Estella & Eliana: Playdate with Zengqi

This is the kind of gathering I would really love to have more...
Kor's unique way of making Zengqi laugh. I had a good laugh too! Eliana is working hard to kick off her shoe!
Estella was so focused on her bubbles. The bubbles created a lot of excitement amongst the other 4-5 kiddos at the playground too!
While the 2 little ones sat quietly and observe. Just waiting for their turns to 'rule' the playground...
Mama had to take over as Estella was turning green like her bubble liquid...
Zengqi smiled a lot today!
Everyone enjoyed the breeze.

The wonderful playdate was wrapped up with a wonderful dinner. Let's get together soon!
"The more we get together, together, together..."

Estella: Green adventure

My little champion finally took broccoli and cai xin this weekend! Though the amount was small, it's a BREAKTHROUGH!
She used to take all the blended stuff very well, but it's high time she follows us our diet. She had also tried fries, and guess what, she liked it! Today, she pinched 3 fries from godbro Josh's plate... Woohoohoo!

Deal: If she doesn't eat her greens, she can't go away on holidays, and she can't go camping at cousins' place, godbro Josh's place... So much about action, consequences, privileges (or the withdrawal of them!)

Keep it up!

Estella: Ever Amused by Her!

Some recent conversations:

Act 1. While circling up the carpark for a lot, Estella made this exclamation at a car that has parked head-in.
Estella: Look! This car is parked upside down!
[Pointing the rest of the cars that were reverse-parked]
Estella: This one is correct!

Act 2: Mama was walking Estella home from school during lunch time. The usual 5min walk was 20min that day...
Estella: Mama, I don't wanna go back Popo's house yet. I want to walk around
[Leading mama's hands, she went the opposite direction from the usual route back. After one big round amongst the void decks...]
Estella: Mama, look! What is that?!
Mama: It's a playground, darling.
Estella (sheepishly): Mama, I wan... I wan... I wanna play at the playground!

Act 3: On a lazy Sunday morning, when Mama was snoozing after attending to meimei's call since 4am. Estella pounded on mama and broke into a song.
Estella: "你是懒惰虫... 你是懒惰虫... !!!"
Her inspiration? Her chinese VCD which has this song, showing the Jiejie pulling the snoozing meimei out of bed.

Act 4: Most hilarious. Instead of walking back to Popo's house after school this day, Estella 'staged' a performance here! Can you spot her? She was actually singing and dancing away on her stage... Future performer??

Estella: The Builder

Look at her little house!
She's so proud of her new masterpiece...



... a few days later, I found these three 3-D houses standing in the living room. Estella walked me through her commentary of which house was built for who... 'This one is for daddy, this one is for mommy, this one is for Estella.' In her context, mei mei is too small to play this now.

6th Wedding Anniversary

6 good years by the grace of God.
Full of thanksgivings...
Thank God for a wonderful partner, soulmate, dearest...
Thank God for the lovely girls He's entrusted us with stewardship...
Thank God for His mercy and saving grace that led us to Him...

How did we celebrate?
We had a wonderful evening having our twosome dinner at this German restaurant Paulaners (their beer is the best!). The place just brings us back to our Swiss honeymoon. Their decor, menu, food, ambience and all just reminded us how we ventured into this new country (and lifelong journey) together. This time, we have English translation on the menu, and the waitress speaks English! Most important of all - it's the company that counts most!

Eliana: Steady Baby @ 8-month

She can pull herself to a standing position now! Look at the 'meaty' aka 'bah bah' hands... This picture also shows her 'original' hair from birth. Popo managed to give her a very neat trim close to 8month old. Very nicely-done, I must say... (compared with what I did to Estella last time) *sheepish grin*

She has found a new thrill in the swing... She simply loves it! Will take her to the park more often.

She absolutely adores her Jiejie... Whatever Jiejie does, she follows. E.g., scream, cough, shout, and prefers jiejie's toys/books to her own. Maybe we should have stopped them the very first time they started the screaming rally. No wonder Nana's vocal is so strong. We can all testify to that ok...

Sister bonding!

Estella: "... just like Estella!"

I must blog this!

Backdrop: Going home from Popo's house at night. As usual, the moment we turned into the carpark, Estella started praying for a good parking lot (meaning, one that is not all the way up at level 3A or 3B). Finally we got a lot on level 2A. As we were reversing the car, someone caught Estella's attention. It was the parking attendant doing her round to issue parking ticket. Here's what she said...
Estella: Look, the auntie there is carrying a school bag!
[Pause... and she went on...]
Estella: [looking a little smug] Just like Estella!!!

