Where to go?

Our last family holiday was to Star Virgo. That was in November 08, when Lil Shauna was 6 months old.

It was during that cruise trip that I blew my top and quarrelled with my mum. Well, it wasnt the best trip that I ever had, but it wasnt that bad either. At least it was a good break from work. However, we did end up feeling even more tired than before we went for the trip. Lil Shauna really drained us.

It had been 3 months since that cruise trip and I am getting restless. I need another break.

Ever since I started working, I travelled at least 2x per year. Daddy Lim and I visited many neighbouring countries. Before we had the chance to venture further, Lil Shauna comes along. I had actually wanted to go skiing and roll in the snow with Daddy Lim in January 2008. However, our dear princess spoilt the plan. -.o" Now that she is here, there is no way that we can venture to the further countries, unless we leave her in Singapore, which I am not willing.

We wanted to bring Lil Shauna along with us for the coming trip. I am not sure if I am courting death but I really wanted to do so. We tot about flying to a neighbouring country but seriously doubt that we can survive the wait in the airport plus the flight. We are worried that Lil Shauna will squirm everywhere or worse, scream the plane down. Then again, there is only beach resort and shopping in these neighbouring countries, which Lil Shauna will not be able to appreciate. She still doesnt like swimming and I wouldnt want to risk breaking my arm bringing her to a shopping spree in Hong Kong or Taiwan. I can foresee us passing the baby to each other while trying to sightsee and eventually staying inside the hotel to watch MTV.

After scratching our head for a long time, we tot of booking an expensive hotel in Sentosa. But Lil Shauna's passport is still so new and I really wanted to ink it. So, I tot of Genting and even jio the Ong family for the trip. Daddy Lim was initially doubtful but agreed on the account that we drive there, fearing the long and boring coach ride. After working out the details with the Ong family, I was really looking forward to the trip. I was even ambitious enuff to suggest that we pay KL a visit while we are there. Then my mum dropped the bomb...

She is dead against us driving there, telling me about all the robbery cases that Singaporeans faced in Malaysia. She even showed me the newspaper article. She is also wanted about the dangerous drive up and down the mountain. I didnt want to lie to her or make her unhappy by insisting on my way. Sadly, the Ong family is not keen on the coach idea and we have to call off the trip. :(

So, we are now back to our Sentosa choice. I was hoping for a nice holiday. Haiz.

It is ok. There will be chances. Oh, I am now exploring Desaru. I heard that there are fruit farms and firefly shows. I heard that the fireflies will line up and blink in sequence to form patterns. Hehe. Most importantly, it is near to Singapore, only 45 mins by boat.

Aside to the Ong family, we are really, really sorrie for dropping the bomb. Forgive us, ya. Maybe you all want to join us in Desaru? Or Sentosa?

Mummy Lim

9 Months Old

My mum reminded me yday that Lil Shauna is 9 months' old! Woo hoo! Happie 9 months' bday! Time is really flying by. :) You are a big girl now.

The big decision that we were talking about is back in our hands. Hmmm... we are again thinking hard, discussing and debating over issues that we had thought, discussed and debated about few months back. Arggghhhh... Praying hard for God's directions. Does He want us to take it up? If yes, then why did He take away the option the other time when we have made up our minds?

Will update once we have made up our minds.

Mummy Lim

Town

I had a seminar at Orchard Hotel today. So I took the MRT to town while Daddy Lim drove to work. When I exited the gantry, I almost couldnt find my way out from the MRT station to Orchard Road. I had to pretend to walk slowly while I read the signboards and tried to orientate myself. It has been a long time since I came to Orchard road (since Christmas Day), but it had been an even longer time since I took the MRT to town. OK, I almost got stuck in the MRT but I still managed to find my way out eventually. Daddy Lim is even better.

He was kind enuff to pick me up from City Hall after my seminar as he had wanted to buy a guitar strap from Penisular. We had decided to have dinner in town before picking Lil Shauna up. He smsed me to ask if we should have dinner at Funan or Sogo. Sogo!!!??? Hello, Sogo is long gone lor. In fact, Sogo has ceased operations in Singapore for donkey years!

