Movie Review - The King's Speech

Cast: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush

I didn't expect anything much from this movie - looking at its dull title, with an overwhelmingly good cast - I thought I'd give this movie a try.

Surprisingly, it wasn't as dull as its title and not as boring as I was warned. I suppose you MUST watch it when you're fresh and ready to "eat" lots of words!

I sat there watching it with my son and we were both enthused by the movie and Colin's spectacular performance mimicking the stuttering King George.

It was a moving story that went beyond words since you don't realise that a King needs to give many speeches during his reign as King and one needs to be authoritative to show POWER!

Colin certainly did that.

Recommend: **** A film to watch and well deserved Oscar nomination

Where has the Weekend gone??

Some weekends you plan to do many things, get soooo many things done and then Monday appears and you wonder "Where has the Weekend gone?"

This weekend I did have many things planned - like waking up early and taking the kids for pancakes at McDonalds. Do some grocery shopping and make sure we hit some balls at the driving range....but ended up doing.....?????

Woke up late (the whole household), planned to go for late pancakes but diverted to showrooms at Cheras. No pancakes for lunch but HK Kuey Teow instead. Went to sis-in-laws' - kids played with each other while adults sat down and chit-chat. Bid farewell to Lil Sis-in-law before her return to her new country. And got home, felt ill & took a nap!

Next morning, got up and went grocery shopping, went for lunch + shopping w kids. Hubby ended up shopping and kids got themselves a book each. Myself personally, I didn't shop (again!!! no surprise) At night, sat down to watch a HBO movie with kids until their bedtime (in between entertaining Daughter with her new sticker storybook) Then put on "Burlesque" in my room....until half-way Hubby wanted to watch Arsenal match!

Now I'm wondering - where has my weekend gone? I certainly didn't feel anything I did was productive / therapeutic.

We'll see the next weekend

THE NEW CHAPTER - Ep 1

End of 2010: December

It's been 2 months since we returned from UK. Hello Malaysia!! And already you can sense the pressure that is expected of us.

Dealing with Traffic:

It was horrifying on my first drive on Malaysian roads - yet AGAIN! Well....compared to the courteous, law-abidding drivers in UK - it is the complete opposite here. It was stressful from the moment you put your gear into D!

Somewhat like the cartoons you watch on Cartoon Network...cars swerving left right and center...everyone's in a rush....and NOT signalling! Overtaking left and right....NOT signalling!! Beating the lights....motorcyclists included!! And pedestrians J-walking everywhere!!! Of course we have an abundance of motorcyclists around compared to UK....and they are the most hazardous of the lot! I probably have to double check (triple check) everytime I want to switch lanes...JUST IN CASE...some unknown motorcyclist decides to overtake me, or squeeze in between cars. Next comes owners in 'little cars' like our Peroduas (the Kancil, the MyVi, the Kelisa....u name it!!) Any God forsaken 'little car' on the road is a sign of DANGER!!! Just like the motorcyclists, they loving squeezing between us big cars....and drive onto any road they can go through. Leave a space and u find a 'little car'!!!

Not forgetting our pedestrians who think that they can cross any road as they please....You wonder if they intentionally want to get HIT! Don't they love their lives? Are they on a mission to TEST us drivers?

It used to be that moving cars are PEST!! But now the scene has moved on into the parking lots. Again the culprits are 'little cars' and motorcyclists!!! Drive into a secured parking lot and you think people park decently in the yellow boxes???? INSTEAD...it's like a wholesale market of car parking indiscriminately anywhere they can fit their can into a space. THANK GOD...for some common sense they try not to obstruct oncoming traffic!!

Between beams of parking lots....(often not a designated parking space) at the curbside, ON the curbside......under ramps, along the ramps....u name it ...u find it!!! No matter how many CLAMPING ZONE signboards around, these drivers do not fear their vehicles being clamped for parking indiscriminately!!! Even signboards saying CLAMPING operational for 24 hours do not scare them....perhaps RM100 is not a high enough FINE?!!! Or they know the authorities do not REALLY operate for 24 hours...and they don't REALLY have enough clamps to go around!!!

Arrrggghhhh.....What's the use of all these LAWS when everyone breaks them and no one enforces them?

