Packing

Here are Le's contribution to the packing - writing extra message and writing the box for us.

First tooth

Yesterday, Le had her first tooth extraction. She had a new tooth grown behind her existing row of teeth. Last weekend, she started complaining about headache and toothache. When I checked, I found this new tooth that was never there.

Bunn brought her to the dentist yesterday and an extraction was needed. It seems another one is coming out next to this new tooth, and another extraction may be needed. If these new teeth don't grow naturally outwards to be with the current teeth, she would need braces.

She was braver than we thought. No crying. Bunn had to wait outside during the extraction, so we got her to describe the process. First the dentist used a round round sweet to rub, then injection and then with the pincer, pulled out the tooth. I will take a photo of the tooth when our camera is back.

A bunch of hair

A bunch of hair.

My bunch of hair.

Yes, I did it again. Chopping my hair off shortly after I permed it. Not that I don't like the look but I have no time to maintain and the curls looks like some limp mess. At least this time it lasted 3 months.

The stylist asked "No regrets?" I said "No".

She tied it and then cut off above the rubber band so that this bunch of hair can be a keepsake. Looks kinda eerie. I won't keep it...just for a few days for fun.

Maybe this is how I snap and decided to snip it off!

:(

I haven't packed in about 2 weeks. I think I am burnt out. With only 2 weeks left and 1 weekend to go, there is not much time left. Cos the final weekend, there should be just final small packing and wrapping, not major ones. Moreover, I may leave for a trip that weekend. Wouldn't you consider this last minute already? I don't think I have the time or luxury to take leave to stay home and pack but I don't care much anymore. Boxes don't seem enough, I don't care much anymore. If anything unexpected crops up during the last week and packing can't finish in time, I don't care much anymore. If everything should really wait till the last minute, let it be. I am not a superwoman, I cannot do everything.

I wonder if I will snap and start screaming, literally.

Count

Today's count was 48. Dipped vs last checkup at 61. Expected cos Kang has had bruises recently and they take a long time to heal. And he's running a flu, so that could account for the dip too. Dr said his reading seemed to hover around this count, so come back in 3 months' time, no need to be so frequent. Again she reassured that having checked his lungs and spleen each time, they are clear, so she's not afraid it would be something else.

Oh well...

With technological advances come inconvenience!

Today, I wanted to post a letter. I went to the SAM machine to buy a stamp. First it was so complicated with so many functions, which is good for a all-in-one or one-stop machine, but I got lost in all the buttons and couldn't see the one for buying stamps.

When I finally found it, it didn't accept 1 stamp purchase. I had to buy at least $2 which is almost 8-9 stamps but I only needed 1!! There was no coin slot but NETS card slot. The good old simple SAM machine which accepted coins was gone.

In the end, frustrated, I went to the PO counter and I had to queue to buy just 1 stamp. Luckily it was not long but I still waited 5 mins, and counting the time I lost trying to find the button on the machine, I was there for about 15 mins just to get a stamp to post my letter.

So we have advanced to have a multi-purpose super machine, but the very basic need of consumers is forgotten and does not exist anymore. What a shame!

Help, helper??

Tonight, Bunn brought up the topic of getting a helper. It's not the first time we talked about this. Before, we said... maybe if I get a perm job and it is busier... somehow we managed to fit into the "busier" routine. Then we said... maybe if Bunn's new job is busier... somehow we managed to fit into the busier routine again.

I always thought if we survived the 1st 2 years of Kang's birth, we should be ok. But I think both of us have been very stressed out by the kids' behaviour and this is really draining us. We seldom have peace of mind and good sleep, this is the main problem.

I dread the thought of getting a problematic helper. Bunn said this is not a problem, we can keep changing till we get a decent one. The inconvenience he refuses to put up with is the loss of privacy. For me, this is compounded on top of a problematic helper. And my solution? I thought of using machines to help us. Maybe get a dryer so that Bunn doesn't have to hang the laundry anymore, but this will increase our monthly PUB bill. Maybe a dish washer to wash all the daily stuff (lame excuse?), but this will also increase our PUB bill.

I don't know... is it worth spending on machines and increasing our bills to save our privacy and get the job maybe half done, or just forget and get a helper? We planned the spare room really as a guest room to welcome our loved ones, not as a helper's room. Dilemma.... I am really tempted to try the machine solution first.

