City College Party

Attended City College Party a few weeks ago.
As per the college's tradition, the school would organized a year end party for all the graduating students to celebrate the end of O level examination.
Previously, we'd always tried to choose an "exotic" place for the party, coupled with professional Deejays, special performances, door gifts etc. It wa fun no doubt, but the teachers were totally burnt out from organizing the event. Not to mention the higher ticket price is a deterrent to students who could ill afford such "luxury".

This year the college decided to try something different.
We decided to do away with fancy locations and over-elaborate programme. We held the event at the college itself with catered buffet. We invited students and alumni over the 8 years of school's existence and we had a great "thanksgiving party"!

It was AWESOME.
Lotsa catching up. Simple programme. Great testimonials. Love and appreciation in the air
Students from the previous years showed up. It was a great time of reunion.
What a joy it is to see their transformation, to celebrate their advancement and to know you have played a part in their lives.

With my wonderful colleagues
With my bff Tiffy
And this was us A YEAR ago, before we had our kids.
So glam right? Sighh hahaJiale, the most transformed individual!
I remembered visiting him at Kaki Bukit Prison,
the ex-gangster, now a youth leader

The "naughty" boys from the 2009 class who gave me alot of headache.
But oh what a joy to see them and hear them say
"Cher, ho sei boh?"
The 2008 Class
With my 1st batch of students, Matthew and Jessel
One a Uni student, the other a music director.
I'm so awesomely proud of them

City College Party holds much significance for me
This year is special because I've since resigned from the school to be a SAHM
This year is also significant as it marks the 1st year of being a mum.
Looking back, I asked myself, what would I have done differently for my students?

I think I would have been more gracious.
I would and should have given them a 3rd, 4th and 5th chance
I would walk a 2nd, 3rd and 4th mile
I would not have given up on anyone (Yes, I did give up on some)
I would do all the above because their mums would have done exactly just that

15 Seconds

15 seconds is all it takes for C to perform the stunt
I looked away to check my hp for new messages. It couldnt be more than 15 seconds.
And this was what awaited me



Time to childproof the floor with foam mats!

Btw, my little Christian fell off my bed that very night with a loud Thud!
He has been practicing how to flip and when he did succeed for the first time, he was rewarded with a bad fall. Sigh...
He is ok but the parents were and still are visibly shaken.
Well, I'm sure this is the first but would probably not be the last of the " falls "

Ai Zai... Steady Pom Pit Pit

Our Nest!

We've finally gotten our NEST after 2 years of praying and searching.
We just bought a 5-Rm flat near Serangoon Central. The process was simply Divine. Indeed God is really good and He has granted us the desires of our heart!
The flat was everything we've asked for - High floor, bright, airy, spacious (Boy I'm pleased with the big space) unblocked view and facing greeneries.
Thank you Jesus!

It's amazing how God provides.
2 years ago I've scoffed at the idea of relocating to Serangoon, complaining about how ulu that place is. But See? Never say never
2 Years, 1 wedding and 1 kid later, we are shifting to Serangoon.
Oh yes, we the kiasu parents have decided to plant our family in Serangoon because we are going to send Christian to Rosyth Primary - another kiasu behaviour which I would have never imagined myself adopting 2 years back.
Parenthood changes everything eh?

Ah well...
We've decided to engage KNQ to renovate our nest. I totally love their style!
The place really requires moajorReally looking forward

Some Pre-Reno Pictures:

Living room and Balcony

Dining Area


Kitchen

Common Room

Master Bedroom


Renovation would begin next week. Will post pics after 6 weeks.
Woohoo, so looking forward to our new place!

The "Cost Analysis" for Baby No 2

Following my previous post, blog "readers" (not that many though) have kindly pointed out that A&E's conversation on Baby No.2 had left out an important factor - Cost.
I even received smses to remind me that beyond sperm quality, THE COST involved should be a an important variable for consideration.
There is even one sms that read something like -
"aiya, your husband so rich, confirm can support a SAHM and 4 kids LOL"

Seriously, if we are THAT rich, we would be spotted in Porsche now and probably getting our property in River Valley/Orchard. I would not say we are poor (definitely not), but we are relatively comfortable. The decision for me to stay home is made based on our child-rearing beliefs and really, we made big adjustments in our lifestyle to accommodate that decision. I guess its just a personal preference.