Responsibilities:

The moment we got back....we got a whole load more responsibilities to carry on our shoulders. Now it's no longer JUST THE 4 of US!!! It is the WHOLE FAMILY (plus extended generations)!!!

The marketing for household back to me. The cleaning and washing and cooking...back to me. I'm not talking about our 3 bedroom house.....small enough for 1 person to look after....the rooms have tripled and the people to feed have tripled as well!! The mess has probably quadrapled (if not more)!!!

That's only 1/4 of the story & responsibilities!!! Let's not start about those outside the house proper. Relatives, parents, in-laws, siblings, grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles.......Is that why the Europeans move out at 18-21? Once married they only worry about their own family? I once despised that attitude but sometimes there is some logic in that. However, as Asians, we have been raised into an integrated family ...and everything we do is AS A FAMILY!!! (inclusive of all extended family members) It's more FUN!!!

Don't get me wrong! I LOVE MY FAMILY & all its EXTENSIONS! But please, lift some of our burden and spread "the love"!

Nonetheless, the responsibilities are in abundance and shared amongst us!!!

Could just be too much to handle at the moment?

End of February 2011:

We've celebrated New Years' and have just welcomed the Year of the Rabbit!

Work has started for everyone - including the children. Hubby has secured a job (of which - into his 2nd month, he's still unsure if he wants to stay but boasts about his boss and clients). I have started my pupillage - which has its ups & downs - depending on the workload that I get.

Kids started school and enjoying the company of their friends. Son has developed and caught up with all his friends very fast. His schedule is ultra-busy every week and yet he leaves no time for rest over the weekend. I fear that he may not enjoy his childhood as he should. Daughter is picking up the Malay language fast. I'm sure she can soon form a sentence without an English word in it. She already understands Malay pretty well so we can't speak of her in Malay anymore.

Back to the question - Are we happy?

The start was a bit rough for everyone but we've overcomed it and gotten used to our routine...and I dare say we're happy (the Asian Family-kinda-way)

By that I mean, non-stop parenting and dedication. We struggle when it comes to dealing with the unexpected but at the end of the day, we continue doing what we do best - Being a Family! Weekends are now strictly for us to spend time with the Kids! If it means taking them out for a meal, I'll do it....if it means just taking them out (even if it is to the Car Wash) i'll do it because I know they need time with me!

So no matter what, I reserve my weekends with my Kids!

The Beginning of THE NEW CHAPTER

Obviously it's been ages since I wrote in this blog....which simply means that I have lots of stories to tell.

Going by the Blog title "Where stories Never End"......This New Chapter embarks upon a journey filled with joy, laughter, ambition, stress, worries....and much more! Life itself will have no meaning without all the jumbled-up emotions that we face, experience and overcome each day.

Taking baby steps out into the urban jungle... I brave myself to face the challenges that lie ahead! With many unexpected events, it will not only make me stronger, but definitely make me WISER!

2009-2010: My Disappearance

It was a very BIG decision to move to UK. The family, the kids, the husband - the sacrifice that each of us had to make. Leaving the loved ones behind, we embarked on an adventure to the other side of the world - The United Kingdom!

Off we went to relocate at Bristol. We based ourselves about 10mins away from the university...and 30mins from the Florence of England - BATH. We settled in pretty quickly...scouted for nurseries around the area and found 2 ideal ones for each kid. Even though they were separated during the day, they still remained the closest of buddies at other times. Despite their rows and disputes, they still look for each other in times of need. That's how we raised them - the great sibling bonding!

Nonetheless, they settled in the fastest. IT was all a great adventure for them - new experience, culture, friends and routine. No doubt it was toughest for us parents and even tougher for their father. Mother feels blessed to have such an understanding person for a partner. (Aren't I fortunate?)

We were very happy - just the 4 of us - without all the complications of extended families & intrusions into our personal lives. All we had to do was take care of ourselves ; our family (the 4 of us). Then there was a 5th person - the youngest grandma in the family - that joined us for 6 mths. How blessed Mother feels again that she has help at home....and especially to mind her kids. (Aren't I fortunate?) Upon reflection, I couldn't have done it without them!!

So now it was the 5 of us ...and still things are no complicated. Life was SIMPLE!! No great expectations and overburdens ...and stressing about other people...All we had to do was take care of 5 of us!! WE WERE HAPPY!

