We never liked Mondays. It seems like an anticlimax after a fun-filled and family-oriented weekend. It is even worse when the day starts with a loud "THUD" from the girls room followed with wailing and screaming from both of them!!!
My maternal instincts took over and within 1.5secs, I was over at the scene of the crime only to find that Mathena has fallen out of her cot. Letitia was crying even louder from the horror of what she saw as well as the shock of the event. What a bad mother I was, I left the rail down and our adventurous and fearless No 2 decided to lean forwards to reach her sister. We never did see the cause of the incident, we relied solely on the narration of Letitia. Nothing apparent was broken and no bruising could be seen either (phew!).
To add to poor Mathena's distress, we took her to have her Pneumococcal vaccination at the doctors. Poor thing, she made it very clear that it hurt and stung. She nearly stopped breathing in the process of crying and screaming. My heart broke, so did Alex's (the appointed support person for all the vaccinations in our family). M soon got comforted with a fruity gummy "snake" lolly as well as smiley face stamps from the doctor (thanks! Dr Jover). Bless her, our family doctor loves our kids as well and she really does not like her role as the "ow-owie" giver. Mathena spent the next 20mins admiring and showing off her stamp print(first ever) on the back of her sweet hands.
I have 3 "children" at home with me. Alex is also home sick but it was nice just to have another grownup at home.
Hope you all had better Mondays and before I forget, a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year (Kong-Xi-Fatt-Chai) to all of you. Enjoy the food, the family and the fun times. It's a treasured time for the entire family! Enjoy!...we don't get such luxury!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
Thoughts of the Week
We have been thinking about the possibility of sending me (Sarah, the mom) back to work. Loads to think about and juggle (the cost, childcare, who will hire me?, where do I start?)
I would prefer not to but looking at Letitia, it reminded me how time flew...lots have happened in the last 3-4 years.
The most recent being our family trip to Malaysia in September. We haven't really written or talked much about it yet it was the best 2.5months spent overseas. There are just too much to talk about and cover, I had to put it on hold.
Letitia grew up in a hurry in Kuching. She was exposed to so many new things that she seemed exhausted by the end of the day, yet was eager for more. She loved the idea that we went out for car rides late into the evenings (to cool down) and she also loved having her grandparents with her 24/7. She survived all the golf-ball size mosquito bites on her and hardly fell sick (severely) at all. She discovered that she is CHINESE and she speaks Chinese AND English (at last)! And she learnt the chinese culture the hard way (we put her in a 100% mandarin speaking Kindergarten) and still made friends.
The big people enjoyed the food, the people, the shopping, the family and THE FOOD. I will say no more on that!
Little Mathena just soaked up the heat, the attention and decided to crawl well and stand up there! She soon became very friendly and adapted to the flood of new faces. She too got used to the favourite aunties around and made a HUGE impression in people's hearts.
The pics are there on the same yahoo website as "3 down 1 to go!"
We miss KUCHING, We miss my parents (Mathena daily pulls up the picture of "Ah Kong and Ah Mah" from the fridge and spends 5-10mins questioning us and kissing the picture), We can only look forward to seeing everyone else here when they next visit (Hint!).
Thursday, January 27, 2005
NewLook
Snorty Nosed and all, we took the chance to have a haircut. This is Mathena's first and where we go, it's free for her very FIRST haircut. She did not like the cloak protecting her, she enjoyed the free lollipop and toys there and did not seem aware of the "snipping" going on. She sat on my lap the whole time and was nice enough to the hairdresser (Thanks, Nella!)
Monday, January 24, 2005
Yummy!
How we miss Kuching and the FOOD! Our kindest regards and thanks to our cousin who took us "everywhere" in introducing us to the best and yummiest! Thanks, Ling2, you are a GODsent!
3 Down 1 to go!
Okay, Alex, myself and Letitia has got the dreading cough/cold germs. Am feeling all clogged up and not enjoying my days at home as am too sick to cope. Alex took the afternoon off only to relief me but he himself is feeling quite yucky.
Letitia on the other hand has been grounded (apart from going to her first dental check up). She has performed a few public displays of vomits and we are really quite scared of bringing her out. She does not know how to control her coughs and it all ends up on the floor or on her. Sheesh!
