A Bad Fright

Lil Isaac was unusually quiet yday. I tot I didnt feel him move after the pig-out session at Mummy Leong's place but after a long day, I was too tired to care much.

On Monday morning, I was conscious. Lil Isaac was quiet at the time that he usually moved and I got worried. I shook my tummy, I poked my tummy, I talked to him but he didnt seem to move. Or I will feel a bubble of 2 now and then and I couldnt sure that it was him. Even if it is, it was too mild to comfort me.

I was so anxious that I called the clinic to ask if I could see Dr Kee in the evening. Unfortunately, he did not have night clinic at JP on Monday night. If I want to see him, I would have to travel to TMC before 4.30pm. -.o" I was a little too busy to leave office and Tiguan was in VW workshop for servicing. No time + no car = terrible combination.

Luckily, Lil Isaac started moving a little after lunch. I was soooo glad to feel him. I remembered some mummies mentioned that eating sweet stuff will make the baby active. I duno if it has anything to do with sugar rush but I ate my colleague's chocolate and made myself a cold and really sweet ribena. I think it worked and he started moving, enuff to comfort me by early afternoon and stopped me from rushing down to TMC. Phew.. cold sweat, man.

He was active too in the night. I think he likes to hear his jiejie's voice. He was active while I was talking and singing and playing with Lil Shauna. I was much comfortable and went to bed a happy mummy. :)

Lil Isaac must have felt bad for yday, cos he moved alot today to compensate for the quietness yday. In fact, I kept feeling him move. The feeling is wonderful. Hehehe.

Mummy Lim

I Must Buy Toto

Wah, Daddy Lim finally blogged! It had been ages since he did. The last was when he was on night shift n tat was like a few months ago. But since the company blocked blogspot, he was too lazy to blog.

Must buy toto. So rare. Hahaha.

Mummy Lim

Thou shall not..

Wave at a friend while driving.. So, to cut a long story short. Bumped (pun not intended) into a colleague's wife while on the expressway. Waved "Hi" to each other and while my lane cleared up, accelerated and continued the journey to get the car servicing done. While going off, heard some noise behind me, like a tyre had burst, just where my friend's car was. Did'nt think much of it as I knew for sure a motorbike did not bang into me, nor did I bang into anyone else.
So about 10secs later, realized that the Type R (that was way way behind initially) passed me on the right. She could'nt have got into my lane behind me, traffic was tight and heavy at 0730hrs. So how did that Type R overtake me on the right? Oh no, something must have happened to her.. That sound of bursting tyres..??
After getting the car to VCS, finally had the presence of mind in my sleepy head to call up my friend to check if eberything's ok. No answer. Shoot, that got me even more worried.. Try again in 15mins. Found out that indeed she got into an accident. Rammed the car in front of her. Good thing was that nobody got hurt, just some bumper damage = monetary loss..
Lesson learnt: NEVER wave to anyone on the expressway, even if it's your friend, colleague, whatever. use this story to explain why you did'nt wave back to whomever.

Here's a summary of MY accidents in my illustrious four (six?) years of driving:
a) scraped left side of car BIG time going into Plaza Sing old carpark. Lost a side bumper and my dignity (1st day in the car!). Damage $350.
b) Kena bang by taxi at Pioneer round-about. "Eh bruderr, why you never signal ah?" Nobody taught me need to signal at round-abouts and while taking lessons, there was never a round-about to practice on! Lesson learnt again. Damage $0. CBA.
c) Kena bang by mobile rubbish bin heaped so high the ah neh could'nt see anything in front at Jurong East. Damage $0. CBA. Could'nt claim nuts either. His supervisor was no where in sight and he was shaking in his pants when i asked for his Work Permit LOLOL
d) While right turning at a X-junction, PRC on bicycle suddenly turn into my path and got knocked down by me JUST as I was moving off. I mean.. WTH?!?!?! turning right on my LEFT?!?!?111one
e) opposite SaftiMI X-junction, uncle on motorbike actually rammed into driver side as we just passed pedestrian crossing. Uncle got a bruised knee and when asked why he wanted to kill himself he said "I thought you going to turn mah, last time that lane cannot go straight one, only can turn left." Yah right. Last time policeman wear shorts and never seen a a road that has a filter lane but no forward lane. You only find that on a T-junction.
f) Mummy Lim has documented her share of silly mistakes earlier (just one? I know of two, don't kid your friends hehe). Don't remind her LOL

So all in all, drive safe and do not distract others. Also keep a lookout for suicidal uncles and PRCs on bicycles. That's coming from a person whose only demerit points arise from illegal parking. Hehe.

Big Daddy Lim

Junk Food Sunday

Ok, I am still watching my weight. The 10kg aim is highly impossible now. I told myself just a few days ago that I am gg to eat healthy but I had a junk food Sunday. Only breakfast was proper human food.

