Abel - 2 months old

Here's one of my favourite when he's 2 month's old. Captured him laughing.
He's a lot more alert than when he was a newborn.

Apple Juice please

A few days ago, this conversation took place:


N: I want to drink apple juice. Can you make me apple juice?

Me: There's no apples.

N: Look, there's ONE apple. (took it out from the fruit basket)

Me: One apple is not enough to make juice. (Real reason: Lazy to make apple juice from one apple and then wash the whole juice extractor)

N: There's one apple here, Mom.

Me: There's no enough apple, darling.

The end.



On Saturday I bought half a dozen apples. (they are really for A's apple puree)

Anyways they are sitting in the fruit basket. This morning, this conversation took place.

N: Mom, wow, lots of apples here.

Me: Yeah. Do you want to count how many apples they are?

N: So now you can make apple juice!! Lots of apples here. Okay??

Me:<_>

Abel - Month 1

We purchased a new camera after Abel was born and I have only recently got to tidy up the photos. I know , I know, 7 months down the the track I am only writing about his first month. Anyways here are some of the ones that I collaged. Abel was very different in temperament from Noel. The second he entered the world, he screamed. We nicknamed him "the Screamer". hehe. See most of his pic he has his mouths wide open.

Abel was quite jaundiced and on day 16 he was readmitted to the maternity unit to go under phototherapy.

We celebrated his full moon at home with some friends . He had only a few pic taken. We were too busy talking and he was wanting to feed every so often.

On his actual day of his full moon which also coincides with my MIL's birthday, the immediate family went to have dinner in the city at Grand Harbour. The dish I was most impressed with (not in term of taste but looks ) was that dessert of little chicks in the egg shells. It is actually red bean or was it lotus paste pastries.

Just got home from a tiring exercise. No I haven't been running on treadmills or doing aerobics. I have just gone to pick up N from kindy and return books at library and have Abel's passport photo taken at the chemist.

Picking N and returning books was easy-peasy. A little embarrassed as I packed tambourines for N while they are learning alphabet U today. The teacher got N to play the tambourine when they sing their goodbye song. Saw all the kids brought umbrellas of all sizes. I'll have to find an umbrella small enough to fit into my ziplock bag.

Next we go to the library to return N's dvd. He's into Play School these days. It's pretty cool programme with lots of song singing, crafts and all sorts of things that pre-schooler love. We picked up another Play School and then lastly to the chemist.

By right, it should be just real easy. A snap or two and we will be out of there in 10minutes (allowing time for photos to develop) But A had a small problem. He wouldn't close his mouth. NZ Passport regulations require that photo must be taken with a neutral expression with mouth closed. So the lady must have snapped at least 20 shots until she ran out of memory (She must have a very small memory card) but still not having a good shot. She suggested she would photoshop for me but then she said the lighting from both pics are not the same so it was not possible for her. She then got another lady to take the pic while she served another customer. After 10-12 shots or so, the lady was satisfied with one. I was tired and also have to attend to N who is by now hungry and bored. He asked to have Char Kuay Tiaw at the shop we always go in the mall. So we went to have lunch there while we wait for the photos to be developed.

So, I was charged $20 for 4 photos. The normal price is $15 for 4 photos. I suppose when there's a baby who won't close his mouth it's quite worth the price. Do you have a good experience getting passport pic taken for yourself or your little one?

Constipated ...

I like to think I have some sort of routine going on most days of the week. On Monday, after A woke up, I will feed him hen proceed to have breakfast with N before we both attend BSF, me in the adult studies and he in children's program. MIL would be babysitting A.

This morning the weather looked rather good so I decided to put in a load of laundry. I have a bit of time in my hand. I leave A in the 'exersaucer' thingie and N playing in the playroom while I spot cleanned several pieces or let's just say 1/2 load of the laundry. After that, I got N to go for breakfast. He was being very moody and quiet and uncooperative. For those of you that have met N, he's not the quiet sort. He's usually full of life, jumpy and yaks non stop. I couldn't for the life of me think of reasons of the mood swing. He was chirpy when he first woke up.

