Rachael's First Birthday - Cake Cutting

Oops,,, she kicked the cake.

Posing for the other flashing cameras....

Rachael's First Birthday - Smiles at Last

She loves playing with ribbons, how to resist this?

Woah! A smile at last.

Two tiny teeth.

Rachael's First Birthday - Girls

Rachael's First Birthday - Balloons & Cake

Rachael's First Birthday - The Presents

Thank you, everybody.

Online Clothing

My friend- Jasmine is a stay-home-mom and has recently started selling children's clothing online to have a source of income.

Do check out if the designs attracts you.

http://bebejac.multiply.com

Buzz

Inspired by the print on one of my T-shirts, I drew the humming bird as I thought that it is interesting -- the grace of a humming bird, though flapping in fury but remains dynamically in a position it engineers, hovering to drink sweet nectar.

Did you know that the humming bird is the only bird that can fly backwards?

And it could fly at a speed equivalent to 54 km per hour.

Scouts Work Week - 20th March 2O1O

The boys came knocking at the door yesterday morning to ask for work.

In order to encourage them, we gave them some simple tasks like cleaning of the windows and door. They each had a soft drink before they left for the chartered school bus.

Kiki was very chatty, I think she likes being around other kids, she seems to know what's going on and was busy blabbling when the boys were discussing on their project.

The Papa, being a former Scout, took the opportunity to impart some skills to the young fellas.

Art Exploration - March 2010

These are the few pieces that I've explored recently.

I've still got the self-portait that I'm gonna do some final touches.

Check this out

http://www.colorflip.com

flip from the corner of the "page" and click your mouse.

At Aunt Lee Choo's

We were supposedly at a family gathering but she just wouldn't stop crying. We ended up at the void deck, drinking milk, napping, and played at the playground. Didn't even have the chance to show my aunts her cute little "Aunty" looking blouse which I've bought from Hong Kong.

I don't know what's the matter with Kiki, she has become fretful of people.

She is fine when she goes to the gym and her class, and everywhere else except to any family gatherings. She would cry and I could see the anxiety in her face. She is highly sensitive and would cry even before we reach the door. Luckily, this came after the CNY. I do hope she outgrows this phase soon.......... or I'll be critisied for (1) giving in to her, (2) not giving her enough social interation. God knows I've tried. For one, I already have to deal with the daddy who is opposed to the idea of pushing her to be more social. Each time, I have to convince him that bringing her to a gathering is good. Sometimes, the outcome is great but recently, the outcome is stressful.

I do wonder if her insecurities came from me.

I am actually not very sociable and I do take a long time to make friends. But when I do, I am a loyal friend and support my friends in ways they do not have an inkling of.

However, I am heavily private and I hardly do the girly stuff like catch up over a buffet or tea to yakadee yak. I don't do gossips and I don't do meaningless bonding.

Time and energy is precious.

So anyway, here we are, having a phase of social distress and the funny thing is,,,,,, she is only fretful of my families and friends! I wonder how that works.......... hum........

The "Ah Mah" Smile

It began when Bren asked Kiki to give my mom a smile and Kiki did an exaggerated grin like this and this pose became the "Ah Mah" smile. Maricar would say "Kiki, how do you smile to Ah Mah?" and she will grin like this. So fake!

(Ash,, this dress is getting smaller =)

Kiki @ My Gym

Kiki is having a cough, we didn't sleep much since 4am this morning.
I do hope she will recover soon as I feel that sleep for a baby is very important.
This morning, she was a little cranky and "manjah", she wants to be carried and not sit or play by herself. Well, when you are under the weather, you would want a little TLC.

So anyway, Kiki has gotten her cough from too much screaming at the gym.

I have just started her on a play class and this little dare-devil loves every minute of it.
Initially, I was worried the activities were too rough for her but my worries were unfounded.
She loves the hanging swing, the mobile swings (sitting in a boat suspended in mid air), steps, huge balls, etc. Squealed in delight and laughed after we flipped a somersault on her. For the first few times, she did look stunned but smiled after a few seconds.

Yesterday was the third time she visited the gym and my helper said that Kiki screamed the whole time as she was happy and excited. Well!!!!!!! No wonder she has a cough now!

She as also learnt to clap her hands! Well,,, maybe some kids could do that at a much younger age, I'm really not sure, but well,,,, to see her deliberately putting her palms together was quite a joy. *smile*

http://www.mygym.com.sg/classes.html

Whatever that Doesn't Kill You

Makes you Stronger.

@ The Playground

She loves climbing up the slides and is very daring at it.

CNY - 2O1O

20th Feb 2010

CNY - 2O1O

Her first CNY!

Three days into the CNY, Kiki has shown vast changes in her social behaviour.

On the first day, she cried and was frightened of the crowd. We had to settle her in a room by herself and not every house we go to will have a spare room ready. Nevertheless, I coaxed her patiently and learnt that she's less likely to cry when I put the shades on for her. Maybe she thought they couldn't see her. (??!) and she can be more at ease. Whatever the case, it works and I've employed the shades a few more times! (talk about being innovative).

When we returned home on the first night, Kiki had an overdose of happiness, she practically played by herself over the next four to five hours! Way past her bedtime. She tossed, turned, crawled and rolled in bed, screaming and sqealing all by herself! Not that anyone of us was playing with her at all. She must be reviewing what a joyous day she had. I was in disbelief.

Day two and three were pleasantly fun. She has become more comfortable with people and we had such nice time everywhere we went. Sometimes, she squeals in a piercing pitch that the people around her had to cover their ears. This girl is just happy!

CNY - 2O1O - Duayi's House

Kiki was frightened when we walked into a crowded room, my uncle calms her down by giving her some CNY goodies. Although I was hesistant cos she still doesn't chew nor sits very steadily, I let it be cos I've told myself to relax. In the old days, the people don't fuss as much over their kids, hence I try to have a balance with this.

Engrossed in watching "The Lion King".

CNY - 2O1O - Back to the Office

We have the tradition to "activate" work on Day Two of CNY and we all go back to the office just to gather and have lunch. There's lucky draw and all but I went in for a short while as Kiki is still adjusting to being around large number of people.

CNY - 2O1O - At the Grandparents'

Kiki warming up to Charmaine and played with her toy. Charmaine was too shocked to react. I was afraid that Charmaine might just hit Kiki but she was cool.

For those of you who had been following my old blog, you might remember this wall.
Yes, it's been painted yet again!
Each time, I am fasinated by it. Not just because it is quite beautiful, but also because my father-in-law is blind in one eye and the other eye is also somewhat compromised.

Still, he paints! (when he is bored i think!)

Although my MIL complains that money is being wasted on paints,,,,,,,,,, I still appraise aloud that I liked the paintings and I asked Kiki to look. Hope that Kiki will learn to appreciate them soon.