Movie@home: The Water Horse

We decided to catch a movie at home on Sunday nite and for Ryan's sake, we choose "The Water Horse". Ryan kept on asking questions throughout the movie and I ended up spending 50% of the time answering all his questions. Anyway, the movie is quite enjoyable with impressive visual effects and the creature looks very lifelike.

Ryan watched the entire movie without feeling scared and in fact, he found a few scenes; especially the one with Crusoe, the water horse pulling the bait so hard that it made the boat sped through the loch, extremely hilarious and he also cheered right in middle of our living room when Crusoe managed to jump over the net (and escaped).

For the parents, it's a nice way to wind down after a hectic but productive week and to prepare for another hectic week ahead.

Seeds, Nuts and Dried Fruits

This is what I have asked a friend to help me buy last week and I am such a pig that I'm already halfway through the bottle. The only consolation is that it's fat-free, extremely healthy and the munching keeps my mind off the nausea.

I also discovered that I preferred the seeds (be it kuaci, pumpkin, sunflower etc) compared to the dried fruits. So my next bottle with be of different seeds mixture since that is what makes me tick.

Book: The Prodigal Daughter

Another winner from Jeffrey Archer.

It's a continuation from Kane & Abel and having just completed the 1st novel last week, the story is still fresh on my mind. The first half "the prodigal daughter" basically recapped the ending of the 1st novel but in greater details. I do not mind that one bit because Jeffrey Archer is such a good story teller that I wouldn't mind reading his work again and again, even when I know the outcome.

The sequel is witty, well plotted and you do not know how the story will turn out so you just kept on reading and reading. It's just unputdowntable and that's why I am surprised that I could somehow find the time and energy to finish this book in 5 days amidst a crazy week at work.

I would rate it a 9.5/10.

Beano and Bash Street Kids

We ended up buying Ryan Beano because it's quite difficult to find other inexpensive-English-language-comic. Most of the comics sold here are either in Mandarin or Bahasa (Malaysia's national language) and most of them are for teenagers, except Doreamon.

Comics are colourful and we figured that Ryan can more or less figure out the story/joke on his own without bugging the parents to explain/read to him. That's what we thought and it's usually wishful thinking with 100% chance of not-going-to-happen-that-way.

He still wants us to read to him or in his words, "explain what the pictures mean". And every might, he will negotiate with us to "explain at least 5 stories" for him.

Obviously, parents' strategy did not work so parents and Ryan re-negotiate. We agreed that we will impose a 30-minute reading time where each one will read their own books and there must not be any interruption, no asking questions and no talking. As a REWARD, we will read the comics together.

Somehow, that works and every night, I am assured of at least 30-minute of quiet reading. Win-win situation and by the way, I will need to get more comic books/books this weekend.

Ryan's homework pouch

This is how Ryan's homework pouch looks like.

When he first brought it home, it was nice and VERY clean because it's new. After 3 months, it's no longer clean but definitely much, much nicer as Ryan had sticked a lot of ultraman stickers all over it.

Now he said it's "COOL!!".

Post #100

This is my 100th post. I considered maintaining this blog an achievement of some sort for myself, something I am really proud off and hope to continue for many, many more years to come. Looking back, I have certainly come a long way since my first post appeared on 25 August 2007, some 7 months ago.

Some highlights

• Hubby went and came back from his 1-month training in Austin.
• Ryan had since started proper kindergarten and been "exposed" to Mandarin and he's such a big boy now.
• My best pal, Sham finally made the plunge and became a housewife; one of the wisest decision she has ever made.
• I am now 5 months pregnant and soon there will be an addition to the family.
• Hubby and my office work is getting more and more demanding and we are learning to cope.
• Everyone is busy but we make it a point to be there for each other and to maintain a loving family....

Not sure what happens when I post my 200th, 300th, 500th or 1,000th post.
Life is a journey and we shall find out together. Cheers !

20+ weeks: What/When to eat?

Still vomiting, still taking anti-nausea pills but the good new is that I am more energetic and I can hold more food in my tummy now compared to my first trimester. I have also been experimenting with food; food that I could stomach since I do not have any cravings whatsoever and the timing of the food intake.

The conclusion?