M on the other hand is trooping along in her happy go lucky way but there were signs of a rattling cough tonight when she struggle to sleep. Yikes! Another battle, another day. I knew the worst is yet to come!!
Have decided to put some pics of food....makes me happy and also to reintroduce the food standards in the little town of KUCHING. There are direct flights from the major cities to KCH now....go there, the food is great and dirt cheap. The variety alone shocked me (a foodie) as it is a multicultural destination and people speak decent English. We had a ball there the last time during Sept-Nov2004. Don't take my word for it..go to my yahoo album or check these out.
Hope that works!
Letitia on the other hand has been grounded (apart from going to her first dental check up). She has performed a few public displays of vomits and we are really quite scared of bringing her out. She does not know how to control her coughs and it all ends up on the floor or on her. Sheesh!
M on the other hand is trooping along in her happy go lucky way but there were signs of a rattling cough tonight when she struggle to sleep. Yikes! Another battle, another day. I knew the worst is yet to come!!
Have decided to put some pics of food....makes me happy and also to reintroduce the food standards in the little town of KUCHING. There are direct flights from the major cities to KCH now....go there, the food is great and dirt cheap. The variety alone shocked me (a foodie) as it is a multicultural destination and people speak decent English. We had a ball there the last time during Sept-Nov2004. Don't take my word for it..go to my yahoo album or check these out.
Hope that works!
Friday, January 21, 2005
MOM - Job Description
Okay, Not feeling 100% as a good mom today. Absolutely tired of cleaning up vomit and other stuff. So I am posting this to encourage myself as well as all the other moms looking at our BLOG.
POSITION :
Mother, Mom,Momma, Mama, Mommy, Mommie
JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings, weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on-call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away-cities.
Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties are also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life, must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete
accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT PROMOTION :
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years without complaining, constantly retraining yourself and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and this wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
** You are most welcome to copy this and forward this on to all the Moms you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated.**
POSITION :
Mother, Mom,Momma, Mama, Mommy, Mommie
JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings, weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on-call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away-cities.
Travel expenses are not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties are also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life, must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete
accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT PROMOTION :
Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years without complaining, constantly retraining yourself and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and this wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.
** You are most welcome to copy this and forward this on to all the Moms you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, and let them know they are appreciated.**
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Waking up
Sleep has been an issue for the last few days. Mostly the lack of it!
Letitia's been having a bout of coughing and she still gets irritated by the stuff at the back of her throat (phlegm?). She then vomits and we all have to get out of bed in the middle of the night to change her sheets etc.
M's well with her sleep except that with the summer sun, we are putting her down at an unGODLY hour like 8-8:30pm. She enjoys the book reading time now and can concentrate for a long period of time without grabbing the stuff.
Will visit doctor this afternoon to check Letitia up.
Letitia's been having a bout of coughing and she still gets irritated by the stuff at the back of her throat (phlegm?). She then vomits and we all have to get out of bed in the middle of the night to change her sheets etc.
M's well with her sleep except that with the summer sun, we are putting her down at an unGODLY hour like 8-8:30pm. She enjoys the book reading time now and can concentrate for a long period of time without grabbing the stuff.
Will visit doctor this afternoon to check Letitia up.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Original State
We were given these set of chairs and table when Letitia was young. They were very stable and pretty bright. I took upon a challenge to revamp the entire set before our Christmas trip to Brisbane. A fun but messy project,...and you all know how messy I already am! Check out the results from the above two "pink" pictures.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Garden Stage 3
The near finished product. We are quite proud of our achievements. Now Alex has a nicer setting to display his baby BONSAIs.
Garden Stage 2
We tried to re-use as much of the original plants as possible to save $$. Mom helped by collecting weird and wonderful species during her morning walks. We shuffled the plants around and cause a bit of stress on some of them...so far, most survived!
