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Before all, please be warned that the following video might cause discomfort as the daddy is half naked and nipple can be seen, opps!

Anyway the pair of father and son love to snug at the corner of the couch after dinner with the daddy offering his favourite MMC on his Iphone. Out of a sudden one day, the daddy was giggling and when I turned, what greeted me made me laughed out loud as well.

This is what Zethan did....with his favourite chou chou (stinky pillow)

JBCG

Jacob Ballas Children Garden which is part of Botanic Garden.

Have been reading about it for quite a long while but due to one reason or another, it always turned out the trip planned to check the place out was foiled (mainly it's the daddy who always give thousand one reason not to go due to laziness which is highly contagious!)

so finally today, I insisted that we go check out this awesome place for some waterplay since the weather is freaking hot and took the chance for Zethan to breathe in some fresh air, be a kampong kid?

As we prepare to leave the house, things are not looking up with the dark clouds overcast, thunder roaring, drizzling when we reached the void deck! Despite the 'uncertainty', I insisted to travel there cos who know we might be lucky and it might not be raining in that area. As we travel closer to our destination, luck appear to be with us as the weather is all bright and sunny. Found a parking lot fast and decide to check out JBCG first before coming out for some snacks at the Kidz cafe.

Took a short walk around the garden, stopping briefly at the sandpit (which he simply hate it, not even willing to go close by, not much improvement since JG hol camp), The treehouse, Suspension bridge etc before approaching the waterplay area since time is running out soon. Zethan is very reserved initially, very skeptical when his shoes are being removed as he clings on like a koala again (remember he hates to be on the ground barefooted). So we decide not to change him into his suit lest he totally refuse to get down.

Slowly but surely, he warmed up and started playing the the jets of water. Having said that, he do not wish to be near the crowd and is very cautious when 'strangers' walked near him. He ensure that both of us are within sight while having a whale of time exploring with the water jets! After about 30mins or so, we decide to make a move in case he catch a chill which is no joke. Guess what, he refused to be changed and when changed, demand to hold his daddy's hand and wanted to advance towards the fountain again! The daddy had to whisk him off and out of the garden immediately.

In a nutshell, it is an enjoyable outing though some parts of the garden will be more interesting for older children. But hey, it's always good to have some greenery, some fresh air for urban children especialy Zethan who is apparently very much of a shopping baby. Highly recommended to bring your children for some fun and exploration. Definitely encourage all children of any age to check out the place as we are definitely returning for more!

p/s ~ remember to bring along some mozzie patches for both adults and kiddos. we got bitten more than Zethan though which is a blessing??!!

M.I.L.K

Zethan asked for milk voluntarily.

I was on the living room couch when he walked out from the bedroom.

Pulled my hand and led us to the dining table. Assuming that he wants to have the toy phone on the table, passed it to him of which he shaked his head.

Demand to be carried and point to the steriliser.

I asked ~ Do you want milk?

Zethan sign MILK!

Doors

Zethan is obsessed with doors which just started today but as it is oready driving me nutz!

He tip toed to reach for the bedroom door handle, give it a pull and viola, the door is open. Of course the fun kicked in when he open and shut the door, I read it as simply waiting for accidents to happen!

Then come the fridge door. Our freezer is at the lower deck thus at the perfect height for him to open and shut. Mum spotted him pulling out the ice tray and trying to taste the ice cube, please catch me from fainting. with that, the safety gate got to be relocated to the entrance of kitchen. Zethan must have felt missing the kitchen as he tried hard to squeeze thru when we are entering the kitchen.

It does not stop here. He is even attempting the storeroom door. And yes he succeed in opening and shutting the door of which I shut him in it! Yell and cry inside certainly but doubt he will remember his lesson. Can you imagine how heavy the door is (for a toddler) yet he could open it.

