A new toy

Reegan got a new toy some time back. When we open up, all the parts were protectively wrapped with paper. It looked like it was going to take a long time to get it fixed up, so Mummy left it alone for quite a while.


But thanks to Meredith's persistent determination, we finally got down to do it this evening. Meredith felt very clever to be able to fix up a toy for Didi.


We think he likes it. He was very excited!
Aunty Dawn, does this look familiar to you??








Meanwhile, Meredith is also very excited about her upcoming birthday party at school. She's going to send out her invitation on Friday. It's all we talk about these days.

She just can't wait...

Giddy up!

We were all at the clinic because Reegan's cough was rather persistent. There, the paediatrician demonstrated how we could encourage Reegan to roll over on his own. Meredith remembers that very well and has been reminding me to practice that with didi. Here you are...


Meredith likes this picture. She thinks her brother looks cute here. I think he has a very alarmed and stunned look.

Think I prefer this one...

Miss Brazil

We were watching the encore telecast of Miss Universe 2007.
Meredith was parading on the bed, throughout the programme,
pretending to be the contestants. She especially liked Miss Brazil.


It was quite funny watching her. See how inspired she looks...

I remember I used to do that...and that was the year the pageant was held in Singapore...gosh! When was that? And how old was I???

Sharing Music from the heart

This, as the programme states, is the very essence of music making - sharing and conveying the innermost thoughts, feelings and emotions, and in our case, through playing the violin.

Meredith did very well at last Saturday's concert. Sitting cool and relaxed before the event, she appeared calm all through the performance.

We were at first worried she might not make it. A few children were crying before the concert, one did not go up to play. But Meredith was well prepared.

Her solo piece was Chorus by GF Handel. A piece, which according to her, is very beautiful. Here she is, playing that as a duet with Teacher Alex Yi.

She was part of the "Junior Performers' and they rounded up their programme with a group performance of Minuet I by JS Bach, accompanied by the "Senior Performers' on the 2nd Violins. She is the tiniest of them all!


Congratulations Meredith!

Smile! It's a good day!

I had to put away some of Reegan's clothes that no longer fit him. It's amazing watching him grow.

He's now into his fist, and chomps away loudly most of the time...

He still punches himself on the head...ouch!

And he is a happy baby. He smiles a lot.

The gentle smile...

The "Hey that's fun!" smile...

And my favourite and most beautiful smile...
In the afternoon, we made muffins! It turned out great and had the exact texture I was craving for!



We had it warm...with ice cream...yum!

Music is the space between the notes- Debussy

I haven't watched something so inspiring for a very long time. It was a documentary about Singaporean child prodigy, Gabriel Ng, who is now at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School in the United Kingdom, pursuing a music education. This has always been my dream, to be able to have the exposure to seriously good music education. Well I did, for a while, when I was in La Salle. I never forget what I learnt there. And it was there that I truly, actually and seriously got to know how to play the piano. That is what I'd call making Music.

Of course I'd like that my children will now have the opportunity or be able to and want to play as well but I can hope. Not for anything but simply I want them to enjoy what I know Music can provide them with. I guess I can only offer the opportunity, the possibility, the occasion, lots of exposure, encouragement and support. If I know how, then I should.

As I was watching, I was also impressed by how well he speaks. A mere 12-year-old, seriously mature in his output. The school, a vocational one, offers a well-rounded education but focuses on music. I guess it really gives the child a very ideal balance in their education. It is so important to realise there are so many other things in life that deserves attention (besides the cold hard academics).

I know I cannot just laze. Each day, they are growing up and I should treasure the time when there is. There is so much parents can do to nurture their children. I do not have the perfect plan, I am learning everyday.

Reading Is Fun

This is the motto of the Bookworm Club, which surprisingly, is still around today.

Meredith got a set of books we ordered through the school. She read to Reegan while Mummy do the laundry. Think the illustrations in the book must be so bright and colourful...Reegan was so captivated.