Garden Laundry Area Now
Garden Stage 1
After we settled from our travels. We tried to revamp our sad excuse for a garden at the back of our little townhouse. A lot fo time was spend "brewing" for ideas and I soon discovered that I am gifted at "bossing" people around. (Don't laugh!...) Here's a few before and after shots.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Letitia's Colin
Letitia grew up with music and scripture songs by Colin Buchanan - a local young talent who spends most of his energy telling children about GOD and what GOD wants for their lives. It is now getting to the "fan-club" stage but we see too many good things to stop her from this phase.
She sings at the top of her voice bible verses and even memorises the scripture reference. We are thrilled at the fact that she has GOD's word within her.
We recently attended another Colin appearance at our church in FIGTREE and L spent the whole 30mins bopping and boogeying while balancing on the hall chair. All the big people around her were entertained by her antics and her ability to follow every song.
For those keen to find out about good wholesome Christian music for our kids, checkout http://www.colinbuchanan.com.au
Our Nearly 4-year-old Baby
Letitia remains our sweet and active preschooler. She turns 4 in March and remains a daily "conscience" to us as she reminds us of our inequities as well as our lack of character.
We told her once that "stupid" is not a nice word when we heard her scolding her doll after picking it up from school (we like to blame others). Since then, she reminds us constantly at the split second we say it ourselves. Today, I said "the word" about our computer, and I naturally jumped up in preparation to apologise and explain to her but...she remain silent. I think she's given up on us!
Try to get her to wear clothes that are not "matching"! Her poor father struggles to get the correct gear and she'll promptly go and pick the proper version. If she has her way, she'll be wearing a twirly dress for every occasion and she would almost always wear the same outfit. What fun!
How tall am I?
Letitia loves knowing her height and having herself measured. She has stayed at about 100cm for ages and often tippy-toes to grow taller.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Life's a Laugh!
There's just so much in life for this little one to enjoy. Even a little sit and crawl around the floors of a major shopping centre is justifiable fun. This photo was taken after a big effort of "mopping" the floors of the shops. Sigh!
Sweet Mathena
For a little 15 month person, our little M has a way into our hearts.
I'm sure every mom will say this but I am still in awe with how she can CAPTURE our attention with the little-lest of effort. For eg. she woke from her morning nap today, in a usual scruffy-haired and clingy nature. I got her up from her cot and she automatically collapse her head on to my shoulders. Sigh! I tried to snuggle up to her and kiss her but she turned away...
In our dining area, I strapped her into her chair and she started to smile. Mind you, this smile only consist of about 7-8 full grown teeth and plenty of gaps in between. One look at that face, I melted. Her grin soon turned into a semi laugh when she saw that I had a bowl of grapes to offer. I left the cut up grapes for her and she sat there, contented, eating AND smiling all the way. I am in love....with this little package of joy and simplicity.
If Mathena could hop on the net and write, she'll be the first to tell the world that she received her first severe smack in the hand today. She was venturing and playing with a pot plant. A pot plant sitting happily and peacefully full of soil and germs. She insisted on putting her "paws" into the soil bit and started "texturing" and just plain playing. After a few warnings of "no!" and a gentle pat, I soon decided to pull her together with a big slap over the top of her little beautiful, delicate and soft hand. It hurt me more than it did her. She cried, got the message and soon crawled away from the scene of the crime. Phew! I am only hoping that her memory bank doesn't start collecting information against me.
She's now in bed, I am now having my "rest". I will later zip around doing all that is required to make my home look and feel like one. We have guests over for dinner. Cooking is next on the list.
I'm sure every mom will say this but I am still in awe with how she can CAPTURE our attention with the little-lest of effort. For eg. she woke from her morning nap today, in a usual scruffy-haired and clingy nature. I got her up from her cot and she automatically collapse her head on to my shoulders. Sigh! I tried to snuggle up to her and kiss her but she turned away...
In our dining area, I strapped her into her chair and she started to smile. Mind you, this smile only consist of about 7-8 full grown teeth and plenty of gaps in between. One look at that face, I melted. Her grin soon turned into a semi laugh when she saw that I had a bowl of grapes to offer. I left the cut up grapes for her and she sat there, contented, eating AND smiling all the way. I am in love....with this little package of joy and simplicity.
