you surprise us :)

Yesterday morning was a rough day for Sara. Somehow she kept crying with Ifah, even tho she has seen ifah for the last week. I rushed home after my half day to see her. At that point I was wondering if my decision to continue on half days till feb next year was right.. it seems like she doesn't want to be looked after by a helper! 

Anyway the afternoon went well, we fed her cod fish for the first time, she didn't like it, but expected as it smelt so fishy :( 

We set up the Christmas tree too! That was pretty nice :) 

And bed time came, and guess what, this little bub slept all the way from 845pm-530am!! How awesome is that. Almost 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep :))) Mummy had such a good sleep too and we were so thankful :) 

Also, Sara hasn't pooped in a few days, probably cos she recently started with solids. And today, she had a major poop explosion! So happy that she finally pooped heh. And then she played happily with ifah too :)

You indeed surprised us! Hope that you will sleep through the night tonight as well :p

precious weekend!

Went for spin class for the first time ever on Saturday since Sara was born. It was really shiong tho, halfway thru I was worried I wouldn't make it to the end of the class. But I'm glad I pushed myself and did my best, really feel so good after sweating it out! 

Came home to a sleeping babe, and nice healthy lunch by the husband. Who can ask for a better day! 

Sara had avocado and breast milk puree for lunch again! And she loves it :) 

My mum was helping to feed her hahah. As you can see we forgot to let her wear her bib and it got pretty messy! 

Went out for a stroll and desserts after that. Bub was happy in her ringsling.

Then Kel cooked salmon and scallops and a lobster tail (not pictured). Haha. All from song fish. Pretty fresh and affordable too! 

We are trying to get Sara to play on her own on the bouncer while we eat dinner. Ever since I went back to work she has been having separation anxiety and wants to be carried all the time so it has been hard putting her down to do other things around the house. But today she was able to sit in her bouncer and play for 15 min while mummy ate so that was good!  
 

Sunday, church day. Sara was supposed to nap but she just wanted to look everywhere and everything around her. Was quite smiley actually initially but started to get cranky when it got louder and noisier.  
 

We had lunch with the cell and that's where Sara finally nursed and knocked out for maybe 20 min. Poor girl must be so tired!! 
 

Headed to FOC at sentosa for tea with Dan and Rach, and it was nice to see them and their kids! 

Sara and Claire meeting. So cuteee! 

And this was the end of the photos cos Sara started to cry and kick up a fuss. Once we stepped out of the restaurant, she's fine though. So Kel and I took turns to carry her and eat. We as parents are still trying to figure out what our little girl likes and doesn't like. Praying for wisdom and discernment! 

Had a lovely weekend and I'm so thankful for it :) 
 
 
 
 

God you make all things beautiful :)

Thankful, as the week ended much better than how it began. 

It was so tough to say goodbye to the bub. She seems to understand and will start crying once I put her down and said bye 😩 she was rejecting her milk even more. Suddenly my grandma wanted to go back home to KL and had to bring her helper with her. She didn't want to come back to Singapore, and so we have no one to look after the bub for the next 3 weeks, until our new maid arrives then. As I'm serving my notice, it just makes it harder to take leave. And one day when I forgot to bring my pump parts to work, coupled with someone texting saying that Sara doesn't seem to be coping well without me, I just broke down and bawled my eyes out, while on the toilet seat in office. 

Then, the next day at work, my boss asked if I could extend my stay in the company as they are quite shorthanded, and work flexi hours in the meantime. So, after discussion with Kel, I decided to ask for leave for the next 3 weeks, but i would continue work after that for half days on part time basis till I leave sometime end jan/early feb. And, it was approved!!! Suddenly a huge cloud lifted off me, and I felt a sense of relief. The stress of not knowing who will be taking of Sara the next week, was really too much to bear. And this was lifted immediately. So thankful to God and was just so amazed and happy!! 

Ever since I went back to work full time too, Sara became extra clingy toward me. She would nurse for hours each time, or rather as long as she could. And if I were to put her down to go to the toilet, she would cry as if I was abandoning her. As she is still rejecting the bottle, I really do not know how to train her with the bottle as of now. Praying and asking for lots of wisdom and strength.

Today, we went out to sentosa for a stroll and dinner, and it was so nice to finally rest and relax a little bit :) 

 

bub bub has taught us much :)

What a week! 

Full days back to work. Kel fetching me back home to nurse Sara at lunch time as she hasn't been drinking much from the bottle. Sara waking up more often now (2 hourly :/) and nursing more than ever at night. She had a mild fever midweek and gave us a little scare, but glad she got better after that. 

