YX, my boy at 32 months old

Yu Xiang's getting more headstrong and wilful now at 32 months. When I say not to touch something, he's go ahead and touch more. He's chatty and conversed very well in mandarin. He loves books and always ask for more reading. Wish I had flash the Glenn Doman cards to him when he was younger. He could have master the words himself and can read on his own. Tends to rush things in a project. He wants to be independent and has a mind of his own. What we need to focus now is to build his character, inhibiting him with self control and self discipline.

Depression

Does one knows when one's suffering from depression? I feel sad these days. Always on the verge of tears. Whether it's hungry, driving, in the mid of a meeting, tears can just swell. Yes. I'm sad. Over a incident I simply can't over with. Every moment that I think of it, I'll wanna cry.

These days, there's a lot of ligament pain and today, I'm starting to have a pain under my right side of the abdomen and this lasted for about half an hour. I was suddenly worried if all these distress is affecting baby or not. When I reach home, I experience some groin pain. I recall when I had #1, this only happens near the end of third trimester. Maybe it's due to carrying the big boy alot. He's around 12 kg. Sigh.. there's still a long way to go. I'm so tired...

Worried

Ken complained of muscle pain and loss of appetite last night. Realised he's having slight temperature at 37.5 and I immediately gave him two asprin for fever and pain, as well as lacteol fort (good bacteria) in case it's food posioning. He slept earlier. This morning, he woke up and leaned against the wardrobe. All of a sudden, he fell and knocked his head on a chest of drawers. He's like having a fit when his body (shoulder and arms) tweaked twice. I jumped out of bed and helped him sit up. He din recall he fell... all he knew was he felt giddy. He's fine the whole day except for the morning episode. I'm very worried... Will have to monitor closely. Maybe I should ask him to go for a body checkup.

Baby #2 detail scan

Went for the detail scan at Thomson with Ken and YX. I'm 21 weeks + 3 days today. Baby's weighing 406g. Guess what! Estimated Delivery Date by unltrasound reveals baby's gonna be delivered on YX's 3rd birthday! What a coincidence! But I truly doubt I'd deliver so promptly at 40 weeks. kekeke. Baby's strong and healthy and the gender's confirmed! Will reveal in my next post on what I've bought for the baby when my gynae hinted it's 90% confirmed.

Advance anniversay cum x'mas 09 Gift Exchange

It's not often that we give each other gifts. I mean DH giving me presents... DH has never taken the initiative to buy me presents not even during courtship. I've received less than 3 bouquet of flowers from him. He did buy me a pair of earrings last year for my birthday. On few occasions, we gave each other red packets instead. I decided to get him this wallet as I felt that he really deserved it. DH was so shocked when he came to know the price. Ha ha! 心痛啊! And wanna just keep and not use it.

Ken's first super branded guccissima leather wallet. Sigh.. realise Taka 10% sale 1 week later. Arhh!!!

In return, DH bought me a Longchamp Planetes. Eh... I mean I chose my present and claim from him =P This is similar to the Le Pliage collection but in a thicker coated nylon. My red Le Pliage medium long handle is sent for repair as there are 'bubbles' forming on the nylon. I like that bag very much and it's my most utilised bag. Hope I can get a 1-1 exhange. It'd be a bonus! That's the good thing about Longchamp. Never realise can send for repair FOC too! :)

Afternote: Got a call 1 week later that I can go to the Paragon outlet and chose a new piece. If higher, can just top up. Yeah! I top up $59 to get this fall/winter collection LM Nylon Large Folding Tote in orginal Longchamp motif at $274.

Hello Kitty Loots

I can never resist the temptations whenever I stepped into Kai Kai. Look at the loots I've got today. 2 bread sealers, 1 big lunch box perfect for picnics and 1 thomas box with snacks for YX.

Fright

I had a fright today. YX's being naughty today as he refused to let me hold his hand, dashed across the zebra crossing down the slope towards the exit gantry. I shouted at him to come back but he ignored my calls. I shouted again saying I was leaving, only then did he stopped. He came back to me and I held his hands to continue the walk down the slope. Once we reached the gantry of the office, he let go of my hand and dashed across the traffic light where a van is about to turn in! Thank goodness, it stopped and there I was looking ridiculous carrying a handbag and his school bag, and holding my stomach chasing after him! I managed to catch him before he attempted to dash across the other junction. I was so mad and hit him.. reprimanding him in front of the few army boys waiting at the traffic. My goodness... hope he won't try this act again... Guess I'm really gonna get a arm wrist leash for him.

Preggy with #2

Yes. We are blessed with a 2nd baby and we are truly very happy about it. The 1st trimester was really a tough period but I've tide it over. Morning sickness, constant hunger pangs (7 meals a day!), tiredness and nearly falling asleep in front of the steering wheel numerous times. Trying to keep my cool with #1 yelling and throwing tantrums behind me while I'm so dog tired.... Sleeping as early as 8.30pm and waking up at 7am. Having a Subchorionic Hemorrhage during my 8th week and confined to hospital bed rest for 3 days followed by another 2 weeks of medical leave with bed rest at home. We survived through and baby is strong and kicking hard at me now. I must really thank Ken for his help in tidying the house, taking care of #1, washing his school uniform, preparing #1's night and morning feed as welll as packing his school bag. Thanks for being such a wonderful, husband... baby! Another person I'm grateful to is my mum for taking care of #1 for those nights while I'm confined to bed rest. Thanks lots, mum!

