Our Little Rainbow

Faith Can Read

2011-08-03T16:58:00.000+08:00

Went grocery shopping with Faith this morning. She tried to read every sign that caught her eye and was delighted whenever I confirmed what she read. It's a new skill she's eager to practice and master. 5 years 9 months. I celebrate your new achievement, precious. If we'd started earlier, you're probably not that keen by now. :)

Big Sister

2010-04-25T01:16:00.000+08:00

They do fight -- after all, Faith is only a preschooler; but she is fiercely protective over both Joy and Peace -- even from me!

We were at the playground today. Joy was sitting alone on a swing far away from the rest of us. I casually remarked that Joy is waiting for someone to help her push the swing. Faith ran right across the playground and pushed the swing for her! As she was swinging her little sister, she said, 'Remember? Swing your legs up...and down...up...and down...' That's what I say to teach them how to swing themselves. :)

Whenever I disciplined Joy, she'd jump to her defense. She'd say, 'Mommy, she's a baby.' I'm attempting further to explain the need to discipline. That we need to help her to change because we love her. As I reflect, thank God for such interruptions from her. My anger gets reigned in so that I do not damage rather than disciple.

Faith in Roller Blades

2009-07-02T19:30:00.001+08:00

Whenever Faith looked and smiled with envy at older children rollerblading in our neighbourhood, I'd tell her we would ask Papa if we can get her own pair of roller blades when she's big enough and ready to try. Finally we fulfilled our promise today.

First thing she got home was to get into her new roller blades, helmet and guards. At the end of the first hour, she could already balance and move across our living room unsupported! I was amazed again at her physical intelligence -- which is definitely not inherited from me. ;p

Make a Smilebox photobook

Jesus' Ressurection -- Faith's Version

2009-04-29T07:11:00.002+08:00

Few nights ago, during our cuddle-up time before bed, the girls rolled and played around us on the bed as usual. Faith was draping daddy's propped up knees with a blanket as he lay on the bed chatting with me. As we were still engrossed in our conversation, I saw Faith's broad grin appear from under daddy's knees through the blanket, and she said, 'Jesus come back...Jesus come back.' Wow...

Flush!

2009-03-16T23:59:00.002+08:00

Faith finally got off her toilet-fear today! Hurray!!! Thank God for taking away her fear! Amen!

I'd prayed sometime last week and claimed God's reassurance for her to dispel the lies of the evil one trying to trick her to fear unnecessarily and not to believe in what she can do. After that, I'd conciously not put her in any more disposable diapers and kept reminding her she's not in diaper and she'll have to tell me if she needs the toilet.

She really needed to go to the toilet while I was doing a detail ultrasound scan at the antenatal check-up today; so one of the young nurses had to bring her. They were away for quite awhile, and I anticipated seeing the door re-open to see her stressed up again and sobbing. How surprised I was to see a happy grinning Faith when the door opened. :)

Before we left the hospital, I brought them to the toilet and asked if she'd used that toilet earlier. She walked to the next cubicle and pointed to it saying, 'She-she toilet here.' I popped my head over and saw a child-toilet in the next cubicle! Oh... So, I asked if she'd like to she-she on that toilet again. She agreed and she did! Yeay!!!

When we arrived home from the pretty long journey, I asked her to go to the toilet. It's a routine we set -- to go to the toilet before we leave the house and immediately after we got home. She went and sat on the toilet supported by me, and besides she-she, she pooped too! Well-done!!! Even our helper was very happy and proud of her! And she said, “彤彤長大了！” Of course, Faith was beaming with her proud grin. :)

About Jesus

2009-01-29T23:39:00.002+08:00

Faith cried again when we announced bedtime tonight. :( She's already been so much better since we prayed through and cleansed this apartment we've moved to recently. I suspect her anxiety has to do with daddy trying to complete his work at home...maybe she just doesn't want to sleep because she hasn't had enough of him yet. :(

Anyway...so I talked to her, comforted her and carried her to bed. As always, when she heard the children's praise CD I had started playing in the room to prepare for their bedtime, she calmed down. When she saw the children's daily devotion I placed on the bed, she just picked it up and sat in my lap, waiting for me to read to her. Daddy and I was intending to start reading it to her every night but we haven't. As I read the short devotions to her, she kept saying, 'Jesus...about Jesus...it's about Jesus...' I was reading short bible verses from the devotional aloud -- but nothing said Jesus!

Don't ask me. I was in awe again of how special God has made each one of us. :) I have been reminded again to rest in the knowledge that our children belong to God and I must remember to lay down my weaknesses and parenting burdens at God's feet too.

Faith is 3!

2008-11-10T00:50:00.003+08:00

She has turned into a little princess! :)

Surprise!!!

姐妹情深

2008-11-02T16:07:00.004+08:00

中午，我一開洗塵機，正在看電視的希彤趕緊從椅子上跳下來把心悅拉開，還對她說：“妹妹，燒燒！” 我和爸爸感動得馬上放下正在做的事，輪流擁抱、親吻希彤。看她對多數事物都還似懂非懂，卻這麽愛護妹妹，真讓我們深深疼到心坎裏去了。

身為她們的父母，我們常讚嘆上帝如此奇妙的創造我們這兩個女兒。無論我們如合盡心盡力的管教、栽培，許多時候還是感到束手無策。有時候，卻又會驚覺孩子的某些性情是天生的；也許能慢慢教；也許改不了，甚至沒必要改。

我還在祈禱--祈求上帝教我在孩子們成長時，學習在適當的時候鬆手。

Reading Aloud

2008-09-07T01:34:00.002+08:00

Read 'What The Old Man Say Is Always Right' by Hans Christian Anderson at bedtime and decided to share with KH by reading it out aloud. I always thought Faith doesn't listen when I read aloud, but she surprised me tonight. She repeated, 'Hiss, hiss...' after I read that; and 'strength' after I read the word twice to correct my diction in the word 'strengths'! *LOL* So encouraged... :) I am SOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to start our homeschool. :)

The book I read tonight was a gift from Uncle You Hsiang to Faith when she turned one month old. I am intending to save it as one of the books we use for character building in our curriculum. ;) Good choice, Uncle You Hsiang. Thanks! :)

School

2008-02-19T00:09:00.001+08:00

Faith started attending pre-nursery at a nearby church kindergarten on 28 Jan 2008. Hard on her... She's trying very hard to be brave although she still can't stop herself crying whenever I leave her classroom. She'd try to say bye bye but still explode into wails after that. Painful...I'd always feel mentally, emotionally and physically drained by the time I'm out at the gate. Glad it's only 2 hours 45 minutes; can't imagine being away from her for a whole day. Childcare is not an option for us -- why have children if I can't have them at home?

