Christmas Fever 2013...

A year ago, I anxiously waited for the arrival of Abigail during the period of December; that is why we gave it a miss to the Christmas photo snapping at the mall. This year we are all way out to the shopping mall with Abigail and her sister to look and feel the Christmas. Oh yes... to felt the "Christmas"...

Since we will not be celebrating Christmas this year as our grandmother just passed away, we didn't want the girl to miss out the atmosphere and not forgetting to show Abigail, her first sight of Christmas lights (this is what we did for Annabelle when she was younger too).

Even though the mall are packed...

Even though car park was difficult to get ...

Even though how tired we were, these phrases uttered by Annabelle:

Annabelle:" Mummy, look..... Christmas lights!",she was so excited, running towards to the tall lighted trees while turning and waving at us... 

Annabelle: "Papa, I wan-na go. I want -- to -- sit.", while pointing at the carousel.

Annabelle: "I am scared.", while waiting for our turn to take a family shot with the Santa Claus.  

Annabelle: "Mei Mei, come... see... lights!" 

Annabelle: "Mummy, mei mei also wants balloon", the children gets balloon after photo taking with Santa... 

(Note: Most of the photos, you only see Annabelle's back because she is more interested to Christmas decorations than the camera!! :)) 

These had just taken all the "even though" away...

So, if you asked; it is worth going to the mall during this period. My answer is "YES".

 

 Anyway, to all of you who is reading this blog.. "Merry Christmas and Have a Blessed New Year. May 2014 filled with love, joy and peace... " :)

Another Milestones - "Gigi" Time! - Our Princess : Abigail

Recently just so occupied with works, studies and many others but I definitely need to update this milestone of my children.

I was a little worried at first and wondering this "Why she has no gigi yet?", finally at 8.5 months old, Abigail's teeth (lower central incisor) has emerged. I remembered speaking to daycare Auntie Letchumy, she has said: "Thank God!". We thank our Lord that Abigail is a strong girl that the two teeth came out and she has not catch any after effect due to teething. The only thing I can recall is, she is much more attached to me and a little more "manja".

A month later, we saw another "partner" ~ the two upper central incisor too came out. This time round, my poor baby had fever and flu. As parents who have gathered some experience from the first child, we knew that it will not be easy for the baby and we are more patient in attending to her. If you ask, if there any more teeth coming out now; the answer is YES. The upper lateral incisor now start showing "its" faces, we hope Abigail will stay strong to go through this process.

Carry me and see me "gigi"

Speaking about it, may be this is called sister's love.

At the time we are trying to comfort a cranky baby because of teething, I noticed that Annabelle too had an ulcer (slightly smaller than a 5 cents coin) at the upper gum. At the beginning, I taught this is just her molars are coming out; when I had a check on her; I had not hesitation to apply some oral lotion for her. She will cry in pain that my heart too sank... Thank God, all are well now for her.

Seeing the children grow and suffer pains as such, I rather be the one that taking these pain.

Ah ha... you will tell me... this is parenthood!! :)

Our Family ~ 1st Photobook (Hot from the Oven!)

Hot from the Oven! Our Family ~ 1st Photobook. As a person who involved in ICT teaching, I still prefer to flip through pages of photos for precious moments instead of turning on the i-gadget or laptop. How about you? 

Anyway, click the link, spend few moments with us.. Our Family ~ 1st Photobook -

Hope you enjoy it... :)

She can stands & walk (assisted) - Our Princess - Abigail

Month by month, day by day; every day I told myself that I need to update Abigail's blog; but I just overload with work and other stuff. Today, no matter how, you will be able to read a full post about her.

Abigail can stand with assistance at about 9 months old. To be frank, she is quicker in achieving her milestones than sister probably she gets to see what others and her sister is doing or she would like to be able to stand (walk later) quick so that she can join them in a group or during their playtime.