Anyway, this post was born out of a rather interesting (or comical) conversation with the hubby on THE COST of Baby No.2. Trust me, between the 2 of us, I'm the one that is very mindful of THE COST. However, his usual over-logical-explanation-which- makes-perfect sense cracks me up as usual.
(Note to self - That's one reason why I marry him.)

According to him, Cost from an Economics standpoint should be viewed as Opportunity Cost and not just Price, as determined by demand and supply of market forces, which by itself is relative.

Opportunity Cost (OC) = the opportunities forgone in the choice of one expenditure over others
The OC of yours truly choosing to be a SAHM is the economic returns from working + potential future returns (measured in possible promotions, bonuses etc). The decision to have Baby No.2 does not change the OC already incurred in having Baby No.1 (albeit, w/0 Baby No.2, I'll probably be able to return to workforce earlier)
So from this perspective, it probably makes more sense to have Baby No.2 and No.3 to justify the OC incurred.

Next up, Sunk Cost
Sunk Cost = Cost incurred which cannot be recovered regardless of future events
The husband promptly reminded me the vested investment in the bundle of baby stuff that we've purchased from the US - electric breast pump, peg perego stroller, baby bjorn carrier, the 2 boxes worth of baby and toddler's clothing, Cosco car seat, the Braun electric thermometer, the tons of Fisher and Price toys etc.. these are sunk cost that cannot be recovered!
Hence, to enjoy Economics of Scale (EOS), it totally makes sense to have baby No.2 and SOON while the goods are still in good condition. EOS is also reaped when you purchase diapers in bulk for 2 babies, prepare baby food in bulk for 2 babies, organize field trips and excursions for 2 or more kids etc etc.

Yup, thats my hubby for you!
After OC, Sunk Cost and EOS, the argument based on ROI and Indifference Curve ensued.

I shall not even attempt to bore you guys with my attempted rebuttal based on the Diminishing Marginal Utility aka (Pleasure) of child rearing.
Boy, did we we have a good laugh over this so-called "rationalization"!

But really, parenthood is a lifelong responsibility.
How does one monetise the energy, effort, headache and worries that ensued with parenthood? How do I quantify also the joy and fulfillment in watching the little one's journey to adulthood?
I cant begin to put a price tag to it.

I read this beautiful quote by Elizabeth Stone years back:

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”



What a beautiful and profound statement. I'm only JUST beginning to comprehend this.

To Parenthood.

Baby No 2

OMG! I cannot imagine friends-cum-relatives are already asking us about Baby No. 2

Before we got attached: "When are you getting a BF?
Dont keep chasing after degrees, study enough liao!"

After we got attached: " When are you guys getting married?"

After we got married: " When is Little A or Little E coming?"

NOW that we have BbC: "When are you planning for No. 2?"

Seriously. There is No End.

So, are we planning for No. 2?
I'm really not too sure if this is the right time to think about this, granted BbC just turned 4 months. I'm still such a new mum and have SO MUCH to learn, though I must say BbC is a very very easy baby to take care... that I'm Blessed.

Well, the husband and I did talk about planning No.2.
(Here's how the conversation goes)

A: " Aiyo, BbC is SO CUTE! Cant stand it, I think we should think about having another baby next year"

E (Roll-eyed): " You would find him cute of course, granted YOURS TRULY is the one that is doing the feeding, cleaning, burping and disciplining while you play the loving doting daddy"

A: "I work hard to bring in the bacon ok..."

E: " Yup, that's true, thats not what I meant. I meant I'm with BbC 24hrs, and it is really taxing watching after an infant"

A:" Well, I'm just gonna get busier and busier and my sailing schedule next year is off-the-chart crazy. It's gonna be highly stressful time. If we want to think about family planning, it better be soon, or now."