Promised to bring her ice cream when I fetch her from school, so there she was...

Yummy, messy ice cream. ;q' (30 Jan 2008)

(30 Jan 2008)
Tired out from crying in school...

She likes to stuff herself into a pillowcase and falls asleep when she's really tired. I caught her 'stories' sometimes -- one day she's in a 'sleeping bag'; another day she's a pumpkin! *LOL* I'm looking forward to the day when she can speak clearly; we will have lots more fun. :)

Such a sunshine smile...rarely seen by others besides family because she's becoming so shy these days. (15 Feb 2008)

She's so happy whenever she sees me after school. She'd always screech with laughter as soon as she sees me waving at her from outside the school gate. :) That never fail to invite even laughters from her classmates' grandparents and caregivers who wait alongside with me outside the gate.

Always scratching her head...even on a Chinese New Year morning. *LOL*

My baby is such a big girl now. :)

抱着你们的感觉

2008-01-07T23:50:00.001+08:00

今天无意中想起心悦出世后出院那天的感觉。细细回想．．．当时我抱着心悦在等冠雄办出院手续；心里莫名的喜悦，好象小时候得了奖或礼物一样――那份喜悦好象满得要从我心里、嘴里溢出来一样! 希彤初生的时候，我抱着她，也有同样的感觉。这次的感觉稍微不同――好象在做梦；因为是第二次，所以感觉似曾相识。

其实，你们姐妹俩本来就是上帝赐给爸妈的无价宝。

New Hiding Place

2008-01-03T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith found another new hiding place...

Peeka...

Boo!

She's very amused whenever she managed to surprise me this way. Cheeky girl. *LOL*

Growing Pains

2008-01-03T02:04:00.000+08:00

Faith has 'suffered' lots of changes this last year...from the time we started expecting her new sibling.

I say this to myself and parents out there with children who are 2 -- terrible 2 is more terrible for them than for us. It is easier for us -- now, when they are 2 -- to smack or discipline to get them to do our bidding. I know it works because it worked for my mom when I was 2. I also know it failed -- I was only waiting to grow big enough to rebel. So does it really work? We decided that method was a menace and we continue to pray for God's guidance as we love and guide Faith in turn. I know that if God did not claim me when I was a teenager and nobody could convince me to follow Christ, I could have been totally beyond redemption.

Anyway, we are learning as Faith is, one day at a time...

She has learnt to caress her baby sister's hair, toes and fingers.

She leaned from her carseat to kiss Joy today.

She laughs when Joy sneezes.

She has learnt that she and Joy take turns to nurse at bedtime.

She has learnt that she can cuddle up with Daddy before Mommy settles Baby to sleep and snuggles back to pat her.

She has learnt that Daddy loves her as much as Mommy does and she can go to Daddy for her needs...she is so much closer to Daddy now.

I love her so much...for all these little bits and pieces of tough times...

Soon she'll be going to school...

Soon they would grow enough to play and giggle together...

Big Smiles for Tiny Achievements :)

2007-08-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

See how she held the bowl? Even though I was always telling her to hold the bowl before I knew she could (since most of her bowls have suction to minimize spills), I was surprised to observe that she held the bowl while she ate to keep it from moving around.

I am pleased easily by tiny little achievements from Faith like that. Every little effort I see from her is important to Daddy and I -- more important than big achievements that other parents might stress over, e.g. academic, performing talents.

I pray we will continue to love and appreciate her for little things like that and won't ever make her feel that growing up is no fun. :)

First Haircut

2007-07-14T23:59:00.000+08:00

Finally -- Faith had her first, ever, hair cut. She still has hair that she had before she was born and some were beginning to get her to rub her eyes at times.

This wasn't planned. I've been failing to trim her hair during commercial breaks until we passed by this Junior League Salon at Parkway Parade that specializes in hair cuts for children -- guess what they were playing on vcd that managed to keep Faith in the seat?! ;p Haha!

Hmmm...but I miss her Pebble Flinstone look. :(

20个月又两天

2007-07-12T21:15:00.000+08:00

彤彤最近的发展和变化常常让我们有“措手不及”的感觉。

不久前我们去医院探望刚生产的朋友时，彤彤出忽意料地说了一句：“This is the way?”

今天下午，我们从图书馆回来时，遇见楼上邻居帮人照顾的双胞胎兄弟，就让彤彤在游乐场和他们一起玩。他们比彤彤大一岁多。彤彤才跟他们玩了一会儿，我就听见她说：“小心！小心！”这是她第一次说‘小心’说得那么清楚。以前，她只会说 ǎo xīng’。后来，双胞胎兄弟的保母对他们喊：“下来！”彤彤也跟着站在旁边喊：“下来！下来！”我当时直笑得说不出话。哈哈...... :)

刚才我和她一如平常玩的那样对着镜子，先是闭上眼睛装看不见，之后又突然张开眼睛说：“Boo!”　这次她居然说：“这个是谁来的？”虽然听起来不是很准，但我还是听得很清楚，于是便试探地跟着重复一次。不料她居然接着说：“彤彤啊！”我简直傻了眼！马上打电话告诉KH。他也是：“啊！？哇．．．．．．”

Faith is 20 month old

2007-07-10T23:59:00.001+08:00

Fixed on the fountain at Parco...doesn't she look like Pebbles in Flinstones?! Haha...

