Christmas Eve at The Ritz Carlton

Eversince we had our first "overseas" trip to Rasa Sentosa, we looked forward to another overnight stay at the local hotel. The DBS promotion $288++ for an overnight stay at The Ritz Carlton caught my eyes and I thought why not soaked ourselves in Christmas mood. Last year, we celebrated Christmas at Prego and the food there were delicious.

The check-in time was 2.00pm. Even though I had planned to reach the hotel at 2.00pm, we only made it at 3.00pm. The 'adventure' started even before we reached the hotel. At around 10 minutes before 1pm (end of work day), I was swarmed with last minute work and even my dad called and insisted to talk to me in person. Imagine, I needed to reach Del-Care before 2pm to fetch Oliver and Heidi, and I actually intended to reach Ritz Carlton at 2.oopm to ensure my money were well spent. Even the traffic from my dad workplace was particularly slow and I had to get out of the car and ran towards my dad's office to save time. I was panting by the time I reached my dad's office. Back in the car, we were again stucked in a jam and finally reached Del-Care at 2pm. We headed home thereafter to pack our stuff and hop onto a taxi making our way finally to the Ritz Carlton. Oliver enjoyed himself in the short taxi ride and kept asking why Boon Heng could not drive a taxi like his dad, and the uncle driving the taxi. If I was the taxi driver, I would probably feel proud of myself at the moment with a little boy passenger admiring me and my driving job.

The taxi journey took less than 10 minutes and we were greeted by the warm and friendly frontline staff at The Ritz Carlton. Indeed, they live up to their reputation of giving the best service in town. Rasa Sentosa is nowhere near their standard. At the reception, I was offered to top up an additional $100++ to enjoy buffet all day at The Ritz-Carlton Club at 32 floor (highest) and an upgrade of my room to level 30. After such an evenful journey to the hotel, I was not too prepared for any other new adventure and readily agreed to the offer - staying inside the hotel and 'rot', and not had to hunt for food over the place. My decision turned out to be a really good investment, and we felt like VIP throughout our stay there.

Oliver and Heidi looking out from 3oth storey.

I forgot to bring our camera and Boon Heng had to go home and collect it and his car. Since we upgraded our package, we could now redeemed carpark coupon.

We went to the pool located at level 1 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Heidi was having green fingers and was always picking up leaves from the pool. Oliver was in his dog mode doing the laps, running AROUND the pool (possibly at least 30 laps to and fro). So only the Daddy was actually in the pool most of the time. Unfortunately, I could not joined in as it was the time of the month again. = (

Back in the room, the three Chews had funtime enjoying the bathtub with a great view overlooking Kallang.

Hungry pangs struck after funtime at pool and bathtub. There was no rejecting of milk bottle even for Heidi.

We didn't planned it, but Yuen and her family were there too. But their stay was really a rush one compared to mine. I thought 3pm was already considered late for checking in until Yuen said that she reached Ritz at 5pm as Fudi had to work. Phew.. I was actually more lucky in that sense.

At the club, we caught the chorus from Victoria Junior College again at around 12nn. Christmas was in the air. Heidi was sleeping by now. She was enjoying herself the night before dancing while the chorus sang and clapped like any of us when the singing ended. It was such beautiful sight during the night and I wondered why we had not done this earlier. There were free flow of wines and that reminded me of the Pan family - the wine drinkers. I could imagine they would probably in cloud 9 if they were there.

I had a great time... and I believe Boon Heng, Oliver and Heidi all felt the same too.

Sprucing Good Times

We were back in Spruce .. Hello Spruce again! We ran out of ideas and places to hangout on Sunday mornings. So far, we have frequent only these places - Hans at GE building, Prata at Tanjong Pagar and Spruce at Tanglin Road (the most expensive breakfast venues among all). We love the tea at Hans and good value breakfast set that would come with two eggs (sunnyside up), bacon, toast and tea at at cost of around $6. Prata, needless to say, is our regular hangout and cheapest of all places. The breakfast at Spruce though expensive, by far cooked the best Benedict Eggs. Even Prive at Keppel Bay and Epicurious at Robertson Quay pale by comparison. Another reason why we decided to burn a hole in our pocket was clearly because breakfast at Spruce come with these enjoyment moments it offered to Heidi and Oliver - children playground.

There's something about Heidi

It sort of started on 9 Dec. At least that was when it became noticable.

Heidi is actually looking for me (papa) to carry her.

Last night she chose me over her mommy. Yeah. Both of us are happy because now Sophia is freed up.

Another thing. Indians, especially those from India, seem to like Heidi a lot. Most of the time strangers who wanted to take photos with her are from India.

Heidi feed herself

My little Heidi learns fast and soon she could eat on her own. At 15 months, she has started to walk fast almost like running. But she is starting to get fussy over food, spit out porridge which she finds not too tasty.