This afternoon, I was in the kitchen hanging out laundry. Realising he is nowhere in sight, called out to him but no response. Knew for sure he must have some mischief up his sleeve. He appear moments later with his pacifier and stinky pillow. But wait, are they not supposed to be in the playpen the last seen? My heart skipped a beat or two. Most probably Zethan have climbed in the playpen to reach for them and getting out all by himself again!

Gosh, sounds like eyes must be on him 24/7 with the only exception when he is sleeping. Even though sleeping, have to peek in on him regularly to ensure he is not awake and attempting to climb out again!

19 mos

It feels almost like just yesterday with a bump waiting excitedly for the arrival of the little guy, anxious over the 1st sign of labour, how contractions feel like, the tolerance to labouring......

but hey that's talking about a good 19 months ago and everything appear to go by in a flash. in this post, I am not going to talk much about Zethan's progress since there isn't much update so perhaps to pen down my thoughts will be interesting.

Zethan is now about 83cm, temperamental, demanding, excel in large motor skill, require improvements in fine motor skill, more need to be done in the department of speech. He has learned to kiss mummy when asked for it with a pouty mouth, can even use his hands to draw my head closer for a kiss. How heartwarming! Just few days ago, apparently he gave me a huge shock of my life by climbing out of his playpen (not to my knowledge and apparently no indication on how he did it) and he love to climb the dining chair to get to the dining. Don't ask me what captivated his interest on the table. He mouthed 'more' once or twice either trying to tell no more or wants to have more. he has a pointed buttock which 'prevent' him from sitting down for more than a minute or two (casting the thought of hyperactivity aside!)

okay now back to ME, how about my thoughts and journey through motherhood. when I see him in my arms following his arrival, the feeling is surreal. I have become a mummy after been through a roller coaster of emotions filled with worries, happiness, excitement. End of the day I am truely glad to be blessed with a healthy infant.

Zethan has not been a easy baby to start with which make the care giving really tricky.Never would I have thought I would face huge difficulties in handling this little being. The enormous self confidence came crashing down and started to doubt my own ability as a mother. Breastfeeding is a total big failure which is utterly upsetting. my tolerance in terms of patience have been pushed to the max and have to be reminded by my mum that perhaps I should not have such high expectation of the little guy. His self declared dieting aka milk strike sent me spiralling down south, I was totally close to the brim of a breakdown.

Untill this point of time, there are many moments when I still feel like a failure being a mother. Unable to apprehend and read the cues and signs of Zethan which might have save us from alot of meltdowns and frustrations. Do I understand my own child? Do I have to practise anger management? Can I stop myself from yelling like a runaway case from woodbridge? of course these are part and parcel of motherhood and it is only a matter of how much 'experience' one is being put through. So yes I have roughed it out or put it this way, roughing out still in progress, struggling with motherhood and what's next to come.

There have been many instances which serves as reminders on how precious should this child be. Having been through a miscarriage and devestation, Zethan should be regarded as a blessing. Witnessing the unfortunate children around especially those whom I have met during my course of work, the sick children reminded me further on the fact that I should treasure Zethan more and is fortunate to be blessed with good health.

Motherhood have made me a much more vulnerable person and I am easily being flooded with emotions over the slightest little thing. The advanced tear ducts are 'activated' at the sight of elderly earning a living, young children crossing the road and the heart sunk.

Everyday experiences resemble that to a lucky draw, you never know what to expect, will it be a lucky day or otherwise. On good days, the wonderful bonding and time spent with him make me regret for not being a SAHM to devote more of my time in his growing up years and the lack of participation in it. On bad trying days, the frustration can be a killer and the regrets of having such a difficult child set in.

Whatever the case is, the fact remain that he is still my child, my precious one. Happy 19 monthsary! Love you always, darling!

Weekend

Tried to blog this post using Iphone but failed miserably!

Last weekend was an extended weekend thanks to National Day. Happy 45th Birthday Singapore!

Plans in the pipeline to have a good mix of rest as well as activities, taking full advantage of the 3 days.