"Plus, we are not getting any younger, Ok not just you, me too. According to research, the quality of sperm degenerates rapidly after 30 and under duress or stress."

E (thinking aloud) " Goodness, since when does sperm quality becomes a variable in family planning too?"

A: " What is the Chinese zodiac animal next year?"

E: " Rabbit"

A: " And the year after that?"

E: " Dragon"

A: " Ah-ha, didnt you always say you wanna avoid having a dragon baby? Remember, the bumper crowd syndrome? Crazy enrolment for primary school, enlistment for NS?"

E: " Oh ya, the DRAGON YEAR!, ahhhh I've totally forgotten about it! Ya, point taken, maybe we should consider..."

AND the conversation goes on and on...

So, has the husband convinced me to have a 2nd child?
Not quite, though I must admit- Im swayed.

His reasoning is perfectly logical (as usual). That coupled with the fact that I do want to have THE few kids asap while I'm a SAHM and hopefully return to workforce while they are much older.

BUt, silly as this may sound, I cant imagine giving BbC any less love and attention he deserved.
A 2nd child means I have less time for BbC, that by itself is a "killing" thought, at least for now.

Conclusion??? - Lets KIV
We'll see how
In the meantime, I'll enjoy my BbC to the fullest, every minute and second of the day


Erm.... Are you guys talking about me?

SAHM

I'm really enjoying my life as a SAHM (Stay-at-home-mum)
No Joke. I thought I would have gone crazy by Week 3 but I didnt.

During our stay in Newport, Rhode Island, our neighbourhood was full of SAHMs. The playground just a few streets from our house became the de-factor meeting place for the mummies. Strollers parked in a row, children screaming together and the mummies gathered at a corner gossiping, oops I meant catching up with each other. I could NEVER imagine myself being one.


BUT, never say never.

The daily routine is mundane to the point of boring at times. My world now revolves around feeding, burping, changing soiled diapers, putting him to bed, the daily walk around the neighbourhood park. My new-found gadgets - flash cards upon flash cards, kids stories books, rattle, soft toys. Yet despite the "mundaneness", everyday is also an adventure. I discover new things about Baby C and me. I learn new tricks with him and simply enjoying the time spent together. I'm so glad that I will be able to witness my little darling grows, to be there for him at every milestone of his growing years.

But being a SAHM also means there are sacrifices we need to make together as a family. Gone are the days when the husband buys any gadget at will and I dont think twice spending on a spa massage session.We've downgraded our Residence and settled for a cheaper car. We no longer eat out so often, probably only once a week. We watched our expenses ever so carefully. We have postponed our holiday plans indefinitely and that also means no more designer bags, shoes and watches for me for quite a (long) while.

Yet, I'm contented.
(strange choice of word ya)
But I am.

I'm so grateful to my Hubby who worked so hard to bring in the bacon so that I can do what I've always wanted to do - be there for my children.

Do I miss working? Yes I do
Do I miss being financially independent? Yes I do
Do I miss the mental stimulation and the intellectual debates in school? Yes I do

But I believe there is a season for everything.
Season to Chiong for ministry; Season to study; Season to work; Season to play
It varies for different ones. I salute and admire mothers in church who juggle work,ministry and family, its really NO MEAN FEAT. But for me, this is the season in my life that I want to be there Full Time for my family and kids and be THE BEST I can be.

I read this somewhere: "The Days are Long, but The Years are Short"

I wanna hold Christian when he still wants me; I wanna learn with Christian when he still needs me; I wanna take a walk with him daily when he is still willing and comfort him when he would still run to me. There will come a time when he will stretch his wings and soar. I want to be able to look back and say once again:

I'm Contented

My darling angel, you are worth every sacrifice :)

C's First Dip

Mummy was in dire need of exercise.
Hence, when Daddy A was able to come home earlier last Friday,
we decided to take C for his FIRST DIP at Bedok Swimming Complex.
*claps* What a milestone! Ha!