Indeed we had less quarrels and more comprising....the communication was better....the kids even had time to see Father and PLAY with him. There was plenty of laughter at home...Life was SIMPLE! No doubt we felt like newlyweds AGAIN!

Every moment spent in UK will always be cherished forever. Indeed....we also owe it to our favourite person - Nanny. Nanny made us feel at home abroad. Nanny made us feel welcomed...fed us with all the English food she could cook. Sonny's fav was her Roast Lamb! Nanny's visits to us - though a few - put smiles across the kids' face!!! They entertained her to their heart's content; and Nanny never failed to disappoint them!! Nanny exposed them to British culture...their 1st Xmas, their 1st snowfall, their 1st Roast!!! We love Nanny!

Of course there were times when we struggled...it wasn't just Mother or Father...everyone faced their dull moments. But we overcomed it with Love and Support from each other.

It was sad to leave our Britannia Crescent (No.13) = where the kids cycled around the neighbourhood, where we had snowball fights & rode on sledges, where we mowed the garden together, where we shovelled the snow together, where we cooked, bathed, ate and froze together......Goodbye Bristol!

Hello Malaysia! And how has it been? What has changed? Are we happy?

Mummy Diaries #6

PHOTOS THAT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

Mummy Diaries #5

Aemir is now 3 years old.
Ameera is now 6mths old.

Both adore each other - the brother being very protective of the little sister and the little sister learning new things from the big brother.

All is fair and well in our household except that we're saying good-bye to the old helper and welcoming a new one into the house. This means there will be a lot of adjusting especially with the kids getting used a new face around the house.

As for me, motherhood is really taking a toll on my health. I forget to eat (which is quite good because I've lost 10lbs since September) and I lack sleep....although I try taking short naps in the afternoon.

I'm glad there's another pair of hands to help around the house so that I can concentrate on my EU Law.

Perhaps I shall drop a line soon - since I have my own laptop now.

Have fun......Happy Hari Raya & Happy Deepavali to all!

Mummy Diaries #4

Abang Aemir

"Abang Aemir" ...he's gotten used to being called Abang now since his teacher calls him the same. I guess it's the sign of being all grown-up.

Aemir's now potty training and the first week was TOUGH. At school, at home - all we did was clean up after him UNTIL I got really MAD and threatened to send him to the police station if he pees in his pants again.

I was very sure that he knows when he needs the loo but just can't be bothered to run and pee in his potty. So like a dog he pees anywhere and everywhere. What a pain! Then I made a deal with him that if he doesn't pee in his pants again, I'll get him whatever he wants at ToysRUs.

Finally he had enough scolding and he got better and better. Even the teacher praised him because he knows how to pulls down and put on his pants as well. Now during the day he only wears BRIEFS! (That saves me a lot of money on pampers!! That was the whole idea - with all the inflation & stuff)

Sometimes when we go out he promised that he'll be a "good boy" and puts on his briefs instead of his pampers. And he did it! We went to the supermarket with him wearing only his briefs and he only peed when we got home (in the toilet)!! I hope he didn't hold it that entire time.....i fear he'll get kidney stones or something.

Besides that Aemir has learned how to surf the internet. Even though he doesn't know how to read yet but pictures on the Yahoo! websites that he recognises he'll click on them. I now have to watch what he clicks on. Oh!! He knows how to switch on the computer on his own as well and turn off. Close page, open page, minimise and maximise page. He learns all that through observing us use the computer. AND HE'S NOT EVEN 3 YEARS OLD YET!!!!

Last Saturday 9 August, Aemir had Sports Day at school in conjunction with the Olympics 2008. Of course every child received a medal and they only had 1 event for every class. But overall, he did very well!!

This Saturday 16 August, Aemir has Holiday Camp. They'll visit Putrajaya and then pitch up tents at school, start a camp fire and sleep overnight. He seems excited about it but I dunno if he'll be able to sleep in school with his friends without us. It'll be the first time he's away from parents, grandparents and caregiver alike!! It should be fun to see......my lil boy being Independent!!