Heaven's Loft at Orchard Central

Heaven's Loft is located at level 7 of the Orchard Central opened early this year. It has an outdoor area which offers reasonably good view. The day we were there, the air were cool after a heavy downpour. We intended to go Botanic Gardens, but instead ended up in Orchard Central.Heidi relaxing on the lounge chair at Heaven's loft outdoor patio (ermm, relaxed for 5 seconds perhaps)
Heidi and Oliver insisted on bringing their pushbag out.
Many passerby were impressed by Heidi pushing her bag.
View at Orchard Central
Oliver taking picture of himself.
Also Oliver taking picture of me.

Another shot of Oliver taking picture of himself.

Heidi feeling high after drinking my coffee latte.

If Heidi could articulate her thoughts, it would be "Look, I am flying."

Songs of Heidi & Oliver

Found these 2 songs, one by Bjork done in 1977 when she was still a kid.

The other circa 1978 apparently for a Heidi movie or musical.

Totally no idea what they are singing, but both songs are pretty catchy.

Heidi and Mummy

Boon Heng thinks Heidi mirror me in the liking of books. Heidi would sit down and flipped pages of the book (always exclaimed when she saw a picture of the 'nurse' or 'lion'). Yesterday, we went to the Borders and Boon Heng said that she was excitedly aroused by the array of books. Heidi is exactly like me! I am bookworm. I visit library, my favourite place. Used to be the National library at Stamford road, was demolished to make way for the tunnel; the National Library@Orchard, gone some years back and totally have no idea what happened to it.

Walk at the Beach after celebrating Oliver's Birthday

How I love Christmas

Tis the season to be jolly! And how I love Christmas. The lift lobby of Fuji-xerox tower and the building surronding it were decorated with Christmas trees. Oliver and Heidi love to touch the christmas tree at the lift lobby. Yesterday, Oliver and Heidi both grabbed the empty christmas presents placed on the bottom of the trees. Fortunately, they both understood my instruction to put them back. Picture this, a mother yelling at and trying to chase after two kids running away with the present. Not a very cool way to kick start this cool and rainy season of Christmas.

Pushing trolley bag is not big deal

Oliver has a new trolley bag to replace his old backpack. Watching Oliver pushing his bag along, Heidi amazingly picks up the skill in no time. As I let Heidi pushed Oliver's trolley bag on the way back at Fuji-xerox lobby last week, the office workers were overwhelmed at the sight and laughed watching Heidi steadily pushing the bag across the crowd. It was indeed a comical sight as I realised that there was another male office worker pushing his working trolley bag at the same time.

Sleeping on her own

Heidi has been sleeping on her own for almost two months. The good news is that she dozes off at an increasingly faster pace than before. Two months back, I moved her from her bouncer to our king-sized bed. Occasionally, I had to put her back to the bouncer and rock her to sleep. These days, she would shake her head when I said bouncer. These two weeks, she took less than 15 minutes after light off before progressing toslumberland. As compared to a hour of rocking, it is such a relief to me. At times, I dozed off before Heidi. So far, the first to sleep is Oliver, followed by Boon Heng, Heidi and I. It used to be Boon Heng first but recently Oliver revived his old habit of having his back and legs scratched every night.

You want to sleep on the bouncer?

With Oliver, it is using Monster to trick him. With Heidi, it is about reminding her of the undesirable option and letting her decide on the choice. Heidi dislikes sleeping on the bouncer and every night, I will point to the bouncer and ask Heidi "do you want to sleep on the bouncer?" She will look at it and shake her head, then point to the pillow on the bed to indicate her preferred choice of sleeping on the bed. To please us, she will rest her head on the pillow for a few seconds and get up. So the cycle of asking starts again...

Tonight, I decide to swaddle her with the blanket so that she cannot move her hands. She got really angry and struggled to get out of it. My next move is to hold the blanket in front of her and instruct her to sleep. Seeing the blanket in my hand, she keeps shaking her head and when I said "Heidi. Sleep." She did as instructed. I shall try the same trick tomorrow, hee hee.

Goodbye to Heidi's first pair of shoes

The shoes were passed down from my brother's girl, or probably girls. This pair of Adidas shoes looked extremely comfortable and I probably might have bought a pair for myself. Heidi worn it since she started walking. It took her about two months before the sole of shoes came off leaving her toes and toe nails dirty whenever she walked them around. What a pity! It is such a cool pair of sneakers.

Goodbye my constant companion, 'double expresso'

It has been a long journey for my constant companion and I. 13-month has been a long while, well, at least thats how I feel. We have come a long way together, my double expresso lactation bag. Everyday for past 9 months, I would carry it with me to work. At first, I expressed every three hourly and as months passed, I gradually reduced the no. of times and until recently at 13-month, it had been only once a day during work. The very last time I expressed was Friday, 23 October 2009 at 530pm and 90 ml. I still have it all frozen up in the freezer. Anyone want it to go with their coffee or tea? ha. ha. I am so gross to joke about it.

