Sofia's 2nd Birthday

Sofia turned 2 today. It is amazing how quickly time passes, we thought she was just lying in our arms just a while ago and all that matters was milk, milk and more milk. Now Sofia has grown into an toddler and is fiercely gaining independence as each day goes by. She would want to help us pay at the cashier after we finish shopping at the supermarket. She would also want a share in carrying the groceries just like us, never mind that the plastic bag is so big that she drags it along the floor. We guess this is all part of growing up though it is purely an imitation our actions and speech.

We had a very simple celebration, bought a cake, went to the playground and sang her a birthday song with all her playground kakis. Not sure what got into her, she was so uptight with all the attention and stuck to me the whole time.

We had great difficulty trying to lit the candles as it was a super windy evening. But even after the candles was lited, it was the older kids and me who blew it out for her, Sofia was trying to grab the candles with her bare hands again!

We doubt very much she knew what was going on, perhaps it would make more sense to throw a proper party when she turns 3? Well, let's see.

Fun @ Marina Barrage

We heard about the newly opened Marina Barrage in Singapore from a friend whom recommended us to bring Sofia there for fun in the evening. We actually had no clue what this place was for and what sort of "fun" could we have there. After some reading on the internet, we found out that it is actually the 15th reservoir and the first in the heart of the city. So we chose one of the weekday evenings and ventured this new place.


We were all surprised and impressed with this new reservoir, the location was strategic and it was filled with green and water (of course!) but nothing like those usual reservoirs in other parts of Singapore. It was happening, brimming with lots of people, so filled with life.



We had a good evening there, enjoying the cool breeze and beautiful scenery.


We also went to the waterpark and Sofia literally lost her mind there.

She started with small cautious steps into the water.

As soon as she realised it was WATER all around her to PLAY, she lost all her inhibition and went amok.

Help! My clothes are all WET!

Can I carry this home? Never mind that my diaper is full with water too!

Sofia had such great fun in the water and refused to go home. We had good fun watching her too but were afraid she might catch a cold from the wetness. In the end we had to bundle her up with a towel and grab her into the car. Of course, she was looking back at the water longingly. We hope to be back too, hopefully soon!

Toilet Training

Today marks the first day of toilet training (Phase 2) for Sofia. Phase 1 was completed as she has been able to communicate to us when she needs the toilet for her "big" business. Now we are going to train her to tell us when she needs the toilet for "small" business as well. Lots of mess will be expected initially as she will be off diapers and wearing panties only.

This is the method our friends have shared and recommended to me - fastest, though messy. We had been thinking about it for a week, what if Sofia pee on our mattress? How about the leather sofa or her bed? Can we contain and control the mess? I doubt so. But we just have to give it a try and see how it goes, she is afterall turning 2 in a week's time.

New Job, New Baby

As I approach the new year 2009, my heart is filled with thanksgiving and excitement for the second bundle of joy we are expeciting in May. At the same time, there is a sense of loss and uncertainty that lays ahead of me. My economically sound career will come to a halt from today onwards and I will be taking on a fulltime, 24-hour on-call service job that does not yield a single cent "economically". In layman terms, a domestic manager or housewife.
The guy that now brings the bread home is my boss, the ever demanding 2yo babe is ALSO my boss and the 3RD BOSS is arriving in May. How am I suppose to please all of my bosses? Sounds like a real feat to me! Well, the consoling part is I have a helper to give me a hand, I am very very grateful for that. At least I can sometimes sneak out in the afternoon for that much needed massage or facial.
Wish me luck as I take on this new role with my eyes wide open and may God give me the strength and wisdom to bring the kids up in a Godly manner.