I had vegetarian noodles for breakfast and cheesy fries from Long John for lunch. That was in anticipation of the good food at Mummy Leong's place in the later part of the afternoon, during the gathering. I wasnt hungry when I was there but started whacking the tidbits. I had a lot of it, a drumlet and a tiny pc of cake and ended up with indigestion. Those were all I ate despite the rest of the proper good food. -________-" Serves me right.

I was so bloated for the rest of the day. I couldnt bear the tot of eating, not even after monkeying in the pool with Lil Shauna in the evening. We only went for dinner at 8+pm. I had some of my sis' laska and 4 nuggets. Arrrggghhhh, wat happened to the resolution to eat healthily? Haiz..

And guessed wat? I think I starved Lil Shauna. I had assumed that everybody else is full like me. I assumed that we all had lots of junk at the gathering. Lil Shauna was enthu when I told her that we were leaving popo's house for "mum mum". We had wanted to have dinner at the foodcourt but it was pack. Lil Shauna actually asked for "mum mum" when we decided to tabao home instead. -.o" For immediate gratification, we bought her a hotdog bun but we had to take the MRT and I asked to keep the bun before we entered the station and she refused. We ended up having dinner at one of the food outlet at the MRT station. Lil Shauna actually finished 3/4 of her bun. She used to eat the hotdog and throw away the bun. She must be really hungry. Then she ate a nugget and some noodles. Oh no, I am an evil mummy. She must be really hungry.

See, bad junk food. I shall watch my diet now. Eat healthily. :)

Mummy Lim

My Little Gym

I finally signed Lil Shauna up for enrichment classes. The last one that she attended was Positive Tots and that was already a few months ago. I didnt renew the package bcos I was newly preggy then. The swinging and throwing Lil Shauna around was getting a little tough for me. And of course, I was getting bored of the routine. ;p

I had been eyeing My Little Gym (MLG) for the longest time, in fact, since they opened a new branch in Marina Square. I like the venue. If Daddy Lim is not free, I can bring Lil Shauna to the classes on my own via MRT. And the new branch is really big. Lil Shauna will have a big space to roam and explore the different equipment.

It was after many aimless Suntec City/ Marine Square window shopping that I finally decide to look for something meaningful for Lil Shauna and the class timing fits perfectly. It is at 4.45pm. Lil Shauna would have done her afternoon nap and we can find dinner after the class. Most importantly, Daddy Lim can accompany Lil Shauna for the class. It is getting tough for me with a big belly.

We went for the trial this afternoon. Lil Shauna has always been shy towards stranger and new environment. We entered the playroom and she cling on to Daddy Lim like a koala bear. -.o" But after awhile, she started exploring with Daddy Lim.

A little while more and she was imitating Daddy Lim.

She is still shy when it comes to group singing and activities. But as compared to the past, she can understand instructions much better than seems to be enjoying herself more.

But when it is time to explore the equipment, she went wild. And she starting hanging and doing front roll and jumping and hopping and running and it was amazing. She loves to hang from the pole.


She is definitely much better and less shy than she used to be when I bring her for classes. I am amazed at the rate that she warms up in this 1st class. Normally, she takes forever. ;p Maybe bcos there are only 5 kids and not many adults + big, big space to roam. Several times, she tripped and fell but no tears! She simply got up and continue running, marching, monkeying.

At a point, she even hi-5 the teacher when asked to, something that she will usually not attempt with strangers. She even wave bye bye to the teacher after the class. Ahhh, we are just so proud of her.

The lessons are not cheap but we signed her up for a term of 7 lessons. She really appeared to be enjoying herself so much that we cannot deny her. And Daddy Lim get to spend some time bonding with his princess. He never get the chance to bring her for such lessons. :)

So, we are going back next week! Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Jealous Mummy

I used to be so proud that I understand what Lil Shauna is saying when Daddy Lim doesnt. It is like I am exclusive. But now, Daddy Lim and I sometimes cant make out what Lil Shauna is saying and J has to interpret for us. Sad... I have lost that exclusiveness. Sob. I am jealous.

I spy on J via the internet video from office. I see Lil Shauna singing and dancing and monkeying with J or ah yee or Daddy Lim (while he is on night shift). I drool and I wonder why I am not there jumping and playing with her. I am jealous.

Lil Shauna used to stick to me like glue when she sees me after work. However, her stickiness seems to have wear off a little bit recently. I am sometimes glad that she doesnt stick to me so much cos I am extra time to rest and watch TV, but that is the little time that I have with her for a day and she chose to play with someone else. I am jealous.

I have always fear the day that she wants J over mummy. Just now, I was making milk for her. She was with me in the kitchen and J started playing with her and carrying her. She actually wanted J to continue carrying her and rejected coming back with me to the bedroom! (thunder... lightning...) I am so jealous.