Love that dress on her...the first dress I made for her. She always looks down at the flowers when I put it on for her, touch them and says 'Mei mei...(pretty)', 'fow-ah (flower)'. :)

Big Foot Baby! ^O^

2007-07-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith's been diving into the shoe box and pulling out Daddy and Mommy's shoes. These days she likes to tot around the house in our big shoes. One afternoon, Daddy woke from his nap to find his slippers at his nose right on the bed! Hahahaha...

Ask me...

2007-07-07T23:59:00.000+08:00

Ask me if I'm bored, tired, stressed up as a Stay-At-Home-Mom?!

How can I be, with this cheeky face!!!??? *LOL*

Photo by FrenzAtWork

Love that grin... :) Never fail to brighten me up -- day or night. Makes my 24-hour job of a mom sweet all the time...seriously, even if you say I'm nutz! ;p

Development

2007-02-21T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith seems to have changed again over the CNY holidays. She always does when she meets lots of people and have interactions.

She's been initiating conversations with other adults she meets and us. We noticed she's trying harder to communicate herself in terms of signs and words.

On the first day of CNY, she slipped the little paper bag we used to carry oranges for visits onto her arm and mumbled, '...op-ping...' When 4th grandaunt asked if she was going 'shopping', she looked at her and said happily, 'Mai cai ah!' (marketing) Everybody laughed in delight.

That afternoon when we were home after the morning visit, she went into the bathroom on her own. When I took her out and shut the bathroom door, she banged at the door and cried, '...our...our...' KH and I took a look at each other puzzled. Then KH took her towel and stood quietly next to her to see how she'd react. She grinned and laughed happily at the sight of the towel! Oh...she was too tired from all the fun and couldn't wind down to nap, so she wanted a shower! :D

The next day, when we visited Shellen. She showed me a toy cake and said, 'Cake...cut cake...eat cake...' WOW!!! She managed to join the words she learnt!

This morning, when we saw a dog on tv, she signed dog to me unmistakably! Both KH and I saw and cheered her, and she grinned. :)

When I was at the pc earlier this evening, she ran to me and gave me the sweetest, biggest, chimpanzee grin she could manage to get my attention! Hahahahaha...what else can I do with that lovely, naughty face? :) Switch off the pc la~

God was right -- of course, He is! I never looked back to regret the decision I made to become a SAHM; neither did KH. Thank You, God, for our family.

Happy Year of the Pig OINK OINK <'@'> !

2007-02-18T23:59:00.000+08:00

This is Faith's second Chinese New Year, but the first she had so much fun. :) She was only 3 months old last year, and hated most part of it for the noise, crowd and heat from the crowd. This year she met (for herself, heheh...) extended families from both sides. No problem for her after a little time to warm-up.

We gathered for reunion dinner at KH's 3rd uncle's place as usual. Faith loved the space at 3rd granduncle's place and quickly territorised (or terrorised!!??) the whole place. Before any of us realized, she found out how to open the bread box containing kueh lapis and grabbed a whole stack of sliced kueh lapis! When KH's younger cousins exclaimed 'Aiyoh!' She giggled and took off with the kueh lapis before we could catch her~ Hahahaha...she's so funny...sometimes I really don't know what to do with her.

Before the night ended, she had found her favourite lap to ride on Uncle Sijie, teased Uncle Siwei with her funny acts, and played peek-a-boo with her granduncles and aunts. When we returned on CNY morning for gathering again, it's as if she had always been familiar with the place and she had known everyone very, very well.

It was the same with my family. It took her awhile more to warm up before she would leave our sides to mingle among the party with my mom. My family is a much bigger crowd, and the granduncles and aunts are much older and louder; especially when they get excited to see her. :)

We also managed to steal some quiet time at our favourite spot at the beach before nap-time and the evening session with my family. We had junk food (well, not much available on the first day of CNY :p) for picnic. Faith had a good time. She always like the winds and the trees... :) even when we don't do much besides relaxing on the ground sheet.

Faith feeds herself! :)

2007-01-10T14:00:00.000+08:00

Another major milestone -- and a very significant one to us. Daddy only knew how to feed himself at 6 years old because he was not allowed to before that. He has been looking forward to see Faith achieve this earlier than he did. :)

This is the first time Faith eats a meal with spoon all on her own -- and she's 14 months today. :)

Growth Spurts

2006-11-30T01:01:00.000+08:00

Faith seem to be having another bout of growth spurts over the last couple of weeks. Physically, she is now 74 cm tall and weighs 12 kg. She has 8 teeth now; 1 more lower tooth in front and 2 molars at the back budding. Developmentally, she's been suddenly doing lots of new things; some of which we have been demonstrating to her but she never copied our actions or words till now!

Just today, she did a few new things that thrilled me so much that I had to cover my mouth with my hands so that I don't exclaim too loudly and scare her!

* * * * *

She has been trying to walk, for quite some time; but would always only do it when she is sure she has something stable or one of us for support.

This morning, after we came home from the playground where she was playing with several other older toddlers who walk on their own, she walked about 2-3 metres towards the tv on her own as she stared at the commercials on tv! I was near tears, I think. :p When she reached the wall, she sat down on the floor, turned around to look at us, smiled and clap her hands! :') She is so sweet...

* * * * *

She is still wearing cloth diapers; but stopped wanting to pee into the potty over the last few days. She would pee in the toilet when she needs to.

This afternoon, before her nap, she fussed. I asked if she wanted to pee, she paused and looked thoughtful for a second, then waved her little hand towards the toilet door and and said 'ng!'. I carried her and walked towards the toilet to confirm her expression. She waved her hand towards the toilet door and said 'ng!' again. And she did pee! When she's done, she said 'pa-per'!