Then about 2 weeks ago, she can walk while holding onto something from one place to another. We are so pleased that she is able to do that. I had given the same stroller walker to Abigail (the same that sister used when she practised how to walk last time) so that she can use it to practice walker, but Abigail was a little reserved using it. She prefers to use a chair and push around. Ah... after all every child is different! All that we want to see is that they achieved their milestone safely... :)

See, how nicely I can stand ya!

"I am standing here, waiting for papa to come home from work!"

She like this. Pick up something and drop it and pick it up again! Funny!

How nice everyday is a holiday?!! (Backdated Post)

Wouldn't you agreed with my post title? I just have this feeling that time passed even faster whenever we have holiday with our kids. I remembered once someone said to me, "Children grow so fast that you just don't want to miss any moments that you can spend time with them.". That is so true!

Ivan and I had a wonderful time spent with Annabelle and Abigail two months ago (July) during our short holiday trip to Sitiawan, Ipoh and Sungkai. The trips were simply beautiful and fun-filling. We have our dearest "papa" and "darling" to say thank you because he really plan out the trips with love and fully utilize time that we have for the kids. Don't play play... he "siap" prepared with itinerary for the holiday. :)

Sitiawan (8 June 2013)
We visited Sitiawan on 8 June 2013 for a family friend -Murali's wedding. We stayed in a hotel that equipped with swimming pool. You will be surprised that the hotel is clean and the swimming pool is well maintained for a small town as such. We enjoyed ourselves together in the afternoon in the pool and in the evening we attended the wedding in Murali's house. Before we head back to the hotel; we stopped at the fun-fair, Annabelle had her rides and my dear husband too have some "darts" game.

The next day, our greatest papa brought all of us to Teluk Batik beach for a "Return to Nature". We reach there by noon and it was nice to see Annabelle playing with the sand and touching the sea water. Abigail was enjoying the sea view and finally zzzzz away... The trip ended with the final itinerary that papa has planned, an earlier dinner at Kuala Selangor. Both the children were so tired that they sleep through along the journey back home in Klang.

O... if you asked, "Do you all attend wedding in Sitiawan or having a holiday now?" I will answered you:"Both!"

Ipoh 06072013 & Sungkai 07072013

Last month holiday in Perak, here we come to Perak again... What is so special there?! Hmmm, wondering this in your mind, isn't it?

On the 6th July, we attending our ex-colleague, Erwindo's wedding in Ipoh. We checked into the hotel where his wedding reception is, Kinta City Riverfront Hotel. It is a very nice hotel with of course a swimming pool. Ahha!, it is now a "must-check" facilities checklist before I booked a hotel for our holiday. We found that the kids really love water so much that this become part of our itinerary when we go for holiday...

The next day, we checked out from the hotel. We didn't head home. We checked into Felda Residence Hot Spring at Sungai Klah, Sungkai. The idea come upon as Ivan would like to give me a gift as our 8th year "together" anniversary. Sweet and lovely husband I have. This is the 1st trip the children to a hot spring. I was a little reserved if the hot water is okay for them. To my surprise, they loved it and enjoyed themselves to the maximum at this place. Fun... fun... fun... The highlight of this place is definately the hot spring spa, egg boiling station, kids water land... See the photo below to feel the fun that the children have.

 

Talking about itinerary, my husband and the lovely papa is really good in planning it. We literally followed the timing perfectly well for our holiday. Some will say, "Why there is a need for itinerary, after all this is a holiday!". I personally feel that, if we have one; we will be able to spend our time together to the most with our kids. We do not want to spend time deciding where to go, what time to meet, and most important no time wasted waiting for each other as time is precious to us for every holiday that we have.See our itinerary... Fantastic Planner?!

Saturday 6/7/2013

7.30 a.m. – Leave Klang to Teluk Intan

9.45 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. – Reach Teluk Intan, Makan-makan and take photo at Menara Condong Can stop at Tapah to buy some Petai J

1.00 p.m. – Reach Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Makan Lunch around there

2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. – Check In and Swimming Pool time

3.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. – Rest and then get ready for Wedding Dinner.

