A Blessed New Arrival

Over the weekend, I finally, finally had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of a very special little man.

Meet my little nephew, Baby E.

Baby E pictured here with my own baby Mei, looking like a real giant beside her tiny new cousin.

After suffering from PPROM, my dear sister, by God's grace, spent a heroic 8 weeks (!!!) in the hospital before the onset of contractions. After weeks of uncertainty, little E was born after 33 weeks of gestation. A preemie, he was, but if he had showed us anything from his eventful stay in his mummy's womb, it is that he is a strong one. He had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks, but he improved steadily, coming off oxygen quickly and transitioning from feeding tube to bottle to being able to nurse directly.

Thinking back on the fear and uncertainty we lived through in the days following the PPROM episode, I truly marvel how the Lord's provision can be seen every step of the way, from the milestones hit and the prayers answered. As we learnt to let go of what we could not control and lift them up to Him, He met the desires of our hearts and prepared the new parents for the task ahead. Baby E's name had been decided a long time ago, long before the new parents realised what a testimony his entry into the world would be. Elijah: The Lord Jehovah is my God. Indeed.

Only parents and grandparents are allowed in the NICU so Saturday was the first time I and my excited little daughter were able to meet our little nephew/cousin (Noey was down with a fever and I decided it was probably best that he didn't come along.) Baby E mostly slept through our visit but Mei hung around gently stroking his head and watching Kong Kong feed baby E. I'm sure she'll be an excellent Jiejie to him and equally sure that she cannot wait to boss him around.

Welcome to the family little one!

Waiting on His Mercy and Grace

There are many things we take for granted -- that I used to take for granted. Like smooth pregnancies, which both of mine were, the general aches and pains and heartburn notwithstanding. And my kids, happy, healthy and active, and delivered without any major complications. I had assumed that the first trimester of pregnancy was when you tiptoed around a bit, and that once you eased into the second trimester, you could breathe more easily and enjoy the process.

It isn't me but my sister who is expecting, and our whole family has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my little nephew. Right now however, I think all of us are more than happy to continue waiting. At only 24 weeks of gestation, my sister's water bag broke. Where most of my family had not previously heard of PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes), we now know it acutely. My sister was rushed to the hospital and warded. She was put on bed rest, her only reprieve being to use the bathroom and take her showers. She was at risk of very early preterm delivery and of infection, both to herself and to the baby, which would bring further complications.

It has been nearly 6 weeks since.

Squashy little crustless quiches that I made for her to celebrate her crossing the 28th week milestone.

Against the odds, by God's grace, both my sister and baby have been able to hang in there as we play the waiting game. While over 80% of PPROM sufferers deliver within a week of their waters breaking, she has held out for more than 5 weeks, giving baby the much needed time to grow and develop. It hasn't been easy -- the confinement, the physical discomfort from not being able to sleep comfortably, the occasional setbacks, and the mental stress of worry has been hard for my sister. 

But through it all, we have seen God's grace and mercy, and His provision. The rest of the family all activated our support networks for prayers, and our friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, responded in kind. God has been faithful in return. Through each difficult moment, there were timely words, encouraging personal testimonies, and friends who reached out to offer support. My sis has good consultants on her case and the care she has received at the hospital has been wonderful. The Lord has continued to sustain her and baby through this difficult period. Truly, His mercies never come to an end.

For my kids, whole experience has been eye-opening. For starters, they are now rather familiar with the hospital and the cool mechanics of the hospital bed. My sister showed them the controls, much to my mother's disapproval. Heh. Their next favourite thing is now the water dispenser around the corner from the room, and they have been hankering for the playground they spotted. For these reasons, I usually try to visit on my own without them! But more than just fun, it has been an opportunity for them to share care and concern. I didn't know how much they could understand but we have been praying for their Yiyi and cousin and after one of the visits, when I asked Noey what he was thankful for, he told me that he was "thankful that Yiyi and her baby are safe and doing well". This instead of his usual "I'm thankful I got an ice-cream today"-type reports made me rather proud of him.

A card Noey made for his Yiyi.

We don't know how long it will be before my little nephew decides to make his appearance. God willing, it might be a while more. We are not out of the woods yet, but we wait, trusting that God to carry us through. If you're reading this, do say a little prayer for my sister and little nephew, yah?

Trampoline Fun at Amped

Something we finally managed to do during the school holidays that has been on my list for a while: get jumping at Amped Trampoline Park!

A jumpdate was arranged with the cousins during their great-grandma's 88th birthday celebration and the kids turned up at Katong a couple of Fridays ago, excited and ready for some jumping action.

Ready for some bouncing action!

It didn't take them long to get started! They took one look at the room lined with trampolines and I didn't have to encourage them -- they were off bouncing as soon as they could!