It is such an irony that J became closer to my daughter bcos of the amount of time that she spent with her but drifted further from her own precious daughter. This is life and I am still a jealous mummy. Roaaarrrr...

I better treasure the time that I have tucking her to bed, playing hide and seek with her, singing lullaby and playing silly games before she decides that she is too old for them one day. My baby is growing up!

Mummy Lim

Bb is the Best!

Now that Daddy Lim is on night shift, I vexed about going home whenever I worked 6.30pm. If I work late, I have a higher chance of sharing cab with colleague. If it is 6.30pm, I would need to get a cab myself. As no cab driver would drive to ulu Tuas for me to flag down, I must call cab. The calling fees and the peak hours surcharge + the meter fare would easily add up to $12 to $13 wor. Alternatively, I can run for bus no. 257. But missing the 6.30pm bus would mean that I have to wait at least 15 mins for the next one. And I have to squeeze with many other people... The bus ride takes about 45mins. Yes, it is not at all appealing.

Last Friday, I was again fretting over how to go home. I didnt want to let the cab uncle earn my $$ but was too lazy to take public transport and I have no dinner. I tried calling Daddy Lim at 5pm and had no reply and assumed that he was still sleeping. I got him at 5.30pm and he told me that the time was too tight and he would be late for work. Bo bian lor. I just have to find my own way back + dinner lor.

I must have sounded very pathetic cos Daddy Lim called me back shortly and agreed to pick me up + quick dinner at the risk of being late for work. Yippee. We have a simple BK dinner.
But I was a happy mummy. And I reached home to an empty house. Lil Shauna was at Popo's place and Popo will only bring her home at 8+pm. I was happily and quietly munching potato chips and watching TV. Heavenly...

Mummy Lim

I Drove Again!

I drove to work and back this morning. Hohoho. I was a little panicky while on the way to work. Every single car/ lorry/ bus behind seem to be tailgating me. I keep wondering if I should step harder on the accelerator so as to close up the gap between the me and the car in front. Otherwise, will the car behind me feels that I am driving too slowly? It was actually quite stressful.

Then I have to squeeze the Tiguan into skinny car park lot. I wonder if it is a standard size lot. Maybe not, since space is so precious in the yard. Then I have to worry about knocking down stupid workers who might anytime try to dash across behind the car or knocking down and scratching that bicycle that was parked so near to the lot. I was so glad when i finally got Tiguan into the lot, even when Tiguan was parked crookedly.

The gg home trip was a lot better. The road was less crowded and the parking attempt at the multi-storey carpark turned out better. I was so proud that Tiguan was parked properly in the lot this time.

I had wanted to drive to nainai's place and back home too but did not managed to get the princess' approval. Hmm.. I do hope to drive more often. Practice makes perfect. :)

Mummy Lim

Dun Kick My Bladder

I starting feeling fluttering in my 17th weeks and the karate moves only come in in my 19th/ 20th weeks. People say that preggy ladies with boys tend to carry lower and I think it is so true.

Recently, Lil Zu-Le seems to be consistently standing and purposely kicking my bladder. Whenever that happens, it sends this need-to-pee sensation. In the initial few times, it made me run for the toilet, but nothing much came out. Subsequently, I just bear with that sensation. It is actually irritating when he kicks my bladder. It makes me wake to do a leg-twisting-to-hold-your-pee dance. Arrggghhh, he is still very small now. I wonder what will happen when he grows bigger. Maybe I should just sit constantly on the toilet bowl. -.o"

Mummy Lim

Security Blanket

I brought the mini blanket out on Wednesday and I think it does help. Lil Shauna appears to like to have the little blanket covering her while she attempts to nap. However, she didnt pay special attention to it when she's awake.

In fact, she doesnt really want it and wanted to throw the blanket onto the floor. We will try again tomorrow. If it is me, I would be glad to have a soft and nice blanket while I try to sleep. Hehe.

Mummy Lim

I Drove

It was only to Jurong Point and back on Wednesday morning for breakfast. I was on leave. :) Thre wasnt much traffic on the road, the carparks were empty too. Lil Shauna was strapped in the car seat and Daddy Lim was busy entertaining the princess. J didnt come along. It was just breakfast and we can handle Lil Shauna on our own. We had a great time as a family, something that we hadnt for the past 3 months. It is sometimes strange how we need a outsider's help to make you treasure such family time.

The journies were fine. Tiguan still look as good, no additional bumps or dents. Daddy Lim says that I need to improve on my braking and that Lil Shauna better be strapped in when I drive. He was too busy otherwise and didnt comment much. Driving was generally alright, but my parking sux. I think it must be bcos the car is too big. Hohoho. It took me awhile to get the car into the car park lot. I tot I went thru' a near heart attack after finally squeezing the big car into the tiny lot (in my perspective) and Daddy Lim had to tell me that the car is parked crookedly. Win liao. Who cares, so long as I get the car in and dun block the road.