7.30 p.m. – 11.30 p.m. – Dinner at Erwindo’s Wedding

 

Sunday 7/7/2013

7.30 a.m. – Makan breakfast at Hotel

8.30 a.m. – Go to church at Taman Silibin (OLL Ipoh for 9.00 a.m. Mass)

10.30 a.m. – Reach back Hotel to pack up and rest.

11.30 a.m. – Check Out and head towards Sungkai

12.45 p.m. – Reach Felda Hot Spring Sungai Klah and Makan Makan.

1.30 p.m. – Check In and Rest.

3.00 p.m. – Fun time with the family

5.00 p.m. – Rest

6.00 p.m. – Drive to Sungkai town for Dinner.

9.00 p.m. – back to Hotel

Monday 8/7/2013

8.00 a.m. – Breakfast

9.00 a.m. – Fun time with the Family again

10.00 a.m. – Comeback to room and pack and get ready to check out.

12.00 p.m. – Check out and Lunch at Sungkai town

3.00 p.m. – Reach Home.

Are we looking forward for yet another holiday? Yes, is the answer!
Are we tired traveling with both kids for a holiday? Yes, it is tiring but it is fun filling!
So, what next; another planning for holiday is a must!!! Hooray!

Annabelle 2yrs Old: Pre, Actual & Post Birthday (Backdated Post)

It is really true what my colleague told me recently in our conversation.

Colleague:"Hi, Happy Belated Birthday to you. How did you celebrate your birthday?"
Me:"O... Thanks... Just normal... we ... " (explained to her what I did)
Colleague replied:"Ya.. now you have children... their celebration is much more important!"

Indeed, her celebration is much more important despite mine birthday is just 11 days apart from hers.

On the 28th July 2013, we had an earlier celebration for Annabelle with her gong-gong, po-po, yi-ma, yi-yi, cheong-cheong and her cousins. That celebration was simple yet memorable for the kids. Annabelle received gifts from her kor kor, jie jie, and mei mei... Wonderful!

On the 4th Aug 2013, actual day of her birthday; we brought her to JKids to let her have fun. We reached there around 4.30pm; she is showing her smiles, laughs and cheers throughout the whole time when she was there. We were there for a good 2.5 hours, at about 7++pm; we adjourned to Otak Otak Place for dinner with our family and friends. Uncle Shah & Auntie Liza gave her a birthday cake. She loves it and enjoyed eating the cake too.

Oh no... that is not the end of celebration...

On the 7th Aug 2013 (Wednesday), we have a small celebration for her at the Daycare. The idea of celebrating at the daycare because she has her group of friends. In the morning, we had a swimming pool celebration too... You should hear the laugh, scream and cheers while the children were playing in the pool. I wish you can see how they jumped from one pool to another. Truly fun morning!!! We had ordered some food and decorated the place. Everyone enjoyed the party and all children adores the birthday cake. Annabelle once again received presents from her friends.. She was on top of the world with her big smile. :)

To Annabelle: "Papa & mummy wish to see you grow to be a good and healthy girl. We may not able to give you lots of cash for your bank account, many beautiful princess dress or even spent you good food at expensive restaurant; but we can give you lots of love and memorable moments like this. We hope you will treasure all these and remembering that we love you..

Up one step Milestone @ 7mo - Our Princess - Abigail

Our house is structured as such that there is one step separating the living hall and the dining hall (i.e. the dining hall is one step higher than the living hall).

Abigail will normally played at the living hall near her playmat. When she started to crawl, she crawled almost to every corner of the living hall. On the 3 Aug 2013 (a day before she reaches 7 months old), she explored the "one-step" in the house. See short clip below.

As jie jie see mei mei climbling up this one step, she also very interested to be around... see how nice to see both our princesses trying and exploring new thing every day... :)



"Abigail, Well Done! One milestone achieved!" (*I knew... I knew... mummy is very nervous seeing Abigail at the edge of the step... that is why I am your "mummy")

Belly Crawl - Our Princess - Abigail

I remembered blogged about Annabelle's belly crawl~her first crawl not too long ago. Now, it is time I am writing for Abigail. See how, time is telling me; my daughters are growing up very fast but I Thank God for His grace that Abigail is growing well too.