Fatigue

It's Nov now. The Xmas deco is almost up along Orchard Road. It's a pleasant sight. With the rain recently, it feels even more Christmasy. But not just yet... maybe when it's later in Nov with sales all throughout, the mood will be stronger.

With year-end always comes fatigue and reflection for the past year. I feel really tired but happy to have a fulfilling year. Looking back, even since working "officially", I have only taken leave for a short trip with Bunn to Bangkok and the day I gave myself some hair grooming. The rest of my leave were taken for Kang's checkups. I really feel very tired... especially with the packing recently.

I don't know when but I hope to have some good break soon. We were supposed to go to an "ang moh" country for holiday this year, especially when Le is going to P1 next year, we thought to have a longer holiday. Then came all the new jobs, move... Of course we are happy for these changes, so this long holiday will have to take a back seat. Let's see if we can fit something in the next 2 months.

Bruises

Not sure if you can see clearly...there are a lot of bruises on Kang's legs. Don't really know how he got them, just that he's always running about and falling down. In this photo, they already looked better. Few days back, they were darker and looked very awful with bruises all over his legs. Those few days, his platelet count must have dipped quite a bit and now that the bruises have lightened, the count should have gone up. Will it become normal again?

Macho men!

Kang said he wanted to take out shirt like Papa. Boy can, girl cannot, he said to me. And see, he's trying to act cool and tough!

Tape

I threw away a lot of Le's little little stuff. I never knew what to do with them. Actually I could trash more but if I did, it could really be almost everything.

One of the stuff I trashed was a bag of tapes. Cartooned scotch tape, the type bought from pasar malam. Then later as I was looking for a narrower tape to stick something, I picked them back and realised they were quite sticky and useful!

Char Kway

The latest breakfast craze?

"The orh orh kway" as Le claims.

4 more weekends to go!

The more I pack, the more I marvel at how "little" things we have!
Actually there are more that can be trashed but I just feel 不舍得 and conveniently packed them into the boxes. I keep telling myself, I'm sure when we move over, there will be a 2nd round of trashing when we can't fit the stuff somewhere!

Except our master bedroom where I haven't touched, I've pretty much touched all other rooms whatever I could pack. Oh, of course I didn't touch the store room which is Bunn's job!

Somehow I can't believe we have lived here for 8 years. Didn't seem that long but Le is already 6, so it can't be wrong. And I also marvel at how "new" most of our furniture still look after 8 years. We didn't maintain that much... but then we are not much of a destroyer, so I guess that's why. Or maybe we are not at home enough to destroy our stuff.

Mmm.. should we buy new bedsheets? I think we deserve this after 8 years. Our very first set was actually Bunn's favourite cos it was very comfortable. However, I stopped using it cos it's dark blue and each time I use them, mosquitoes will invite themselves. I'll keep this set as a momento and donate the other overused 2 sets we have.

Alright, one thing at a time. Finish packing first, then move and get used to staying with MIL, then think about new things to buy later.

The study room has become a mini warehouse

Le

Ok, not every entry about Le is bad...
Yesterday afternoon, we were all napping. Le didn't want to as usual on weekends nowadays. She was playing with some toys when I told her I needed my beauty sleep, "otherwise, I will be very grouchy later". She continued playing for a while. As I drifted into my dreamland, I saw her packing up the toys...

Later, there was some banging sounds but I didn't bother.
When I finally got up, I saw the cups and milk bottle in the sink gone. Le had washed them all. I asked whether she washed off all the soap, especially Kang's milk bottle. She said yes, I did like what you do, pour water inside and shake shake shake. I didn't want to check or re-wash everything, I trusted her.

Le is really capable of doing things if she wanted to. There was once she packed the messy toy area at the balcony, it was very neat after that. And another time she took out all the shoes in the shoe cabinet and tidied up everything neatly. i can't explain, and I've said many times but I still marvel at how her little mind works.

Right before our eyes!

Last night, an accident happened right before our eyes and we were so close to it. I really got a shock.

We were having dinner with KP and family in Hougang. We were seated along an aisle next to the stall. Parallel to this aisle is a row of grass patch, and parallel to the grass patch is pedestrian pavement and then the road. In other words, between the aisle we were seated and the road are the grass patch and pavement. My back was facing the road, Bunn was opposite me and front facing the road.

Don't know how... there was a very loud horn, then screeching and banging sound... then we all stood up, I turned around and the car mounted the kerb of the pavement and came towards the grass patch but stopped in time. The driver came out unhurt and luckily there was no injury. Where I stood, in front of my eyes was the car. We were separated by the grass patch.