When she woke from her nap just as we arrived at grandma's place, she beamed as usual at the sight of grandma, and signed 'T' for 'toilet' to her -- she wanted to pee!

If you are a mother too, you will know how proud I am. :)

Heart Attack!!!

2006-11-24T00:24:00.000+08:00

See what my little girl is doing!!!!!! ('O')"'

And I only caught this when I dashed in from the kitchen, dropping the dishes I was washing upon hearing her shouting for me to see her!!!!!! ~cold sweat~ ('~')"'

Faith is 10 months old!

2006-09-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

Proud Daddy & Faith

My cheerful little rainbow :)

Giant Playmate

2006-09-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

None other than her Daddy lah! :D

Faith loves piggy-back on Daddy

Faith's 1st Little Tikes

2006-09-03T23:59:00.000+08:00

See this girl!? So garang -- like 'sam seng por' (Cantonese for gangster girl)!!! :D

"Yeah! My first bike!"

Got her this Little Tikes Push & Ride from Yahoo! Auction. Both of us think it's a very good buy. The best part is -- we thought it's time to get something like that for Faith to practice her first steps; we didn't know she could ride and push herself backwards and forwards! She could even shift the bike to the direction she's heading!!! She still needs our support and supervision, but she's surprisingly steadier than we expected her to be! :)

Sleeping Close to Mommy

2006-08-18T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith is like a cat...

When we're out, she'd sleep for as long as 2 hours if I have her in this position, snugly wrapped in a sling, close against me. When she's placed in a pram, she'd wake in half an hour -- standard!

Many say I spoil her...I don't care much about that comment. Nothing cheers me more than seeing her sunshine smile when she wakes from a good nap! :)

Afterall, how many more months can she sleep in my arms like that until I can bear her weight no more?

Faith is 9 months old

2006-08-13T23:59:00.001+08:00

My precious little princess...

Breast Fest 2006

2006-08-13T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith and Mommy participating in Lunch @ Mom's -- trying to set our very own national record of simultaneous breastfeeding. Auntie Adeline and Elaine sitting behind us.

Cousin Li Yi turned 1 year old

2006-07-23T23:59:00.000+08:00

Cousin Li Yi celebrated her 1st birthday today. It'll be Faith's turn in 4 months.

Grandma & Faith at Li Yi's 1st Birthday

A moment that only belongs to us...

2006-07-20T00:42:00.000+08:00

Faith breastfeeding ~ 8 months and 9 days old

Roll Over!!!

2006-07-17T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith fell off our bed this morning :'(

First time...and I hope this is the last time! :<

Lunch at Starbucks

2006-07-16T23:59:00.000+08:00

No outside food allowed? What about home-cooked baby food? ;p

Faith Drinks from a Cup

2006-06-28T23:59:00.000+08:00

Lost my patience with sippy cups, so I introduced Faith straight to the cup instead -- since newborns can be cup-fed breast milk, and we only introduce bottles, sippy cups and straws as transition to teach babies to drink from cup, might as well go straight to the cup then.

After many days of trying to lap, then sip, then learn to hold and swallow water; Faith made her own attempt to hold and drink from the cup on her own this evening. She's been trying to pull the cup away from my grip; sometimes hitting my hand while I try to feed her. I gave her the cup today. :) Daddy's so proud of her.

Faith Drinks from a Cup

Baby Food DIY

2006-06-28T23:39:00.000+08:00

Faith has been developing very fast recently. Spending everyday with her makes us forget the world sometimes.

Friends have been asking how I make the vegetable and fruit cubes. K, this is how I do it.

Spinach

Cut and wash.
Steam for 3-5 min.
Puree in food processor till smooth. Add boiled water, a little at a time as you deem fit according to the required consistency while blending.
Stand to cool. Freeze in ice cube trays.

* Do not add water retained from steaming spinach to puree to limit the level of nitrate. Check out http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/nitratearticle.htm regarding Nitrate and Blue Baby Syndrome.

Prunes

Wash. Cut into halves to remove pit.
Cut prunes into cubes (I retain skin for more fibre cuz Faith always have constipation due to being a breastfed baby).
Steam for 3-5 min. Check if fruit is done by testing with a fork. It should poke through easily when done. (The idea is to have the fruit or vegetable soft and smooth enough to be swallowed by the babies easily.)
Blend in food processor till smooth. Add prune juice retained from steaming or boiled water, a little at a time as you deem fit according to the required consistency while blending.
Stand to cool. Freeze in ice cube trays.

* Each vegetable or fruit cube is equivalent to approximately 1 oz. Faith usually has one vegetable cube with brown rice cereal and one fruit cube for dessert or combined with vegetable and brown rice cereal at each meal.

* Do not use too much water for steaming, otherwise nutrients get diluted in the process of evaporating and condensing with the water used to steam. Steam with just enough water that you won't burn a hole in your wok/steamer/pan.

* Mine is a Kenwood mini chopper/mincer, not a blender. My mom complaint that she couldn't get the consistency as smooth as what I've got using a blender and my nephew could still get choked or would spit out fibre from the spinach. If you're using a blender, you might like to sieve after blending to get rid of potential choking hazards.

* I usually move the vegetable and fruit cubes into Ziplocs when they're well-frozen and have them labelled, so I can re-use the trays to prepare other vegetable and fruit.

* I always choose the freshest produce (don't mind paying more at Cold Storage or Market Place) since we want to give Faith the best in nutrition and considering the fact that we're freezing to keep, then keep the best!

I ain't expert. Just sharing what I do for my darling girl.

Happy cooking!

Bounce!

2006-06-26T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith said 'Bounce!' during her music class at Gymboree this morning. Both the instructor and I heard her repeating it clearly after we said 'bounce' while we bounced her on a ball as we sing along. Her instructor was shocked and couldn't stop exclaiming in amaze even when the class ended. :)

There are some words like this, that Faith only said once, then never repeats again...but I'm happy to hear them once. The important thing to me is her response and to observe that she understands. Sometimes she responses with happiness when I signed 'milk', 'eat', 'up' or something I think she wanted at that time but was whining because she didn't know how to tell me.