Not long after Abigail mastered her turnover skills, she is able to crawl on her belly at 6 months 2 weeks old (~ if I am not wrong!). This milestones achivement is a great celebration and a leap of achievement for Abigail but it is also marked the start of "headache" for the me and Ivan.

Abigail did the same movement as Annabelle, the commando crawl. She was quite fast in mastering this skills and the moment she is put on the floor, the next minutes she is on her belly and the next minutes she is on the floor from the play-mat.

Abigail loves the coolness of the floor and she will normally crawl out from the mat towards the floor. What I used to worry was, "If she will knock herself onto the floor?"; but Abigail has demonstrated a good skills that reduced my worries. This is because, Abigail is good in sensing the surface of the floor is hard; when she needs to rest her head she does it very gentlely and slowly.

But, she developed a bad habit. She will crawl towards the chair/ sofa and will like to move herself slowly under the chair/ sofa. Just yesterday, I came out from the kitchen; looking and searching for her, all that I saw was her head but both her legs are under the chair. Do not ask me how she went in? "I do not know!" She just like to do that.

Oh yes, when we carried her or removed her from place where she can't be; the outcome will be a crying baby. That is what Ivan papa said this morning to me: "It is time to discipline Abigail!"... :)

A photo taken at the trip in the hotel. See how she
likes to put herself under the chair/sofa or the
coffee table

Conclusion, the papa and mummy are now very busy watching over a crawling baby and a toddler who actively jumping and climbing. You can imagine how busy we can be daily evening and during the weekend. But all these are some of the fun things we need to do as parents. :) We will continue enjoy it.

Roll Over - Milestone Achieved

Abigail has achieved her roll over milestone just about 2 weeks ago. She is 5 months on the 3 June 2013. Just one week before she turns 5 months old, she has already lifting her bump up and trying to turn to left and right; but her attempts were not successful. Then, just 2 weeks ago; she has mastered the skills and in fact she did it very well.

Well Done, Abigail! Keep it up!

Abigail like to be put on the playmat, she will roll from one corner to another; at one point, we need to attend to her as she is approaching the floor. You can pretty tell that the mummy (the person that did this video) is all worried when she is turning near the floor. :p

Annabelle normally like to imitate what the sister does. When Abigail was learning how to roll over, she used to show the sister how to do it by rolling over on the floor while saying:" Mei Mei... see... see!" We are glad that the sisters are very close and loving to each other. Just like what Ivan said to me once:" B, I think we had done something right along the line; so happy that they are so loving to each other!"

Mummy wishing Abigail to continue in achieving all other milestones. Blumbee, we love you!

 

Her First Trip ~ Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

This is a long waited trip for her. I told her when she was in my stomach: "2-2 Baby (this is her nick name when she is in my womb), when you come out; when you reach 5 months old; we go to Bukit Tinggi. Your Nicole YiYi has planned this for us!" (Thanks Nicole YiYi)

31 May 2013, the day has come. Bukit Tinggi here we come! Since this is an annual Tiew Family trip, we "siap" prepared with itinerary. The trip was so enjoyable for both Annabelle and Abigail as they get to spend so much of time with their cousins.

Abigail is just like the sister, a travel friendly baby! On the journey to Bkt Tinggi, she has a good nap in the car and also was playing with the sister and her toys.

Many had said that:"Oh that is nothing much in Bukit Tinggi, just the French Village!". You know what, for Tiew Family, the trip was not only French Village but "A place for us to gather, enjoy, laugh, relax and also every important "Bonding". There is nothing we shall want. :)

My 1st trip ya!!! How do I looked?!

This is a very very nice photo... Loving it!

Tiew Family Bukit Tinggi Rest & Relax Trip

 

 

 

 

                                   

 

Visit to Zoo Negara

The thought of if Annabelle is ready to see a real elephant, giraffe and also hearing the lion roar in real had stopped me from bringing Annabelle to Zoo Negara at first, but on the 24th May (during the Wesak Holiday) we made a trip there as seeing her having so much of interest in animals. Our thought changed to let her see the real animal instead of the book or TV.