I saw the car coming towards us but the speed was slow by then, so I didn't expect it to come much forward. I was stunned and just looked when I should have just grabbed Kang who was on my left and run. But I didn't. I now wonder if it's cos I knew the car was stopping or I was just too stunned to move. SF was on my right, back facing the road too. She too turned to see what happened the same time as me, and we both saw the car coming. She was shocked too.

Imagine if something really drastic happens, we wouldn't even have time to think or react. That's what we call accident right? Good thing all of us were safe. What an ordeal!

Post PSLE celebration

We had a post-PSLE celebration today, and also a "lelong" give-away of some of our furniture.

It's really a relief to have a major exam over. As I was packing the other day, I found my sec school report book and looked through it cover to cover. It was very memorable..I mean the school life, not the exams!

Status check 2

Good thing I dragged back quite a number of boxes from the office (taking MRT!) yesterday. They came in very handy today. The mover's boxes will come only next Monday. Imagine if I had waited, I would have wasted 1 week and wouldn't have packed the 15 (I think, lost count..) boxes by today. Compared to my 1st box of last week, I am so proud of myself.

Status check

I have packed 10 boxes by tonight!

Study room
Is half done. It's kinda diffficult to complete cos there are things we'll still need to use. Then there are a fair bit of computer stuff like a lot of spare cables that I don't know what to do with them. Trash?

Kids' room
Kang's drawer bed is cleared. Book shelf should be fast but need to wait till weekend. Clothes drawers and Le's wardrobe will still be needed. Oh, the light bulb has fused, so now there's no light at night. With just 1.5 months to go, I am so reluctant to buy a new bulb. Let's see how long we can delay.

Kitchen
I started the top cabinets tonight. It's easy cos I trashed many empty containers. The rest are irregular shaped stuff, just need to sweep them into a box. So top is almost done. Will still need pretty much of the stuff in bottom cabinets, so those gonna wait.

I'm quite happy with my efforts but it's been very tiring!

Packing

I told Bunn this morning that maybe I should pack 1 box per day. He said "No", implying that want to do better do it all at once. Of course not once but rather not break up like that. Yesterday as I was packing the first box, he said his will be very fast, just give him boxes and trash bags. I seem to think that he is only thinking about packing his own stuff! I cannot do it alone! So this morning, I gave him the honour of packing the store room.

I just packed my 2nd box! Looking at this speed, I think it's gonna take 1 week per room! I will stick to my 1 box per day, at least there is a target. I'll try to double up as far as possible. There are only 6 more weekends to go, the last will probably be THE move, so only 5 for packing, I have to hurry!

Today, I trashed some stuff as I packed. I'm sure I'll start trashing more and more in time to come. I already have a good mind of trashing a basket of toys without even wanting to look inside. Out of sight, out of mind, out to the trash!

Orientation

This morning was Kang's orientation in SFX.

He was very happy to be able to say (finally!) "my school".

The teachers showed the kids around the class and compound while the parents went around paying and paying - school fees, uniform, school bus. Just within an hour, I paid $800+!

Leo Phua Ler Kang - Joy A

1st box!

In order not to kill my 1st burst of fire, I went out to buy some masking tape so that I can start packing! 打铁要趁热！

And there! My first box!

I could have trashed maybe half the stuff in this box but I decided to get it done first to motivate myself. Once the first box is packed (as if the first stone is laid), I should get into the momentum soon and start trashing so that I don't have to pack so much!

D-Day

Yesterday was our 1st appt with HDB and we got the D-day => 25 Nov.
This is the hand-over date and blue house will no longer be ours. That's about 6 weeks' time. I was tired this afternoon but thought of packing and in fact decided to lift my butts. Then I realised we didn't have the masking tape to tape the boxes!

Ok, so much for my enthusiasm. So all I did was to keep looking around and imagine how to pack. Oh dear, I think I will really need a strong push to start!! Help!

Count

Today is Kang's blood test + checkup again. The platelet count today is 61, up from the 46 the last time. But a week after the last checkup, he had a swell near his ear and I took no chance and brought him in straight for blood test, it was 72, so today's count can be considered a drop.

So what does it mean? I asked Dr many questions...

1. What if we just leave it?
As long as it's more than 50, it is not threatening if he's physically ok, no medication needed, just monitor. So, monthly blood test. If it's less than 50 persistently, it may be a sign of leukaemia and will need bone marrow blood test.