The bond between us strengthens by the day because of this effort in trying to communicate with each other. :)

Happy Family...Always :)

2006-06-25T23:59:00.000+08:00

Our supposed picnic and photo-taking session for the 4 babies -- Faith, Angeline and Andrew, and Jeremy, were drenched by the early morning heavy rain. Didn't drench our fun and laughter though. :) The 3 families enjoyed our gathering as always. Thanks to Uncle CQ for the lovely photos.

Happy family...even on a rainy day when we had to move our picnic from Botanic Garden to MacDonald's at Tanglin Mall.

Getting harder to pull Faith away from something that catches her interest -- even for Daddy.

Mommy is always happy because she has Faith.

Lazing Faith

2006-06-24T23:59:00.000+08:00

This is how Faith looks like when she lazes around. She was sleepy. She usually needs sometime to wind down before she can get to sleep.

Lazing Faith

Potty

2006-06-23T02:50:00.000+08:00

Been trying to toilet-train Faith...really -- at her age, I'm training myself, not her. Don't want her to get stuck to the idea that 'disposable diapers are toilets' and 'toilets are big and scary for adults'.

It might be regarded as paranoia, but I have a whole stack of reasons for disposing disposable diapers for good. The biggest being eliminating the chances of getting problems like urinary track infection, nappy rash, etc. Not to mention the expenses on these. Andrew and I care less about the cost, in this case, than potential hygiene and medical problems that could arise from long hours of wearing disposable diapers.

Anyway...haven't been making much progress since I haven't done much. I will have to be more diligent and vigilant on that. I've been distracted by 101 things -- easily! I am not one who can sit still.

Finally got a potty for Faith today. It's a simple, basic looking, blue potty. No fanfare of music, toys, animal or cartoon designs -- just potty. Potty is for pooh pooh and shee shee. Main business done, clean up and go back to play. Hehe...that's what I used to think when I was very small, 'Why do people have to pee and pooh so often? Such a waste of time and so disruptive to what I'm busy playing with...hmmm...' ;p

Yeah...I was a strange kid...Andrew too. We think of things like that even before we go to preschool. Faith seem to be turning out that way too...even though she's still so small. Why am I not surprised? :p

Amen!!!

2006-06-23T02:38:00.000+08:00

Haha...Faith said 'Ameh!' today! This girl really surprises me every day. :)

We had another wonderful day today. She was so sociable today. Daddy and I noticed her behaviour seem to modify bit by bit every day. Things that we discover that she's learnt keeps fine tuning every day...her response to strangers, the way she interact with us and her toys, her response to other babies and older children...endless list.

Both of us are always tired out at the end of the day, due to our age, I supposed. If we were at our 20s, we might have been more energetic playing with her. Then again, we might not be so patient and treasure one another in this family so, so much.

I cannot express how grateful and in awe I am, for this miraculously wonderful family He has given us.

First Trip to the Zoo

2006-06-21T23:59:00.000+08:00

Brought Faith to the zoo for the first time today. Grandma and Jason came to stay with us the night before so we could set off earlier to avoid the hot sun. Both Faith and Jason were so excited that they both slept late.

We ended up moving around in the zoo in 2 groups. One group with Hsiu Chin and the older kids (except Baby Esther). The other group, our family with the the baby and toddler, and Shellen with her 2 Js. They are too young to understand and really look at the animals. The only times when they really saw anything was during the shows and up close at huge animals like elephants, sea lions and polar bears.

We had a good time at the zoo even though most of the time we were stopping to feed the babies and toddlers. It's a nice, breezy walk for Andrew and I. Grandma had a great time too because she enjoyed our company. :) Faith laughs a lot whenever she's with Grandma.

Updates on Faith

2006-06-21T01:13:00.000+08:00

Faith is growing up so fast and I have been so busy with all sorts of adventures with her that I have not been very efficient blogging on her milestones...hmmm...

Faith raised her arms at me from the pram and said 'Up!' while we were shopping at Forum Galleria yesterday. I was shocked! But delighted of course. :) This is the fourth word she has said so far.

Right after she turned 6 months, she muttered 'mamamama...' one day. It became clearer when she wanted milk and when she woke from nightmares. She'd cry 'Mama...mama...'

The following week she said 'babababa...' When Daddy came back from work, she beamed immediately at the sight of him and said 'Bababa'. Then one night, she woke at 2am (which is unusual), and scratched at Daddy's back saying, 'Babababa.' Daddy was down with very high fever and hadn't played with her that day. When she didn't get a response from Daddy, she stared at the ceiling quietly for 2 seconds and suddenly said, 'Ba-ba' that sounded very clearly Mandarin! Both Daddy and I stared at her -- jaw dropped and speechless.

Last week, Grandma was playing hide and seek with her. She was screeching with excitement and when she couldn't find Grandma who was hiding behind a pillar, she said, 'umma...umma...' That stole Grandma's heart away, of course. :)

We also just realized Faith has learnt how to sit and balance herself from falling backwards when we went to our GP for her long overdue 6-in-1 jab. It's like...she's suddenly growing up so fast!

I'm a very blessed and proud mother. :)

Guess What She's Eating?

2006-06-15T23:59:00.000+08:00

Can you guess from her expression?

Guess what Faith's Eating?

PRUNES!!! It's so SOUR but she loves it!!! :*I

Yummy ;q' Home Made Baby Food!

2006-06-07T23:50:00.000+08:00

All the work feels worthwhile and no sweat whenever I ladle these brilliant-coloured puree into the ice cube trays to be frozen. Tonight I made spinach and prune puree.

Spinach and prune cubes for Faith

Faith has been experiencing constipation on and off after she started on semi-solid. Think her digestive and bowel system is learning to digest these 'new' food. She's such a darling...welcomes with absolute trust, any new food I introduce to her.