We eventually went to Raffles City basement for dinner and he kept insisting that there are many new shops and restaurants. Actually, those "new" shops and restaurants have been there for a long time. While we walk, I pointed out that Lil Shauna had Ben & Jerry's ice-cream here, sleep in that Ya Koon Bread shop, tasted soup at that Soup Spoon restaurant... Next time, Lil Shauna can bring Daddy Lim to Raffles City. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Upgraded!

Two things.

1stly, Lil Shauna has outgrown her M size diapers and is upgrading to L size. Hehe.

No. 2. We have finally upgraded her car seat. Long before she was born, Daddy Lim and I tot for a long time before deciding on a cheapo infant car seat over an expensive one, which will fit her from birth to 4 years old. We were worried that she would refuse to sit in a car seat. True enuff, she dislikes her car seat and we are too soft-hearted to insist that she sit in it. She would sometimes obliged but it is becoming more and more difficult for us to strap her in. Recently, she would object violently when we tried. It is not safe to put her on the car seat without strapping her in.

Apparently, the car is beginning to be too small for her. Moreover, the rear-facing car seat is inclined and she cannot sit upright when she's in it. Long, long time ago, the car seat was too big for her. This is her when we 1st brought her home from the hospital. Then, she can even roll in the seat.

This is her 8 months down the road.After procrastinating for the longest time, we finally bought her a "big girl" car seat. We invested in a maxi cosi. Although the lower end range, it is $350. Yes, I am still worried that she would refuse to sit in it, but I supposed the money spent is likely to make me more hard-hearted and ignore her plead for release. Hehe.

The car seat looks really big and comfortable to sit in. It makes me want to sit in it too, hehe. Lil Shauna's 1st trip in the car seat went smoothly. In fact, she even fell asleep in the seat.

But of course, I cant be too greedy. She fussed and wanted out when we were on our way home from nainai's place just now. The little princess was just too tired from the long day out and wanted a cuddle before dozing to dreamland. :) Who can refuse that sweet request?

Mummy Lim

Dinner

I just had dinner at Sakura buffet with my mum, my sis, Daddy Lim & Lil Shauna. It has been a long time since I had a restaurant dinner with my mum and sister. Not that we cannot afford the $$ but the time. With the arrival of the younger niece and Lil Shauna, I dread family dinner in restaurants. It is sometimes impossible to eat in peace. With the mad rush to gobble down the food while Lil Shauna is cooperative is no fun. Even then, we have to take turns to eat.

There was only Lil Shauna just now. We tried to entertain her while we dig in. As there were 4 adults to 1 baby, we managed to eat slowly and enjoyed the food. It had been a long time since we had such a nice and peaceful dinner. Sometimes, I do miss my old life. But of course, Lil Shauna is too precious. Wat is that little bit of sacrifice? Hehe.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna Can Sit Upon her Own

To achieve my new year resolution of letting Lil Shauna sleeping on her own, we have shifted our bed and moved her cot into the master bedroom. We are letting her sleep in her cot in attempt to wean her off sleeping with us on our bed. She's getting bigger, both in age and size and has inherited my "shui xiang". It is so super squeezy for the 3 of us to share a bed.

Surprisingly, the first few nights went smoothly. Lil Shauna actually slept thru' the night. Just when I tot that everything is fine, she woke up at unearthly hours for the past week.

When that happens, I will move her to the bed and hope that she will go back to dreamland on her own. However, that rarely happens. She will go "wooooo" and "ahhhh" and entertain herself for awhile. Then she will go into the "eh..eh..eh" mode accompanied by violent kicks. Given no choice, I will make milk and that normally does the trick.

Last night, she again woke up at about 4am. She was waving her arms and kicking wildly when I tried to pick her up from the cot. Seeing that, I know that it is impossible for her to go back to sleep without the milk. Daddy Lim was just returning from using the toilet and decided that he will use the sofa instead. Ended up, Lil Shauna was happily turning and tossing on the big bed, while I was trying to steal a little bit more sleep before moving my big butt to make milk. Tired leh.

I tried to ignore Lil Shauna despite her repeated kicks. When I finally peeped at her, I was surprised to see that she was sitting up! I didnt know that she can sit up by herself from a lying position. My mum didnt say anything about that either. Then Lil Shauna attempted to stand up by using me as a supported. To prevent her from falling, I ended her mission and made her milk.
I told Daddy Lim about the sitting incident this morning but tot that it might be an one-off incident. However, just before her bedtime, Lil Shauna made 2 successful attempts for Daddy Lim & me. Our Lil Shauna has learnt a new trick! Hehe.