Then he told me he wants to poo and he wanted to sit on the potty. Usually it's pretty fast business. Usually, was so fast he had already done it all in his nappy. Today it is different. He was constipated. He cried and cried.Big tears streaming down from both his eyes. He said it was painful. Poor boy. Not good when A decided to join in. And my breakfast was held back and I don't have any prunes stocked in my pantry. It's the first time of me handling such situation. Fortunately my MIL came shortly and was able to help coax him to drink water etc. We told him to take a break and to not think of the poop for a while. The poop didn't arrive until much later (around 1pm).

We were a bit late for BSF but it was all good. On our way home, we went to shop for prunes, and buy some veggies. I thought this is good opportunity to teach him the importance of veggies in his life!!!! On the other hand, has he been put off by the horrible thought of having nothing coming out and sitting on the potty and toilet for the longest time.

After we got home, I did manage to make him take 3 pcs of prunes, 1/2 big kiwi, and 1tbsp of corns. Btw, he took the corns very unwillingly. I keep reminding him he needs to eat his vegetables so he can poop.

Look Mom..

N has been saying lots of things lately. It is amazing watching how his little brain reasons and works. Here's my attempt to record them before I forget.

N: Look, Mom. (N shows me his teddy with a yellow post-in note on teddy's eye.)

Me: Yeah?

N: He's a pirate.

Me: Oh..(thinking wow, he associates eye patch with pirates)

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N is eating his Kit Kat Chunky bar.

Me: Noel, are you going to share your Kit Kat? Let Daddy or Ah Ma have some?

N: No. They are sick so cannot eat chocolate.

Me: @_@

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N came to me with a laundry basket and making gurgling sound.

N: Look, Mom.

Me: Yeah?

N: This is spa pool, like in the hotel. (Proceeds to climb into the laundry basket)

Who says we need expensive toy to enrich their imagination? I find he's abandoning the toys we bought for him and utilising things like box and chairs and laundry baskets as his 'toys'.

Function at Northern Club

We attended a function mid-July and I took some pics of our food. Above was decor for the night. Below is the entree which is seared tuna.

We had ribbed eye steak for main. I didn't take the desserts as I thought it was quite boring. I didn't have a pic of us in our formals though.

N's favourite books

N took instant likings to some books and would want me to read them over and over again. (Think 4-5 times at one sitting) Some books he won't even finish reading it at first glance. I do try to get him to read them at least once before I return them. Thank God we have excellent library here.

Below are his current favourites. The first one is called No, David! If it were up to me, I won't choose this book, mainly because I think the drawing did not appeal to me. But what do I know, it appeals to N! He took an instant liking to the book!!! It has pictures of little David getting into trouble on every page and you can guess it, most pages read, NO, David or Come back here, David. It did end positively with Come here David, and I love you David. After the first reading, he could remember all the pictures in it. He would ask me to find, "David reaching for cookie jar", "David making lots of noise" , "David dirtying the carpet with his muddy shoes" and so on and so forth.
After this book, whenever he misbehaves, we usually asked if he remembers David, what happened to him.

Next book was recommended by my colleague who was trained as an early childhood teacher. It is called Avocado Baby by John Burmingham. John Burmingham wrote many children's books but this one appears to be most elementary ie contains least word so it appeals to little kids. One thing that I was not very used to was the author called the avocado fruit AVOCADO PEAR in the book. It is a little confusing. N really enjoyed the storyline. It's about a family, the Hargraves who are expecting a new baby. The family is very thin and not very strong. One day the mother fed the fussy baby avocado and he grew strong. So strong that he could lift piano, groceries etc He even threw the bullies into the pond.

Third book is Lauren Child's Charlie and Lola I will be especially very careful. We have never seen the show but both N and I love her books. The book usually has mixture of drawings and real pictures in it. I usually read it aloud to him. He really enjoys the story. What have you been reading lately?

Dancing Ladies

This is my only orchid which is blooming this year. Wonder if it has to do with the positioning of the plants besides feeding and watering. I shifted all of them to another corner last Spring.

Wishlist

I had never walked into a Kumf store but I did one day and tried this pair of ankle boot for fun. And I was impressed. It was so comfy and it is pretty too. How often do you get pretty and comfy for a combination? It looked versatile too. The only thing I dislike is its pricetag. At sale price, it is still $199 and my tight-ass-currently-on-leave-without-pay me can't justify paying that hence here it is, sitting in my wishlist. :S


*Pic taken from Kumfs website.

Pics from ML

Got these photos from ML. They are taken quite some time back. My, time has flown..