All the cooking and washing after she's gone to bed is worthwhile. :) Knowing exactly what she is eating, rather than hoping the ingredient list labelled on the bottles are genuine makes me sleep better too. ;p

Home at last...

2006-05-24T23:19:00.000+08:00

So we waved goodbye to the teachers at the infant care centre whom we have all grown so fond of, and my colleagues...thus start our new life, Faith and I stuck to each other, home together -- by that I do mean Faith's literally stuck to me! No time to update the blogs... She'd cry in less than a minute when I'm out of her sight. @~@" Heheh...tires me out at the end of the day, but the fact that we've grown so close puts a smile on my face.

No Breast Milk!!! :(

2006-03-24T02:18:00.000+08:00

The fridge at the infant care broke down!

Faith was on formula the whole day. She was glued to me for 2 hours -- feed, sleep, cry, feed, sleep, cry... :( When she finally fell asleep, she keeps turning sideways and sleep holding on to my sleeve with her two hands...so poor thing.

Her teacher at the infant care told me she had been very quiet for the last two days. She's moody at home too. Still laughs and cheers up when I play with her, but not her usual spontaneous self. Both the teacher and I feels she misses Daddy.

Well, Daddy will be home tomorrow and Faith will brighten up again. :)

Daddy's Not Home

2006-03-20T23:45:00.000+08:00

Daddy's in camp for reservice till Friday. Faith looked kinda grumpy after we left the infant care. She's usually very giggly and cheerful when she sees both Mommy and Daddy at the infant care centre in the evening even though she'll be quite tired by then...not so this evening. Took Mommy a long while to cheer her up. Good thing she still wanted to go to bed at her usual time at 8.30pm. She woke up briefly, crying from her dreams I guess, about an hour later. Couldn't calm down with just hugs and pats, so I had to nurse her to sleep again. She fell asleep again within minutes and have been sleeping since.

Hmmm...we miss Daddy... :(

New Sleep Association

2006-03-19T02:03:00.000+08:00

Been teaching Faith to associate sleep with other objects and conditions so that she can learn to fall asleep at night without Mommy or suckling. She fell asleep tonight for the first time without suckling! Yeay! :) She fell asleep after rubbing her beanie pillow against her cheek for awhile...look so cute hugging the pillow.

When we were out shopping this afternoon, she calmed down and dozed off not long after I passed her the pillow too. Daddy tried it after one of her feeds while I was at work this morning too, and the same happened. Think she's growing fonder of her beanie pillow by the day!

Other sleep associations we've tried so far are:

Transferring Faith into Daddy's arms after she's dozed off but not yet totally asleep while feeding on Mommy's breast, so that Faith learns it is safe to fall asleep in Daddy's arms instead of Mommy's.

A nice warm bath before feeding and bedtime.

So far, so good...interesting indeed. :) I'm having lots of fun with this!

Fun at Gymboree!!!

2006-03-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith had good fun at Gymboree this afternoon her twin friends, Angeline and Andrew. All 3 babies fell sound alseep in their prams after the session! :)

"Itsy bitsy spider..."

Faith getting all excited!

Can't contain her excitement...

"What's that...?"

"Why is that baby there...?"

"Throw, Mommy! Throw the scarf to me!"

"PINK!"

Faith, Mommy and Gymbo (4 months 2 days)

Click on photo to play movie.

Click on photo to play movie.

Click on photo to play movie.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2006-02-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

This is the first time Faith celebrates Daddy's birthday with him. :) Thanks to Auntie Shellen and Uncle CQ for the surprise for Daddy!

Photos by CQ

Books for Faith

2006-02-23T13:25:00.000+08:00

Found these books on Wonderbox and ordered for Faith.

Faith enjoys reading on our laps. I'm looking forward to receiving these new books and reading to her.

Faith's Attempt to Crawl

2006-02-19T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith flipped and crawled one body length on 16 Feb. Took these photos when she flipped again today. She still needs some help; sometimes she managed to flip on her own without me even knowing. Hmmm...we have to look out for dangerous areas now.

Faith's First Passport Photo

2006-02-18T13:31:00.000+08:00

Daddy has finally taken Faith's first passport photo. We'll be bringing Faith for her first overseas trip on 10 March with Daddy to his staff retreat.

Faith's first passport photo taken on
18/02/2006 (3 months 8 days).

Faith had fun!!!

2006-02-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith got all excited when she was put on the Fisher-Price bouncy seat that belongs to Ivan and Boon Yuen's twins. She had so much fun that I had to remove her from the seat after half an hour of tireless play to prevent her from being over-stimulated!

Thanks to Uncle CQ for the beautiful shots! :)

Fixed!!!

2006-02-08T01:27:00.000+08:00

Finally got my links fixed!!! I've got them all saved in a text file this time in case kena sabotaged by Blogger again. :p

By the way, just for the info of those who might be wondering why this woman always blogs in the wee hours -- I'm not a blog-addict, I just need a break from waking up to leave for work and send my baby girl to infant care before the sun rises; and leaving work, fetching my baby girl from infant care just to go home to eat and sleep.

Leave me alone for awhile??

Faith is baptised!!!

2006-02-05T19:01:00.000+08:00

Daddy and I have finally fulfilled our promise to present Faith to the Lord. Faith has been baptised today and we will do all that we can to raise Faith up to be a woman of God.

The Church of St Bernadette was all dressed up on this 8th day of the Chinese New Year of the Dog, and of course, for the baptism of Faith and two other Philipino babies, Gabriel and Angela.

The first rite of the baptism is the Rite of Acceptance to become a Christian. We've just arrived outside the church, waiting for the Rite of Acceptance to commence.

Fr Eugene Chong signing the Cross on Faith's forehead as the sign of acceptance and blessing.

After the Rite of Acceptance, we process down the aisle again -- this time for Faith's baptism (the last time was for our marriage!).