Mummy Lim

Baby G

Daddy C & Mummy S have invited us to celebrate Baby G's full month bash - on Valentines' Day. So Daddy Lim & I are gg to celebrate V Day with a whole bunch of people. Wow, how romantic. Lol!

Anyway, Mummy S have sent me some pix that I totally cannot resist and must post them.

We took a pix with the new baby too.

This is my favourite pix.

Orrrhhhhh... sooooo sweet. Makes me want to give birth to another baby. Nope, not the pregnancy, just the giving birth. Maybe I can consider the taking care after that, but not the pregnancy. Lol!

On a separate note, Lil Shauna's tear duct should be cleared. Woohoo! Thank you for all the prayers. :)

Mummy Lim

Bake a Cake

I have a dream. I want to learn how to bake cakes and decorate them. I know nuts about baking cakes, but I feel such intense passion for my dream. Just look at the beautiful creation possible. http://mengchoo.livejournal.com/ This lady makes wonder and I feel so motivated. One day, I will find time to go learn how to bake a cake and then how to decorate them. Hehehe.

Mummy Lim

Jurong Bird Park

Lil Shauna now giggles at the cats and dogs that she sees and gets all excited at birds. We tot that it is a good time to bring her to JBP. Since it is so near to our place and we managed to get the corporate pass to garner us free entry, we see no harm.

We brought Lil Shauna to the JBP on Sunday. We didnt plan to stay long, just in case it was too hot for the princess. God is good, he sent heavy rain to cool the park right before we went and give us good weather with light drizzle. :)

Lil Shauna was so happie about gg to JBP. See her smiling from ear to ear. Hehe.

She, in her pretty sunhat. Sadly, that sunhat couldnt stay on her head for long. She kept pulling it off. -.o"We reach JBP in the afternoon. Bcos of CNY, JBP was nicely dressed up in colourful flowers.

We started off with the Penguin Exploration. The penguins were swimming right before our eyes but Lil Shauna was distracted with the crowd. After lots of coaxing, she finally saw the penguins and was bouncing up and down in Daddy Lim's arms.

We went to look at other species of birds too. However, most of the birds were too far away to attract Lil Shauna. Bigger birds tend to stay stationary or are too graceful like the swans. In the end, Lil Shauna was happily looking at the moving people and flowing water. -.o" We should have just brought her to Orchard road. Lol!

However, there were moments where Lil Shauna saw the birds and was very much captivated.

We ended up with a really tired baby.. and parents too.

We are targeting the zoo next. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Lil Shauna's Blocked Tear Duct

I have mentioned previously that Lil Shauna's right eye's tear duct has been blocked since she was 3 months' old. Since then, her right eye will be clouded by discharge. Constant cleaning results in raw and swollen skin at the area around the eye. Both the NUH and private PD assured that it is normal and the private eye doctor assured that it is merely blocked eye duct, her eye is perfectly fine.

Lil Shauna was given till 1 year old. Should the duct continue to be blocked, a simple insert-a-wire-to-clear-the-blocked-duct procedure will be conducted. The private PD reminded times and again that we should massage her eye for her. During teh last check-up, the private PD warned that there will be no chance that the eye duct will clear by itself if we do not do the massage. Finally, lazy Daddy Lim and I had started to faithfully massaging the little squirmy Shauna's eye, a minimum of 120x per day. The NUH PD wanted to refer us to the eye specialist in NUH for a second opinion. The whole thing has been bothering us since day 1. Whenever I bring Lil Shauna out, I have to explain to family, friends and even strangers like a broken recorder. "No, she wasnt crying... it is blocked eye duct... yes, can only wait and see... blah... blah... blah".

We are supposed to visit the NUH eye doctor tomorrow. I noe many uncles and aunties are praying for Lil Shauna. Just on Thursday, I was still cleaning her eye for her. There was a lot of discharge. Then on Friday, when we picked her up from my mum's place, my mum said that her right eye had been exceptionally good! Then, there was no more discharge on Sat and Sun!

We are not sure if her duct has cleared by itself. We are still debating if we should still bring her to the eye doc tomorrow. Not sure if it is the result of our massage, but God has definitely answered our prayers! No more broken recorder. Hehehe.

Mummy Lim