Bundled Up

Curious

IBC Ladies Conference 2010

This year's theme is A Royal Bloodline. Our speaker Kathy Merrell hails from Covington, Virginia, USA. Her husband Howard was here for another conference at our church.

This year's schedule was divided into 3 days. Each session is 1.5 hrs long. Kathy spoke on A Royal Heart, A Royal Demeanour and A Royal Compassion.

On A Royal Heart, she touched on Our walk with the King. The message was basic yet powerful. She emphasised on going back to the basics and review. Our discipline will facilitate our Christian walk. We are to 'eliminate and concentrate' on what is important. Knowing God and let Him be first in our life is the most important and basic thing but I have to admit that most of the time, there are lots of other things that I do before I spend my time with God. She then elaborated on what knowing God involves. We are to listen, receive and apply His words; learn His nature; Accept His invitation and do what He commands and finally recognise and rejoice in Him.

Day 2 was held at the Pakuranga Country club. Our room overlooks the green golf field. Very soothing for the eyes. We rceived a goody bag each. They come in handy, it has note book, the bodyshop products, packet of tissue, chocolates etc Lunch was lovely quiche and salad. I didn't touch the dessert. It was some sort of chocolate eclair.

Kathy talked about A Royal Deameanour that day. Basically, our demeanour is our testimony for Christ to others. So it is important for us to behave in a way that does not detract from the teaching of Christ. Each session past very quickly.

Our final session was on A Royal Compassion. As children of the King, Joint heirs with Christ, we ought to reach outside the kingdom. Kathy touched on developing compassion for others. There are many ways recorded in the scripture. One could be a straight forward person like apostle Peter who spoke boldly to others, or an intellectual like apostle Paul who is able to reason with his contemporaries, party thrower like apostle Matthew who invited Jesus to speak at a party, testimonial approach like Lee Strobel or we could do it through actions via our service.

The final session wrapped up with craft session. A lady came with her gadgets etc and showed us how to make card using interesting tools, and stamps. Below is her 'booth' that she set up. Many people went ga-ga over all the pretty things. She's also available to do 'stamp' party like how one does Tupperware party. She has colourful catalogues and she is very crafty.

Below, she's telling us how to make a card with various items.

Below is my creation of the card. We were given two coloured paper stock and 1 card stock.
Then we used the 'puncher' to make the bird, wing and leave/branch.

Below is the paper waiting to be glued.

After gluing with a glu stick, I chose some embellishments for the card.

Below is my finished product. Ain't it pretty?

The 2nd item we made was a goody bag. We were given a card stock and a plastic bag. Again, I used some stamps to make the card stock and used another punch to make the 'butterfly'. See below for the finished product.

For anyone interested, you can check out here

Taking a picture with the guest speaker :)

Goodies

Jake had to go on a business trip to Adelaide last week. He came back with stuffs for the boys and a fleece hoodie for yours truly.
Notice we are in the Hi-5 and Wiggles phase. N very efficiently divide the pile of books into his and A's.

Carnival fun

Waitangi day is like NZ 's national day. This year it fell on a weekend. Unlike other statutory holiday, it does not get replaced should it falls on a weekend day.
Anyways above were the celebration held in nearby park. It has foodstalls, and most importantly fun activities for kids.

I was stuck at home whilst Jake brought N and my dad to the above.

N couldn't have more fun jumping in those bouncy castle. If I were there, I would be horrified seeing him bouncing with kids twice his size (see one of the pic where he's only 1/2 the height of another boy) I much prefer the more 'gentler' activities like riding on that red horse/moose carousel and the kid's size ferris wheel.
According to jake, they had to restart the carousel good few times due to overaged/overweight kids riding on it.

What's this...

I was reading someone's blog about their trip.

N:What's this? (pointing to the picture)

Me: That's Angkor Wat...

N: Where is Aun-tie Wat?

Me: ????!!!

birth story...

I finally dragged myself to write my birth story :P


For Noel, I had to be induced so I went to the hospital and it went from there.

For Abel, I remembered for the last 3 antenatal checks, my midwife went through signs of labours again and again. Although it is my 2nd birth, she said it would be different unless I get induced again.


So I did lots of walking (going to the malls etc) during the last few weeks. On the Sunday before the birth, L had asked me to play the piano for the praise and worship to fill in for C who is away.

