Jumbled thoughts

I miss reading books.Spending lazy days indulging and escaping into another world....

These days,I have managed to read some good topics from 'Supernanny: How to get the best from your children' by the ever-famous Jo Frost.

It hits you with advice and rules on managing your little ones (without tearing your hair out!),make your kids learn to co-operate with you and let them know who's in charge!It's straightforward with some good humour thrown in between and plenty of useful tips.

I have this book in the car for those times when the little one falls asleep and hubby has to run an errand,I could do with some light reading.

Though I know that I have barely any time to read,it'd be good to indulge in these books :

• Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
  
• The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho


• Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella


• Why Mars and Venus Collide by John Gray


• Mars and Venus Forever by John Gray
  
• Mistaken Identity by Don and Susie Van Ryn

The other day when I was at the Doc's,I browse through a women's magazine and I realized I have not been having that too.I used to buy 2-3 mags every month-checking out delicious stories and getting insights of the latest fashion hoopla,so maybe I should get some magazines soon! : )

Oh yes,my little one just received a wonderful gift from Deana and family...

He has a bearing of a doctor in this shirt...hehe...Thank you so much Aunt Liz,Uncle Dy and lovely Deana.

There are a few things coming up in the next few weeks and months that I am eagerly waiting for.We have made plans for our anniversary in April...yay!!!We are looking forward to welcome a new baby...our friends' second one...Deana's sibling,in June,Insya Allah.And last weekend,hubby and I took on something revolutionary (we hoped!) that would commence in July (as we couldn't get the April one).

I'm a junkie for new experiences so I can hardly contain my excitement!In the meantime,let me think of something untrodden that I can bring about : )

Come hither and say hi!

I've always adored children who are good-natured,friendly and sociable.Kids who do not shun from or afraid of strangers,instead they take delight in meeting new people.I remember when I was at a train station in Melbourne,an adorable little boy came by,sat beside me and actually said hi.We started having a delightful conversation,while his parents,standing a few metres away from us,simply smiled.When the train arrived,he waved goodbye and said he hoped to see me again.I was pleasantly surprised by this genial young gentleman.You know how talking to kids just makes your day...with their infectious smile and aura of innocence....I will always remember that cute little boy.

In my tiny heart,I've always hoped that when I have children some day,I want them to be like that....friendly and outgoing.

Indeed,my little prince is as such.

Just a few days back,when we were on a train,he had used the balloon in his hand to gently tap on a nice,elderly couple who was standing beside his pram.When they turned to him,he waved his balloon in an attempt to play with them.He chuckled and laughed when he obtained their attention.Then he started a conversation which comprised of baby babble and gestures.The Caucasian lady bent down and spoke to him in French.I was utterly amused by their exchange.My baby was so lively and animated!For a minute it seemed they nearly understood each other!

At other times,my little one would wave his tiny hand to strangers,just to say hi.He would call out to a neighbour in the lift until that person looks at him and he'd smile.He'd even tap someone to start a conversation!

While it is true that we must teach our children to be wary of strangers,ironically I believe it is imperative that they must be affable and outgoing as it not only nurtures their personality,it also boasts their confidence when interacting with others.

Or perhaps,it simply shows my baby has got his gregarious personality from his daddy and me : )

Jacob Ballas

His daddy brought us to Jacob Ballas Children's Garden today.I was as excited as my little one can be.Just like a kid,I just love exploring new places.

There were already a small crowd when we reached there.We headed to the sand pit first.We helped our little one to mount on a round disc.He wobbled as he tried to balance on the spinning disc!

Then,he ran over to the water area.He can hardly contain his excitement when he saw the jets of water.



He also climbed up the treehouse....


...and slide down the long orange tube....wheeeeee......


Played hide and seek amongst an old lightning-struck tree....


and at 'his' wooden home....


peek-a-boo!I can see you.

Ran through a maze....


And had his hands on nearly everything!


Putting together one of his favourite fruits!

We were hot,sweaty and tired from 'trekking' the garden,but it was a whole lot of fun,adventure and laughter!Can't wait to be back there again : )

Harem

I went to Harem today.

No,not a place where wives and concubines lived like in the old days.*roll eyes* Harem,as in Arabic,means women,and this place that I went to,is a body and spa salon especially for women.