Anyway....all's good in Motherland but I sure hate cooking EVERYDAY for the family. I'm such a bad cook because nobody eats! :P

Mummy Diaries #3

Our Little Ameera Qistina

Ameera turned 3mths old on 1st August and already her clothes are getting smaller. We think it's because she drinks a lot of milk. Her head is already very sturdy but of course she's not steady enough to sit on her bum. She loves it when you make her stand and get to stretch her legs.

She hates it when Big Brother comes along to smother her with lots of wet kisses.

She loves being carried (which baby doesn't?)

She found her hand and has been constantly playing and sucking it.

She just noticed her feet and keeps staring at them.

She hates it when you feed her late. She's HUNGRY!! (who wouldn't be cranky!)

She recognises people and when she's hungry...only Mummy can carry her!!

She's very smiley especially in the mornings.

She hates her triangular teether because she can never hang on to it for long.

She might be teething because she's drooling A LOT!

She loves being "supergirl" and thrown in the air!! (pretty brave for a lil girl!)

She just had her first hair cut at the saloon last week. Wasn't too difficult because she was sleeping on my shoulder. (Sshhh....I think it's a crooked haircut)

She mimics you when you eat infront of her - as though she's hungry for your food!

She stares at new faces and studies them.

She loves her bunny and butterflies and bees!

But we think she doesn't get enough sleep. Her nap times are short and many. NOt long at 1 stretch. She'd rather explore the world and sleep at night (like orang tua pulak!)

Mummy Diaries #2

Our Latest Arrival

With the arrival of our second - Ameera Qistina - on 1 May 2008, life as a mother seems different compared to having just ONE child around. Now there's Aemir who's almost 3 years old and Ameera who's almost 3 months. A parent's attention has to be divided between these two. Any parent would say that they pay equal attention to all their kids and you know they would be lying because somehow, you'd be more than likely to pay more attention to one more than the other. Sometimes it's because they know how to attract your attention and not feel neglected. Sometimes it's just because they are less trouble.

In our case.....since Ameera is still small and doesn't know how to ask for things, naturally my attention is more towards her than big brother Aemir - who's become more & more talkative! So I think now Aemir feels somewhat left out and his behaviour shows that he lacks the attention that he used to receive from EVERYONE (extended family & friends included)!!!

Aemir's becoming a handful and it takes a lot of patience to "deal" with him nowadays. He's also getting smarter and you can't use your old tricks on him anymore. Also he's learned how to provide you with solutions and ideas so there's no way of "tricking" him. As a result, he gets more scolding from us for his bad behaviours and tantrums.

It must be wrong to scold your child but how else can I make him listen to me and discipline him. But I am thankful that Aemir understands when you explain to him from A to Z the reason why we scold him. He knows that he was in the wrong and somehow he'll feel really bad and manages to say "Sorry".

I'm also thankful that this sibling rivalry is not too EXTREME. I'm sure you've heard cases where the elder sibling will pinch and hit the younger one when no one is watching. With Aemir, he never does that. Instead he keeps kissing his lil sis and asking permission whether he can carry her. Despite all that you know he can get a little jealous too; especially when Ameera gets more attention than him in the crowd - he was watch and gaze at everyone's reaction.

With Aemir it is "Jealous Tapi Sayang"!!!

I hate myself for saying that I don't mind bein

Mummy Diaries #1

Welcome to Mummy Diaries

This is the first time after a loooonnnggg time that I'm able to sit comfortably and blog. Ever since my first trimester I've been unable to blog as much as I'd like to because if I wasn't vomitting, I was tired. If I wasn't tired, I was spending time with Aemir. If I'm not spending time with Aemir, I'm sleeping. Yes!! That was basically my routine throughout my first trimester.

Then the 2nd trimester came.....feeling much better and tummy is more noticeable. Face got more round, so did the whole body!!Arrrggghhhh...I was gaining more energy compared to my 1st trimester and was going out & about running errands. It was like that until the 3rd trimester.

I was heavier but I had more energy than anyone could imagine (ONLY DURING THE DAY) At night, don't even try to wake me up. I'm fast asleep and dead tired! Imagine running around with twice your original weight. My feet would get so tired - then it's just another excuse for me to go for a pedicure. Aaahhhhh!!!!