It was so stressful to park, I have to purposedly look for locations with lessers car so that I can go in and out the lot and adjust for 235 times before I get the car in. I get uber stress when there are other cars waiting cos Daddy Lim, when he is one of those cars waiting will complain impatiently. I can imagine those waiting dricers complaining already.

So, I think I will try longer routes the next time! Maybe, if it doesnt rain, I can drive them to WCP for breakfast on Sunday. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Mica Mouse and Badoh Bear

Lil Shauna has a whole truck of soft toys. Somehow, nainai, xiao shu and auntie Chris love to buy soft toys for her. Sometimes, her parents also kena cheated by her too and ended up buying the soft toy that she was hugging and lugging everywhere in the toy shop but they always ended up in some corner after they were brought home. Lil Shauna dun really love her soft toy except for Mica Mouse and Badoh bear.

She calls Mickey Mouse = Mica Mouse and Badoh Bear refers to ee yore. The latter is bcos she once called ee yore Badoh Bear when she was young and Daddy Lim got so excited and kept telling her that ee yore is Badoh Bear and thus the name. They are the only soft toys that made it on our bed every night. The rest are on the floor or somewhere else in the house. She will actually look for Mica Mouse and Badoh Bear every night without fail. She enjoys playing with them. However, she doesnt really hug them to sleep. Maybe she might hug Badoh Bear once in a while but seldom Mica Mouse.

Ah yee mentioned that Lil Shauna seems a little insecure and a security pillow/ blanket might do her some good. Lil Shauna doesnt have one. She doesnt suck pacifier too. I had always wanted to introduce to her a security something. This is actually useful for her to relate to nap or bedtime.

So, mummy bought this.

I noe, this is actually meant for babies and it is probably a little too late to try to introduce such a thing to Lil Shauna. I just wanted to try and if it really fails, then this will go to no. 2 lor. It is really soft and nice to touch. I was trying to look for something small and light so that we can bring it out with us and Lil Shauna can hold or hug it when we are outside to help her to nap. As expected, she wasnt that keen on the mini blanket and lost interest shortly. I will try it again when we are outside. :)

We also bought a new Badoh Bear. She loves Badoh Bear and this one only cost $6. We will bring it along for some of our weekend trips and perhaps on holiday too. :)

And why is it hanging by the ears? Bcos Popo says that soft toys, especially those not wrapped in plastic are dirty and must be washed when they are brought home before given to the babies. Since it wasnt that expensive, Badoh Bear no. 2 took a spin in the washing machine and is having some sun + moon tan. Hohohoho. It still looks good after the wash and it will probably go into the washing machines many more times if we bring it outside. We hope Lil Shauna will find her security something soon. :)

Mummy Lim

Sleeping on Her Own - Part 4

We have decided to take a break. This will keep us sane too. It is too tiring to wake up and pacify an unhappy kid in the middle of the night. I dun think I can take too many 1-hr tantrum, especially when Daddy Lim is on night shift.

Lil Shauna had been sleeping with us since she kena the LS virus. She has been having fitful sleep for the past few nights. Other than her usual turning and tossing, she will wake up and look for mummy or cry or ask for milk, sometimes up 2x in a night. We suspect that the experience to make her sleep on her own might be a little too traumatic or she might have become a little more insecure bcos of the experience. Ah yee says this is especially so when she always wake up in the morning to find us missing and dun get to see us the entire day until in the evening. Come to think of it, she's such a poor thing.

So, we have decided to maybe try again after Daddy Lim comes back from night shift. If things still fail, then we will opt for plan B and have no. 2 sleeps with the maid. I believe that this might be an easier way out for all of us.

Mummy Lim

Daddy Lim goes on Night Shify Again

It is not the 1st time that Daddy Lim goes on night shift. However, I do feel a little lost this time and I am already starting to miss him on day 1. Haiz, must be the crazy hormones. Maybe bcos it is getting more and more tiring and difficult to try to take care of the princess with a growing tummy, especially when she fusses or goes into mummy-only mode. Sob. It doesnt help that I have J now. She is nowhere near compared to Daddy Lim during bedtime.

Today, we (including ah yee) went to church together. Daddy Lim will be able to join me for church when he's on night shift. That is probably the only plus thing that I see. It is actually lonely gg to church and attending service alone. And ah yee will be busy on most Sundays from July onwards. I think I better start attending the PCM group. Oh, the leader finally contacted me after 3 weeks' wait and there was a meeting last Wed. I was only informed on Mon and skipped the session. There were too much fear and anxieties due to too many unknowns. Strange hor. I also not sure why am I so worried, but just need to know more before I start attending the PCM. Prayers pls.