Anyway, that's what the experienced and motherly lactation consultant Yanpeng suggested during the prenatal class I had attended when I was expecting Oliver. Don't waste it, she said. Mother milk is full of nutrients. Mix with coffee and tea and let your husband drink. If you are thinking whether I made Boon Heng drink, just think again. I am not telling you.

Talking about my double expresso bag. The good experience and the bad. The dual express lactation equipment is not exactly cheap. It cost me around $600 and I had it delivered to me at KKH hospital. When it came, I was quite excited. It was as if I was opening my Christmas present, except this one can made a cow moo moo and work it really hard. At the first few months, I used it religiously every three hourly day and night. While catching a nap inbetween the three hourly cycles, I even had nightmares of me expressing. Even Boon Heng dreamt of the noise generated from it as I used it so often.

It had became easier when I had Heidi. Experience made all the difference. I did it for almost one whole year and expressing has been a breeze. But I guess, there come a time when one has to make a decision when to stop, and it seems like I finally have to say goodbye to my constant companion. As I look at my bag sitting in my living room, I feel a sense of guilt, a tinge of sadness and yet sign of relief. It is likely that it will be a goodbye forever and there is no turning back. Now, I wonder how long would Heidi latch on and how long will the next journey. Would it be too far-fetched if I am looking beyond two years? I never know but I shall work towards it.

Heidi and her friends in Del-Care

See more Photographs of the kids having a Balloon Time

Walking Baby

It is amazing to see how Heidi has progressed from crawling to walking. Weighing at close to 8 kg, Heidi is a tiny and petite little girl and seeing her walk made me feel proud. This tells that size does not matter. Comparatively, Oliver at this stage are more chubby, but in term of health, Heidi is much stronger. Oliver, I remember, kept falling sick and I almost wanted to take a monthlong leave to look after him so that he could be cleared of all the virus passed to him from his Infant Care Centre. Maybe it is due to the Mother's milk which Heidi is still taking which has kept her strong and virus at bay. And because of this very reason, I continue to express at work, although now, it is down to once a day. Jia yu, I tell myself... I will get used to waking up at night. My little girl need it to stay strong. And look at the way she walks and trying to balance herself, it is really an amazing sight.

Falling in love again

Have you ever looked at the same person and suddenly feel that you are falling in love with him or her again? It happens to me. Although the feeling may not be as intense as the very first, it is a wonderful feeling. When two become familiar with each other, Love works differently and has a totally new definition. Our heart no longer miss a beat. It has grown stronger knowing that there is always someone with you wherever you are. Just want to say... you know who you are and thanks for everything.

Guess who I am talking about... Boon Heng ..and his car ..
Wah ha ha..

Close Call

We had a close shave when we were at the Alfa showroom on 1 Sep to redo the car's solar film, a day after collecting the car.

While it was at the workshop and we were waiting at the showroom, Heidi was walking and wondering around the premises, as she had just discovered this thing called walking.

A group of people came in and I could tell that some of the staff were very attentive to them. My SE, Leslie, then told us that he was going out with one of them for a test-drive of the MiTo.

The showroom has tempered glass on 2 sides. We were then sitting at a corner, with a red 159 test-car parked in front of us.

About 15 minutes or so later the black MiTo returned, and made a left turn into the lot beside the 159, but further away from us. But instead of slowing down the MiTo continued at the speed. The next moment, there was a loud bang that jolted us. The driver had crashed the MiTo, shattering the glass and sending shards of broken glass into the showroom. The grille of the MiTo was damaged, like a mouth with broken teeth. We were less than 10 metres away from the crash.

Leslie was stunned as expected, and he later told us that the driver was John Klass, part of The Married Men trio on 91.3FM, apparently there to test drive for his programme, and obviously not too confident with the manual gearbox.

Luckily no one was near the entrance. And luckily for us, the red 159 was parked there, otherwise the MiTo could have attempted to park where the 159 was and we would then have a direct hit. Heidi has also finished her walking and was feeding. Can't imagined what it would be like if the glasses were to rained on us.

Watch Heidi climb

Now that Heidi can walk, she can also climb very well. This picture shows Heidi coming out of the box with hardly any difficulty. She also climbed out of the wooden chair when having dinner. I am really impressed.

Heidi the Alfisti

Heidi walks!

Heidi walks many many steps on her own on the day before her birthday, breaking Oliver's record of walking on the 13th month.

Birthday Celebration with Family

Heidi's Birthday Celebration in Del-Care

We had a simple birthday celebration for Heidi at Del-Care on her birthday. I was quite blurred to have put the year as 2008 instead of 2009. Strange that I seemed to have not move on ever since 2008. Even when I wrote on approval minutes and other official document, I have this tendency of writing 2008.

Learning and Growing Fast

Trying to put on her sock... you are not ready yet little girl.

Even Oliver has not mastered the skills.

But watch Heidi, she is growing fast. She can already put on her own bib.

Sway to the music

Probably because of the teachers' frequent singing to her, when Heidi listens to music or songs, she would sway her body in enjoyment of the songs.