Up until LABOUR DAY I was running around and DRIVING!! No! I Didn't have the luxury of hubby driving me everywhere because I was back in JB in preparation for the delivery. Aptly, my little girl, Ameera Qistina, was born on 1st May (Labour Day) weighing in approx. 3.175kg at 10:22pm. It was a "funny" birth experience.

At 1am 1st May, I discovered that I had a show. I pre-warned Aim(hubby) that the baby is due soon. 11am 1st May, I had another show and informed every uncle & aunties that I know because my parents were in USA at that time. Soon sms-es were coming in from US and Singapore telling me to go to the hospital. I was as cool as a cat because I thought that I'd wait for my water to break. I was too relaxed thinking that it'll be late in the evening before there's any sign of pain.

Finally, I check-into the hospital and the nurse found that I was 3-5cm dilated. This means that I had to be admitted immediately. Haha...this was about 4pm. At 6pm, Aim wanted to go back and freshen up and return with Aemir.

As soon as he left, the stronger contractions began. Initially I could tolerate the pain but after 30mins, it was intolerable and I called Aim to get him to return immediately because I needed someone to rub my back HARD! Pain was intensed and it comes and goes!!!Luckily, Aim brought my Aunt who performed rei-ki on my back to ease the pain.

Finally about 8pm, I told Aim to send Aemir & my Aunt back and return immediately thereafter because the baby is coming. I was sent to the labour room for the injection and the ethanox. It was PAINFUL & almost unbearable!

I was waiting for my water to break but it didn't and the midwife kept checking how much I've dilated. Up till about 7cm, I was pushing and pushing. Apparently I don't know how to push and that's delaying the entire birthing process. The midwife was relaxing until suddenly when she checked the baby's head was crowning. She called the doctor but doctor was breastfeeding her kid. I remember that I couldn't help pushing. There's was this constant urge to PUSH AND PUSH! All I wanted to do was push but the midwife told me to relax and breathe and pant while waiting for the doctor to come. If I pushed I would have torn my vagina...I panicked a bit because I knew I couldn't control my pushing any longer.

Finally when the doctor arrived, I was very relieved and before you knew it, within 5 mins of the doctor's arrival, out popped my little princess! She was crying and crying and crying (in anger). Thank God it wasn't too long unlike Aemir.

Phew!! What a relief.....

Now handling 2 kids.....how does it feel?

Expanding Our Horizons

To Fans of Where Stories Never End:

Instead of creating another blog I've decided to post a new column called Mummy Diaries which will focus entirely on bringing up children - in particular my TWO adorable kids - Aemir & Ameera.

Children are the apple of their parents' eyes and you can definitely say bringing up a kid is not an easy task; especially that I have 2 of my very own. How do we cope? How best to discipline your children? Which type of care is preferred? I'm sure all mothers can relate to what I face each day with my kids. Looking forward to sharing stories and hearing comments from mothers, mothers-to-be and mothers-wannabe alike.

XOXOXO

NEWS FLASH

NEWS FLASH

Coming Soon to you directly from the Land of Smiles

"Where Stories Never End" will be Updated Soon

Stay Tuned for the following:

1. Our New Arrival

2. Being Mother of TWO

3. Jealousy & Sibling Rivalry:

How Soon can You Detect?

4. Back to Business as Usual!

XOXOXO

Sab

Renovations, Deliveries & Anxieties

Indeed, my due date is coming soon and suddenly so many things are happening!

Renovations:
We're in the midst of renovating the apartment below and there's definitely plenty of knocking, drilling and NOISE during the day!! It's pointless to even switch on the TV because you can hardly hear anything.

But I'm amazed that as soon as Aemir returns from school (ard 12noon), he plays a bit and then he's off to sleep - even with the drilling and knocking going on!!! I guess when you're tired, you don't care!

When you ask Aemir who's house it is on the 6th floor. His answer would be: "Rumah rosak"
He saw the state of the apartment and I think he got a shock of his life when he saw bags of bricks lying around, a hole in the wall, no tiles etc..... And of course saw the bathtub in the middle of the room and said "Mama...Bathtub. Dirty Eeeiiiii...."

Yes...he's picked up so many words since he started school. Teacher says he learns very fast and he's very smart. But there's also a naughty side of him who loves to kacau his friends when class is going on. He'll be talking away with his friends while teacher is telling a story or he'll play on his own and divert the class's attention to him! Mind you....he's been punished a few times already....Had to be sent to the Thinking Chair and I guess they have to think about what wrong they've done to deserve such punishment.