My reply to L was if I had not given birth, I will be there. Surely, the Lord was good. He let me played for His ministry.



Next morning (Auckland anniversary Monday) we went about like usual. We had breakfast and then I was trawling through Trade Me:P and I started to feel 'funny'(not in haha way) in my bump at about 10 15am. Went to my reference book and checked what is 'deemed' as contraction. This funny pull came every 15-20 minutes but it wasn't painful. I told my mom, I could be starting labour..Then it was getting regular..every 15-20minutes. At 11 something, I asked Jake where we plan to go for lunch.

My mom suggested I should shower and admit myself to the hospital..I was still not very convinced I have started labour. I went to shower and had the urge to push..*Yikes..AM i really in labour? The contraction were getting pretty regular and I try to lie down..

12 15pm..i took my bag and my beloved thermos (containing the red date drinks) and off we go to the maternity unit to grab my medical notes. ON our way there, I told Jake to grab maccas for lunch coz besides the contraction I am feeling rather hungry too..We drove through and gosh by then my contraction was pretty regular..it feels so regular yet it was actually 3 minutes apart..i remember i would groan in between my burger bites...we even thought of just delivering at the maternity unit..but ....
the receptionist said since i am booked with the hospital i should head there!!!!!

so another agonising 15 minutes drive...was quite worried i might deliver in the car..and I remember praying to God to let me reach the hospital..

We got there and after jake parked , we went on the lift to get to level 2 ..and it felt like eternity to get to the birthing unit. The moment the lift opened I saw this wheelchair and I quickly sat on it while jake went to the counter with my notes to admit me.. between them getting me into the assessment room, i must have had at least 3 contractions and I wanted to yell ...GIVE ME A ROOM NOW! finally a midwife came and i refused to walk:P and jake pushed me into the assessment room. they strapped me with the ECG thingie to monitor me..and I remember telling the midwife, I really want to PUSH!

I remember the midwife telling me, we have to 'check' you first..you have to lie flat..(Oh gosh is this too graphic) anyways when she checked she declared that I am fully dilated and they wheeled me into the birthing ward ..and told me not to push until we get there..then SOmething broke..no..not my water.. one of the midwife didn't know i had my flask with me, so she just dumped it on the floor and of coz it broke..argh..

the next half hour were pure business..i remember my PURE FOCUS was to get ABEL out..and the midwife kept saying I am doing great etc ..
and I thought to myself, are you just trying to make me feel better...
anyways i followed her instruction closely, guess this is where prior experience kicks in. and poor jake's hand must have gone blue from me squeezing:P

with Noel, they had to break the water for me..and i remember asking J the midwife in charge if she would break my water, she said No. You will break it yourself..gosh..i didn't know i could do that ..anyways after several pushes, the water broke and the next thing Abel's head was out and finally this whole being just gushed out..Abel was in my arms almost immediately to start 'skin to skin'.

I was out of the hospital and transferred to the maternity unit and stayed for 2 nights before going home for further confinement.

Funny i try to remember every details now after 3.5months ...it is still as vivid as i was just there yesterday..

Birdcage

Pic of LV window dressing in Christchurch

meet the rockstar ...

On the way to the mall...

Jake took a quick right turn into the road and N commented:

N: 爸 爸 ﹐ 不 要 開 快 快 ﹗ (Daddy, drive slowly !)

J: 這 樣 應 該 要 怎 樣 開 ﹖ (How should I drive then?)

N paused and answered:

N: 要 '小' 快 快 !

Me & J: LOL!!!

Pasta + Shoe Lace = Good Fun!

This is such an easy exercise for a toddler to occupy their time and the materials are easily available from the house and kitchen pantry.

Abel lifted his head!

Placed Abel on tummy time this morning and he lifted his head from left to right!!

RAWR!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Tiger Year!!!

Wishing everyone a very happy and blessed Tiger Year.

Meet our NEW addition...

So my pregnancy ultrascan said I was due on 6 Feb 2010, but A decided to meet us on Auckland anniversary .
He was born at Middlemore Hospital and I shall write the 'birth' story once I am up to it.

I am currently under confinement. Fortunately, 15more days to go. I am enjoying the nice soups and drinks but not the no-shower bit.
N is coping well. He wanted to touch and cuddle his little brother all the time.