English star

On the very same day, after Starrie has put on the lovely white gown and the kawai shoes, mama asked star to get Waipo's comment if she looked good. To make sure Starrie knows what to say to Waipo, mama repeated a couple a times "Waipo, hao kan ma?" to Starrie.

Next thing, Starrie went excitedly to the kitchen where Waipo was and asked, "Waipo, NICE ANOT?"

Ah yee can't help but laugh away.... hehehhee

Estella: Special edition for Ah Yee

For Ah Yee who couldn't catch Starrie in action, here's the next best arrangement...
See how cooperative Starrie is. :)

Estella & Eliana: First thing every morning...

It's almost like a drinking competition, with Estella as the leading champion always!

Eliana: Stunts at 7 months *Adults, do not attempt...*

Her recent mastery...

Estella & Eliana: Sisters' bonding

What a lovely sight...

Estella: Kidz Talk

This entry is to record some of Starrie's conversations with friends and family lately, at the age of 3 years old.

Act 1: It was a Monday for Estella in school. We had a very enjoyable weekend, which includes getting Starrie a new DVD called the Backyardigans. Here's what took place between Starrie and her best friend YX.

Estella: You want to come to my house and watch TV with me? Daddy & Mama bought Estella a new DVD.
YX: Eh... No... You come to my house? We can watch TV and computer together.

Act 2: It has been 2 weeks since Starrie wanted to invite a fren to her house and watch TV together. Yesterday, I witnessed how she made another attempt in school with another fren L this time. Both children were sitting side by side waiting to be picked up by parents after their lunch.

Estella: You want to come to my house and watch TV?
L: No.
Estella: You want to watch TV?
L: I want to play Lego. You want to come and play Lego with me?

I can't remember when the first play date was for me. Maybe K1? With my next door neighbour who lived 100m away next door? I am just amazed by what 3 year-olds are talking about. They are starting much earlier.

Act 3: Thursday evening, returning home after dinner at Popo's house. Deal? Estella can watch 1 episode of TV before bedtime. While we were driving and turning into the carpark, she went...
Estella: Dear Lord Jesus, please give Daddy a parking lot so that Daddy can park the car and Estella can go home watch TV. In Jesus' name, amen!

With the added motivation, I see a greater eagerness in her to pray! She knows Who to turn to for help!

Act 4: Visitation at Dong's place. Estella finally got to play with her god-brother and also visit Godpa and Godma. Her favourite game is hide and seek!
Joshua: Your turn to find me. I go and hide! (ran to hide)
Estella: OK. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. I am coming! (ran to seek)
[after a good long search round the house]
Estella: There! I see you!!

Eliana: Recovering from HFMD

Sunbeam had her 1st encounter with this infamous kiddy virus at the age of 6.5 months. It wasn't even that many prominent spots, but those in the mouth/throat proved most torturous. It was obviously painful to swallow her saliva, from the record amount of drool over those few days. The simple act that babies enjoy most, i.e., drinking milk, became so excruciating for her. It was trying, tiring, and tormenting... Her piercing cries really broke my heart.

Thanks to all who have joined us to pray. Her fever subsided after day 1, and her fluid intake went up after day 2. She almost needed to be sent to kk for drip, if not for her sudden cooperation to drink the ice-chilled milk. At least this is something that worked for her. Thank God too for the revelation. Interesting, we've been making milk with room temperature water since. Maybe we can keep the thermos away for a while.

Today is day 7. Spots are still there, but mainly red imprints and no more pus. Energy level is good. Appetite is back. All is well.

These 2 weeks of HFMD relay between Estella and Eliana really wore us thin. Nonetheless, our tired faces are cheered up by the kids' vibrance, innocence and new milestones.

By the way, Eliana is capable of multiple roll-overs, and can sit upright to play for prolonged periods. Key: must have the right toys to interest her, and the daily disinfecting wash.

Also to put on record, her bottom right muncher has emerged! That must have added to the discomfort she experienced this whole week. Hang in there, my little googoogaga! Soon, mama can give you more varieties of food.

This is an open secret I always whisper into your ears - "I love you..."

Eliana: "I am 6 month old!"

I can do a lot more things now...
1) Roll over: left to right, right to left, double-roll... Mama says I cannot sleep on her high bed anymore.
2) Bounce when support is given to me, especially whenever jie jie jumps in front of me. Mama says I am copying her, while standing in the exersaucer.
3) Sit upright unassisted for a short while.
4) Sit on the high chair to enjoy the new view, and all the yummy food.
5) Sits in the 30+ years-old classic bamboo chair (now collectible item!!) that my Daddy used to sit in when he was small!
6) Eat a lot of new food: Popo's power juice, boiled potato, old cucumber, tofu, Gerber bottled food, papaya, strawberries, soft rice, cereals, bread, teething rusks, and more to be added
7) Scream very loudly *ARHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!* You can ask my Mama...
8) Play with jie jie. She likes to pretend to be teacher and read books to me. I don't really understand the contents, or what she is talking about, but I DO LIKE the attention given me!
9) Grab for toys I like....
10) Give Mama the mega-watt SMILE that melts her heart each time she steps into the house. See my pictures below...

