Mum in the making

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Thankful Tuesdays: They call him Papa

The hubby has a temper. And a sharp tongue. We sometimes get on each other's nerves. But bad points aside, he has been a great father to the boys. No matter how tired he is after work, he is game to spend time with the boys. He plays all sorts of silly games with them.

He gets to be the invisible power behind the gondola. :)

He never says no to a walk, be in freezing weather...

... or in the heat of the tropical sun.

He is involved in all the everyday aspects of caring for the kids. He helps with the diaper changes. He reads to them. He brings them grocery shopping so that Mama can take a short rest, or cook dinner in peace.

He even cuts their hair!

We're really blessed to have him! (And yes, a blessed belated Father's Day to all Papas out there!)

What are you thankful for this week?

Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday Five: This pregnancy...

... has been rather different. I know, they say every pregnancy is different. However, when it came to the previous two pregnancies, we were blessed that both were pretty smooth-sailing with minimal symptoms. However, this round:

:: The nausea has been a lot worse. When expecting the two boys, I had minimal nausea. However, for this pregnancy, there were a couple of weeks where I had to spend time with my head in the bowl almost every night. Sweet stuff made me feel sick. The baby's poopy diapers made me gag. Bland foods like steamed fish made my stomach churn. The strange thing is, all three of our babies seem to have an aversion to wanton noodles. The hubby forgot, and bought that for breakfast on Mother's day, only to have me upchuck everything after church!

:: This little one has decidedly spicy taste buds. I've been craving all things spicy and/or salty. With Junior J I ate lots of carrot cake. With baby J, it was pretty spicy stuff like roti prata. But this round, I've been needing to eat spicy things almost every meal, and found it hard to stomach bland-tasting foods. I ended up cooking and eating a lot of instant noodles (and felt so guilty about the MSG!) for supper, and eating lots of chips. I had images of laksa, mee siam and roti prata floating about in my head... Like this one:

And posting this makes me hungrier than ever!

:: I've been hungrier. While I've been battling nausea, I also found that I had to eat something every two hours or so, or risk feeling dizzy. So its been small spicy meals most days, with lots of snacks in between. It seems like I spend half of my time stuffing my mouth with something!

:: It seems like this baby is growing a lil faster than his/her brothers. Both Junior J and baby J were pretty small at birth (about 3 kg). During our last check-up, our gynae mentioned that this little bun has grown a little more than expected, which resulted in the ultrasound pushing the due date forward. To my birthday. (Dear baby, if you could, please try not to come on Mama's birthday, ok? You'll be a beautiful birthday present, but it would be nice not to spend my birthday in labour, or having to eat some steamed fish hospital meal instead of birthday cake.)

:: I've been more exhausted. Perhaps its having to chase after the two boys, especially baby J who absolutely cannot sit still. Or maybe its age catching up on me. Whatever the case, I'm hoping the energy levels would start picking up soon now that we're in the second trimester.

Many friends have remarked that we may be expecting a girl, since this pregnancy feels so different from the previous two. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

How about you? Did your pregnancies feel the same, or were there differences?

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Thankful Tuesday: Living with family

So its been more than a week since we've moved over to my parents' place, and our home renovations have been proceeding as planned. Staying with family has had its challenges, with the boys sometimes driving my mum nuts with their mess and running about. I also feel rather terrible about imposing on them, since we've taken up two rooms and loads of fridge space (and Junior J keeps wetting the mattress!). It has taken all of us some adjusting to this move.

However, staying with them also has had its plus points. My mum insists on cooking and settling the laundry on her own, which has taken a huge load off me while I battle with pregnancy exhaustion. Its also more bearable, having an extra pair of hands to help out with the kids, especially now that we've been going through two rounds of colds. And I am so glad the boys get to see and play with their grandparents more, and they love going for walks with their gong gong. :)

We're also really thankful that the boys have adapted to the move pretty well. They have less toys here, but are able to occupy themselves with whatever they have: pushing the high chair (which is on wheels) about, playing pretend, fiddling with bits and bobs (unfortunately that includes stove knobs and fan buttons for baby J!), banging on the door and generally disturbing my brother. There are less books to read too, but we're glad for those weekly visits to the library to get new reads.

What are you thankful for this week?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Friday Five: Appreciating Van Gogh's works

Photo source: Van Gogh Gallery

I've always loved paintings by Van Gogh, especially the daring strokes of paint and his use of bold colours. Here are five ways you and your kid could appreciate his works better:

:: Read books about the painter and his masterpieces:

To learn more about the painter, try "Van Gogh and the Sunflowers", by Laurence Anholt (we are great fans of the Anholt Artist Series!). For a lighthearted introduction to some of his paintings, you could read "Katie and the Sunflowers", or "Katie and the Starry Night", by James Mayhew.

