Annual run with the sister

I don't think we planned it this way, intentionally; but that's what it's become (ok, only twice, but still). The sister and I ran the Great Eastern Run last year and we signed up again this year. I have not been exercising at all and I wasn't exactly looking forward to the run, honestly. I mean, I knew it would be awesome, as it always is hanging with the sister. But the run, omg, the actual run, I knew was going to be not-so-easy. I'm in pretty bad shape. Afterall, the last time I ran was the last GE run more than a year ago (& was pregnant then, not knowing!)

Watching the skies. This was at about 6.40am. 

And again, unintentionally, the boyfriend was our reliable ride to the event. I owed him lunch for the ride, but double-owed him big time this time.

Because, when we had nearly reached our destination, I discovered, to my utmost horror that I had packed 2 sides of the same shoe. OMG. 

Yes, I was the official dodo of the day. 

But! Despite it all - the lack of training towards this, the *ah hem* mishap, the unfriendly dumbo security officers... the sister and I did it! We completed the run!

Right now, I have an achey back, my knees are creaky and my right hip is sore. Tragic and out of shape. But I still feel pretty good and proud that I did and completed the run.

Maybe we shall do it again next year, and really make this a tradition. But, I promise, to not spring any surprises no more. :)

My little 3yo is going to school

Kate has gone to school before. It was in the form of childcare and I gotta be honest and say that the whole episode really left a deep impression on me. There were good bits but I must say that it was truly not so pleasant and it really left a hole in my heart and pocket.

But! It's no longer an option of her going to school so after researching for months and months, making many phonecalls to different places and much thought, I made up my mind to enroll Kate in my old kindergarten. I know, it sounds so biased (it is) but given the signs and my (perhaps) limited knowledge, I made up my mind and the decision is made.

Yesterday, the husband and I brought Kate to the school for an orientation.

We tried on uniforms 

The same uniform which I put on many years ago

Kate had some craft time in her to-be classroom

Her finished handicraft - a Christmas ornament

The hours at school are short only (three), and I hope that she will enjoy herself. I must admit that her learning curve's been quite flat lately, with limited exposure to alphabets and all that (guilty!!) so I hope that school will pique her curiosity and interest in everything and open up her mind to the world of knowledge.

Dear Kate, 

I know you still remember going to school because you say so; you drop phrases like "my teacher taught me" randomly when we ask you things sometimes. I hope that you remember only the fun bits and enjoy the new school that we have chosen for you. I think there may be pains initially, but I hope that you will gain independence quickly and start to learn and play and have a good time. I look back at the start of this year when you first went to school and you seemed such a little girl then. Now, you have grown and seem more like a mini adult than a child. You are growing up so fast, my little one. 

Going to school is another step towards you becoming even more "adult-like" and while I know it's inevitable, I cannot help but feel wistful, because you are growing up. I know some things will never change though, which is that you will always be my special princess and that I will always be there for you and love you with all my heart. 

Love, Mommy

Makes me smile

To see father and daughter, in similar outfits, walking hand-in-hand. <3 br="br">

Wrecked with guilt

My poor son has a bruise because of my negligence that led him to falling off the bed. Sad.

Little friends

The past weekend happened to be one full of activities and the kids had more than their fair share of meeting their friends (along with me and mine). Could have been one more except that the kids started being flu-ey and I cancelled on that.

Janelle and Kate

Hugs for free!

Jake and Evan meet again

You must believe me when I said there were snacks to eat. Kids and their weird preferences.

Kate and Faith (they who share the same birthday!)

Jake and Shane (poor Shane was so grumpy haha)

Jake, my poor baby

Tears welled up in his eyes

This shot was taken last Friday. Jake had just taken his vaccination and he was obviously unhappy about it. The handsome soldier was a gem and stopped crying nearly immediately after the shot was administered. I'm so proud of him! Excellent response for a boy. So man. 

(And just for the record, Jake is 8.9kg and 73cm. He also has 1.5teeth on his bottom gums).

Something most unfortunate happened last night. Jake fell off the bed.

There, I said it. BOO HOO HOO. I'm wrecked with guilt that it's happened. I never jumped out of bed so quickly and so alert. And honestly, I can't express how shitty it feels. But yes, it happened. Again, my boy was a real trouper and besides crying for a very short while afterwards, he doesn't seem any worse for wear. I'm so sorry, Jake.

Sigh.

Mid-day treat

I was a silly dodo today.

I went to work without some parts from my breast pump and I had to nip back home mid-day to get my equipment. While it was troublesome, I had little choice and truth is, I was so happy to see my kids.

He made me SO happy!

Jake was awake and look at how happy he was to see me! I felt equally happy to see him  and it was such a nice feeling being able to cuddle him and well, just cuddle him and watch his beautiful face.

Kate was asleep and I didn't disturb her...though I couldn't resist giving her a kiss when I was leaving and she woke up.

Sleeping beauty

Her eyes flitted open and I whispered to her "Kate, Mommy is going to work already" and she got whiney (and confused) "WHY" and I explained that I only came back to grab something and I had to go back to work. She said "you come back later ok..."  and allowed me to leave. This little girl is so mature for her grand old age of 3 sometimes and I love her with all my heart.

Being a parent is an amazing thing. I mean, just to put on record that last night, both kids kept me up at intervals through the night (3am: Kate vomitted; 5am: Jake wet the bed) so I'm tired as h*ll now, but truth is, I'll never give up the bad because it is a whole experience along with the good. And it is all part of learning, for me, as a mother, as a person, as a wife...

So yea. Love love love my kids!