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!

Botanic Gardens

We went back to Singapore for a short break on 26 Dec. Sofia was very very excited this time round because we kept telling her she was going on an aeroplane one week before the trip. And we told her the aeroplane has got a tiger! She must have thought it was a REAL tiger, but unfortunately, it was not. But she was equally as excited to see the "tiger" on the aeroplane so much so that she refuse to nap nor eat.

It was a beautiful day today and we actually thought of going to the zoo but there was little time left when Sofia woke up from her nap. So we went to the Singapore Botanic Gardens instead. It has been ages since I been there and it was very refreshing to be there again. We used to go there very often, for school excursions when I was young. We would have picnics and outdoor lessons there, it was beautiful. Being there with Sofia brought back all the lovely memories.

Of course, she was more fascinated by the dogs out for evening walks and the black swans in the pond than the fauna. More importantly, the park is really huge and gave her a chance to run as much as she wants to.

Sofia is filled with boundless supply of energy and it amazes and tire us out. Thus we would always try to exhaust her energy during the evenings, be it at the playground or park. Though at times I certainly wish I could use some of her energy for myself!!

S$2 Ball

Met my future potential son-in-law for the second time during dinner on Moday nite. His name is Justin and his mum, K, was my classmate in MGS, we were only 14 years old when we knew each other! Justin is only one month older then Sofia but he is walking very well already. I was hoping that would inspire Sofia to get on her legs soon. While the adults were having dinner, the two kiddos were fighting playing hard.

All because of a ball. Sofia was very attracted by a rubber ball Justin had and kept holding on to it as if it was hers. Justin innocently took the ball from her hands, not once, but twice and that sent Sofia bursting into tears! It was really funny to watch ... I have always wanted to see how Sofia would react under such circumstance, would she

1. burst into tears and wail, or

2. get the toy back from the kid who took it away.

I got my answer today. Good. Now she will remember Justin for a long long time until the next time we meet!

Changi Airport

After spending a wonderful short weekend with us, Daddy had to head back to KL again. Since Sofia took a pretty long nap in the afternoon, we took the opportunity to bring her to Changi Airport as well. My sis and BIL joined us and while we sat at Burger King enjoying some drinks, Sofia was munching her crackers away. My BIL took the chance and shot many beautiful shots of her.

A trick I learnt from the crocodile farm - use food (cracker) to attract the crocs (Sofia) to do tricks!

I really enjoy watching Sofia stuffing herself silly with crackers, it is just a small, almost blant piece of cracker but she derives so much joy from eating it. I wish I can also derive so much joy from just eating a piece of cracker but my expectations of a cracker is so much higher. The brand, packaging, flavour, etc. have to somewhat attract me first before I would eat it. But Sofia's eyes just light up the moment she spots the familiar packaging, how nice!
Making an attempt to stuff crackers and fingers into her mouth at the same time.

I can even eat with my eyes closed!

Offering Daddy and Mummy a bite ...

My sis trying to "extort" a bite from Sofia ...

After the crackers, Sofia is a happy girl willing to do tricks for us. She was doing "Hip Hip Hurray!" we learned in Gymboree.

Dessert after crackers ...

At last! A beautiful family photo finally!

Sending Daddy off through the glass again ... BUT we shall meet again in 3 days' time, yeah!!

School Friends Meetup

Daddy gave us a surprise visit by turning up at our door on Friday night @ 10pm. I was just about to make the daily call to him when the doorbell rang and there he was standing right before us. I guess the "sofia-miss-a-lot" virus was at work again and strong enough to pull him from KL to Singapore. Fortunately, the SIN-KUL route is now opened to budget airlines and he can use that option. Otherwise, such trips would burn holes in our pockets!
So I brought Daddy and Sofia along to my high school friends mini gathering. Just a 3 families get-together and 5 kids (all girls!). The girls have a great time at Auntie W's house, Sofia was overwhelmed with the amount of toys and refused to have her lunch. It has been 12 years since I last met W and J and it is really fun and interesting to meet everyone with our kiddos now!

Childhood Friends

Feels good to meet up with K and J over tea together with our kiddos yesterday afternoon. It has been a long time since we last met and our conversation now basically revolves around the little ones. Well, as usual, Sofia was so shy and sat there being an observer most of the time. One of my objectives during this trip is to bring Sofia out more often, meet more strangers and getting her out of her comfort zone.

Christmas in Singapore

I have always enjoyed the Christmas season in Singapore. Firstly, it is always cooler duing this period and sleeping in late during school holidays can't be better! Secondly, Orchard road will be lited up with beautiful Christmas lightings and it just turn the warnth and romance on immediately!

We chose to spend Christmas in Singapore this year since we couldn't last year, me being in the 38th week of pregnancy. We spend a lot of time catching up with friends, bringing Sofia to the zoo, etc ... here are a few photos to share:

Sofia at the zoo, not sure what she saw, elephant??

Dinner with Vasant, Vinaya and Aditi at Long Beach Seafood @ IMM

Vasant is Daddy's ex-colleague in Kuching but has now returned to India. They were in Singapore for a trip on Star Cruise.

Lunch with Pastor Lin, Pastor Sharon and Annabelle at Ding Tai Feng @ Bishan

Pastor Lin was our pastor in Jing Daw Chinese Methodist Church (Kuching) for 3 years and Faith Methodist for 1 year thereafter. They have decided to move to Singapore since Pastor Sharon is a Singaporean and had only arrived couple of days ago.

Sofia on the Barney machine after lunch with Ten, Fiona, Chloe and Cadence.

Unfortunately we forgot to take a photo with everyone during the lunch ... by the way, why do all the children like Barney??