2. His red/white blood cells are ok right?
Yes, throughout all these tests, they are ok, that's why I'm not worried that it will be leukaemia.

3. Can steriods be prescribed without a bone marrow blood test?
If steriods are prescribed without this blood test and if it's really leukaemia, the steriods may hinder the discovery of leukaemia and treatment delayed.

4. If go on steriods, how long does he have to take?
It depends...sometime a dose may work, sometimes longer.

5. If it's a long time, what are the effects?
Steriods may slow his growth. That's why they would usually prescribe the lowest possible dosage if ongoing for a long time.

6. So what is it and how come the count has been fluctuating at this kind of level?
Looks like it's likely chronic.

7. Huh? Chronic? How come?
Usually chronic is defined as having the condition for 6 months and more. In his case, it's been about 4 months, it may become chronic.

8. Then what do we do if it's chronic?
Monitor if it's more than 50. Otherwise it would be that blood test and steriods. But chronic can still get well.

9. How long will it take?
Can't tell, it all depends on his body. So I still need to see you next month.

So, we just have to keep monitoring. How I miss the 3-digit reading...

Train ride

This was on the way to the MRT station last Sunday. We walked there.

It was the first time I brought the kids out to take the train myself. Anyway, we don't take the train a lot. Bunn went for his weekly soccer game and I decided to bring them to J8 (thanks to circle line, it is now very fast to reach Bishan) and meet Bunn there for lunch.

Not bad for a first attempt. It was only Kang's second time to take the MRT.

Love

If you can see clearly, there's a line of yellow text "I am sorry I said that I don't love you sorry". This was after a correction. The first version was "I don't love daddy. I love you mummy", after Le got some scolding from Bunn. This girl is really a tough nut to crack. She regretted after that and changed to the version above.

PSLE stress

Yesterday was the start of PSLE. Even though I am not a PSLE parent yet, I felt nervous for PBS. I daren't even think of Le when she's taking her PSLE. Getting her to do her dictation and 听写 once a week is already a nightmare, I can't imagine exam. She said yesterday that she doesn't like dictation cos it's more and more difficult. Oh dear, I don't know how next year!

Art piece?

This was the art piece I was talking about in my earlier post.

Is it too simple or abstract? I don't know what to say...

I think my little Piscasso is better.

Talking about this reminds me of last Sat.

Le or Kang wanted to paint (again) and so all the preparation had to be done. Bunn asked Le to help with a few stuff and she rebutted saying "You all are treating me like a maid, you know!"

Sigh...*faint*... talk about attitude. Taking it more positively...ok, this sure looks like a making of an ARTIST or DESIGNER!

中秋节快乐！

It was supposed to be an eventful night with a birthday party and a lantern carrying party to attend. Unfortunately gastric pain and mild diarrhoea striked me this afternoon and I decided to stay away in case it's stomach flu.

I was able to enjoy total peace for few hours at home alone. Suddenly it was so quiet that I didn't know what to do. Watched some tv programmes and surfed a bit. Now Bunn and the kids are still not backed! I can only wait for the photos...

Hope it's just a transient incident.

Abstract art

Last weekend, Le wanted to paint. She wanted me to draw something for her so that she can paint. That's the picture above. It was half finished cos she got bored of it and said she didn't want to paint it anymore!

Then she took another paper and started just painting the way she wanted. When she was done, she said it was a jungle. I don't know how to interpret it but my reaction was frustration cos I prepared everything for her, she just painted some piece like that and said finish and got out of the stool. I was frus cos I had to clean and wash up everything for her after I spent some time preparing all the paint! Bunn made her do part of the cleaning. And the painting was just left in the kitchen to dry. I did bother to take much look at it again.

Yesterday, I was at a hotel and saw some paintings. I remembered the last time I was there, I thought how would one interpret such paintings, they were just splashes of coloured paint with white paint overlayed on top (I forgot to take a photo). When I was there again yesterday, I was reminded of my thoughts and suddenly, I thought about Le's painting! And suddenly, I wondered whether Le really had some innate talent or it was merely her tardiness or it was some expression of her feelings. I have no clue and I guess I won't have an answer except to monitor what she draws or paints in future.

Err...do you think I have a Picasso living under my roof?

Congrats!