It's situated in the smack of Siglap,between some restaurants and spas.I came across this a few months back while searching for salons for muslimah,that is,exclusively for women only.I found only three so far,Harem in Siglap,the other two in Tampines (which I don't quite fancy) and Joo Chiat respectively.

Harem is on the second floor on that of a 'shophouse'.Stepping into a rather spacious and serene atmosphere,I was greeted warmly by one of its owners.My hairstylist was a pleasant,petite lady.She asked what haircut I was interested in and gave her views what was best for me.Throughout the cut,she would seek my reassurance time and again,which I appreciated thoroughly.Unlike the salon at Tampines,she did not push to sell any hair products.She also advised me on how to manage and care for my hair accordingly,especially since I am wearing hijab.Overall,I was happy with their service,not only with my new haircut *wink...* but also on their warm service.But all these came with a price a tad more than the usual,no doubt. : )

So for those women who wish to indulge themselves-be it a fancy haircut,facial,body massage or even waxing *ouch*,you may want to try out Harem!And please,share with me your experiences.

I wanna play!

Since last weekend's adventure (of my 17-month-old,that is),I've been scouring for other new places that we can venture to.Places where he can let his curly hair down (hah!),run free,climb,jump and the sorts!

So far,I managed to get these info....solely from the net.

1. Explorerkid @ Downtown East, Pasir Ris. http://www.explorerkid.com/
It's a club for children below the age of 12.It has an indoor playground and other areas such as toddler area,lighted ball pool...It promises fun,entertainment and learning.

2. Fidgets @ #04-05 Turf City http://www.fidgets.com.sg/
This was recently opened on the 9th March this year so there are no reviews available.It is Singapore's indoor soft play structure and is able to house up to 80 children and has 100 seat cafe.

3. Playground @ BigSplash, East Coast http://www.playground.com.sg/
Newly opened too.There's Frisk N Romp (not the adults style,mind you..*chuckle*).This is an indoor kids' playclub.Apart from that,there are various activities that can be done out in the sun at East Coast.On the downside,there are not many halal food outlets available there. *roll eyes* (if I'm not mistaken,there's only KFC....)Very disappointing.

4.One-north@ One North Park beside Chromos building at Biopolis www.one-north.sg/playground
Frankly, I have no clue where this is.Near NUH/NUS perhaps.*shrugs* This is an interactive childrens' playground,with vary classy designs and cool bright colours.Check it out and let me know what you think.

Just this afternoon,hubby stumbled upon this too.....Jacob Ballas Children's Garden at Botanic Gardens.Here's an excerpt from a blog ('written' by a 3-year-old) -

Finally, a garden delicated to us - the little people.

What i love about this garden is that everything is mini compact in size - from the cafe set up (little chairs and tables, cool!) down to the toilet facilities (yay! no more oversized toilet bowls that threatens to “swallow” us whole!).

To add to the exclusivity, entry to this garden is restricted to children 0 to 12 years old and any adult who wants a peek into this garden MUST be accompanied by children. This means my presence is really important. No KIDS? Sorry, No entry! Thou shalt not say more and let the pictures do the talking.

You may check this out at http://www.nparks.gov.sg/blogs/young_gardeners/index.php/2007/11/08/jacob-ballas-childrens-garden-through-the-eyes-of-a-3-year-old/

I'm also thinking of going to Istana tomorrow since it's a public holiday and it's open to public...if the weather permits.I'm curious to see what lies behind those gates (yes,I've spent more than a quarter century living in Singapore and I've never been there!)

Oooooh,I'm getting excited to visit there places.If only my little boy knows what is in store for him...hah.I don't think he could sleep a wink if he does : )

Rolling good times.

At last,hubby's back from yet another business trip...and this time,he brought home 3 boxes of chocolate coated macadamia nuts from Sydney!Yumm!While hubby's away,the little one and I had spent some time at his grandparents' home.Other than that,we have indulged in some burning-the-pockets-retail therapy (presents for all three!) and leaving footmarks along the stretch of Orchard Road....which reminds me,they seriously have to build ramps and sloping passsageways all over town for convenience towards pram-pushing parents and the wheelchair bound.Though I am thankful to them for helping me build up my muscles as I carry my baby's pram numerous times when I was there (yeah,sure...),I can't help but feel frustrated witnessing other parents huffing and puffing while carrying their babies' prams every 300 metres or so.