Type of food:
I'm okay with fruits, therefore I will munch apples/oranges in-between meals.
I'm okay with fresh milk, so I will add that to my diet as well.
I'm okay with assortment of nuts, grains and dried fruits, so will make it a point to buy it this weekend. Oily stuffs are No-No and I shall avoid them at all cost.
I tend to eat soupy stuff without oil, so will stick to that. Rice is current not my favourite, but I will still take, in very small portions. Most of the mornings, my breakfast will consists of a cup of coffee and a piece of brown bread; will try to limit my caffeine intake to 2 cups a-day.

Timing of food and vitamins:
I can eat a good portion for breakfast and lunch but not dinner. Therefore, I will eat more in the mornings to make up for my poor appetite by evenings. Also, I found out that if I take my vitamins in the morning, I tend to vomit more, so now, vitamins intake are strictly in the evenings/nights.

Other habits:
I tend to have a lot of dreams, not about baby though. Mostly it's about work. Maybe I am stressed at work with all those new initiatives and projects to think about. Pregnant or not, work still goes on. Shall find a way to de-stress, somehow.

There were a few nights that I could not sleep but I am not sure whether it's because I slept too much in the afternoons or it is a hormonal thing (yeah, blame it on the hormones). Now, unless I am very tired, I will avoid taking naps during the day and opt to sleep early instead. So far, so good.

Conclusion:
Having put my life on hold during my first trimester and now, with my health improving, (slowly but surely) I am determined to go back to my normal routine; not only for my sake but for my family's as well. I will participate in as much activities as possible. Sometimes, it might just be the remedy - don't think too much and JUST DO IT!!

Book: Kane & Abel

Looking at the thickness of the book, I thought I will take at least one month to finish the book (in-between me working, running the household, vomiting etc) and boy was I wrong.

I finished the book within the week simply because I cannot put it down and the few hours of sleep which I had to sacrifice was worth it. This is so different from my chick lite books and the storyline, plot and the way it was written is nothing short of brilliance.

Jeffery Archer is indeed a master story teller and you can bet that I am hunting for other books by the author.

I would rate it a 9.5/10.

The growing Ultraman Collection

I gave up counting.

As long as Ryan is happy that none of his "ultramans" is missing, I am fine. Even if he were to describe to me, I have no idea which one he's referring too.

Other than the colours and the variation in stripes, it all looks the same to me and I do not know how he can differentiate his "ultraman tiga" , "ultraman mebius" and ultraman max".

We have added another 2 ultramans since this photo and like I said, his collection will only grows.

Kindergarten Uniforms

Ryan is required to wear uniforms to his kindi every morning. Therefore, from Mondays to Thursdays, he will wear the uniform on the left while on Fridays, it will be the orange + white t-shirt which I personally think is much smarter.

I took the photos on a Thursday and a Friday just before "unloading" him at the kindi. And yes, when it comes to taking his photos, he's very cooperative, even early in the mornings.

Book: Other People's Marriages

An interesting read about Anna (main character) who is writing a book about marriages and what makes it work and have been gathering information from her couple friends comprising Archie and Valerie, Dave and Ruth, Tony and Jean, the latter, a divorced couple. Anna herself is having difficulty with her own relationships and seems to me to be a bit burr on finding the right man.

I like the rapport between the friends and also having married for 7 years, I can relate to some of the circumstances and emotions described in the book. However, sad to say that the ending was a bit abrupt and a disappointment. The author seems to be in a hurry to finish the story after putting efforts in building the characters and storyline. What a waste.

I would rate it a 6/10.

The long awaited hair cut

I wanted to cut my hair early this year but was advised against it by a friend whose belief include no-hair-cuts-during-first-trimester-just-in-case -something-goes-wrong-with-the-pregnancy.

I did not share the same belief and it does sound a bit far fetch but since she had mentioned it and the fact that I had another 3 weeks or so before my first semester ends and couple with the fact that I am a bit PARANOID; I decided to wait. After all, I have been neglecting my hair (and my face for that matter) so another three weeks wouldn't make any difference.

Finally had my long awaited hair cut last week. I decided to maintain the same hairstyle but shorter and still able to tie-it-up for easy management. Did treatment as well as there were split ends and my hair looked "lifeless aka dead". Love the end result and it makes me look so much younger and neater!!

French Toast

Just before the school break, Ryan bought home a piece of french toast. Apparently, they had a special project for home science (yes, they have THAT in kindergartens nowadays) where all the kids helped to make French Toast. I'm sure they had fun.

By the time Ryan "served" us the toast, it was hard as stone but still tasty, nonetheless.