Just visited Ian & May's blog (http://mylittlevera.blogspot.com/) to catch up a bit and what a great surprise I got! May is expecting her 2nd baby! Congrats! Of course, given the experience of the first, she's pretty worried about this pregnancy. Hope all will go well for both of them. They've come a long way and they deserve a big good return. Good luck and though I am not religious, God pls bless them.

Birthday parties

It's a weekend of birthday parties.

Last night, we attended my uncle's 80th birthday dinner. Forgot to bring the camera. All kids get an hong bao for lending their voices to sing the birthday song. Not a bad deal.

Today's Amber's 1st year old party.

Le and Kang waiting eagerly to sing the birthday song

Best combination

I am still trying to find the best combination, I mean Mac breakfast. And I think I might have a solution. Buy back from the drive thro 2 sets of hotcakes, make our own coffee and hash browns. This will cost only $7.50, half the price if we eat out and half the efforts of DIY. At the same time, I can still enjoy my peanut-butter-bread-and-margarine when I don't feel like having a muffin. Sounds like a good idea.

And the weekend is coming soon. TGIF tomorrow!

Ang Mo Kians again

Bunn and I were Ang Mo Kians before we were married and became Sengkians.
After 8 years being Sengkians, we'll soon become Ang Mo Kians again when we move out in about 2 months' time.

We, the residents of Ang Mo Kio...

Yes, yes, yes

I remember this movie Yes Man starring Jim Carrey. Anyway, he's not my focus. Continuing from how Le is constantly amazing me with how she thinks and talks... Remember she once said she wanted a daddy and mummy who would say yes to everything?

I was thinking over, what if I say yes to all her requests? I decided to try it this week. Luckily, it's a short week! As long as it's not unreasonable, I will accede. Let's see if she in turns will also say YES more to my requests.

Le

Yes, Le again. I must remember to pen this down before I forget.

Milestone
Last weekend, she discovered vegetables! She actually asked for vegs! But only dark ones, not the light ones, she said. She was referring to the stalks as the light ones. But I'll learn to eat them someday, not now, she added. Oh, what a milestone!

Even though it's small amount, I make sure vegs are included in her meals now. At least the sight of it is ok for her now, the taste of it does not make her retch, the qty will increase later.

Accept your child for what she is
So last night, I gave her some kai lan. It's a little hard and bitter, and the stalk is not very light, it was almost the same colour. I tried to pass it off as the leaf and cut into very small pieces. She still picked them out. I said it's not light and it's so small, why can't you just mix together with the rest and eat?
She started me on "Mama, different people are different....." It was not the first time she said this to me. Each time I tried to reason something with her and go into what the norm is or should be, she would say this to me.

So, she's telling me to accept her for what she is or does. Ok, she didn't turn out exactly how I wanted her to be; our relationship didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be. I had always wanted a discussive, friendly relationship but it turned out to be an authoritative, challenging one. Not really by choice but cos her character is so strong and trying it turned out this way.

It's her way of telling me she's different. Where did she get this from? I don't know but it amazes me that she can say this.

I don't remember what else happened after but she was quite upset and said to me "Do you want to make me so upset that I go far away from you all by myself?" She was using reverse psychology on me.
I said "No, I'll be very sad if you do that."
She said "Then don't do that to me." (I don't remember what I did)

Often I feel like I am dealing with a teenager and not a 6 year-old.
And often, I wonder how our relationship will be when she grows older and becomes more mature. Will she avoid telling me things? Like I used to keep everything to myself and not tell Mum, thinking she wouldn't understand anyway? I dare not think further....

Long weekend

I think every weekend should be 3 days, then there'll be proper rest.
We went swimming yesterday after my home-made Mac b/fast. The kids devoured their lunch after that. Took some photos with Bunn's phone but couldn't download (*#@#%!!*). Such a pleasure to see them eat without arguing.

Today we had all the cousins over. It was simply enjoyable being in good company (aiyo, forgot to take photo). It's back to reality tomorrow. I am so not looking forward. Luckily it's a short week...

Breakfast at home

When Le saw what I was preparing this morning for breakfast, she asked "Mummy, are you trying to prepare Macdonald's breakfast?" Bingo!