Counting down... 20 weeks now and 20 weeks more to go!

Magnum

$3.90 per stick. Verdict: So so lei...

My handy helper - Roomba

Bought the well received iRobot Roomba and no regrets! I love it! It's my handy helper now. Look at the dust it accumulates for just the bedroom itself! Scary! I must say I am guilty for not cleaning under the bed. Now, our floors are spick and span. My next wish list... the Scooba!

Hello Kitty Draw

Face cushion (for hugs) ● ● Pump bottle (perfect for my dishwashing detergent and shower gel ) ● ● Die Cut Tray ● ● Hand Towel Set ● ● Dessert Bowl (great for my ice-cream) ● ● Magnet Set ● ● Cup w/ lid (chawamushi!!)

Spent quite a sum today on the LD loots. Can't resist! Got another 4 pump bottles, magnet and cup from a fella HK fan. The cup would make a lovely chawamushi! Love the pump bottles too!

Financial Situation

How bad is 行情 now?

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It is definitely getting bad!

Busy with...

WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK MORE WORK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Barack Obama's letter to his daughters

A letter from Barack Obama to his daughters., explaining how he has missed them during his campaign for the White House, why he wanted to be president and what he wants to achieve. He was asked to write the letter by US magazine Parade and here it goes:

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me - about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love,
Dad

Hello Kitty Draw

Another "di gam" at Kai Kai today. Overall luck not too bad. I got 2 sets of crystal bowls, 1 tote bag just perfect for my bento, 1 cushion and 1 pair of shoes (sold the shoes at $15 cause it's a size smaller for me). Total damage today: $35 =)

Hello Kitty Draw

I went to Kai Kai for the hello kitty's "health series" lucky dip today. It is very exciting to see what I've drawed and even exchanged our draw prizes with other friends. Here's my loots from the draw today. Wish I had the big hello kitty die cut lunch plate.... *sigh*

Total damage: $70

(sold my skipping rope in exchange for the salad bowl at $20 and my yellow cup at cost)

A scare

We set off to Johor Bahru today with baby YX at 8.30am and we only managed to cross the customs and reach City Plaza at 11.30am! The first ever heavy traffic jam I've encountered in my whole life! Well, we made it there and had a not so fantastic lunch at Kenny Rogers. YX enjoyed the cheese macaroni as usual. Baby Ken's worrying about my back carrying YX, went to grab the stroller from the car. It took him a long long time (I even fed YX a bottle of milk and changed his diaper). He came back saying he can't locate the car. Well, thinking that he can't recall where he parked his car, I brushed it off saying I can just sling YX and shop while he go settle his matters. When Ken came back, YX was sleeping and he decided to go grab the stroller again. I told him we parked at B3 (BUT I was wrong!). This time, he came back and told me our car is stolen. He could not find it at all! Frantically, we went in search for our car again. Down to B3 we went and indeed it's gone! Ken told me he searched B1 too. We went to B2 this time and our baby Lancer's right there where we parked at lot J3. Hahaa. We were so relieved we hugged each other and woke YX up. What a scare we gave ourselves. Well, guess it's because of JB ba. We were really skeptical about driving in. We won't be visiting so soon now....

Washington DC

I went to Washington DC with a colleague to attend a 4 days conference in Washington DC and was away from Mar 14 - 21. YX stayed over at my mum's place. The flight there was close to 30 hours transiting at Frankfurt and New York! It's a long and tiring flight but a good thing was SIA's meals are great with ice cream, toblerone and chips. The next day, we did some shopping at Potomac Mills Mall. We also managed to squeeze some time out to the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets for another round of shopping! On the last day before our evening flight, we took the 7am shuttle to the metro station and we took the train to Macpherson Square for some sightseeing. We had wanted to visit the White House but then realised we need to seek clearance from the embassy at least 6 months ahead. The weather's duper cold and we braved the wind walking around for hours. It's a fruitful and enjoyable trip for both of us.

The comfy US89 per night hotel (booked thru hotwire) with complimentary Starbucks coffee

The various mode of transportation we took

Wants... Needs

With the few incidents that have striked us, I have realised that a lot of things are my wants and not my needs. I have learnt not to be too materialistic now. Time to save some money for the rainy days....

Quote Jeffrey Strain:
Live beneath your means.
Spend less than you make.
Don't spend more than you can afford.

Thing you'll really need: A thinking cap, water, food and air!

Driving License

I passed my driving test!!!... upon my 3rd attempt though. Anyway, I hate to take tests. I'd be very tense and worried. The first 2 attempts was bad simply because of silly mistakes caused by my nervousness. Sigh... now that I passed... I went and scratched baby's car (quite bad too) while trying to practise vertical parking at the MSCP. Like this also can! Can some kind soul share with me some pointers on recognising the points? Pls don't ask me to go buy 4 poles, keep in the car boot and bring them out when I need to park! Thanks! =)

Mission Possible!

Remember my mission to lose 10kg? I did it in less than 3 months time. I had successfully shed off 14 kg but now maintaining the 11 kg loss. 3 kg gain back due to my glutton self during the chinese new year! Arggh... well, still very happy that I did it! Next target is to lose another 6 kg! Mission possible?

Happy Valentine's Day

Pix taken in Genting with the family.