Sat ~ went on the very 1st bus ride as seen in earlier post. afternoon was spend at home for Zethan's nap before getting out of the house for dinner. Had claypot rice at Clementi which is yumz only after a long waiting time of supposed estimated 1hr but end up being served after 20mins. off to IMM for grocery shopping. grabbed some striploin for Zethan and foodstuff for dinner since highly chance all will be under house arrest especially at night for the next 1 month. Reason for so being the coming of 7th month which is Hungry Ghost Festival and young children are advised not to be out at night say after 7pm.

Sun ~ took the chance to have breakfast but this little guy certainly has a mind of his own. The usual hotcake was rejected after less than 1/2 a portion but took to junkie french fries which he usually reject! As he missed his morning nap, doze off almost immediately in the car seat. Had wanted to bring him to Farmart to look at the farm animals but since he is napping, detour to nearby farm to grab some fresh vegetables. He must be really tired as he did not wake at all from arriving at Farmart till getting back into the car to head home. Head home to expect the 'delivery' of prayer stuff.

Mon ~ it is going to be a busy day! Zethan had a gathering with his buddies as part of celebration for National Day. All the kids are decked in red and white. The adults had popiah party thanks to Aunty Ophe for the preparation while mummy bought durians and Aunty Sue Lin brought B&J ice cream and Bundaberg. Healthy and yummy popiah, testing everybody's popiah wrapping skill!

The kiddos had Art and Craft post lunch and was made to paint a handdawn flag on a huge carton box. despite having a brush, Zethan made it very clear to avoid at all cost while Caleb and Cayden had a great time creating their masterpiece. Okay, after a long while, Zethan picked up the brush and 'painted' a stroke on the newspaper simply because he is trying to flunk the brush off!

Oh, one more thing, Zethan is behaving like a big terror! He pushes little Caleb which made him cry, chase after good old Frosty giving a spank or two, snatching toys with Cayden. Gosh, what happen to him!

Next coming up will be the family photoshoot with grandma and Jiu Jiu's family. Zethan wasn't very cooperative during the shoot, refusal to sit not to mention following 'instructions'. It was no easy feat to distract him or draw his attention to the camera. It did not help when the assistant photographer is trying all her might at the top of her voice calling out to him. See the thing is that, would you think it will be more effective for the parents to try and draw the child's attention or a stranger coming up with funnie animals sounds or whatsoever she is doing.

Mummy is not very happy with this shoot and to make matter worst, it was a very rush rush job and everything was over and done with in less than an hour for 5A2C which is unbelievable. The impression given was so long as photos are snapped and there is at least 2-3 nice / presentable shot, rushed on to the next set. She is very doubtful that the turnout will be good though with almost zero expectation, fingers crossed for a nice family portrait which is the 1st for the family.

Dinner at Thomson and was greeted with a pleasant surprise when a convoy of tankers, SAF vehicles, emergency vehicles drove past. Felt really patriotic for the 1st time when everybody was waving at each other, really cool man!

Bus

Mummy took Zethan all alone for their very 1st bus ride adventure together yesterday. She decide not to drive ever so frequently in order to have different experiences with Zethan.

It was indeed a very interesting experience as she is able to observe Zethan's expressions, speak to him during the bus ride. That aside, this being mummy's bus ride after like perhaps 8 years, the bus is simply horrendous. Can you imagine the whole feeling like an oven despite a gloomy day post morning shower. Zethan is perspiring like mad in the bus and it was such a relief to alight the bus as it feels like aircon in the open versus aircon bus!

Even though the short journey, minus the very warm aircon bus, mummy somehow feel a great sense of achievement. Weird as it may sound as it is considered as very simple task and almost like everyday affair to many. This bus ride is apparently enjoyable and she is glad to be able to handle the whole situation. Zethan should have enjoyed the ride too without much fuss and no embarrassing moments for both.

More bus rides to come with confidence! Next will be train ride!