:: Try your hand making a little book about Van Gogh:

You can find a printable here for a little book on Van Gogh, along with some pictures on his works your child could colour.

:: Explore photographs of Van Gogh's works:

Read more about Van Gogh over at the Van Gogh Gallery. You could also try printing out some of his works and paste them up on the wall for a gallery walk with your child!

:: Let your child try his hand at painting:

Here's one simple version of Van Gogh's Starry Night that even the little ones could try. Or if you have a budding artist who would like to try his hand at painting, HeART Studio is running a sunflower painting class for the three to four year olds during this June holiday period (click here for details).

Photo source: The Educators' Spin on It

:: Try your own hand at painting, Van Gogh style:

Recently, I was able to try my hand at painting, Van Gogh style, as part of the Singapore Mom Bloggers' first anniversary celebrations. We had a lovely session sponsored by HeART Studio, where our instructors, Syafiq and Elma guided us in painting our own version of "Sunflowers".

We were taught how to sketch the outlines on canvas...

... how to mix the various paints to get colours like brown...

... and how to fill in the different parts of the painting using short brushstrokes, while alternating between slightly varying shades.

I must admit it was hard work, and tiring to sit there painstakingly layering paint on that canvas. And it really helped me to appreciate how difficult it is to produce those masterpieces that you see hanging in art galleries! Also, I thought it was pretty amazing that the teachers actually manage to guide three to four year olds into painting something similar during their art classes.

Tiredness aside, I think we all had fun! Our teachers patiently went around guiding us, and giving us useful tips, like how to add shadows and depth, and texture to the flowers.

We were given free reign in what colours we wanted to use, so everyone's painting looked different!

And after two plus hours of work, this was how my painting looked like:

I really enjoyed the session and I think I might just try my hand at painting again (if I ever find the time!). It was good to have some time off from the kids, and relaxing to sit there and see the painting slowly take shape! Meanwhile, for those of you who might be interested, HeART Studio conducts adult canvas classes to teach basic art sketching to canvas art (they require only two people to start a class). The studio also offers art classes to children from three to 12 years old (details over at their website).

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Thankful Tuesdays: Day by day, step by step

For some strange reason, bad things seem to always happen on Tuesdays, just before I sit down to count my blessings and write my thankful post. Last last week, it was baby J getting himself burnt. Then early this morning, the baby started running a fever, which sent me into panic mode for awhile, since we were told to watch out for fevers since it could mean the wound was infected. However, after sponging him, and observing him during the morning, we've concluded that the little one probably has caught another cold, unfortunately just after he has recovered from the first bug. I'm still hacking away from the first virus, but thankfully the hubs and Junior J have more or less recovered.

Fever and sniffly noses aside, it has been a week full of blessings. Am so thankful for:

:: God's faithfulness through the week.

:: So much progress with regards to baby J: This little fellow's burns has been healing well, and he's been very co-operative during dressing changes. He's not complained of any pain, and hasn't required any pain medication thus far.

The little boy has been eating better these days too (except on the days he was pretty sick). We had skin prick tests run for his allergies, and discovered that he was only allergic to egg. It has meant we could stop force-feeding him partially hydrolysed formula milk (which he hates), and start him on dairy, which he loves! It also has made cooking for him alot easier since I can cook the same meals for both the boys (unless Junior J is having an egg-based meal), instead of having to prepare different dishes.

He insists on feeding himself. And we've discovered both boys are fans of intestines, which has made Papa very proud.

:: My parents, who have been such a great help. We struggled so much with packing up the house while being sick. My mum, being the super-efficient packer she is, helped with our packing. We've shifted over to stay with them since the weekend, and they've been lending a hand with everything: the move, baby-sitting, helping us to buy meals. And now that we're bunking with them, my mum has been cooking the meals, and its taken a load off my back. Am so grateful for them.

:: Junior J, who hasn't been complaining, even though the boys have been house-bound most of the time due to baby J's burns and all the stuff we had to do for the move. Of course there are the tantrums and whining, but he's adapted pretty well to the move and seems rather glad to be able to play with his grandparents more often.

Rare morning at the playground, without his lil bro.

:: The hubs, who has been soldiering on, despite having to help out with the sick kids and work and the move and all.