Bcos Daddy Lim has to work on Sunday night and has to take his nap before his work, we will be gg to nainai's place on Sats. But nainai has to work on the Sats that we dun, so it is actually not ideal. And I have to find entertainment for Lil Shauna on the next few Suns that Daddy Lim is on night shift. I am already tired at the tot of it. -______-"

So, how did we spend today? I was so glad that ah yee is free today after church and dated ah yee. She tot for a long while before suggesting Paragon, which is ideal. It is not too crowded and there are many kids' stuff there. Lil Shauna took her nap in Paragon and we had a great afternoon tea with a sleeping baby.

It was actually just simple tea with a big, sinful piece of chocolate cake, but it was so wonderful. The P.S cafe's atmosphere was great too. It makes the whole afternoon really relaxed. No worries about the baby (sleeping) and no hurry. I wonder if we will ever have such chance again when no. 2 is out.

When Lil Shauna finally wakes up, it was simply entertaining the princess and roaming one toy place to another until dinner time. We had a nice dinner at Fish & Co too before heading to the taxi stand for cab. It is far too tiring to travel home via MRT.

There was such a long Q at the taxi stand. Most of them were ang mos. It would have been a long wait of it is not bcos we spotted a cab who was changing shift at Boon Lay and the cab driver was glad to send us home in Jurong West. We snatched the cab immediately, no turning of heads, all jumping into the cab in split second, hoping that there were no other Jurong Westerners who were in the Q before us. I think not lah, most of them are ang mos mah, where got ang mos stay Jurong West de? Even if there are, I think they should forgive me on the account that I am preggy and I am with a toddler. Or at least I promised not to curse and swear at the next person who snatch my cab the next time. ;p

We made it home safe and sound and very tired. there are still 3 more weekends to go before Daddy Lim is back on day shift and I hope it will be a loooooonnnnggg time before he goes on night shift again. Bb, I miss you...

Mummy Lim

Waking the Sleeping Beauty

Nope, it is ah yee and not price charming.
Nope, it is not a precious kiss but a piece of tissue paper.

No wonder the princess refuses to wake up.
Oops, will ah yee kena sued for child abuse?

Mummy Lim

Happy Father's Day

This is Lil Shauna's Father's Day present to her dearest Pappy.

No wonder Daddy Lim prefers girls to boys. ;p

Mummy Lim

Sleeping on Her Own - Part 3

We still have no success. Two nights ago, we tried to let her sleep in her room on the mattress, thinking that she woke up maybe bcos her bed is too small for her. I shifted her over at 11+pm and heard her cry at 12+am. I rushed over to try to pacify her and she asked for the same thing - "Mummy, room". I was a little persistent this time and tried to coax her to continue to stay in her room. At one point, I seem to get some success until she suddenly decides to disagree and threw a very bad and long tantrum.

She starting crying, screaming, squirming, refusing to be comforted for the next 1 hour. It was very bad. J probably never seen Lil Shauna reacted this way and was standing at the doorway looking at us, afraid to go to bed. She even woke ah yee up, so you can imagine how bad it was.

She just refused to be coaxed no matter what and it was no use trying to spank her, it will just make things worse. It was finally when she was tired that she was willing to be coaxed. I have to bring her to look out of the window and even a walk at the corridor before she finally stops. By the time we all go back to bed, it was already 2am. -_____-"

The next morning, Daddy Lim and I zombied to work and I started wondering what I should do. Well, I can persist and continue to bring her to her room every alternate night after she sleeps. Or we can change tactic, say maybe buy her a princess bed and entice her to sleep in her bed? Or stop for the time being and try again later. Or give up totally and let her continue to sleep with us. Then no. 2 will sleep with J. We haven decide, but with her waking up every time we put her there, I am getting tired. Moreover, Daddy Lim is gg on night shift, all the more, I feel like shelving the idea for awhile.

Daddy Lim thinks that we should stop for the time being and Lil Shauna will want her own room when she's old enuff. Daddy Lim got a shock when I told him that some kids just dun grow out of it. I have friends who are already adults and are still sleeping with their parents. It is a habit, one that is so difficult to break. How?

For the past 2 nights, Lil Shauna had been sleeping with us. I am worried that the hour long tantrum will repeat itself and she's sick too. Haiz...

Mummy Lim

Tummy Pain Pain, Backside Pain Pain

Lil Shauna kena the Lao-Sai virus again. -______-" She poo poo 7 times yday and we decided to bring her to the doctor instead of continuing to monitor her. Her poo poo is very acidic and burns her delicate backside. She developed nappy rash and her bottom became very red and sore. The appearance looks painful already. She must have felt quite bad. We tried to let her go diaperless whenever possible and asked her to tell us if she needs to pee or poo but she's not and soiled so many shorts. -.o"

The doctor gave us 2 tupes of medicine, both she doesnt like. It is actually quite easy to feed her medicine and the medicine must taste quite bad to make her reject them. It takes a lot of coaxing before we managed to make her take some of the required dosage. And milk makes her run. The effect is very immediate. Once she takes milk, she gets the run the next moment.