If you haven't heard, Amped Trampoline Park is exactly what it's name suggests: a 5,000 square feet space covered by interconnected trampolines. Trampolines cover the ground and the part of the walls too, and in one corner, there is pit full of foam blocks that you can bounce right into. Just do what comes naturally and jump! There are crew members present who would be willing to pop in with some tips and teach you a trick or two if you ask. 

Noey and I spent a lot of time challenging each other to hop across the mats, and do various tricks like bouncing from a standing-to-sitting-to-standing position, and jumping up to side wall trampolines and back again, after watching the crew at work.

Mei was just as happy to bounce along though she probably enjoyed lying down and having me bounce her around on the mat best. She also tried to get in line to be taken to the top of the parkour wall in the corner but I stepped in to stop her from being stranded at the top!

Attempting a knee-bounce

Noey's cousin S shows how you get up high!

Noey attempts a flip, that turned out more like a forward roll. Good try nonetheless!

Mei sneaks into the queue to get up the parkour wall.  

Getting bounced by Mummy!

In the soft squishy foam blocks. It was incredibly soft! I was a bit apprehensive at first but when I realised it definitely cushioned your fall well, I was making big leaps and diving in.

Taking a beak at the side!

 

This sign made Noey laugh.

It was tiring but SO MUCH FUN that we extended for another hour after our scheduled session, jumping for 2 hours in total! And were totally drenched with sweat by the end of it. Thankfully I had the foresight to bring along powder and a change of clothes for everyone. (Well, almost everyone -- I forgot my own change of clothes. Ugh.) The kids are definitely already planning their next visit.

Much needed water thereafter!

If you're planning to go, here is some quick, useful information:

1. Amped has two venues: Jurong and Katong.
   
2. The per person charge at Katong for entry and one hour of jumping fun costs: $9 on Mondays, $12 on Tues to Fri (before 6pm), $15 on Fri (after 6pm) to Sun. Tickets cost $1 more for every category at Jurong. This is because the Jurong facility is fully air-conditioned, whereas in Katong, there is air-conditioning only in the sitting area. I didn't realise this before we went or I might have picked Jurong instead.
   
3. Kids 3 and under are required to be accompanied by an adult and there is no charge for this adult. So I only needed two tickets for my two kids and I.
   
4. Monday 3pm - 7pm is a special time slot for kids 11-years and under. If you're going with littles, you might like to go at this time when it might be safer for them. It is also the cheapest time slot!
   
5. It is possible to walk-in and get tickets but it is highly recommended that you book ahead online at ampedsingapore.com as there is a capacity limit for each time slot. It is an extra step but I think it's great that they limit the numbers for each session to ensure that everyone has space to jump comfortably.
   
6. Remember to complete the e-waiver online before arriving and bring your ID for verification of this. 
   
7. Entry comes with one bottle of very-much-appreciated cold water. Help yourself to the water in the fridge.
   
8. Socks are required. Non-slip socks (if you have them) are ideal since it makes it easier for you to keep your balance, especially if you jump on the side walls.
   
9. Jurong and Katong have different slightly different operating hours so if you're counting on doing a walk-in, do check before you turn up.

Have fun!

Amped Trampoline Park
ampedsingapore.com
Katong 369 Tanjong Katong Road (Level 2) Singapore 437126 Tel: 8669 4894	Jurong Yo:ha, 200 Jurong East Avenue 1 (Level 2) Singapore 609789 Tel: 8126 3801

Happy 88th Birthday Mama!

DD's sweet little grandmother turned 88 on the 6 June, and just about the whole family turned up to celebrate.

It was dinner for everyone at Ah Yat's Seafood at Turf City. My first time there and I was surprised to find that it was HUGE! And packed on a Friday night. The food wasn't bad -- seafood is always good in my books -- and with the reasonable pricing, I guess I could see the draw! 

Before dinner, the kids had a great time checking out all the seafood in the tanks outside at Unique Seafood Market. There were all varieties of weird and wonderful seafood on sale which patrons can purchase to have cooked at either Ah Yat's Seafood or Owen Seafood nearby. It was a very interesting concept and the prices were really quite reasonable. I made a mental note to come back to check it out.

Seafood aside, what the kids enjoyed best was the time spent with their cousins. The four little ones played their own games and made a bit of a ruckus, prompting disapproving stares. 

And when it came time to sing cut the cake and sing the birthday song, you can bet they were up there to help out. Dear Meips then surprised everyone including her Chor Ma by throwing her arms around her for a hug.

(Kids dressed in their Fox best, including little Jaja in his Brazil jersey!)

Happy birthday dear Mama! You are very well-loved.

Bali, Hi

How sweet it is to be… on vacation.

Would you believe it's our first time back in Bali since we visited once in, erm, 2003. Then it was shortly after the Bali bombings, we stayed in Nusa Dua, and were harassed to death by touts everywhere. We left unimpressed.