Visit to PetroSains, KLCC

Ryan had a 1-week break from school and while his friends are enjoying themselves silly at home, Ryan still attending day care as both his parents are working and thus no one to take care of him. He did ask why couldn't stay in (like most of his friends) and we had to explain to him the circumstances. He seems to be able to accept it but somehow mummy feels guilty for not spending enough time with him lately and postponing all planned activities and outings because mummy is not-up-to-it.

So, we decided to spend sometime with him and took a day off last Friday to explore PetroSains, a science exhibit centre, together. It was a surprise trip for him, we had lots of fun and took loads of photos. I'm glad that we made the effort.

It didn't happen

Baby decided not to "open up". He/She is the BOSS and there nothing the parent or the doctor can do; although the doctor did sort of rub my tummy gently with the "sensor" hoping that baby will respond but no such luck.

Instead, sensing that his/her sanctuary is "invaded", baby started to react and I can definitely feel a lot of movement, his/her tiny body turning left and right while both hands busy punching. One second, one hand is up above his/her and in the next image, you can see he/she is busy sucking it. All I can say is baby is active, lots of movement but whatever it is, both legs are closed; so no peeping.

Girl or boy, we are happy that baby is growing well and despite my vomiting, I did manage to pile on 1 kg. We can only hope for better luck for my next visit.

18+ weeks: Missing my toes

I realise that:

If I stand up straight and look downward, all I can see is my protruding tummy and no longer my toes; this means that tummy is growing forward and not so much side ways. But it's definitely growing.

We will be seeing our gynea tomorrow and hopefully, this time around, baby will let us into "THE SECRET"; It's that one thing is everyone is guessing. Boy or girl?. We are keeping our fingers crossed that baby will "open up". So stay tuned.

Ryan, future badminton umpire

Papa plays badminton on Fridays night and Ryan will tag along and play with mummy while the "big boys" (papa & his gang) enjoy themselves. This has been going on for a few months now and Ryan's game have been improving. I will try to record some of his shots during his sparring sessions with his papa. It can be quite hilarious.

Ryan is seen resting on the umpire's chair. He got a kick doing that as the chair is quite high and he had to sit still or else he will tumble. In the future, if he's getting nowhere as a player, he can consider the role of an umpire.

Flowers from Hubby

Hubby gave me a bouquet of flowers last January for my birthday. It was sweet of him and I hope to receive many more for the years to come.

Donut

Ryan does not have a sweet tooth (just like his father) but he loves chocolate (just like his father) and he's also one picky eater. He's not adventurous at all when it comes to food and most of the time he needs to be coaxed to try new stuff. So whatever snacks he wants, chances are he will get it.

We were at a bakery the other day and he wanted a donut. We got him one and after 10 minutes of munching, this is what's left. He then decided it's enough and as usual, his papa will finish the rest.


Well, at least he ate half a donut.

Finally, the sign I have been waiting for

I am still worry about this pregnancy, albeit all the advices I have been receiving.
Where is my tummy?
Why I don't look pregnant? It's 4.5 months and it's not showing?
Why baby is not kicking or has baby been kicking but I did not feel it?
Why I am not putting on weight?
and many, many, many other silly questions

I cannot help it and it does drives my hubby and my good friend, Sham up the wall. Although this is my second pregnancy, I cannot remember much about my pregnancy with Ryan. After all, it was 6 years ago and to make matter worst, I do not have any photos as the camera with all my pregnancy poses was stolen when I was 8-month pregnant and the only one I have was during my final month. and Boy, I do look big at that point in time; that I remembered!!

So I have no idea when my tummy started to show, how I looked or when I started wearing maternity cloths. Too bad I did not discover blogging then. So now, I will make it a point to blog about this pregnancy so that I can "recall" everything and all milestones.

Now, back to my current pregnancy. It's like God has been listening and he decided to answer all my prayers. Over the weekend, I found that my tummy has suddenly "grown"... and now I do look pregnant although I can still squeeze into my normal cloths.

And I have also been trying hard to feel baby's movement, without any success. Well, there are times I thought I felt it but I wasn't sure. Then, early this morning, as I was about to wake up, I felt it. Baby kind of kicked and although I do not know how to describe it but it sure feels good. Also, it's time to unpack my maternity cloths, yahoo .....

Before and After

Ryan has brown, soft and curly hairs. He does not have a lot of them and his hair takes a long time to grow. Ryan only need a haircut every 3 to 4 months. He sweats a lot and his head can be very, very smelly. So he washes his hair every time he showers (which is twice a day).