Each trip to Mac breakfast is at least $15, I was trying to DIY to save cost.
Not too bad for 1st try. Pancakes were a little thick and brown on the outside. Hashbrowns were idiot-proof and tasted exactly like Mac's. Coffee was of course better with Hazelnut flavour from Coffeebean but it cost $17 per pack! I haven't bought it for a long time but luckily it lasts quite long since it's only for weekend. It's worth paying for good coffee! Bunn didn't like those fanciful orange flavoured coffee I bought from France, so it's better to stick to what he likes, else his cup is always half finished. Le commented that Mac's pancakes were better. Ok, more practise needed.

But is it really worth the efforts? Prep time took a while for the battering, frying, toasting. At the end of it, there's a load of dishes to wash (and my dishwashing detergent is running out!). After weighing the odds, I think this is good for those days that you just want to laze at home. Cost wise, it definitely makes sense. Effort wise... it's easier to eat out. I will still give it a try maybe the next long weekend.

Out of stock!

Suddenly, everything ran out last week - shampoo, bath gel, tissue paper, washing detergent... I was thinking whether to open buy/ new ones cos if we move in 2 months' time, I don't want to be left with all the half-bottled stuff and bring over to MIL's to occupy space. It's time to rationalize the supplies.

Bought a smaller bottle washing detergent. Ok, it cost 60 cents more but I think it's small price to pay.
Finally opened a new shampoo today, I figured I still need to keep my hair in good condition.
Bath gel, moved the half bottle from bedroom to kitchen toilet and opened a Crabtree showel gel small size. Such are gifts you usually keep and won't use cos they are too nice to be used.
Tissue paper, we'll make do with kitchen serviette roll for the time being.

Alright, not bad... its's a new skill learnt you know!

Zzzz....

I am so tired... Le woke up around 3a.m last night for about 5 times! Saying she was hot, bad dreams, really hot, needed water.... Then as usual, she needed to be dragged out of bed in the morning. Shortly after, she started arguing with Kang and snatching stuff. I started screaming early Mon morning. What a bad start!

Now, I am so sleepy but need to keep awake to go to the airport for the 1a.m flight in about an hour's time. I hope I can knock off in the plane, but it will be tough. Can't wait for end of the week to come, long weekend!

Balcony

We removed the door at the balcony after Le was born, to crave out a play area and make it accessible without the door. Till today, it is still the kids' play area. It's an area that could afford to be a little messy at times when I don't have the energy to clean up propery. Once in a while, I will tidy it up and make it neat again.

A special mention to the kitchen set. It was Le's 4th birthday present but surprisingly, she didn't play very much at it. Instead, it was Kang's favourite past time. Why special mention? Cos that's where he practised his first steps. This kitchen set helped him hone his newfound walking skills. He was playing at it everyday, holding on to it as he walked around it. Then it became his most-played toy and till today, he will still "cook" some stuff for us to eat and busy himself over there.

I wonder if we will have be able to crave out such a play space in the next home...

Familly gathering

Today will be a sinful day. It's laksa for lunch with Mum, Dad and Bros.

Later in the evening, it will be crab party with SILs. Wow, damn high cholestrol! Dad said the laksa was good, he had 2 helping. This was worth all the effort.

Shower

Kang wanted to show how "brave" he was with the shower on his head and wanted me to take picture.

Happy 3rd birthday, Kang

Happy 3rd birthday, Kang! This morning, you didn't wake up till Le woke you up at 7plus. Can you do this everyday from now on and let Papa and Mama catch up on 6 years of waking up early?

We wanted to have a nice family celebration at night. TGIF! But the kids didn't behave and Kang was as usual, behaving like a monkey when we were out. So it was dinner and back. Even when back, Bunn gave Kang a choice - sing birthday and eat cake first or cane first. Kang chose the former which makes sense.

Good company

Bunn and I always like to have company for dinner on Sat night. We like to catch up with close friends and family members. But I guess it's also a chance to distract ourselves from the kids. With company, we don't have to pay so much attention to them cos they have company too. It's a form of relaxation for us. Our next dining table should be bigger!

For a good cause

I was supposed to catch up with my work tonight but I didn't... Instead I did something else but I feel is for a good cause. A Malaysian colleague met a bad car accident last weekend. She was badly hurt and just came out of ICU.

I just spoke to her last Friday only. Imagine how quickly things could change just over the weekend. How unexpected. How vulnerable we are... The company is sending a gift and I volunteered to make a card. Hope she gets well soon.

Pail of ...eeks!

See this little bucket? It's the mah-sak kind kids use for sandcastle building.

Oh no, no, no, no, no... this is not one of the write-ups for "What I like about blue house", it won't be a reason why I can't bear to leave blue house.