And while at it,may I also lament how ungracious our youngsters are (save for those few who have been taught well by their parents).On those rare moments that I take public transport,I had never been helped or sympathised by youngsters.I was only helped by the elder aunties and uncles and those above 35....be it assisting me with the pram or giving up their seats.Those youngsters?Well,they simply chose to turn a blind eye....yes,even those healthy,burly young men.While I don't expect mountains from you,a little help and sympathy just shows how beautiful your heart is.

I digress.Let me veer to something that makes me happy.

Our baby had an enjoyable time this weekend.It was all about play!

On Saturday.....

Fun with water...lots of it!

Splash!

Manoeuvering the waterjets!

And on Sunday...

Submerged in colourful balls.

Can you see me? : )

His daddy and I had a rolling good time laughing at our baby's antics.It was good to see him having so much fun!

Test 1,2,3

Just some pics from my new camera : )

My new toy

There were different ideas from various people,on how to treat that strange red,itchy patch on my son's leg.It was the size of a twenty cent coin and it reappeared repeatedly just when we thought it was diminishing.We tried Zambuk,lotion,an anti-fungal cream...all didn't seem to work.As his daddy was getting worried,we decided to visit the doctor.In truth,it was eczema.Although slight,the doctor said it was best to treat it and for us to be aware of any products we use on him as it might be the cause of this,and not to rub any of those medications we had put before.It may also be caused by an insect bite or dust.So it seems he may have sensitive skin (just like mummy) so we better not take things for granted anymore.

The little one managed to meet up with his peers in the evening.Three pairs of mummies and daddies nearly brought the house down during dinner at Eatzi,but boy,was it a fantastic meal!Thanks to a dear friend of hubby (he was the 'angel' who gave us the treat,at a nice restaurant,no less!),we tucked in to delicious steak,fries,seafood and dessert.Of course,our kids were chasing one another and were making a din in an otherwise peaceful restaurant.We had one child stuffing more food than his tiny mouth can handle,one who spilt a drink on us (this one's mine..hah!) and one who didn't feel like eating anything.It was a fun,boisterous dinner that we had!

Nonetheless,I couldn't wait to get home....to play with my new toy!*wink*

Now,now,it's not what you think it is (if indeed,you are thinking what I'm thinking....hmmm...).

This is it....



I did a last-minute homework the night before after I was pleasantly surprised to know that there was a buyer for my former Canon Ixus.I had only put up the ad in the afternoon and a mere three hours later,I got a buyer,alhamdullilah.So not only hubby could look out for his stuff at the IT show,I get to look for my own toy too.Since we have a super active boy,we love the anti-shake DSP and auto ISO sensitivity control present in this Exilim (it is compulsory!).Plus,we got a 4GB SD card with this : )

I hope to post up some new pics that I take with my new toy soon!

Unconditional love

Something tugged on my heartstrings when I read this article in 'Mind Your Body' section of The Straits Times,written by Dr Peter Chew,a senior consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Gleneagles Medical Centre.

It was about a 35 year old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer during her second pregnancy.Although she was advised to terminate her pregnancy at four months,she felt that she should try and let her baby live.She also knew that the cancer would grow more rapidly during pregnancy,but she was determined to risk her life for her baby's sake.

She managed to deliver her baby in the eighth month of her pregnancy though she had to undergo her chemotheraphy sessions.Sadly,her cancer spread to her brain and three months later,she died.She had written a note to the doctor a week before she passed on.When I read it, my eyes sting....
"You have certainly provided me with the opportunity of motherhood even though it maybe a short one."

Oh how she sacrificed her life to let her child live...that decision she made...that unconditional love for her child.It just proves that the life of her baby is more important than hers.I believe that is how EVERY mother/parent feels.From the moment that tiny dot is seen in your womb,you'd naturally know that you'd do anything and sacrifice anything for it.

I also watched a locally produced documentary on TV that mirrored this notion.

A couple who tried to have a baby but couldn't have....The wife had miscarriges,not one,not two,but four.Everytime she was tested positive,she grew anxious and afraid that she'd have another miscarriage.Eventually,her pregnancy progressed,but was told that the baby had a heart problem and it might not live for more than a week.Contrary to what the doctor advised,she went ahead with her pregnancy and gave birth to her baby by Caesarean section.Immediately,her baby was admitted to neo-natal intensive care unit .She described how sad it was to see how her baby was poked and prodded by needles and tubes.