Estella: "I am 3 years old now!"

Birthday songs, presents, goodie packs, cakes, candles, party! There are more pictures to be posted, but the photos are all stored in different places at the moment. Will consolidate and post again later.

Meanwhile, here are 2 snapshots:
1. Lending a hand to pack and customise her goodie packs for her friends the night before her party. See her girly PJ...2. How each goodie pack looks like. See the personalised gift tag with her princessy photo...

Watch this space... more pics to come!

Eliana: Our Lovely Outing@ TCC Keppel

Here's our little 3-some time :) before mama started work... some weeks ago. Your mega-watt smile had caught a lot of attention each time we went out.

Estella: Flower Girl

The first time Estella gets to help out at a wedding... Kelvin & Lynn's!

If you wonder why Estella is not in this shot, she was too tired then and was napping in Eliana's stroller!!

Estella: What big shoes you have...

We were about to go out and everyone had to put on our shoes. Estella insisted on trying on Daddy's shoes. She was giggling throughout the whole time. See how she looked!

This funny girl really tickled me hard!

Estella: More on her food list...

More food!!!
* banana
* fried rice
* mash potato

This is truly an answered prayer. Estella's food list has grown over the last 2 days. What's new?
* noodles (East Coast Park Lagoon Wanton Mee, to be exact)
* Milo, from carton
* chicken (this is the 2nd meat she eats next to fish)

Hurray! For eating more variety!

I miss the chubby Estella. She seems to have lost much weight after her last bout of stomach flu.

Grow strong, grow healthy, my BIG Googoogaga!
Love, mama

Eliana: 1st Day at Popo's House (without Mama)

Today marks Eliana's 1st full day with her Popo. Because Mama's back at work!
Mama is missing you in the office!

Estella: More CNY Babble

These few consecutive days with Estella are priceless. Not only do I get to enjoy her company, but I got to hear her expanded range of vocabulary and her talk-aloud thought bubbles...

Act 1: Gong Gong giving out angpaos
Gong Gong: Happy New Year... (Handing out ang pao to Estella, then Mama...)
Estella: Mama, Estella's ang pao small; Mama's ang pao big!
(Referring to the size of the ang pao packet... Estella can't read the notes denomination yet. Haha!)

Act 2: Family Lunch at JW
Mama: [Before starting] Who is going to pray?
Estella: ESTELLA!!!
Mama: Let's start...
Estella: Everybody shh... shh... shh...!!!
Estella: (Drawing a deep breath) THANK YOU FOR THE WORLD SO SWEET WOO HUM, THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD WE EAT YUM YUM. THANK YOU FOR THE BIRDS THAT SING-A-LING-A-LING, THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING. AMEN!!!!
Everyone: Hahaha!

Act 3: Visitation at Great-Grandmother's place, sitting in a circle with mama, waipo, and tai-mah
Mama: Do you know waipo is Mama's mama?
Estella: [Pointing to me] Mama...
Mama: And do you know tai-mah is mama's mama's mama?
Estella: [Pointing to me again, and looking a bit confused] Hmm, you are MY MAMA!!! MY MAMA!!

Estella with Jiu Jiu!

Estella: Babbling Fun

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone reading this blog!

This evening, we knew we had to feed our girls their cereals before the next leg of visitation. As the big jie jie, Estella finished her portion in no time. Then she heard mama ....

Mama: [to Eliana] Jia you, see jie jie has finished her cereal...
Estella: [to Mama] No...... mei mei is Jia Xuan... not Jia "You"!!!!!!!
Mama: LOL

Estella: Let's play Pretend!

Guess what Estella's pretending to do...

Eliana: Getting ready for CNY!

She has started practising Gong Xi Gong Xi on her own lately...

Gathering @ Kor's house

I enjoyed this gathering on Christmas Day tremendously... cos it's with my family! :)

Gathering @ Chee Mun's Place

Eliana and Isaiah found their spots in the house!
Estella was so mesmerized by the Christmas tree!

At this gathering, she had totally enjoyed the cartoon Cars and narrated to me at least 20 times the scene when the red & blue cars parted and lost each other! Well, she also told me a lot of other stuff. Most touching of all - she said she wanted to help the red car find the blue car... Awww!

Thanks for the wonderful food, Chee Mun! And the wonderful fellowship of course! :)

Eliana: 3 Months is a Milestone!