I cant say C was very thrilled with the experience.
I love my C. He is not a cry-baby, though he was uncomfortable with the water, he merely frowned and "got along with the programme".
But Daddy and Mummy had alot of fun simply looking at Baby C in his Pooh Bear swimsuit, courtesy of Aunty TingTing.

So I shall let the pictures do the talking!

Doing Well by Doing Good

Doing Well by Doing Good
This is a rather popular book that was featured a few years back.
For those who attend CHC, you might recall Pst Tan preaching on it a few years back.



Was reminded about this while reading the Straits Times today.
The Straits Times did a feature story on India's development, particularly, Singaporeans who are making a living residing in the various parts of India.
One of the man featured was Mr Ding Eu-wen, a 25-year old North Western University graduate working for an NGO EMBRACE in Bangalore Tarnataka. EMBRACE is a start-up NGO which manufactures infant-warmer as an alternative to infant incubator. A traditional infant incubator costs about USD20,000 to manufacture. Because of the high cost involved, many hospitals in the rural part of India which cannot afford one within the hospital sees premature infants dying every day. The infant warmer which costs USD200 is a much cheaper alternative, and potentially a life saver.

This post is not dedicated to promoting infant-warmer.
Mr Ding could have easily landed a job in any MNCs given his education and family background. But the 25-year old chose to devote his time working for a start-up NGO because he wanted to make a difference. It's interesting that this former ACJC student scorned at the idea of being a social worker at age 17 because quote "there's no real money in it"
So what caused the change of mind?
He attributed it to the increased exposure while travelling to different parts of the world.
The more he travels, he felt an increasing sense of responsibility to DO something.

It really got me thinking once again.
What do I want to do with my life? And more importantly, what do I want for Baby C?
The husband and I have been talking about this over the past 1 year.

Daddy A is a very intellectual person, and given his education background, he wants Baby C to follow his footsteps and do very well in his studies. Amen to that.
Haha I remember while we were at Harvard University in February this year, Daddy A was whispering to my tummy and say "Baby C, welcome to your future university!"

Harvard University

However we both agreed that beyond being bookworms, we would like our children to be exposed to social realities at a young age and we want to travel with them and show them the different kind of life beyond what Singapore can offer.

I think our short stint in the USA changed our perspective.
We talk about making a difference, do something positive with our lives. We preached that alot in church. But it is only when we had a chance to live and travel in the US, venturing into the inner cities, visiting poor suburbs as well as wealthy cities, that the whole spectrum of experiences got us thinking. These travel experiences shape our perspective on what matters in life and what we want to do with it. There is a world out there beyond CHC, beyond Big Days, beyond Singapore that needs someone to make a difference.

I hope Baby C can experience first hand the different cultures and societies
(both the Ups and the Downs)
I want him to start understanding the concept of Doing well by Doing Good at a young age.
First up, it gonna start with the parents. Would love to bring Baby C with me to the old folks home and Children's home soon when he is slightly older.

Daddy A and I are going to commit to our first property very soon, a resale HDB at Serangoon Central. Well meaning friends have encouraged us to go for a private property, seeing that it makes alot more sense from an investment standpoint, especially now. But we've decided on a much cheaper alternative as we felt that it is more worthwhile to save up the spare cash for Baby C's education, and more importantly, to fund our family's travel expenses with BabyC.
We hope (and think) that the exposure gleaned from these trips would be more valuable to Baby C than living in a private condominium.
Haha HK Disneyland, Orlando Universal Studios are probably not going to be on Baby C's travel list anytime soon (not our idea kinda trips. just personal preference). Hopefully Cambodia and Taiwan are 2 destinations that we can work towards pretty soon. :)

Ok enough of rambling.
I'm so inspired to re-read the book "Doing well by Doing good" again.
Time to pray and hit the sack
Selah to all...

