2009 -- Of Minute Trials & Tribulations - with Infinite Gratitude

2009 has been a year of trials and tribulations, and it is also a year of overwhelming love and gratitude for me. Obviously it is to do with the birth of our child and of the things I've learned along the way. I can only hope to be a better person and now with a child, I am to be a better person. I can no longer be inconsistent with what I say and then set in action. I am always doing my best, being my best. I learn and am learning still.

I will be as good a mom as I am, as silly, as fun.

Not forgetting as kind, as fiesty, as bankable to come.

What I want for myself, I want for everybody.

I want joy, love, happiness and prosperity, I have joy, love, happiness and prosperity. And that's for everybody.

Thanks for 2009, it's been awesome.

House Party- Boxing Day

I haven't googled on how boxing day got its name, I think I should. Just for the sake of knowing. My wild guess is that it is the day you throw away all the boxes after unwrapping your Christmas gifts the day before. Or is it the day you box up your fake Christmas tree? Is that funny or is that right? So anyway, boxing day is PJ's BD. I know of people whose BDs are on 24th, 25th & 26th Dec. That's busy. Oh, so anyway, my family gathered for PJ's BD as well as Song's mini adieu as he's going Sweden for 6 months next year (which is next month).

The last time we gathered like this was in May. Time does fly by and I'm glad we all had a nice time catching up. Oh, wished Janice were there, but well, she's enjoying her Bali too I'm sure.

Apprehensive looking fella out there.

Finds comfort in a familiar hold.

Mostly Like This...

Slowly, she was okay with the crowd and din but still, she needs practice with letting just anyone hold her. It takes ten seconds for her to show a face like this ---

to this --

She's fine

Of course she's fine with her GM holding her.

On Fours

She's attempting to crawl on fours but hasn't learnt to co-ordinate the movement.

Sometimes, she holds on to the pose for quite a while, racking her brains on how to move. I do demonstrate to her the right-left arms and legs movement and she would break into a big smile. I think she will figure it out soon. For the time being, she's just doing push-ups.

At aunt Shirley's house, Kiki did great. We had her pear puree and some tiny biscuits to occupy her but forgot to bring a toy. She cried when anyone else besides us tried to hold her, but I must say she did very well this time as we managed to stay there for all the goodie pastries (sugi cakes!), lunch and Bren had lenghty chats with his cousies.

Getting There

Smirk- she does this smug smile sometimes. I can't help but to feel she's just entertaining me for a pose. Love her to bits.

Waiting for the papa from the carpark (again).

All in a Family

These lovely children are Kiki's cousins and related cousins (if there's such a term). Their fathers are brothers and they live nextdoor to each other, hence these kids are close knitted in relation, distance and for a plus- their age. They sure get into troubles and the fun are quadrupled.

We visited aunt Shirley's place for Christmas and met a few of Bren's cousins there.

I must really make it a point to take some pictures of them (Bren and his cousins) together the next time cos I feel that it is meaningful to document rare gatherings where they all meet. (especially for Gina (Bren's cousin in Australia) who's following the blog, I think*) Already, cousin Daniel commented that he hasn't sat down and chat with Chris for nine years. Gosh. Sometimes, we do know our friends better than our cousins and I feel that more efforts have to be put in from all parties. For me, I actively participate in family gatherings and like l've said before, conversations should venture a little further than the usual ceremonial hello-s. Priority, priority.

Photo Taking

My aunt Julie used to bring my cousins, my sis & I to Orchard Road for photo taking when the streets light up for Christmas. We did this for many years since the 80s, until it got too crowded and a tad cheesy for me. This time, I was out with Kiki and I thought it was fun for us to do the cheesy thing taking photos. Kiki was just uninterested, I just had to disturb her for my own amusement.

Christmas Eve

Maricar's BD falls on Christmas Eve. We celebrated her BD with a BD song and a mini log-cake.

We do give her time off every week as she wants to attend mass at the church nearby. She is delighted as she gets to go to the church on Christmas day and even has her younger sis with her. (her sis also works in Singapore are a domestic helper).

Economic Downturned Party

Our tea lady & I, dressed up as Snowmans complete with carrot noses and hats.
This year, we didn't have the budget to splurge on the year end Christmas party. We got the tentage guy to sponsor the set-up, and had an in-house party instead. No fanciful gala dinner dresses but these handmade themed T-shirts were just as cheerful, if not meaningful.
Already, we were informed on wage freeze and other cuts but at this downturn, I am thankful I've got a job. I am always grateful to be gainfully employed as it entails many aspects of my life and the quality of my life and of course, for the people in my life. (not really cheem lar, you get what I mean).

Team 6

Given our team spiritness, we came in top in the games segment.

Constructing an oil rig model with straws. Must hold an egg on top.

Scary Mary, gotta wolf down these watermelons.

Our team at games.