Letter to Eliana...

Dear Eliana,

You are past 3-month old officially! With that, it means you'll get to do more exciting things with Mama (especially while I am still on leave!) I've noticed one key change in you this week. You're starting to 'talk'. My longest video recording of our conversation is 4 minutes plus. In fact it could have gone on and on if you hadn't noticed the camera in my outstretched hand. I really enjoy our daily conversations. I guess you have an added motivation as you are eager to join Daddy, Mama and Jie Jie to express yourself. Well done, girl! So far, each time you make a new 'syllabus', we will be so tickled. I believe Auntie Lilian and Auntie Nana shared your joy in discovering your vocal strengths having witnessed you yesterday. Today when we went over to Popo & Gonggong's house, Gong Gong was so amused by your chuckles and your long 'EHHHHhsss' and 'Ahhhsss'! I can't wait to let Ah Yee hear your voice too. She will be convinced that 3-month olds can be just as fun!

Mama and you started some outdoor activities this week. Tuesday was a 3-round walk in our priceless garden; Wednesday was an hour of neighbourhood exploration (where Mama can visit the grocery stores too). It was a good time to pray blessings for the neighbourhood too as afterall, this will be the place for you girls to grow up in. The walkabout also brought back much thanksgiving how the Lord has provided this place for us. Mama will share more with you when you are older. You are now empowered to 'conquer' larger territories, in your stroller of course. :)

Today (Friday), we took a cab together the 1st time to Popo's house. How? This time you sat in the baby sling that is strapped to me. It's so convenient and I could be hands-free momentarily to lock the gate and handle transactions with the taxi-driver. Your neck muscles are much stronger now and you are eager to look left and right. Popo was so happy to see you today! Looks like you had a wonderful 'conversation' with her too. While you spent time bonding with her, Mama went to meet Jie Jie's teacher about her transition to full-day school in 2 weeks' time! Jie Jie was so surprised to see me in school today (after 3 months of complete 'disappearance')! I could tell she was very very happy. With you spending more time with Popo, Mama can also go run errands and maximise the remaining leave.

I guess our Malacca trip has opened up new possibilities for Mama, and given me a fresh impetus to build family stories, create memorable moments with you. If we could conquer the long distance together, there is a lot we can do! You are precious to us, we want you to know that spending time as a family is a priority. :)

Maybe I am in an 'emo state' now. That's what I left on Facebook status this week declaring the end of my 4 months' maternity leave. So much to give thanks to God... your safe and speedy arrival, healthy growth and development, cleared jaundice without extra hospitalisation, adaptive to routines, sleep through the night, cheerful disposition, and I do think you are somewhat a 'Angel' and 'Spirited' baby according to the book The Secrets of The Baby Whisperer. All in all, I am just awed by our Heavenly Father's love for us, and how He has provided for us, especially you.

Keep growing, Darling. Your name Eliana means 'my God has answered me'. It's a reminder for us to always look to God, pray to God, and give thanks always. May your life be a beautiful testimony of our AWESOME God. We are glad to have you celebrating Christmas with us next week. Blessed Christmas, Eliana.

Love,
Mama

Estella: Where's Starrie??!

Can you spot her?
This is where I found Estella one afternoon when she went quiet for a long period of time alone in her room.

There she is! She fell asleep with the mattress folded up. Her new 'hiding place'...

Estella: Mix 'n' Match

It's our regular wash-up and wind-down in preparation for bedtime...
Remember some time back I blogged about Starrie's frenzy with dresses? She is exhibiting her own sense of mix 'n' match lately as well. (My intent was just to let her slip into a comfy set of pyjamas usually cotton pants and comfy tee)

Here's our exchange for 5 minutes:
Mama: (Holding out floral pants) How about these pants? They will be comfy for a cool night like this.
Starrie: NO, Mama... These pants go shopping wan...
Mama: (Holding out pants with fish cartoons) How about these? You wore a few times to sleep before...
Starrie: NO, Mama... This one must wear with fish shirt (it's one of those t-shirt and pants set, but the fish shirt was not there that day)
Mama: (Maybe a dress might work; Holding out a red dress) How about this dress? You like dresses, don't you?
Starrie: NO, Mama... This one wear at Popo's house, not here...
Almost giving up... still sieving through the drawer...
Mama: Hmm... Alright, you wear this Sheep shirt with this blue pants.
Starrie: OK!
Mama: (Phew, finally!) OK, good girl!

So much about choosing her own clothes. I had really wanted to do the recommended approach - Give her 2 sets, and choose 1. No more bargaining - But I guess it was an interesting discovery for me to see how she segregates her clothes and how memories form in her regarding the different clothes she wore for different occasions.

Woooh, my little Young Lady... :)