Baby C sleeps through the Night

I'm totally blessed with a baby that sleeps through the night.
Yes, baby C now sleeps from 830pm till 7am the next day without waking up since Week 10.
Reminiscing the initial days when Baby C woke up every 2 hours for feeding throughout the night, it still sends shudders down my spine.

I know motherhood entails sacrifices and hard work and Im somewhat prepared for it. But given I did not have the luxury of any help from my mum or my MIL and any helper, it was really a challenge mentally and physically to care for the active baby during the day in a sleep-deprived mode. Moreover, Daddy A was sent on an overseas deployment for a month 4 weeks after Baby C was born, it was challenging.

It was ME vs C, no one else.

Hence it was out of desperate measure to preserve my sanity that I've decided to train C.
I believe babies are creatures of habits and they too can be trained at a young age. My friend Jiaqi gave me a book she bought from Taiwan which documents, step-by-step process of training a baby. I'm so grateful for the useful Information and I tailored it to suit Baby C.

Ok, I'm not saying it is easy for any mum to do but I was really convicted and was determined to do so. I'm documenting the process in this entry as a reminder for me on how to train my next baby. Hope it's useful for you too.

I started with Baby C when he was 7 weeks old.

A. Getting the baby into a DAYTIME routine (when to eat and when to sleep)

The first thing that I did was to get C's body accustomed to a routine during the day
Previously he slept when he wanted and fed solely by demand. On good days, he can sleep for 4 -5hours straight; on bad days, he was awake for up to 6 hours at a go. The lack of predictability affected me - both physically and mentally.

I adhered to the feed-play-sleep routine:

1. Feed - Ensure he is full.

I started by putting C on 3-hour feed schedule.
I ensure he is FULL after each feed and even when he cried in between the 3 hours I didnt feed him. Rather, I would try to distract him by playing and talking to him.
But I was flexible at the initial stage, +/- 20mins. After 3-4 days he adjusted to feed exactly at 3 hours.

2. Play - I expensed his energy after each feed by playing with him. I would sing to him, perform action songs together, belly play, read books, flash cards, jungle gym etc.
At times I would bring him for a walk aroundd the neighbourhood park or even to NTUC or Library.

3. Sleep - I put him to sleep within 1hour after each feed.

C protested vehemently the first few times but I would still put him in the cot. He screamed and wailed but I hardened my hard and let him cry (sometimes I sat beside his cot and cried together with him haha!) I wouldn't pick him up unless he is too traumatized by his own cries. Initially he cried himself too sleep. After 3-4 days, he knew that crying wouldnt get him picked up and his body adjusted to the routine slowly. By the end of the 1st week, C would fall asleep within 1 hour after each feed.

When I first started to train C, he would sleep for about 2 hours after each feed during the day, but woke up 2-3x to nurse during the night. But I gave him some time to adjust and I caught up on my sleep during the day while he took a nap.

Getting his body accustomed to a routine during the DAY is the first step. This helps to pave the way for me to get him to sleep through the night.


B. Getting the baby into a NIGHTTIME routine

I would bring baby C to his bedroom between 8-830pm each day.

I darken the room, leaving only a small nightlight on.
I dulled all activities - spoke to him softly, or caressed him gently. Even if he cries, I wouldnt bring him to the living room or turn on the lights.
For the first week, I was "locked up" in the same room with him from 8pm till whenever he slept, sometimes 1-2am every night. This lasted for 1.5 weeks. But after a while, when his body recgonized that nighttime is for sleeping he didnt fuss as much anymore

My last feed for him was around 1130pm/12am. I burped him, change his diaper and put him to bed.

He woke up around 3am to be fed (as per his 3 hour routine).
During the first night, I let him cry 5mins before feeding him; 2nd night, 10mins before feeding him. 3rd night 15mins before feeding him. 4th night 20mins before I feed. Before I knew it, he fell asleep while crying and does not demand any feed anymore.
I'm not saying its easy, it can be rather heart wrenching to hear him cry. But i did my research and checked with the PD, appropriate amount of crying is good for babies' lungs, it would not be detrimental unless its excessive.