We tried to substitute her normal milk with soy milk and soy milk tastes uber bad. Her current milk is sweet smelling but soy milk just smells bland. She was still really young (1+Yo) the last time she had bad LS. Milk was still her staple diet and she was willing to take soy milk when her milk addiction got too strong. This time, things are more complicated. She doesnt rely on milk to fill her tummy anymore. Most of the time she drinks for comfort and thus she chose to reject the soy milk. She skipped her last feed last night bcos she refused to swallow the soy milk. But I wun too if I am her.

She was clingy this morning and we had to give her diluted milk so as to escape to work. As expected, she LS shortly. she didnt have milk the whole day and succumb to soy milk after waking up from her nap. I cant tell if it was bcos she's half awake or she's too desperate. She still had runs today, about 4x. Things are improving, including her nappy rash but still not good enuff. She was so pathetic just now asking for milk repeatedly bcos she refused to take the soy milk. We didnt want to take chance and gave her grip water instead. Heng, she's willing to be coaxed and fell asleep shortly.

Pls pray for speedy recovery so that Lil Shauna can enjoy her milk again. She's such a poor thing now.

Mummy Lim

Expensive Bicycle, But...

Daddy Lim has been putting his $$ to good use. He is not only on a diet plan but also exercise regularly via biking. He has since lost 3kg! Good job, pappy.

So, Daddy Lim will go cycling a few times aweek after Lil Shauna goes to dreamland. Sometimes, he is on his bike for more than an hour. Well, at least it makes me less heartache that he spent so much on the bike and accessories. Talking about bike accessories, he seems to have endless stuff to buy, from lights to mirror to biking gloves and water bottle & holders to chain cleaner. His latest addition is a ID band with his personal particulars for emergency. Choy, choy, choy.

Actually, he doesnt spent that much on these accessories, but he will have something that he wants to buy every few days and he will make trips to bicycle shops so very often. I really wonder why cant he buy them all at the same times, are they excuses for him to make multiple trips to different bicycle shops and ogle at the expensive bikes? I duno. But the habit doesnt stop.

And I had been dreaming of him strapping Lil Shauna into a child seat onto his bike and he bringing Lil Shauna for a spin. I think the princess will like that.

But he realised that a normal child seat wun fit. He tried bringing his bike to a neighbourhood bicycle shop and found that his guess was correct. -.o" So, expensive bike cannot put child seat. It is not meant to ferry a child around. Win liao.

Haiz, and he has his eye on some road bike recently that cost a lot more than his current bike. Well, that's Daddy Lim. He knows that he shouldnt spend such $$ now. He will have to wait for bonus time and that is provided that he get rid of the current bike. We have no space for 2 bicycles in the house. This I-want-to-buy-a-newer-better-bicycle will go on and on until such a time that he is sick of biking and found a new hobby. Then, it is time to spend $$ on the new hobby. Hohoho. But Bb, I still love you.

Mummy Lim

Sleeping on Her Own - Part 2

We still have no success. We have bought a new mattress and I had been sleeping with her in her room when she's there. We have tried 2x. On both occasions, she woke up fairly shortly after she slept and asked to go to mummy's room. She didnt cry, just asked and asked again and threatened to cry. I gave in bcos I was half awake and dead tired. ;p

We have also increased the frequency to alternate nights. She slept in her room last and tonight. I hope things will slowly work out and she will slowly sleep through or at least agree to sleep in her room with me if she wakes up in the night. Apparently, she finds no comfort in me sleeping with her in her room. But would demand that I sleep with her in our room when I moved her over. -.o"

I have no idea why she wakes up in the night. I dun think she was too cold or hot. The weather for the past few nights had been pretty fine. Maybe she turned and flipped and her bed was too small. She sleeps like me and can flip our entire bed if given the opportunity.

Well, we will keep trying and see who is more persistent lor. I hope I win. Daddy Lim is gg on night shift soon. I hope I wun soften and let her sleep with me when he goes on night shift. We have less than 5 months to train her. I told J that if we fail then, the new baby will have to sleep with her. I cant tell if J is worried at the news. But if I am her, I will. It is no joke to look after a newborn. Even if I latch the baby at night, she will still be awoken by the baby's cries. I can still steal naps in the daytime while she cannot. Let's just hope that we will succeed.

Mummy Lim

Driving Tiguan

We bought Tiguan in Sep 09.