This time, oh, it's been lovely.

It's back to my cocktails and milkshakes for me. Ciao!

* The kids have been kindly dressed by Fox Kids and Babies, who join us as a clothing sponsor for next few months. More on that -- and more clothes -- when I get back!

Linking up with:

Get Hooked on Fish & Co's Mother's Day Platter

Here's a friendly public service announcement: In case you haven't yet realised it, Mother's Day is just around the corner!

I must admit that I never truly appreciated all that my Mum did - and is still doing - for me until I became a mum myself. That's the way it is with most kids, isn't it? You just tend to take your parents and the things they do for you for granted. That's definitely something that I'm still working to correct. 

So when Fish & Co recently held an early Mother's Day event, I decided that who I really wanted to bring along was my Mum and not my kids. In fact, I decided to leave the kids at home to spend some proper quality time with my mother, and I asked my sister along to make it a girls' night out. 

It was the first time in a while that I'd been to the Fish & Co outlet at the glass house beside Park Mall, and I'd forgotten what a charming location it is. My mum teased me about how she and my Dad used to bring my siblings and I to this same glass house in its previous incarnation as TGI Friday's and I think she appreciated the fact that it was I who was the one bringing her back there this time for a treat at Fish & Co.

That night, we were treated to Fish & Co's latest addition to the menu just for Mother's Day: the Mom's Platter.

Featuring generous portions of succulent king prawns, juicy scallops, calamari and more regular prawns, all deliciously grilled, the Mom's Platter also includes Fish & Co's very own unique creation of curry butter clams. All these served on a bed of servings of their signature paella rice and chips. If you enjoy their Seafood Platter (like I do), this is definitely an upgraded and upsized version of that. All three of us enjoyed it and I especially liked not having any little hands around to fight me for the chips.

The Mom's Platter filled the three of us nicely and but if you've got a heartier appetite than we do, aside from ordering other side dishes, you can also pick some of Top Ups to add to your dish like Grilled Giant Squid, Crab Cake, Swordfish Collar, or Scallop. 

It was a great evening, as we got to enjoy yummy food and enjoy good uninterrupted conversation for a couple of hours. That we got to dress up for pictures at the Fabfoto photo booth and get a cartoon caricature of ourselves done was a bonus.

Fish & Co's Mom's Platter will be available from 4 May to 11 May 2014, at all Fish & Co outlets. Priced at $65, it is ideal for sharing and is suitable for up to 3 pax. What's more, in appreciation of all mothers, Fish & Co will be offering a complimentary Fish & Co membership with every purchase of a Mom's Platter. Membership perks include 15% points rebate on your spending all year round (20% points rebate in your birthday month), and priority reservations, amongst other things. It sounds pretty good to me! 

From this bunch of zany blogger mums to you, Happy Mother's Day! And thanks Fish & Co for the treat!

 

Phuket and Langkawi Stopover with Costa Victoria

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the new year, I forgot to share that my post on the adventures that we got up to in Phuket and Langkawi during our 4-night cruise on board the Costa Victoria is up on TheSmartLocal!

We were able to spend nearly a full day in Phuket and half a day in Langkawi, and I think we managed to make the most of it. Our stopover in Phuket was particularly memorable thanks to an elephant trekking tour that we took. Everyone loved it and it was easily the as I had arranged an elephant trekking tour, which we all enjoyed. It was easily the highlight of our trip. For more details, hop on over here: Phuket and Langkawi Stopover with Costa Victoria.

CNY 2014 Festivities

I don't know about you, but it's taken me a few days to recover from the madness that is Chinese New Year.

I always dread Chinese New Year because there's always so much to do and our schedule is packed to the brim. Coming from a family that does a ton of visitations then marrying into a family that does the same does not an easy Chinese New Year make. It took my parents a long time to adjust to the fact that I would not be able to join in the big extended family gatherings on my Dad's side on Chinese New Year Eve and on 初一. It didn't sit well, especially when there were grandchildren that they wanted to show off and be involved in the festivities.

Please, don't make us visit anymore!

It's taken a while (8 years!!) for us to reach the kind-of compromise position that we have now. I was in fact overjoyed to realise this year that my parents have shifted a couple of more significant visits to relatives that I actually know and like to 初二 as it meant that I would be able to join them. As a result, our schedule extended to five stops on the first day and another five stops on the second. We were all so tired at the end of it. But it was worth it. Primarily because it kept my parents happy, but also because I actually enjoyed meeting the relatives and friends that we visited. That's what makes it meaningful, isn't it? 

And ok, I really enjoyed all the good food that we got to eat!

CNY 初一 lunch at my MIL's. Always the best meal of the season. This isn't even everything -- it's missing the steamed fish, my MIL's awesome 猪肚汤, and the 发菜。

Nomi showing how this amazing soup -- brewed over three days, mind you -- ought to be drunk. Mmmmm.