We had great day indeed. We were entertained by the Animal Show. Annabelle was very excited and refused to leave each section after seeing the animal. All that she said was: "See... See... (while pointing to the animals)".

The highlight before leaving home was feeding the elephant. See for yourself ya (in pictures below)... how brave and bravo my daughter is! The mummy will stepped back when the elephant moving closely (malu-nya), the daughter wanted to hand the banana to it... real daring!

Annabelle enjoyed the trip so much that now she can recall the following.

Mummy: "Annabelle, what you fed the elephant?"
Annabelle: "Annana.... (i.e. Banana)"

Mummy: " Where were the hippos when you saw it?"
Annabelle: "Ater (i.e. Water)" ~ We indeed saw two hippos were resting in the water!

Mummy: "How about the tapir, what they were doing?"
Annabelle: "Sleeping"

Mummy finally will asked: "After the elephant ate the banana, what you saw?"
Annabelle (think deeply and answered with a cheeky smile on her face):" AiksS!!! Poo Poo!!!" (this is the exact scene on that day :)

Our plan: Hmmm... to visit Zoo again!

Jie jie and mei mei waiting patiently to go inside the Zoo.

"Ina, I told you the elephant is big! See that!"

 

"Maeh... Maeh... how are you?" (Oh yes, this is what she said to them!) Cute kan!

Family photo!

Bigger family photo

This is what I meant above, "Daring"!

Bye Bye Zoo... We will come again!

Bye Bye "Sippy"

What is "Sippy"? It is a pacifier. Annabelle had it with her since she was 10 days old. Initially we had to use this "secret weapon" because Annabelle use my nipple as her pacificer during nursing and also her suction was so strong that my nipple cracked and bleeded. Then, somewhere along the line, Annabelle called it "Sippy" which I have no idea how it ended as sippy. Probably because she is only supposed to take it when she is sleepy. I remembered blogged  about Pacifier... Pacifier... last year too.

A lot comments, advices and articles on the usage of pacifier onto our little one. Most the time, the feedback I received from people around me is: "Oh.. better to stop her from eating the pacifier because it is bad for her teeth!". As parents we knew it and we intend to, but it is also a difficult process as we do not want to see her crying and have difficult getting to bed due to the lack of it.

Sometime end of last year (she was about 17 months old), she loved to bite on the pacifier which there was a hole on the teat. Ivan and I thought it is the right time to stop her but back in our mind, we thought it is better to just buy one and keep it. You know the parents' syndrome of "Just In Case!"...True enough, that night; when we told her that we need to throw her "sippy" because it has a hole, she cried and keeping saying: "Sippy... Sippy!". As usual, the papa said: "Never mind, give it to her. We will wean her off later!" Since then, she has become more attached to pacifier and she has the habit of biting the teat.

On the 26 April evening, when picking her up from daycare. Annabelle show me her torn "sippy" (technically the top part of the teat is detached from the pacifier), this shows that her teeth are strong, I guess... Then, Auntie Letchumy told her to throw it into the dustbin and she did. That was the last sight of the sippy! (Note: Auntie Letchumy in the daycare does not like the idea of pacifier from day one but she is positive that Annabelle can be wean off from it.)

From then, for the first two weeks; when she sleep at night or having her nap, she did asked for it but I just told her that she was the one that threw it. Moreover, she has learned that cockroaches are found in the dustbin; she I did put a story to it that:"If you wanted your "sippy", mummy will take it but it will be fill with cockroaches and worm. Do you want it into your mouth?". She will reply softly with deep thought:"No..."... (Note: Cruel mummy...!)

This Friday marked 3 weeks she has stopped from her "sippy". Ivan and I are very happy with her her attempts. The process of weaning off so far was smooth and we didn't actually think that we are going to wean her off from pacifier this way. But however, I guess Annabelle is a very understanding girl (as Auntie Letchumy also said), she knows that her "sippy" will not be able to follow her forever, so she also attempted to stop it.