Since then, I think I have driven it for less than 10 times. Tiguan is so much bigger than Jazzie and so, so much bigger than my old bike. If I already have problem estimating teh space needed for Jazzie, you can imagine how bad it is for Tiguan. There had been times that I dreamt about riding again but I know it is not gg to happen for a long time to come. In fact, I remembered that riding become stressful after I got married. Maybe it is bcos I no longer belong to me alone, I have to be responsible to Daddy Lim as well. Anyway, I had been telling myself that I must get used to driving Tiguan. I had been dreaming of driving Lil Shauna to school and enrichment classes and shopping when Daddy Lim is busy, but it still remains as a dream. Hohoho.

I think I just need practice, It isnt that bad when I finally get down to driving. I just need to cross the barrier of the idea of driving. So, it actually takes a lot of courage before I actually decide to drive. Most of the time I will chicken out and get Daddy Lim to ferry me or resort to taking cab. The can uncles must have earned a fair bit from me.

To start practicing, I decided that I have to take a route that I am familiar with and not too busy. Driving to work or back home on weekdays is crazy. Driving to JP is crazy as well. I have finally decided that I will drive home from MIL's place today. It is a route that I am so familiar with and there arent many cars in the night. But I failed.

Lil Shauna refused to let me drive. She is usually very sticky to me nearing bedtime. So when she was in the front passenger seat with Daddy Lim and I in the driver seat. She struggled and whined and demanded to climb over to my lap to have her last feed before bed. She was still struggling and whining badly when the car started moving and I had to give in to her. I didnt even made it out of the car park. -_____-"

Daddy Lim's face almost turned green from trying to restraint and coax her. I could see relief in his eyes when I decided to let him take over the wheels and me, the baby. At that moment, I believe that he wouldnt mind be ferrying us everywhere all his life. He said that it was getting to dangerous with a Lil Shauna who attempt to jump on the driver with every possible chance.

Lil Shauna quietly had her milk when I took over and fell asleep on our way home. She only fell asleep when we are nearing home and there is no point to switch drivers. Haiz...

Like that, I wonder if there's ever a chance that I will get to drive her around. I wonder if her screams and cries will deafen us if I were to strap her in the car seat and drive and ignore her. To begin with, I duno if I can do that. It is very distracting to try to drive with a uncooperative toddler.

Well, maybe I have taitai life. Maybe I am to be ferried around. But somehow, the desire to want to drive is strong today. There should be chances next time.

Mummy Lim

Battle of the Sexes

It is interesting to hear the kind of remarks that people make when you reveal the gender of the baby that you are expecting. this is what I heard 2+ years ago.

- Oh... girl ah, good, good. Girl or boy never mind lah, healthy can liao.
- Girl good, 1st one girl then can look after her siblings.
- Girl ah, good... 1st one niah, can try for another one.
- Girl more obedient and more filal next time.
- Wah, can buy a lot of pretty clothes liao.

I wasnt expecting a boy then, but I guessed this is what I would hear if Lil Shauna had been a boy.

- Good, you dun have to worry about the gender of the next one liao.
- Wah, can try for a girl the next time lah, the you can have a "hao" word.

It is weird that people around us (including myself) are still putting great importance on having a boy in the family. Maybe bcos we are chinese afterall. I had to admit that I wanted a boy largely bcos of my mum. She dotes more on boys and always feel that I should have a boy eventually to "continue" Daddy Lim's family line. -____-" And we already have 3 girls in the family, a boy will bring us different experience. With such a "powerful" elder sister, if no 2 is a girl, I think she will be over-shadowed. But I know that we have little or no control over the baby's gender and we love Lil Shauna the same even though she's a girl and we know it will be the same with no. 2. Still, finding out no. 2 gender is stressful. This is especially when mummy P & mummy J's no. 2 are all boys.

I guessed this would be people's reaction if no. 2 is still a girl.

- Two girls good mah, they can share a closer bond.
- Good, girls more filal. You will get 2 additional sons in the future. Dun worry.
- Never mind lah, healthy can liao.
- Well, can save $$, no. 1's old clothes can pass on to no. 2.
- Hmm, no problem lah, can always try for a 3rd one.

And if it is a boy.
- Wah, just nice, a 'hao" word.
- Can close shop liao.

See, the remarks are all skewed. No wonder the birth rates are decreasing. It is so stressful even before the baby is born. Girls are really sweet and cute. Just look at Lil Shauna.. Awww, didnt she just melt your heart?

Mummy Lim

Pappy's Darling

Lil Shauna isnt scare of Daddy Lim or me. There is no use to raise our voice or give her stern looks bcos she will simply ignore us. However, reasoning seems to help sometimes when she's in one of her "eh, eh, eh" mood and refuses to talk. She sometimes may agree to express her wants in human words after I talk to her nicely. Daddy Lim has no such patience.