I also decided that it was time to resign and move on from NUH. Seeing Sara go thru so many changes and having to keep adjusting to different caregivers, her cries for mummy and yet me not being able to do anything, just pains me. Other caregivers also might not be able to take care of Sara my way, and it's always best if mummy is there with the bub right? :) Kel's supportive too, and after praying and weighing out the options, I decided that I would have no regrets if I quit to be with Sara, but might regret if I continued to be at work. Hence, I just did it 💪🏻💪🏻

At a family gathering yesterday and a cell lunch today, Sara cried like mad when ppl tried to come play with her. She seems to be ok when everyone's standing around, but once a stranger looks into her eyes and starts to engage her, she cries. Sometimes I wish ppl would leave her alone and give her some time to get used to things. She's just a baby! In a noisy room filled with strange people, even an adult might feel uneasy, much less a baby! She probably likes and needs her space. 

We have learnt so much, even tho it's only just been 5 months. 1) not to judge others, we don't know how their circumstances are and if there's nothing good to say, best is not to say anything. 2) not to label babies/children. These little ones are still growing and discovering themselves and this huge world they live in. Every child is unique, special and so loved! 3) babies are just babies and we shouldn't have too high expectations of them. 4) not to force methods that work well on one baby to another, they are just different and have their own preferences 5) when you feel like you are so tired and can't do it anymore, put the baby down, take a deep breath and say a little prayer. God will give you the strength that you need, and you will be able to do it, somehow, you will. 

Just some of the thoughts I had today. I'm sure there will be many other lessons to learn in the life of parenting :) 

  

On the way home in the car today :) bub knocked out. 

Back home, happy and content after a good nap and feed. 

Love you so much little Rara:)

 

 

Sara's first solid food experience!!

Sara's still not drinking well from the bottle yet. Sigh. She's probably taking about 50ml per feed. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I'm coming home to let her latch on at lunch time too, if not I really do not know what will happen. Went for a follow up visit with the PD last week after her diarrhea scare and she was still not putting on weight! Lost weight in fact (6.4kg when discharged to 6.26kg). We were like huh??? Cos we thought she looked chubbier! But anyway the PD suggested starting Sara on solids so that that could help fill her tummy when I'm not home. 

So for her first meal, we decided on avocado purée with breast milk. And she loved it! Kept wanting more. Hahahaa. 

So happy and relieved that she likes avocado, just like mummy!! :D

as Christmas draws near

Had an awesome time with friends at Spencer's annual christmas dinner yesterday. Super loved the food, the drinks and the company :)

Jov brought this headbandz game which is similiar to indian poker, except that you had to guess the items on your head which could be anything at all.

Kelwin was super funny, and brought a lot of joy and laughter to us while trying to find out what he was.

Here's Daniel being a dresser and Kelwin being a cookie! haha!

Jov and Kel fought it out and we all had a good laugh :)

It was our 46th month too and we spent some quality time together today, thank God for bringing us to where we are today :)

Looking forward to the Christmas season, a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

I pray that I'll remember Jesus in the midst of all this and not be distracted by all things happening around. pray that I will continue to bring the joy of being a child of God to the ppl arnd me as well.

Thank God that I managed to pass my CPA exam. On hindsight, it didnt seem that difficult (according to Vivian haha) but I rem that we were so stressed out the night b4 cos we were worried we could fall into the small percentage of failures! so thank you God! yay i'm so relieved :)

Alright, its time to sleep, its another new week ahead. its gonna be a busy work week, pray for strength and wisdom and less careless mistakes :p

goodnight all :)

Dear Lord

Thank you for your goodness to me.

I pray that you grant me wisdom to be effective for you.

Amen.

lovin' the sun, the sea, and the laughter

its back home once again from a much enjoyed holiday! thank God that all went well, all home safely, and all with happy memories shared in krabi :)

most photos were taken by jus&jaime. so i'm waiting for them to post up!
meanwhile, its back to the daily routine, of waking up at 7, of month end closings, of rushing amongst the lunch crowd.
oh God help me.

phew its the weekend

i'm back once again :) think the disappearance was cos i was launching my new blogshop.. YES MY NEW BLOGSHOP! have been busy with it the past couple of months, and it was recently launched a few weeks back. really really thank God :) but, more on that later.

i havent really been blogging as i have been making it a point to write in this cute journal that i have for 2010. it is a committment i made at the start of the year, to jot down thoughts, what God is speaking to me, things i've learnt abt myself and things arnd, private thoughts. and also to reflect upon it as the year goes by. well i must say that i have been quite consistent in the journalling thank God. however, the past month was just too quick for me. and i wasnt able to pick up the pen and write. and so, i decided to type instead! typing is really much faster and less tiring than writing i must say :p

first it started with the blogshop, Gorgeous Pallies, it was an amazing thought that my dear ex colleague Yi Hua and I came about when we were chatting at work, sharing about our lives and etc. and there, a mini business, that allows us to put into good use our accounting skills (heh heh) and also for us to put to good use our love for fashion and clothing. also, i have that little crave for creativity and spontaneity in my life, and since my accountant job doesnt seem to fulfill that, this idea was just perfect!

and i really thank God for providing ppl to come and support me in this venture, Kelwin was such a sweet boyfriend, offering to provide transport when we need it and even offered to invest a little cash in it. Jov was so willing to help too with his photography and photoshop skills. Yi Hua's bf Poh Siang accompanied us on our sourcing trips. and many others who provided comments along the way to help us and also those who purchased our items to support us. it is truly amazing to see all these happening!

and then other things started to come up, like helping jov with his financial numbers for his grant, meeting up with various groups of friends, cell groups, helping out at kel's bro's wedding, the real run, family gatherings and etc. work started to get slightly busier too which added to the tiredness.