Annabelle in reading in years to come. Mummy would like to tell you:"The cockroaches too do not like your sippy, mummy also does not know if there are any in the dustbin; but all the stories I created is for you to wean off from the "sippy". Papa and mummy love you!"

Papa's artwork on sippy moment

--End of Sippy Eposide--

Selektif Daycare

I am not doing promotion for this daycare but a simple post about it. This is the daycare that I sent both Annabelle and Abigail to when me and Ivan off to work. A good nanny or baby sitter is every working mum's dream. For me, I sent Annabelle to Selektif Daycare back in Oct 2011 when she was just 2 months old. Everyone that I knew did asked : "Hey, your daycare accept infant?", "Do your daycare support breastfeeding and breastmilk feeding?", "Do they have enough caretakers to take care of the kids?". The answer to all these questions was "YES... YES!!" I am not boasting about their service but I have no regret so far sending both my children there. The daycare auntie name is Auntie Letchumy (a.k.a. Amma). She is a very kind, lovely and understanding lady. Our children called the daycare "Amma House".

Just to illustrate a simple daily scenario to you how this daycare support me.
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Early morning, we will send Annabelle and Abigail to the daycare at about 6.30am to 6.40am. We will leave the place with peace and smile in our heart as we saw a smile on Annabelle's and Abigail's face whenever they are at "Amma House". There are days I will need to send them earlier as I am having 8am classes, Auntie Letchumy will always there to receive the children immediately she heard the car honk.

During the day, as any other baby sitter or nanny will do; they will feed, bath, play and put the children to their nap. As I am still breastfeeding Abigail, Auntie Letchumy is so supportive in that; she will ensure milk are prepared heated up at the right temperature. Something worth highlighting, though this is just a daycare; they loved the children to learn and play well. Very often, I am surprised by some of the arts and crafts work that the children brought home. (As you can see from the pictures, these crafts work are simple but yet it is a way for the children to learn).

Auntie Letchumy like us to work well and she will normally not disturb us at work. The only time she calls us only if the children are not well or if there is another special incidents that needed our attention. Once, I remembered; she called me and told me and apologized that: "Shirley ma, Abigail has two mosquitos bite on her left cheeks; sorry ma... I had applied cream for her, baby is okay! You do not worry but just to inform you!".

At the end of the day, we are supposed to fetch the babies by 6pm but due to our "superb" traffic and jam conditions along our journey back home; we are normally late. If you asked me:" How late?", my answer to that is "8pm". Once when I had my Master classes(while Ivan was away to Australia), I picked Annabelle at 10.15pm. Yes... Night! Late! But, Auntie Letchumy never once complain and gramble.
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Annabelle is very close to Amma. When I gave birth to Abigail, she stayed over with Amma at the daycare for 2 nights. Annabelle is like a daughter to Amma.

Also to share, when a lecturer like me loved to hear our students' result to know their progress, so as Auntie Letchumy. Every time, when I send the children to the daycare after their clinic checkup and jab; Auntie Lectchumy will asked: "How her weight?". I guess this is an achievement for her if she knows the child under her care is growing well. :) so cute isn't it!

Having said so many about Auntie Letchumy, now back to the daycare.

The daycare started very small with only 3 children (or less~ I am not too sure) 3 years ago. Auntie Letchumy did not give up, with addition child into the daycare centre, she employed one other helper to assist her. Now the daycare has 7 children and she has 2 helpers to assist her. So, if those mummies that are very particular with "staff vs children ratio", this is 1:2; isn't it good!

Every year, the daycare will have its annual day. 15 Dec 2012 was the last we celebrated the "Selektif Day Care Annual Day". Lots of food, lots of laugh, lots of joy and good memory.

I just pray that everything move on well, hoping that every child that come to Selektif Daycare will stay healthy and enjoy their time in the centre and may our Lord always be with Auntie Letchumy and Uncle (Auntie Husband~Thata to the children) and her staff in whatever they do daily. :)