The baby died a week after.

What made me bawl was when she said that she didn't even get the chance to hold her baby in her arms...to hold him...feel him...kiss him...It was a test that surmounts all.

I felt somewhat numb afterwards.Though I already know how blessed I am to have my baby,to see and hold him everyday,it just reiterates how much Allah has bestowed upon me.

And I'm thankful...each and everyday.

Japanese game

This is hysterically funny!I was laughing so hard when I saw this Japanese gameshow.

What's your take on this?Would you try it out? : )

Humble abode

It was more than two years ago since she said she wanted to come over to my place....and eventually,she did!Sometimes it's hard to meet up with old friends,be it because of work or family commitments but we always have to try.

So my invitation was accepted and a date was set quickly before this became merely words exchanged between us.My invitation was not only to see a friend,but also to celebrate her coming birthday.

It was lovely to see her again as the last time was when we had a speedy lunch together.She was overwhelmed that I had made shabsuka (a promise is a promise,right Sha?) and instead of having a birthday cake,we had a plump,chocolate muffin for her as well as a gift from Cloth.ier. The little one seems to have an adoration for her since she stepped into our humble abode.He truly loved the attention Sha gave him.I guess hubby and I have found our babysitter if we want to have our romantic date! : )

It has been about eight years ago since we build this friendship.Yup,those good ol' days when we went for trips...crazy fun times we had.Remember lazing at the beach....?The ogling bicycle man to the crazy guy with the namecard?Haha...It took lots of effort to shoo them away.

Anyway,happy birthday,my dear friend....and here's wishing you lots of love,joy,good health and great wealth!Insya Allah.

Belles-lettres

After breakfast at Kiliney's,the sky brought down showers so we didn't get our car washed again.Opps.It has been raining quite a lot these days,it didn't seem logical to wash our car.I was itching to get to the book fair at Expo after missing it since Thursday so I begged hubby to bring us there.It was jam-packed before we even reached the car park.Most people thronged there for the latest bargains at NATAS travel fair though.

I was happy to be among books (I'd love to have my own mini library at home!).Gosh,how I wish I was brought to these places when I was younger.Although mum did bring me to libraries and bookstores,I don't remember being at a huge bookfair like this.I didn't buy any reading materials for myself this time coz I still couldn't find the time to read those that I bought at the previous bookfair.How I long to cuddle up for a few hours with a good book sometimes.Oh boy,those were the days,eh?The last time I remembered,was with Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner...and I felt so guilty afterwards as I didn't get much work done at home.Now I try to catch up with some reading in the car if the little one's asleep!

I bought some colourful books for my little one...and I couldn't resist getting pretty notebooks for myself.I wasn't sure what I would use them for but I kept picking them up and putting them down,again and again,until hubby insisted that I should simply get them and so I did...and I'm very happy that I can write and doodle anything I like in them!

Later in the evening,I had this splinter embedded in my palm.It was soooooo annoying.It's like your mind is totally consumed with getting it out of your flesh.I didn't want an infection.This nasty splinter was not from your typical piece of wood.This was a speck of metal from,shockingly,my vacuum-cleaner.I gave up trying to prod it out.When hubby came home from his soccer game,I immediately became a demsel in distress so my hero twisted and turned my hand in an attempt to oust the intruder out of my palm.In the midst of it,hubby asked if I can handle the pain.My,my,if I can go through hours of labour,this is next to nothing,right? : )

Eventually,he got the splinter out.What a relief!As hubby put it,what would I do without him?Hmmm,truly,I don't know.....

Birthday celebration

It has been raining even before we got up this morning.Cold and sleepy,how nice it would be to be under covers...but our rumbling tummies forced us to get for some hot breakfast.Great minds think alike,we were both thinking of hot,frothy teh tarik at our usual hunt.Yummy!

Sis had done some nice cooking today as we had planned for a day out at the beach but since it was pouring cats and dogs,we ate in instead.Celebrated little nephew's birthday...His cousins,aunts and uncles joined in the fun.

Birthday boy with his cousins...

We had so much good food,thanks to Sis.The adults engaged in wacky and funny conversations and exchanges.Our little one,on the other hand,had a blast playing with his cousins,he forgot to even ask for milk. : )