So slowly, instead of waking up at 3am, he started waking up at 4am to be fed, then 5am to be fed and then 6am and now 7am.

I started having success by getting him to sleep from 12-6am. Then I kept putting him to bed earlier, 11pm, 10pm, 9pm etc. Nowadays, when I put him to bed at 830pm, he will fall asleep pretty soon. In fact, his body is so accustomed to the routine that by 8pm he is yawning away.


He sleeps now from aroundd 830pm till around 7am the next day. I would wake him up to feed him at 12am, but he usually sleeps while he suckles.

The whole process took about 2.5 weeks. By week 10, C was already sleeping through 10hours during the night. Yes the process was tiring and even heart wrenching at times, but we as a family reaps the benefits.

1. Baby C is less cranky and a much happier Baby

PD recommends that kids between 1-3 years get 13-15 hours of sleep daily. This is crucial for the development of the brain.

Ever since C started to sleep through the night, I've noticed a marked improvement in his temperament. He wakes up laughing and smiling in his cot daily. He doesnt cry nor fuss, jut moving his hands and legs laughing and exploring the room. C doesnt cry at all during the day (unless he poop or the sotong mummy forgot to feed him by the 3 hr mark). He is very alert and observant during the day, and I really enjoy playing with him, reading together, taking a walk together.

Baby C at 7am in the morning, smiling away in his cot!

2. Mummy E gets adequate rest

I am clocking 8-10hours of sleep daily. As a result, I'm well rested, happy, energetic during the day and definitely less irritable. Baby C benefits from having a happy mum too.



3. Time spent with Hubby

I'm always reminded of the danger in "over-investing" in the kid and "under-investing" in the marriage. There was a point after C was born when I was so tired, frustrated, irritable that I constantly took it out on hubby. (Sigh.. I'm so thankful for a tolerant husband). Ever since Baby C sleeps through the night, we find ourselves scooting off for a movie after 8pm, attends CG, chilling over a cup of tea together or simply catch up on our reading(or cartoons, thats for the hubby) at night. It really helped in building our marriage.

I'm sold. I totally believe in training a baby. Thanks JIAQI for sharing your experience and for the wonderful book :)

So to end it off, presenting my happy happy C! oops, abit of a sotong look :)

A growing C

Baby C turned 3 months old a couple of days ago.
How time flies!
The husband asked if I felt any different being a mum? Well NOT REALLY.
I mean Yes the panda eyes, the sleepless nights (AND days), having my life revolving around the little one etc... It's definitely an experience BUT not as different emotionally as I thought.
It's kinda surreal, fulfilling.. well if you know what I mean.

My Precious C now weighs 8kg
Yup, no joke, my little cub's is at the 99th percentile of his age group for weight and the Mummy is actually developing some muscles at the arm for the first time.

A chubby C! I love his bib

To think we purchased all these while I was only 24weeks pregnant in Washington DC. How time flies!

He drinks 160ml of milk every 3 hours and the BEST thing is, my little baby is sleeping through the night. YES! Baby C sleeps through the night from Week 10. Nowadays he sleeps from 8pm - 6am without waking up (though Mummy still feeds him at 1130pm every night and he suckles in his sleep). I will blog about the process of training him in my next post.

He is definitely more responsive and interactive now.
He is developing his motor skills - clutching is definitely one of them.
He now knows how to clutch his rattle, hug his soft toy and responds by laughing when I speak to him.



We have started him on the "literacy" programme, as Daddy A puts it.
Since my last post on getting a library card for C, we have put tbe card into good use.
I must say the library has a vast selection of childrens' books and I find myself having a great time browsing through them.

I read a book a day to C, often repeating the same story a couple of times throughout the day.
He is getting a little more responsive to the stories and has developed the capacity to sit still through a single read. Good Job Baby!