Another Creative Cut

The Management's outfit were also created by staff and were cut and sewn from a plain, red, T-shirt. I find this piece very chic, it has "Chinese-Japanese" tatto-looking motifs drawn on its right sleeve. I should have taken a close-up photo of it to show you.

My Favourite T-shirt Design

Each team were given coloured T-shirts to create our own designs and theme. The T-shirts were oversized for an average sized person but was necessary in order to cater to the whole spectrum of sizes for all 200 people. I liked this team's design best. They turned the top into dresses for the ladies and texedo for the men!

Not forgetting two of their team members who were unable to attend the party due to overseas posting, they pasted their photos on the T-shirts as part of the design.

Doesn't he look like a captain of a cruise ship?

PJ Party

Given that their T-shirts are in pink, this group looks like they're at a PJ party.

It was convincing as being the Finance team, there were more women than men.

I liked their idea of having rep. offices country flags plastered as part of the design.

Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings, while we're having our toast & coffee, Kiki will be people watching and chewing on her water bottle, from teat to the plastic bottle. Sometimes, she is more keen in her socks than her toys. Sometimes, it will be her cap. Nowadays, she refuses to put on her caps! I tried smacking her but she still will pull them off.

Christmas Party 19 Dec 2009, Saturday

Christmas Party 19 Dec 2009, Saturday

Kiki is still hesitant to join any form of party and would cry when someone or anyone talks to her, fondles her cheeks or tries to carry her.
I think, she got this from me. But I'm trying to do better and will consciously demonstrate social skills and openness with everyone, especially when I'm with her.
I do hope she would grow to be more comfortable with people.

At the party, everyone was dismayed that they didn't get to carry her or even as much as to pinch her, as most said they felt like.

A party viewed from the outside.
Many people were in Pink & Red. I wonder why.

X'mas Party - 19th Dec 2009

She was crying and refused to join the party in-doors. Eventhough I coaxed her from inside, she refused.

Zhuk-zhuk pacifier and a new book managed to pacify her.
Good thing the buffet table was at the corridors and we spent the whole night outdoors instead.
I must say that Kiki did very well, considering that it must have been overwhelming for her to see 30 unfamiliar faces.

Too Cute

Eskimo Booties.

They don't spare the soles. Not a space wasted.

These are too cute to resist.

I can't wait to let her wear it to the Christmas Party next week.

Nowadays, I do think twice before buying any clothing or footware for Kiki.

This is because as most people put it, children outgrow their apparels very quickly.

However, I am unable to not buy these.

I am sure anybody will understand.

Transforming into a Childcare

We moved most of the furniture into the spare room, which now looks more like a store room.
This is to make space and pad the marble floor with foam tiles so that Kiki can learn to crawl.
Our house looks so much like a childcare centre. It is no wonder how I had mistaken my neighbour for a nanny whom I presumably thought she baby sits for a few babies. When it comes to aesthetics versus function and safety, I now go for the latter as the baby is far more important than the desire to have a style.

Look at what she's reaching for. Our crystals!
That reminds me,,,,, I have to keep them out of reach tomorrow!
Her daddy tells her that he will buy her her own crystals when she knows how to use them. For the time being, it is not appropriate.

Christmas Presents for the Young Ones

For Colin's boys and Bren's cousin - Ryan. He is 8 and still asks for Lego. I thought that legos are for pre-schoolers but apparently, its appeal is lasting. I decided to buy Ryan a bigger box because he came top in school. Hope he will enjoy this.

A supermarket check-out cashier for Maricar's daughter.

I now shop for the kids rather than the adults, although I wish I could buy everyone a present every Christmas.

I like buying fun toys for the kids. I find myself wanting to play with whatever I buy. But of course I refrain. Or I'll end up with toys for myself again. Already, Bren bought for himself a toy ATM.....! Talk about never growing up.

12th Dec 2009

Gold coloured mary janes gives a soft, lady-like feel.

We went to Pammy's Dad's stall for the delicious Wanton Noodles.

It was superb as the Char Siew is personally marinated and roasted by Pam's Dad, the wantons are handmade, and the sauce and cooking are 30 years in the making.

One of the Many Walks

Cheering On

Kiki cheering on the runners at the recent Marathon.

Holding her is our new helper- Maricar.

If you see Kiki in her PJs sometimes, it is not that we dress her up like this all the time. It is only because we head to the beach at six in the morning when she has just woken up.

Snowy Trees- 3rd Draft

We have to paint at least one copy of a Masterpiece and so I chose something that doesn't appeal to me. (So as to push my own boundary).

The above is the third draft and it's still in the making. I hope to complete it soon as the branches and leaves are too intricate and I'm in a state of procrastination when I do everything else but not addressing the most difficult part..... I ought to finish this while it still looks reasonable.

Dinner @ Joy's

Goofing around with Joy's keyboard.

Dinner @ Joy's

My Favourite "dish", I loved the avocado dressing.

"Sangria"- A Spanish drink.
It's red wine with fruit juices and some cubed fruits.

Baked Salmon. We should have ate it hot.