!) and I really appreciated this simple act of kindness #bestfriendsarebest


When we got home, the girl then presented me with my birthday card. I like how she had thought to do so, and appreciated the level of craft. It's so simple, the words, and I see how she prioritises Mommy, Papa, love and her (uh, need to work on including the lil brother!)

Crafted card from my 6+yo firstborn

The boy came up to me and said, "Mommy, I did not do a card for you. But it's ok". Hah, the confidence (& cheek) of this boy!


The last part of the evening was dinner. Best part of this dinner, was the effort the husband made. He told me a week before that he'd made plans for us - unprompted. Such little acts of service can mean so much, and I am truly grateful. (I knew of it when I asked the husband if we should plan dinner, so what a pleasant surprise I received to know that he had taken care of it!)

On the drive out, he asked if I knew where we were going. Truth be told, I had not thought about the venue, because I was so taken by the fact that he had made the effort to begin with. On the spot though, I could articulate my thought process of what we could be eating quite clearly, and I got it right! We were going to try Cut for the first time.


The husband and I love to eat and experience new places together, so I could not have asked for a better gift - for him to plan the dinner and to enjoy this new experience with him.

Starters of seafood-cocktail + marrow & mushroom

We had starters, salad, meat and some potatoes. I thought the wine tasted pretty nice as accompaniment, enjoyed the meat and favourite part was the dessert!

Happy birthday to me!

Close-up of our desserts - Anniversary ice-cream (caramel vanilla + passionfruit. So yum)
+ chocolate soufflé that oooooooozed. MMmmmmm

The experience was pretty decent, and the ambience was fine. It was one of those dark-oaky type of feel with men dressed up to serve. It reminded me somewhat of our dining experience at this steakhouse at New York, New York hotel in Las Vegas, where I had one of the most amazing experience eating a cow (both in terms of the type of meat, and the amount of steak I ate. No kidding)

The novelty was great and interesting, made sweeter with the customised birthday and anniversary (1 week early) wishes... all made perfect with the company of my loving partner.

Spoilt is me.

That evening, we witnessed a proposal of a couple at the table behind us, and it made me smile knowing how much they had ahead of them; and thankful at how far the husband and I have made it. He's kept to his promise of giving me a birthday cake every year since 2005... thank you for spoiling me, my love.


We did not manage to finish all the food because we were so stuffed, and we finished off the late night with a stroll along the bay area watching lights and people strolling by, buskers and amusing youths taking pictures (did you know, it takes 5 to snap a pic?) and also a silent disco (everyone wore headphones and bounced to their own music led by 3 different types of deejays. ?!?)


We came home to sleeping children, and I felt that though I did not have a birthday song and cake with my children, I balanced the day well with the family members, friends and my mother. I am so blessed!


The day after, Sunday, 19 March
The traditional #foofubs meal was on this day due to busy commmitments; and regardless of when we met, it's important that we did so hooray! Venue was Kith, a restaurant I had heard of but never tried. They served decent, tasty breakfast meals... I may go try their super salad next time. The meal was typical where we all chit-chatted, with the children yelling over everyone... and the Dad expressing himself after his recent health scare. I remember sitting in my seat, looking at each and every person present at that table and feeling so thankful for each of them. People come into your lives for reasons and I know that the 10 of us are #perfectten because of how we all contribute ourselves in one way or other, because family.


Year on year, I become increasingly aware and mindful of how time is flying by, how the parents are ageing, how the siblings are no longer younglings but well-established young adults leading their respective lives... and for each of us to want to come together because we love one another means the world to me. I do not wish to take anything for granted, and it is so lovely to have everyone present, dedicating their time to the family (heh, and me).

Seah-mily

#PERFECT10

That night, the husband and I finished the evening with some drinks at home and I felt so loved from the amazing, fun-filled weekend of birthday celebrations.


Happy 37 to me!