All in all, we've been taking it day by day and step by step. What are you thankful for this week?

Friday, May 31, 2013

Friday Five: Family photoshoot tips (Review of Tomato Photo)

I love taking photos of the boys. There is something very satisfying in being able to capture those smiles and loving moments, which otherwise do fade away in the quick passage of time. However, one challenge about having one parent behind the lens is that family shots are really rare. Or even if you could get a passerby to help you take a shot, you usually end up with one or the other kid not looking at the camera, or the hubby looking ridiculous with his mouth wide open (usually when he's trying to tell the kids to "smile!"). So when we were given the opportunity for a photoshoot with Tomato Photo, we were really delighted!

We really enjoyed the shoot with Hart, and I'm glad that we now have more photographs of our family of four to cherish. Here are 5 tips that we've picked up, to make that photoshoot go smoothly:

:: Choose a favourite, familiar location:

We opted for an outdoors shoot because we felt that the boys would be more comfortable running about in the park. And we chose to do the shoot at Bishan Park since it was nearby, and the boys were familiar with the place. I think another plus of having the shoot at a favourite hangout would be that looking at the photographs in the future would bring back all the fond memories that you have of that place!

:: Timing is key:

Mornings and evenings are probably the best times for a shoot, especially during the golden hours (the first and last hour of sunlight of the day). Also since we're in sunny Singapore, its probably better to have the shoot during the cooler hours, unless you want everyone to look hot and sweaty in the photos! That aside, do bear in mind your children's own rhythms and choose a time when everyone is well-rested. We opted for an evening shoot, since the boys aren't too chirpy in the morning. Thankfully, they napped in the afternoon on the day of the shoot, and were all ready to smile and play.

:: Come prepared:

For an outdoor shoot, remember to bring things you would normally bring for an excursion: mosquito repellant, water bottles, snacks, and a change of clothes for the kids (and I had to bring sour plums for myself to keep my nausea at bay!). It had rained before the shoot, so the ground was pretty muddy and the kids actually ended up pretty dirty, so the change of clothes was handy. We also let Junior J choose a toy to bring along, in the hopes that that would let him feel more comfortable in front of the camera:

You could also think of bringing along extra "props" for the kids to play with, if you think it might add interest to the shoot. Perhaps crepe paper or ribbons tied to a stick for waving about, or bubble mixture?

:: Choose a photographer that you are comfortable with:

I think the photographer really makes a difference. Not just with regards to his/her photography skills, but how comfortable he is with interacting with children. Junior J is pretty camera-shy, and pointing a camera at him and asking him to "smile" is a sure-fire way of getting him to either run and hide, or grimace in pain. However, during this shoot, Hart took the time to interact with the boys to get them comfortable with him, and the boys (even the reserved Junior J), were actually laughing and playing with him within 10 minutes of meeting him! Hart is a father of three, so it comes as no surprise how naturally kids take to him, and I think that helped him to capture lots of smiles and happy moments during the shoot.

:: Enjoy yourself!

I think a good photoshoot should feel more like a fun family outing more than anything else. I know the boys enjoyed themselves, running wild on the grass, and playing with us as well as with Hart. Its a win-win situation this way: they have fun, and we end up with lovely photographs!

All in all, we enjoyed ourselves and love the photos. Thank you, Tomato Photo!

Disclosure: We received a complimentary photoshoot as well as an album of photographs from Tomato Photo. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Thankful Tuesdays: Whirlwind week (And a little something else)

Last week was quite a whirlwind of a week (which explains the silence on the blog). The hubby was supposed to be on leave from Tuesday, as we needed to settle lots of renovation details, from picking out sanitary ware (you never know how complicated toilet bowls can be until you have to choose one for your home!) to choosing tile colours and patterns. And baby J was scheduled for a check-up with his PD, as well as with an allergist with regards to his growth issues. In addition, we had on our schedule a playdate at the Art Museum, a talk on homeschooling, plus a music class for the boys!

To top it off, baby J managed to spill hot soup all over himself one night when we were busy meeting with our interior designer. He ended up with second degree burns on his chest, and we ended up spending two days shuttling between four doctors (his PD, the allergist, KK A&E, and plastics for wound cleaning). It was heartbreaking to hear him cry while they cleaned and dressed the wound. Thankfully, he's been a brave little fellow and has been running about like normal these days, and the burns seem to be healing well. Unfortunately, he's more or less on house arrest for the next few weeks or so. No more daily visits to outdoor playgrounds, since he sweats buckets, and we need to keep the wound clean and dry.