When Lil Shauna goes "eh, eh, eh" non-stop or constantly "no" to whatever that Daddy Lim had to proceed with, he loses his cool easily. This is especially after he tried coaxing her. And when he flares, there is no turning back. No more reasoning, no more little talk. Sometimes, he will then discipline her with a little smack. We seldom smack her, very, very seldom. And we do, Lil Shauna doesnt seem afraid, but will go into a crying and screaming spree. And of course, we will relent after awhile and give in. We are lousy parents. -______-"

Yday, Lil Shauna was in a lousy mood for several parts of the day. There were much whining and crying and tantrums throwing. Faint. At certain point, I also want to give up. Daddy Lim was tasked to shower her when we were home. She was sweaty, dirty and sandy (earlier, she was playing sand and dirty and wet slide in Centris with Felicia) and must be given a clean up. She appeared not wanting to take her bath and refused to let Daddy Lim takes off her shirt. After coaxing, he flared and forced her shirt off. She started crying and was forced to take her bath.

She was in such a pathetic state, crying and standing still while Daddy Lim soap her. Of course she called out to mummy for help but Daddy Lim was firm that I do not interfere, which I didnt. She was given a quick wash and I dried her up while she went into intermittent crying. Poor baby. She must be tired from the day's activities + crying and fell asleep right after her milk at 9+pm and we had peace.

This morning, as expected, Daddy Lim confessed that he felt bad over last night's episode. It always happen this way. Daddy Lim will flare and discipline Lil Shauna and then feel bad when it is all over bcos she is his precious darling. -________-" Then he will go cuddly, cuddly to her and apologised for the episode but remind her that she had been a naughty girl. Haiz.. I think there will be more to come. Lil Shauna has Daddy Lim around her little finger too.

Mummy Lim

Sleeping on her own

We have been trying to train Lil Shauna to sleep on her bed in her room with the maid for at least a month but we failed miserably. The plan is to let her fall asleep in our room and shift her over to her bed. We will start with the weekends and then slowly increase the frequency.

In the initial stage, there had been several occasions that she slept through the night but we had no success after that. She will start crying for mummy in the middle of the night and refused to continue to sleep in her bed. And the moment I bring her over, she will fall back to dreamland almost immediately. There is certainly something magical about our bed. Hohoho. Till now, we havent managed to make her sleep through or increase the frequency.

Last weekend was even worse. She was down with flu and I cannot bear to let her sleep on her own and only attempted on Sunday night. She started crying at 1+am. -___-" Win liao.

She should have problem with her bed mah. She takes her afternoon naps in her bed. I am still not sure what wakes her up in the night. Too hot/ cold? No space to flip? Our bed got special smell? My mum suggested for us to start increasing the frequency even when she doesnt sleep through now. I am thinking of sleeping with her in the room to see what is it that wakes up, but that will mean me forsaking my big bed. Hohoho.

I will try again today and perhaps every other night. Hopefully, she will start to sleep through soon. Then maybe we have to take a step further and teach her to fall asleep in her own bed. Ahh, sound like mission impossible already. We have 5 months to make her sleep through in her bed. Otherwise, the room will be too cramp in the future.

Mummy Lim

Updates:
Last night attempt failed again. Lil Shauna woke up crying and screaming for mummy at 1am. -.o" She refused to stay in her room. When I carried her to ours and put her on our bed, she turned and tossed and asked for milk. She went back to dreamland shortly afterbher milk. Looks like I have to soon shift in to the baby room to soend the night with her and the maid liao. Maybe my presence in the room will help? Or should I let her cry and not bring her back to our room when she wakes up in the night? Haizz..

Science Center

We went to the Science Center (SC) with ah yee on Saturday. There werent that drastic a change from the last time I visited SC 6 years ago. In fact, some of the gadgets are still there from the last time I visited SC. Lil Shauna was actually frightened of the weird looking instrument initially and wasnt too willing to participate. Most of the stuff were too chim for her and she will handle them the way she likes it.

Then, she took her nap in SC while we had some peace and walk around exhibits that we supposed she wouldnt enjoy. It was actually very tiring despite that SC isnt really that big. We had to sneak a coffee break while Lil Shauna continued with her nap. No choice, we have to conserve energy as the princess will wake up from her nap full of energy.

We were right about the energy part. She was a bouncy bunny and was enjoying the exhibits more, willing and wanting to touch and move the different equipment.

We had to help her burn some energy and sent her to the water park within SC.

As usual, she enjoys every bit of the water park.

We were all dead tired (except Lil Shauna) by the time Daddy Lim pick up in the evening. I never expect the trip to SC to be that tiring. I wonder wat had Lil Shauna learnt. Hohoho.

By the way, did you realise that the pix all look exceptionally nice? It is bcos ah yee took them with her stylo milo professional camera wor. :) How fortunate are we.

Mummy Lim