I have to say this! I am really pang-dang about this not cos I am superstitious but it's been proven many many times. I put this bucket in the kids' room, used to be for Le when she gets her regular stomach flu. Yes, for her puke (with a plastic bag of course). During those episodes, it will be at her bedside within her reach for the puke. Each time when she gets better, it will be moved to the drawer top (still in the kids' room), just in case...

I am not so prompt in keeping it and usually leave it there for some time. But by each time when I think it's time to keep and I do it, it's time for her next episode again. It's been proven few times. So now, it's permanent there. I don't want to remove it anymore.

2 nights ago, it was removed cos Kang puked when crying too hard over "the witch is coming... from the wall". I moved it to the kitchen to throw away the plastic bag and left it there, forgetting to bring it back. So tonight, Le puked after her milk (maybe ate and drank too much), luckily in the toilet. So, it's a reminder for me to bring it back to the room in case the next episode starts.

How can I not be pang-dang?

Teachers' day cards

I made Le make some cards for her teachers for Teachers' Day. I simply feel that kids of this age are too young to just buy presents and I don't encourage that. I remember my ex-colleagues used to buy lipsticks or nail polishes at staff sale and they said they can use as Teachers' Day gifts. I always feel this is too much.

Le enjoyed the card making process - inking, punching, cutting and sticking. I made her write the messages personally in her own handwriting while helping her with the simple designs. At least my scrapbooking materials were put to good use. I feel good again doing this. I know I haven't done it for a long time and should really but just have no time. I have many projects in mind... I hope to do it some day.

Here are the fruits of our labour.

3rd checkup

Today is Kang's 3rd checkup. Every 3 weeks just fly pass like that. As I drove into KK today, I zipped into the carpark and thought how familiar I am with this little maze now. I hope I won't have to come back for a while after today. After past 2 visits, seemed like the platelet count increased by 20 per visit. The last was 120, so I guess today should be 140 which will be close to the normal count.

The normal procedure is registration, go to the lab for blood test, then wait around 5 mins for a tentative result, take it and go to the haemotologist's clinic and wait for the final result and consultation. The wait is not long at all. I always feel kinda solemn when I head towards the lab cos it's the same direction as the mortuary.

As I take the tentative result, I will always look at the readings and graph. Though it's tentative result, it's usually the same as the final. Today, I was a little lost as I couldn't find a 3-digit reading. Suddenly, I thought maybe I forget where to look cos there were a lot of abbreviations.

At the clinic, the doctor (haemotologist) asked if Kang has been well. I said yes, the usual... but the count was only 46 she said. No wonder...the count dipping never crossed my mind, that's why I was looking for 3-digit but couldn't find.

The explanation was that it could take 3-6 months for the count to normalize. Sometimes, the count could dip after some viral infection (e.g flu). In this case, it's not clear why since Kang was ok. I forgot to mention he had a bit of diarrhoea past few days, maybe that's why. Anyway, since he was discharged 1 month ago and not 3 months yet, we just have to monitor. If the low count persists by 3 months, then the doctor may give steriods as medication, and this means a bone marrow blood test prior.

So monitor for the moment. When Kang took out his plaster from his finger 2 hours later, the bleeding didn't stop yet. This is the effect of low platelet.

Master bedroom

This is, to me, I think, the best "feature" in our home - the master bedroom.

A walk-in wardrobe is every woman's dream. It was just so apt in our home, thanks to the layout. The wardrobe was created by eating into the space of our living room which the designer said was big enough to play badminton. I know I can never get this in the next home.... I will miss this so much. I said I need a lot of storage space right? I don't know how I can make do with just some wardrobe. I am so spoilt by this space.

Next is our platform. The brown extension was made after Kang was born so that we could fit another single mattress for all to sleep in the room. The contractor couldn't get blue anymore and thus the odd colour combination. The platform is something we must try to replicate in the next home. Bunn said he won't be used to sleeping on a bedframe, and I don't like it too. So at least there is something we can bring over.

Oh, did I mention that this room is very windy? We hardly have to on the fan!

Finding comfort

No matter how trying the kids are, I always try to remind myself about Ian and May. They don't even have a chance to be angry. At least our kids are healthy. Even if Le is not so healthy, I try to remind myself about CC whose girl has fits whenever she gets a fever (and it seems more frequent now). At least Le is only puking.

There are others who are always worse off than us, so count our blessings.