As for the kids, they got lots of yu sheng, got to eat a copious amount of unauthorised snacks and treats, and got to watch a shocking amount of television. Oh, and let's not forget the many ang pows they got. I'd say they had a good time.

The kids 拜年 for Kong Kong and Popo. This year Noey is a champ with his phrases -- 新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，龙马精神！-- while Nomi manages with some prompting.

Upon the laps of some of the people who love them best.

A kiss for Papa!

With their great-grandma! 

Noey with Nai-nai. And you see why he doesn't appear in too many of my pictures these days. This is what I get when I ask him to smile!

Unintentionally matchy-matchy with little S, my Dad's cousin's grandson, on初二! The two boys were pretty amused by the coincidence!

Really yummy yu sheng from Peach Garden, which cost a whopping $98! 

Lo hei! Nomi gets in on the action with her ONE chopstick.

(I forgot to take a pic of the steamboat at my parent's place, which is my favourite steamboat meal because of all the 'ho liao' (好料). Sigh!)

Celebrating 姨丈's birthday but you can guess who monopolised the candle!

Our "simple lunch" on 初三 (according to my MIL clearly, not me!) 

Stepping in her father's shoes - literally.

It was crazy, but it was good. Now I'm just glad I don't have to do that for another year! 

I hope your Chinese New Year was good as well. Have a 马-vellous year ahead! (Couldn't resist! Heh!)

Christmas Time Is Here

 I wasn't really ready for Christmas, but it came anyway. And you know what? We had a great time. 

My homemade Christmas crackers (a clever idea by my friend Jasmine) and the aftermath!

We didn't have a big Christmas this year. Just a couple of gatherings with people who meant the most -- family, old friends, and not so old friends. We talked, we laughed, we played (or at least the kids did), and we ATE. Aside from ham which I made three times this year, my Christmas feasting was mostly non-traditional: Sushi and Jap-inspired pasta with friends, Teppanyaki with the in-laws, Dim Sum lunch with my family, and Steamboat with the girls. It was awesome, not the least because we didn't have to endure paying cut-throat prices for seasonal food. I was telling the hubby that we should totally do the reverse during Chinese New Year and have Western food but my old man refused. Hah.

Of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to cook one large Christmas meal, which I managed to do, with some contributions from my Mum. She took care of the Angus Roast Beef and made a salad and some soup, while I whipped up some mash, a jap-insipred pasta, tackled the Ham, and tried something new: a Pork Knuckle. Nothing gets me excited like trying a new recipe, especially when trying to reproduce a family favourite!

After getting directions from the butcher and doing a bit of online research, I decide to follow this recipe. I salted the skin of the knuckle the night before generously as directed. "敢敢来!" said the butcher, so I that's what I did. And behold, the next day, the skin was nice and tight and dry. That's when I started getting excited. I seasoned the meat portion in the morning and added some extra seasoning to the skin before I stuck it in the oven. It cooked nicely for about 1 hr 15 min, then I turned the temp up to 220°C and hoped for the best. It was a bit scary cos I've rarely ever turned my oven that high. Didn't help that it started smoking! (It was from the oil dripping down from the meat and hitting the hot pan.) I gingerly hung around and when the skin turned a lovely golden colour, I decided to pull the knuckle out. On hindsight I probably could have left it in for a while more but I didn't want to risk it. But I was very happy with what I pulled out. The skin had a nice ring to it when I tapped it with a spoon and I knew it was going to be crispy. 

Port knuckle:  When I first put it in the oven and immediately after pulling it out!

Of course, the ultimate test is the taste test, and the verdict? It was really really yummy. (Yay.) The meat was tender and juicy while the skin had a good crunch to it. I'm definitely going to do this again -- and perfect it! It was a really good meal, if I may some myself.

The Christmas Feast

After all that food, we broke from past tradition and did the gift exchange and opening there and then, much to the delight of the children. They were certainly thoroughly spoilt, with gifts from my whole family. My parents and my sis and brother-in-law bought them so many gifts! It was a present bonanza.

Barbie! Her first, from her doting grandparents.

The orange Hot Wheels Lamborghini that he's been telling me about for a couple of weeks. His grandparents had brought him along to pick his own presents.

And the wall track to go with the cars! This has stayed on in my parents' house, to be played with when he's there.

Mr Men and Little Miss complete collections! Yay! A present from my sis and brother-in-law, at my request.

No Christmas is complete without Lego! This from my brother.

Meips favourite present of them all, and really the smallest one she received: a Hello Kitty pouch from my sister. I don't know how I managed to raise a Hello Kitty fan, but the the cat is definitely growing on me!

That was our Christmas, and I think it was a lovely way to end the year.