July 2018

Shayne is in primary one this year and Nathanael is K1….our boys have grown up so fast, lots of firsts.

Shayne started helping out in the kitchen for meals, simple stuff like preparing cutleries, while Nat gets everyone water. Just last weekend though Shayne progressed to helping plate the food (a simple burger meal) – placing bread, cheese etc. On food, the kids love golden brown garlic and onions – looks like mummy and I have to share what is left from meals. Shayne starting to cope better with mild spice, and Nat not wanting to be left behind is starting to as well. Also we are now able to leave the boys at home alone for extended periods (to have a meal outside) and also the boys are able to go around the neighborhood and return on their own (though Nat needs Shayne, and Shayne needs to keep a watch on time better). About 4 months ago, just after CNY, nanny had mixed up Shayne’s school dismissal time, and Shayne being thought it was not a big deal – he walked to nanny’s house from school on his own. It did not cross his mind to get to the school office and call, but took it upon himself to brave crossing busy streets and carparks on his own. I was proud and at the same time horrified with the what-ifs….

Nat is getting better with spelling, still need quite a bit of help. He loves singing and dancing and his spontaneity is something I admire. One of our favorite past time together is to call out to each other and then keep quiet or say “Nothing!!”, or mimic a  bird call we often hear from our roof terrace. We decided that Emily (Nat’s soft toy penguin) is the one calling out LOL!!

Mummy is getting better with her runs, her maiden 10K run last weekend after her maiden 5K run the week before. Really proud of her grit and determination to break barriers. Mummy is on her usual nerdy self on algorithms, this time in solving Rubik’s cube. Shayne seeing Mummy’s interest decided that he will use his own money to buy Mummy a Rubik’s cube for her birthday.

What happened next

Things went smoothly, couldn't ask for better looking back. Although the wait was filled with anxiousness....New home setup in Sept, family love the house to bits. Extended family loves visiting, may be the place for most gatherings.

Fast forward to Feb this year, our big H is reaching its decade birthday, guess sadly may have to let it go since it has potential issues with Takata airbags. Did lots of number crunching, thinking using heart and logic - Ole put together a brilliant spreadsheet to make decision easier and a rational one at that. Off we go to start choosing from the shortlist......

From Basement to Roof

Been some time, many things have changed. We are so comfortable in life - family, work, finances etc. A new goal had somehow piqued our interest and hope - thanks to a visit to my sister's condo. One thing led to another and now we are in the midst of trying to sell our house and move to a property we love......and again we find ourselves facing some obstacles. With the obtaining of a particular approval comes some relieve, but somehow it was temporary in a way as we get overly anxious about selling our current home. We are too used to be in control, when things are decided outside our control we are not used to it. Well we pray for calm and peace and hope this pulls through soon..........................

A gift from my dearest

The picture tells it all I guess.....

Balance between wants and sanity

Pretty easy one, many would say,
Considering the wants is just an individual want,
Not an entire unit's need,
And may affect else's wants for the unit
Is it selfishness, greed or pride?
This is why the decision is hard.
Come May, come what may.

What is the big deal?

Waking up in the middle of the night, you’ll only have to do it maybe 5-6 months of your child’s life? How many kids is one going to have that this is such a big deal? Tired you may be, then what is waking up to watch a champions league match called?

Is it such a big sacrifice to help out and be supportive of your wife when she is pregnant or nursing? That is a wife’s basic entitlement and a husband’s role– remember through thick and thin? What is the use of a husband if he thinks that this is bonus if he has to play the role of a loving husband and father? Is it so difficult to put aside your hobby, leisure activities etc to be there when your wife needed you the most? She might as well raise a family without you if you still demand for your own time…..

Do you know what true love is?

When you really love someone;
There will be no sacrifice;
There will be no compromise;
That person will be the one;

You commit your life to;
And time to;

There is no such thing as giving up interests;
You put aside self interests;
There is no such thing as own space;
In the heart a shared space;

You do not leave your loved one;
To face hardship alone;

That, I believe is what true love is;
Not just occasional gesture of love;
And not just a façade you show to friends and family.

Dear Shayne....

Welcome to this world;
This is what your old man need you to know;
7th of June 2011 is the date you have to fill in many forms to come;
Not many will know;
But you have to remember 12:28;
Weighing 3.425, not 3.428;
You are still 6 days old;
Many more years with us to come.

after a long time

haven't been writing anything on this page for a good 18 months. how time flies. so much has changed, and this time something so special in me and olea's life..........

i guess, after so many years together, we know it is time and we are ready. not too much worries, just trusting God to provide the best. I will always take care of you my dear no matter what, and I'll always pray for you to have good health. Amen.

We have decided!!!!

And we are happy.
Booked on 14th Feb;
Collected on 28th Feb;