The Wonder Broom

Popo got us a strange-looking broom. Suppose to work wonder at picking up dust. The two circular brush in front will sweep everything into a pocket. When its full, just empty it! Simple! We tried it and it managed to pick up Meredith's mess from sharpening her pencils. Think this will make cleaning the house a little easier.

Puppy Dinner

We were at a cosy Japanese restaurant for dinner. Meredith wanted a Kids Set and it came in a 3-tier Puppy lunch box, which consists of the main, the side and the dessert. She was so motivated she finished every drop of rice. Well it was not a Mother's Day dinner but a 'Goodbye- Daddy-have-a-good-trip' dinner. We all enjoyed the dinner. Will see Daddy in 10 days' time! Hope it's a fruitful trip at Cannes!

It's Mother's Day!

I was invited to a Mother's Day lunch. When I arrived, every kid was already sitting on their mummy's lap, waiting for the lunch to start.

While all the mummies were getting food for their kid, Meredith was real sweet. She served the food to me, making sure I have a serving of all the food available. I really felt like a very honoured guest.




















After mingling around, the kids put up a short chorus...so cute.


And then lastly, a presentation of flowers and cards...











"I made these for you mama. I love you!"

The kids are charming.

What a wonderful lunch!

Made possible by the wonderful teachers at the centre.


Cheers to these fantastic teachers!

And Reegan...???

Up in the Infant Care...


calm and collected, enjoying a conversation with the mobile above. (After kicking away the blanket, that is)

The domestic helper, H aka Smeagol is gone. I am relieved. We are now on our own and I am learning to cope with that one day at a time.

Meredith is helping and learning to be more responsible. I got this for her the day before H was sent to the agent. It kept her occupied for hours!








Then she needed a photograph for a school project and we didn't know which to take. She came up with a brilliant suggestion! "Why don't you take a photo of me and didi?" That's a good idea! And here you are...

What did you do last weekend?

Meredith was at the last rehearsal before the performances. She looks real tiny here. They will be performing at a school for the autistics, for charity. Then one week later, at YMS.

Keep it up Meredith!



And here's Reegan...52 days old!...sitting cool on Daddy's lap while Mummy enjoys her cheesecake.

Passport

Reegan needs a passport. We tried to take the 'passport size' photo ourselves but it was rejected. So we had to leave it to the professional. They took the photo and then 'edited' it by erasing off the 'hands' and any other things that's not suppose to be there.

Great! We are all set.

Coo

Both of us can make our mouth really small sometimes. Its fun I guess.

Now who is who???

Sing your way home

We were on our way home, caught in an unexpected jam and Reegan was wailing on top of his voice. Mummy could not carry nor console him so Big Sister Meredith tried her best to comfort him. The next thing I know when I turned to check on them ...

How sweet.

This one is for you

This one is especially for Aunty Dawn...who missed out cos she is having a rather if not very good time in Nagoya?


Reegan celebrated his first month last weekend. We had over, a few relatives and friends.


He is growing up fast...putting on bigger clothes and had his diapers upsized already. Hope to see you soon!

Easter Eggs

These hand-painted eggs are so beautiful...




So did you egg hunt or crack an egg first today?

Sleeping busy

Reegan is 2 weeks old. He is still sleeping a lot. My aunty said because he is a 'piglet'!! He gets quite busy when he sleeps. He will smile, get frustrated and squeezed his face tight, make lots of noise. Sometimes he will just cry out real loudly as if dreaming about people snatching away his milk...but after a short outburst, he easily settles back into slumber.

Daddy is away, so Mummy runs all the errands. Reegan has already been to Meredith's school, swim class, reading class, supermarket and the local petrol kiosk, where surprisingly, the service men and ladies recognised me and was rather fascinated by the newborn. He certainly enjoys all these car rides though.

Look how exactly he looks like the father now...