The Altar

Going up to the fount to have Faith baptised.

Fr Chong baptising Faith with holy water.

Godma Evangelina drying Faith's hair after the baptism with water.

Yeay!!! Faith is baptised!!!

Fr Chong signing the Cross anointing Faith with perfumed oil in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Anointing with the perfumed oil symbolises death of the original sin and new life.

Godma waiting to clothe Faith with the baptismal vestment embroidered 'I Believe'.

Godma clothing Faith with the baptismal vestment.

Faith clothed with the baptismal vestment.

Godma receiving the Light of Christ to be passed to the parents.

Renewing our faith and professing to bring Faith up in the way of Christ.

Auntie Cherie came to bless Faith too!

Faith is baptised!!! Posing in front of the altar.

Posing in front of Our Lady of Fatima

Lunch with 外婆 and Godma at Jack's place after baptism.

It is our greatest wish that she grows up to be a woman who is not afraid to love and to be loved by all. Whether she excels academically is not as much of a concern to us as long as she enjoys learning and appreciating with love all things created by God...

Faith is 12 weeks 3 days old!

2006-02-05T18:52:00.000+08:00

Daddy finally managed to capture a nice shot of Faith smiling this morning while he was home alone with her. I was at the dentist having my stitches removed.

Faith is 12 weeks old!

2006-02-02T23:59:00.000+08:00

Faith turned 12 weeks old today and I returned to work after 12 weeks of maternity leave. Tendered my resignation today. Got the understanding from some and NOT understanding from some...but never mind -- my mind is set after God faithfully answered every prayer I've prayed on this decision. Nothing comes before raising my precious darling myself. Papa and I decided we can get by with less luxury to live a simpler life as long as we have Faith by our side. :)

Christening Gown

2006-01-24T10:33:00.000+08:00

Faith in her christening gown (2 mth 13 days)

Infant Care

2006-01-17T14:55:00.000+08:00

Faith started to go to the infant care centre yesterday. I was sooooo... relieved and happy to see that she enjoyed herself so much! She was playing and relating to the teachers very well.

She appear to enjoy learning in the new environment a lot. Andrew and I are both glad we decided to put her in the infant care centre instead of at home with a maid or a nanny. The caregivers/teachers at the infant care are very experienced and professionally trained to understand and care for infants.

When she's in the centre, I can trust professionalism of the teachers and regulations by the centre and MCYS; if she's with a nanny or domestic help, I can only rely on luck! I've seen and heard too many cases of babies being mistreated behind closed doors (although there are many good ones around too), I'd rather not bet my 'luck' with my precious little one.

Finally had time this morning to see photos of Faith and I taken by CQ when we were over for their son, Jeremy's first month party. Always like his work...so candid, so natural -- which is the same reason we invited him to be the photographer for our ROM and church wedding...the photos come to life from the emotions he captures. :) Thanks, CQ!

"I see RED!"

"Mmm...Mama's arm..."

Manja and 'chatting' with Mama

"A-oo... a-goo... does Mama understand what I'm saying?"

Looking into Mama's eyes

Faith & Mommy (1 month 29 days)

Faith has grown...

2006-01-16T01:45:00.000+08:00

Haven't much chance to free myself long enough from Faith to update her blog with new photos. Especially these two nights...she's been very, very cranky. Sometimes there's just too much gas she couldn't get rid of; other times, she's probably over-stimulated by sights and sounds around, I think.

For a two month old, she's doing a lot! Maybe that's why she's kinda stressed up. Not me trying to get her to do a lot though -- SHE is trying to reach out to touch things (yes, already!), look around whenever we get to a new place, stares and tries to register a new face she meets, imitate our mouths and have a 'conversation' with us...etc.

I'm more worried than frustrated whenever she cries non-stop...couldn't un-knot my eyebrows...sometimes I cry with her. :"(

I can't sleep again tonight...because Faith is going to the infant care tomorrow. Don't know how I'm gonna enjoy my day off...I have a feeling I'm gonna miss her more than I can enjoy my days of 'freedom' before I return to work.

Mommy comforting Faith (2 mths 4 days)

Daddy burping Faith (1 mth 26 days)

Peek-a-boo with Mommy from the hammock (1 mth 27 days)

Dinner with Faith's Godma-to-be, Evangelina (1 mth 25 days)

Faith asleep in her new pram with her favourite toy (1 mth 25 days)

Faith's First Pacifiers (25 days old)

2005-12-05T22:52:00.000+08:00

Got Faith her first pair of pacifiers today. She looks so cute and seem to sleep better with the pacifier.

Andrew and I had agreed before she was born, not to give her pacifiers. But ever since she started being bottle-fed, she'd resist sleep and stay awake even when it's obvious that she's very tired. Sometimes she'd finally doze off for a few minutes but wake up crying and need to be carried to be comforted.

When she's put to the breast, she'd suck so hard and refuse to unlatch even after as long as 45 minutes. Pains me to think that she might be stressed up by the bottle-feeding. I have no choice not to train her to bottle-feed because she has to be sent to an infant care centre when I resume work after maternity leave...

Baby Sling (21 days old)

2005-12-01T19:31:00.000+08:00

After much search and comparison, finally got the sling I wanted. You wouldn't guess why this was my final choice -- one of the reason is because of the packaging.

The designer of this sling really put in a lot of thoughts and effort sharing from her own experience carrying her baby. She even designed a very detail pamphlet showing step by step, different ways to use the sling. I really appreciate all that.

With enough practice, I will not hesitate to go out with Faith on my own since I have an extension to my hands with the sling!

Hands free!

Tada! Faith is inside!

19 days old

2005-11-29T19:23:00.000+08:00

"Yawnzzz..."

Sound asleep...