Before he went to the barber the last time, I manage to get a before and after photo of him. The barber decided to cut his hair extra short this time around and I don't really mind as he looked so much neater. Don't you think so?

Book: Nights in Rodanthe

This is my first Nicholas Sparks book and I quite like it. However, at times, there are just too much flowery words but hey ........ this is a romance book.

The book is not thick (just over 200 pages) and I managed to finish it within the week. Maybe I'm pregnant and therefore my hormone is screwed and tend to be emotional at this stage so I did shed a few tears here and there, which is not a norm.

It's going to be made into a movie soon with Richard Gere as the handsome Dr. Paul Flanner while his love interest is Diana Lane as the wise Adrienne Willis. Let's see how the movie goes. May watch although Richard Gere is not one of my favourite actors.

Will consider reading other titles by the author. I would rate it a 8/10.

Garden: January 2008

My ginger shell plants have been producing lots of flowers over the last few months and it was indeed a sight to behold.

Being Pregnant

The joy of being pregnant:

1. No need to do housework
2. Can sleep whole day
3. Can get lots of pampering and attention from hubby (more than the usual)
4. Seeing your baby...I mean, your tummy grows; and
5. Meeting baby for the first time
   

The downside:

1. The worrying and anxiety (Is baby alrite, why baby not kicking etc)
2. Vomitting/Nausea/Morning sickness/lack of drive & energy
3. Cramps especially at nights
4. Swollen legs; and
5. Having dry skin and hair loss

Ryan and his chinese problem

Ryan started kindergarten early this year. All these while, he has been in a play school and has been enjoying life but now, at age 6, he needs to go through a more structure learning to prepare him for Year 1 in Primary School. He’s now in a Chinese medium kindergarten.

He is fine. His motor skill, interpersonal, communication, social skills (plus acting skill) befits someone his age. The only problem is that he does not and cannot speak Chinese, be it Mandarin or Cantonese and we had enrolled him to a Chinese medium school. Why on earth did we do that when both of us cannot speak mandarin? Well, that a long, long story and anyway, that’s not the point.

The point is that he needs to pick up the language and fast. We can see that he’s struggling and the kindergarten teacher is quite shock that he utter anything Chinese and yet the parents are sending him to a Chinese medium school.

The most important thing is that we are not pressuring him. Somehow, I know he will come around….sooner or later. To help him, we are going to either send him for extra Chinese class or get him a private tutor. We are doing research and Ryan will be going for a trial class in one of the language school this weekend.

We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Nightmare Cleaner

I got a cleaner to come in for one whole day yesterday, from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm (with one hour of break in between). I think it’s one of the signs that I am getting better physically and therefore have this urge to throw things away and clean up the house. I don’t think I’m nesting yet as I’m still in my second trimester. It’s just that I have not been doing any major housework for the past 2 to 3 months, not even for the recent Chinese New Year and the house is really, really dusty.

I have used cleaners this agency a few times before without encountering any problem. All their staff are quite good and can work with no supervision so you can imagine my surprise. The cleaner yesterday was so incompetent that I have to teach her how to do certain task and she is also very, very slow and forgetful. She will not put things back to their original place even after me reminding her a few times and she will only wipe the table but not the things on the table, even though the things are dusty. I had to ask her to sweep the floor 3 times before it can be considered clean ……. Argh.

I just could not stand it and did some of the work myself and as a result, my muscles are aching now as I had to work along with her the whole day.

Whatever it is, at least the house is clean, for now.

Interview : Ryan on Computer Games

For the past 2 months, I have been tired and sleepy and as a result and I do know this is not good parenting, Ryan gets a lot of computer time; his 1-hour would be extended to 2 and on weekends, it gets worst.

The bright side of things is that (yes, there is a bright side) Ryan gets to practice his computer skill, mummy gets her sleep, papa is able to maintain his sanity and Aunt Jo can get some rest; win, win, win and win situation. Actually, he quite good at certain games, even better than the adult, and I am really amazed. So I had a little chat with him.

Which is your favourite game?
Varmintz

Which game are you good at?
Varmintz but Aunt Jo said that I'm good at Granny in Paradise too (Show off)

Should you play computer game everyday?
No. Only on weekends (Politically correct but never practice)

Then why are you playing everyday?

I like.

What happen if the computer breakdowns?
Then it's time to sleep.

An update:
Ryan is being punished by his papa for being rude. The punishment: No TV and computer games for 1 whole week.