Adrian and I were talking about the importance of training and educating Baby C for the globalised age. We concluded that one of the most important skill he needs to acquire is the ability to INQUIRE,
And I mean intelligent inquiry. I've been reading up on trans-disciplinary thematic learning . It is a fairly simple-to-understand concept of learning for a child but takes conscious effort on the part of the parents. I think I will blog about this when I have time :) The curiosity to inquire needs to start with ME! So, I've been consciously reading up, taking a new interest in the world around me. Baby C motivates me to improve myself and I look forward to the time of learning and exploring the world together with him. Oh the bliss of a stay-home-mum!

Anyway, my favourite photo to end the entry



C sleeping in the arms of Daddy A. Isnt it sweet?

New Milestone for Baby C

As the post goes,
today marks a new milestone for Baby C
Daddy A and Mummy E got him his very 1st library card, on Daddy's birthday!

Daddy A was hyper excited, being a bookworm himself.
He promptly regurgitated his 1st library card serial number from his primary school days.
Mummy was very amused. Well, I'm not from the gifted programme like him, hence I didnt need to memorize the serial number to log on to library catalogue for research! (excuses, excuses)

We both believe in the importance of reading, being bookworms all our lives.
We also subscribe to the belief of exposing Baby C to 1000 books/stories by age 6.
Ambitious eh?
The love for reading and quest forknowledge is the best gift ever for any child.
It worked for his parents.

A Happy C


The librarian was prompt to inform us that she didnt add the 'Mr' in front of the card, it's computer generated.


Baby C, I hope you will grow up to be as gifted as your dad!

Cot Series

This photo "series" thingy is really in the trend these days.
The black sofa series, the steps series etc etc.
In the spirit of mindless pursuit of trend (Ha!), Mummy E did a COT series for Baby C.

Here it is, presenting my creation...

The Thinking C


The Stunned C


The Smiley C


Isnt' he JUST precious?

1st Wedding Anniversary

10.10.10 marked the 1st wedding anniversary for A and I.

We would have loved a full-day celebration, but because we could only make childcare arrangement for Baby C for a few hours, we had a wonderful "two-some" afternoon.

We started the afternoon with a 90-min Spa session with A-fond boutique @ South Beach Road.
We left our camera in the car, so NO pictures taken! :(

We've never been to a couple spa session before so it was kinda exciting. It was a relaxing session for me, but not so for Adrian. He was complaining of massive backache after the massage and swore never to go for massage again!
Overall it was good less the hard selling of spa package session towards the end.
Adrian was really firm and said " thank you, we'll contact you again if we are interested" and scooted both of us out in 5mins!

Next, we went for high tea at The Courtyard@Fullerton hotel.
There is a wide selection of tea and both the sweets and savouries were pretty good.
But due to a shortage of staff, we spent alot of time waiting.



And of course, what's celebration without gifts!

Adrian bought me a Swaroski Crystal Necklace. Its Beautiful!
It's particularly significant because Adrian had always "scowled" at my love for Swaroski crystal, and often reminded me that it is nothing but "leaded glass" (scientifically). But he bought it nonetheless for me simply because I love it.

I bought Adrian a Bvlgari Cologne AND.... I made a photo scrapbook, documenting our journey over the past 1 year. Hmmm, I think he was pretty touched too!


We couldnt leave Baby C out of our celebration so we had a small private celebration at night, just the 3 of us.
I surprised Adrian with an anniversary cake which I've ordered specially from a free lance baker.
I asked for a 2-rings-interlocked cake design and the end product was BEAUTIFUL.
She really is a very talented baker and the strawberry cake tasted real good!
Adrian was taken by surprise but he was really happy :)


So presenting Mia Fagmilia, ACE :)

What a journey it had been with Adrian over the past year.
We've travelled to 10 cities spanning 2 continents, bought our 1st car, our 1st property and most importantly, we had our baby boy Christian.
It's simply amazing, and I thank God everyday for a wonderful and outstanding husband.
The past year wasn't a bed of roses.
There were times of adjustment,
times of disagreement,
times of laughter,
times of war.
Yet, I would not have chosen to live the past year any different.

I love you dear, and I wanna grow old with you and spend many more anniversaries together.
Happy Anniversary!