And to end it all, the boys (hubby included) have fallen sick and have been having leaky noses and coughs. It has been such an exhausting time, and we're still trying to pack up and clear out of our place so that the renovations can start next week. I'm just taking it day by day, and praying we'll be able to settle everything soon.

Whatever the case, we've been really thankful for it has been a week of blessings too, and are grateful for:

:: God's grace through it all. I don't know how we could have survived otherwise!

:: Parental help: My MIL flew down twice over the past two weekends to play with the kids, so that we could run out to settle renovation matters, and my parents have also been a great help, popping by to help out with the kids and even housework too.

:: Friends: Who have been keeping us in prayer constantly. Some lend a listening ear when you need it, some pop by with essential oils to help with the coughs and colds, some even offer to babysit. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by so much love from our friends and family!

:: A chance to repair and renew our home. The washing machine decided to conk out on us across the week (so it joins the growing list of spoilt things in our place!), so I'm looking forward to when all these old-age problems are sorted out.

:: The boys, who make us laugh everyday.

Which brings me to our last blessing. We went for a check-up today (yes that's the 5th doctor we've seen across the week)... and we're excited to share that we're expecting! Baby is now 12 weeks along, and seems to be growing well. It has been a pretty rough first trimester this round, but I'm just thankful that God has blessed us with another little one.

Ok, so that's all folks... now, what are you thankful for this week?

Friday, May 17, 2013

Friday Five: Another random one

So another week has passed! And here's what's been on my mind this week:

:: I've almost forgotten how cute the 1.5 to two years old stage can be. They start picking up words, begin to show they understand when you talk to them, and they do all those cute antics like dancing and feeding you food. But of course, there are those tantrums too. Just yesterday, this little boy had a 20 minute scream fest because he didn't want to sleep, and boy can he yell! Nevertheless, I'm treasuring this stage since it passes so quickly!

:: We've been busy decluttering to prepare for the house renovation. It feels quite therapeutic to actually clear those piles of books, and sell them off to people who are interested to read them! There's still quite alot to clear, but its step by step I guess.

And links-wise, I've been fascinated with:

:: Chalkboard art. I love how chalkboard art can prettify ordinary spaces, and Dana Tanamachi really takes the art to a new level. You can view her works here.

:: Family trees. Some time ago, I spotted these lovely family trees in this post. Makes me want to DIY one to frame up!

:: Alternative kitchen photography. You know how you store a million billion items in your kitchen? We know since we have to start emptying out every.single.thing to pack them away before the reno. Well, photographer Erik Klein Wolterink has managed to photograph those billion and one things in various kitchens in Amsterdam. Click here to view his photos!

Well, here's to a blessed weekend!

PS: Thank you so much for all the comments and concern after my previous post. I'm feeling way much better. Prayer and ice cream does help too!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Thankful Tuesdays: The day Mama lost it

Today didn't start off too good. The big boy woke up early, and proceeded to wake me and his brother up, so baby J was grumpy and clingy the whole day. Then baby J slipped and knocked his mouth, and ended up dripping blood all over his shirt and the floor. And I started having gastric pains.

Things got slightly better after the kids had their baths and lunches, but just before nap-time Junior J spilled his entire cup of milk all over the sofa. There was milk everywhere, all over Junior J, on me, seeping through the cushions and the sofa itself, a puddle of milk spreading on the floor... so I dashed to get a cloth to wipe everything up. And came back to see baby J (who is allergic to dairy) happily splashing in the puddle of milk. So I had to grab him and wash him down in the tub lest he started rashing up, and thought I could leave him in the tub for a minute to clear the puddle. Which wasn't a good idea because the boy promptly slipped and fell in the tub and started crying. So he ended up being locked in the baby playpen, while crying the whole time, and I tried my best to wipe milk off everything.

I really lost it. I guess it was an accumulation of everything that has happened the past few weeks: Junior J being difficult (they talk about the terrible twos, but the fours can be even more challenging), the onset of terrible twos for baby J, the having to sort out renovation plans, the feeling of living in chaos every single day, the feeling that I can't keep up and can't catch up. I shouted and shouted, then sent the boy to bed without his milk.

So its ironic that its Tuesday and I'm supposed to count my blessings, and encourage you to do so too. I know we're supposed to give thanks in all circumstances, but right now, to be honest, I'm finding it rather hard to do so. I'll just leave you to share yours, and hopefully I'll be in better shape to share mine next week, OK?

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