If Mathena could hop on the net and write, she'll be the first to tell the world that she received her first severe smack in the hand today. She was venturing and playing with a pot plant. A pot plant sitting happily and peacefully full of soil and germs. She insisted on putting her "paws" into the soil bit and started "texturing" and just plain playing. After a few warnings of "no!" and a gentle pat, I soon decided to pull her together with a big slap over the top of her little beautiful, delicate and soft hand. It hurt me more than it did her. She cried, got the message and soon crawled away from the scene of the crime. Phew! I am only hoping that her memory bank doesn't start collecting information against me.
She's now in bed, I am now having my "rest". I will later zip around doing all that is required to make my home look and feel like one. We have guests over for dinner. Cooking is next on the list.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Our Messy World
This is a little start to let all those who loves and care for know that we are well and surviving!
We had a good day yesterday and today. Good, meaning on the scale 1-10 a weak 5.5! That is the level of expectation I have for my everyday. We strive on getting pass an hour at a time.
On the spur of the moment, we decided to go to the beach (3 mins away) after dinner. Being summer, the weather has been warm and the sun was still bright. With very little effort, Letitia finished her dinner and we all packed up, togs, picnic rugs, toys and all....to Bulli Beach.
Mathena had a huge shock walking on the sands without shoes on. She refuse to step ahead initially but soon caught on that it is really refreshing to have the fresh seawater wash over her little toe-sies. Letitia went all excited and thank goodness for sea openness...we did not hear a lot of it. She had a ball digging, rolling by the waves, and trying to swim with the waves...and sand. On the topic of sand, anyone tried to change a nappy with wind and sand blowing everywhere??? The trick is to not worry about the sand, right?
On a personal note, it cannot be helped that the "Tsunami" event came very close to heart. We live by the coast, we see the sea almost every week. We are trying to make the most of this beautiful yet daunting "gift" near our home. Making it a meaningful and memorable part of our lives. Walking (waddling actually) with Mathena, I am again reminded how HUGE and VAST the sea is. I am reminded how so much we are in the hands of our GOD and how we should really put our day-to-day in HIS hands. Looking at all the happy families around me, I cannot help but wonder how it'd be like if we were the victims. How would I cope if I were to loose my gals to the sea?
LORD, hear my heart. Take control of all the hurt and sufferings in the Tsunami crisis. Be there to heal and protect, guide and reach out through our frail humanity. We come humbly to you, spare us from more rage and judgements. Forgive us and have merci on us, on this community, this country....Amen.
We had a good day yesterday and today. Good, meaning on the scale 1-10 a weak 5.5! That is the level of expectation I have for my everyday. We strive on getting pass an hour at a time.
On the spur of the moment, we decided to go to the beach (3 mins away) after dinner. Being summer, the weather has been warm and the sun was still bright. With very little effort, Letitia finished her dinner and we all packed up, togs, picnic rugs, toys and all....to Bulli Beach.
Mathena had a huge shock walking on the sands without shoes on. She refuse to step ahead initially but soon caught on that it is really refreshing to have the fresh seawater wash over her little toe-sies. Letitia went all excited and thank goodness for sea openness...we did not hear a lot of it. She had a ball digging, rolling by the waves, and trying to swim with the waves...and sand. On the topic of sand, anyone tried to change a nappy with wind and sand blowing everywhere??? The trick is to not worry about the sand, right?
On a personal note, it cannot be helped that the "Tsunami" event came very close to heart. We live by the coast, we see the sea almost every week. We are trying to make the most of this beautiful yet daunting "gift" near our home. Making it a meaningful and memorable part of our lives. Walking (waddling actually) with Mathena, I am again reminded how HUGE and VAST the sea is. I am reminded how so much we are in the hands of our GOD and how we should really put our day-to-day in HIS hands. Looking at all the happy families around me, I cannot help but wonder how it'd be like if we were the victims. How would I cope if I were to loose my gals to the sea?
LORD, hear my heart. Take control of all the hurt and sufferings in the Tsunami crisis. Be there to heal and protect, guide and reach out through our frail humanity. We come humbly to you, spare us from more rage and judgements. Forgive us and have merci on us, on this community, this country....Amen.
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