BUT i'm thankful despite the tiredness. thankful for God's providence in my life. and i can see it so clearly in every area of my life. i enjoy speaking to ppl, having time for meaningful conversations, to be helping with whatever i can. i vaguely rem those audit days, when i'd be so tired out by work there's no energy left for anything else. and i'm so glad i'm out of it :) its truly blessed to be a blessing!

this weekend will be a slight breather for me. looking forward to some time to recharge myself, and spend time with my Father in heaven. it is my desire, to be used by You.

obedience

its better to give than to receive.

indeed it is. am learning how to let go and truly walk in faith.

the heart grows fonder

we recently celebrated our 41th month anniversary. it was nice cos i wasnt expecting to really celebrate it, after all its been 3 years and we dont really do the "munniversay" thingy anymore. but i was nicely surprised when kel suggested to bring me out for a nice dinner AND he got flowers too. sweeeet :)

he's currently in brisbane right now for his sis' graduation, and it feels funny not having him arnd. haha. well i guess some time apart is good for each other too once in awhile :)

kel managed to pass all his tests, and thus he ready to be a certified remisier, once all the paperwork has been settled! woohoo! so happy for him. 


nonetheless, i must say it has not been easy getting accustomed to the new things we face in his new job, it being service and sales in nature, with more PR required and flexibility and all. and i did not expect myself to be affected so emotionally as compared to when facing it directly. thank God that we have talked abt it and prayed abt it, have decided to take it slow one day at a time, and commit it all to God. no idea how its all going to work out, but i'm sure God's in control. 


praise You God for being just You. 

patience, fruit of the spirit

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

i think i really have been having the time of my life.
i ended work on time today and went home for dinner (yay), watched tv for a couple of hours (yay) and even had time to read and blog (yay yay)! haha.

i have been having the shiokest time at work as well. i dont mean to brag, but its been really really enjoyable. not so much of the work itself but just the fact that work is relaxing, theres not like a lot to do so i can take my time almost everyday and i get to build on my relationships with my new colleagues and even spend time doing other things outside of work.

i'm really thankful to God. i couldnt ask for more, really.
i had the worst work experiences b4, and this is really the break that i needed.

and now with this new job opportunity just given to me, i think that indeed its time for me to step up and learn more at work. the timing is just right, and i'm thankful to God for that, i know that i need something more challenging eventually to keep me occupied and growing as well.

however sometimes i do think about how pay could have been higher if i stayed on and tahan-ed awhile longer at audit, and i feel slightly pekchek cos then, it seems like i'm at the losing end when i compare to my fellow peers.

but then He always reminds me: what is a few hundred dollars more every month worth, compared to this valuable time spent with your loved ones and friends, and most importantly with Me, your Lord and Saviour?

and kel reminded me too, that the last thing i shd be doing is to pit myself against other humans, and get myself upset over worldly comparisons and judgement.

and so i've been learning over the past 2 weeks to be content with what God has given to me, and to really see how He has been working amazingly in my life. and the more i think about it, the more i realize: i couldnt really have asked for more :)

i'll be taking leave tmr to spend some quality time with the boy b4 he heads to reservist for the next two weeks. probably brunch at holland v.. i love brunches! ha ha. then some exercise and a movie after if possible.

looking forward to it :)

happy THIRD year anniversary to you :)

we celebrated it with a picnic cum kite flying at marina barrage.

wheee!

blessed time spent together :D

12 feb 2010

THANK YOU JESUS

its been quite a long time ya... haha

i'm glad to be back =) and today, i'm just so happy and thankful to God. just simply for His love for me, never giving up on me, and always being there.

i started this blog many years ago because i wanted to give thanks and praise to God for all His blessings. but somehow along the way, i started to forget about the things i could thank Him for.

but today, as i was taking the mrt home, i smiled to myself, because i knew in my heart that God is real, always there, never-changing, eternal. and i'm so thankful to Him for being just that.

for those that do not already know, i've started work in a new place... no more audit!!! woohooo! like finally yeah.. haha. and its been great so far. it took a bit of getting used to initially, but its still tons better than previously. and even though i do need to work late occasionally at month end, i feel that it is still much more tolerable than b4. while i still dont know how things will be like in future, this is just the start.. i'm just happy and thankful to Him at this point.

its the end of 2009 already, and i pray that i will be able to slow down during this festive season as the year draws to an end. thank You, Jesus, once again...