18 days old

2005-11-28T19:19:00.000+08:00

Faith & Popo (18 days old)

Sunbathing Faith (10 days old)

2005-11-20T14:38:00.000+08:00

Faith's jaundice level hasn't come down since we discharged from the hospital. We've been praying for sunshine as it's rainy season now. We've had a few very, very dark cloudy and rainy days this week; hardly any sun. God answered our prayers -- the sun came out this morning. We rushed to the nearby community centre where we could get most exposure to the sun and sat by the basketball court with Faith.

Sunbathing with daddy

Faith (10 days old)

First trip to the supermarket (7 days old)

2005-11-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

Brought Faith out for grocery shopping with mom. Being in Singapore, we met many who looked at us curiously, some even asked, "How old is the baby?" It's not in Chinese practice to bring babies out before they turn one month old (I'm supposed to be 'confined' for a month too! :p)

I don't like the idea of exposing Faith to smokers on the street and smoke from the traffic either, since she's still so small; but there are errands I need to run and I can't always depend on Andrew. He has work to complete and whatever he does affects the family directly or indirectly because he's the head of the household.

Some people might think I'm not trying to act tough...I know, that I'm just trying to support him in the areas that I can if I can't help to relieve him from his work.

Faith and Popo

My little sweetie, all dressed up to go to the supermarket with Mommy and Popo

Our Little Rainbow is born!

2005-11-16T19:02:00.000+08:00

Link

Healthy Faith at 6.3 lbs and 48 cm

Our precious little girl

Welcome, Faith! :)

5 days old

2005-11-14T19:27:00.000+08:00

"Do not disturb...zzz..."

4 days old

2005-11-13T19:17:00.000+08:00

Faith (4 days old)

3 days old

2005-11-12T19:11:00.000+08:00

Faith (3 days old)

Music...

2005-10-19T20:35:00.000+08:00

You seem to have a preference for certain kind of music...

To some classical pieces, you would move excitedly from side to side when the piece reaches climax, then stop abruptly at one corner when the piece becomes too soft to be heard...

To Jazz, you'd always move around happily...to the left and the right, slightly up, sometimes down...you seem to always respond to Jazz.

To gentle love songs accompanied by guitar, you moved inside me softly, gently, and kicked when the singer's voice is dramatic...

I'm dreaming of singing with you and hearing you sing, my little princess...

Week 35

2005-10-09T16:26:00.000+08:00

Today will be the beginning of your 35th week from gestation. Feels like you're just as impatient as I am. :) I can't wait...neither can you? Saw your face clearer on last Friday's ultrasound scan. You have daddy's high cheek bones and your eyes look like daddy's when he's asleep; thick, pouty lips that look like mine.

The way you've been playing with the umbilical cord worries me...it's hanging across on your chin now. Each time you move now, is a precious reassurance to me -- until we see Dr Yvonne Soong again next Friday.

When we saw you on the 32nd week, you were holding the umbilical cord to you mouth -- as if you're singing karaoke! The rest of the cord was twisted and piled up behind your head like pillow. You like pillows huh? At 4 months, you slept on the placenta; now the umbilical cord. Ok...Popo is making a husk pillow for you, Be a good girl and you will have that when you're out.

This week is a sad week...Gong gong's youngest brother passed away on Thursday. It's too sudden, the whole family is trying to get over the shock and grief. It's regretful that he did not get to see you...he would have been really delighted to see you. But you know what? The knowledge that you're coming out soon brought hope and anticipation to your granduncles and aunts as they pine for their lost little brother. You are the little rainbow that brings them hope in this unexpected storm...

Daddy and I were reminded again that you are God's gift of the rainbows of promises...

Link

开始倒数了…

2005-09-10T01:02:00.000+08:00

彤彤：今天宋医生说妈妈现在要每隔一个星期复诊，因为彤彤很快就要出世了。爸爸、妈妈都很期待快点见到你呢。

Week 16

2005-06-10T22:00:00.000+08:00

Link

Link

Week 12

2005-05-12T22:00:00.000+08:00

Link

Week 9

2005-04-21T22:00:00.000+08:00

Link

First time we saw you...

2005-04-01T22:00:00.000+08:00

Link

Our Little Rainbow

Faith Can Read

Big Sister

Faith in Roller Blades

Jesus' Ressurection -- Faith's Version

Flush!

About Jesus

Faith is 3!

姐妹情深

Reading Aloud

School

抱着你们的感觉

New Hiding Place

Growing Pains

Big Smiles for Tiny Achievements :)

First Haircut

20个月又两天

Faith is 20 month old

Big Foot Baby! ^O^

Ask me...

Development

Happy Year of the Pig *OINK OINK* <'@'> !

Faith feeds herself! :)

Growth Spurts

Heart Attack!!!

Faith is 10 months old!

Giant Playmate

Faith's 1st Little Tikes

Sleeping Close to Mommy

Faith is 9 months old

Breast Fest 2006

Cousin Li Yi turned 1 year old

A moment that only belongs to us...

Roll Over!!!

Lunch at Starbucks

Faith Drinks from a Cup

Baby Food DIY

Bounce!

Happy Family...Always :)

Lazing Faith

Potty

Amen!!!

First Trip to the Zoo

Updates on Faith

Guess What She's Eating?

Yummy ;q' Home Made Baby Food!

Home at last...

No Breast Milk!!! :(

Daddy's Not Home

New Sleep Association

Fun at Gymboree!!!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Books for Faith

Faith's Attempt to Crawl

Faith's First Passport Photo

Faith had fun!!!

Fixed!!!

Faith is baptised!!!

Faith is 12 weeks 3 days old!

Faith is 12 weeks old!

Christening Gown

Infant Care

Faith has grown...

Faith's First Pacifiers (25 days old)

Baby Sling (21 days old)

19 days old

18 days old

Sunbathing Faith (10 days old)

First trip to the supermarket (7 days old)

Our Little Rainbow is born!

5 days old

4 days old

3 days old

Music...

Week 35

开始倒数了…

Week 16

Week 12

Week 9

First time we saw you...

Happy Year of the Pig OINK OINK <'@'> !