Well....it is a healthy way of reasoning with the child...instead of the corporal punishment way we're used to during our time at school.

So with the renovations going smoothly, soon I'd have to pack to leave for JB in preparation for my delivery!

Delivery & Anxieties:
It's the time of the trimester when I get really anxious to meet my lil bun. I think Aemir's feeling it as well because some mornings he just totally refused to attend school! It takes us at least 30mins to reason with him, get him to bathe before school and send him off. At the school gates, he'll take his time SLLLOOOWWWLLLY taking off his shoes and with a sad face he says goodbye and walks in.

At times Aemir's accepting that he'll have an adik soon but at times he just refuses to acknowledge. Yesterday, when papa told him to kiss and wish adik goodnight, he came up to me and kissed my tummy and said "goodnight Adik"

Then when you say adik will have to sleep in the cot while he gets a bigger bed, he sulks and cries NO!! I hope he'll be able to share with his adik.

Anyway, it's Aemir's last week of school before we leave for JB and then he'll be home-schoolled with my aunt (Nenek Ru). I just hate the idea of packing so much stuff!!!

I better get on with it....so wish me a safe delivery!

First Day @ Kinddy

1 Feb 2008 : Aemir's First Day at Kindergarten

We decided that it was about time Aemir gets some outside ("proper") education especially before the 2nd one comes along. So we enrolled him into a nearby kindergarten that is fully Montessori.

Getting up by 7.30am (latest) is tough for him since he usually sleeps until 8am or 9am! This morning, when I woke him up and mentioned school, he was ready and bursting to go. Forget the milk, forget the bath, forget brushing his teeth and forget breakfast - he wants to go to school now!

He's been looking forward to school ever since his 'observation day' and I don't blame him. He's at a stage where he loves mingling with kids around his age. You should see him and all his cousins.

So I had to force the breakfast and the bath before taking him to school - which is 5mins away. As soon as he arrived, you can see the gleeful delight on his face. Forget Mummy, Forget Kakak (the maid had to come along) ...."Aemir's at school and I shall do whatever I want."

The teacher gave him some Play-Doh to mess with but that didn't interest him until it was time for outside play. They were gathered in a circle while the teacher distributed their sunscreen around. Then they'd line-up [make a choo-choo train] while another teacher puts on their hats and off they went. Put on the shoes outside and to the playground it is!!!

Aemir attacked the slide first, then he headed for the sandpit and then he spotted several other kids watering the plants and so he joined in. It was sheer joy to be playing with water! This is because he's not allowed to do so at home except during bathtime. That's only because we dont have a garden for him to water any plants. Our balcony is plant-free...too small to fit any garden or potted plants since it's usually taken up by the laundry line.

After play, it was time for their snack. First, they must wash their hands and thereafter a plate and cup will be distributed to each kid. With their plates and cups, they find a place to sit down while waiting for the biscuits and juices to be served. You can always tell the obedient ones from the fresh ones!!

For the first time, I see Aemir obedient sit down at the table to finish his biscuit and drink before he comes out proudly to see me. And then, they had to sit in a circle for a Chinese New Year talk!

Aemir had to be told several times to sit on the RED LINE because he loves sitting in the middle of the circle instead. It was the hardest chore for him since he had to sit down for at least 15mins before the teacher announced it was playtime.

When playtime came, he grabbed a puzzle and sat down before he got distracted with the colouring session going on the next table. It was not long before the teacher gathered all the children again for an art-time demonstration. They each had to paste Chinese New Year pictures in a booklet. I saw Aemir eagerly waited for his turn but unfortunately they didn't have enough booklets to go around and he's stuck with sticking coloured tissue balls. The teacher informed me but I didn't mind since it wasn't an important celebration for him. But he insisted and tried to get to do whatever the rest of the children were doing. Rest assured, he did end up pasting some cut flowers and butterflies on a piece of paper and very proud of it!!

I suppose not having the same thing like his other friends taught him his FIRST LESSON: It's ok to be different!!!

Before you know it, it was time for LUNCH!!!! Wash hands first then sit down with hands on your lap while the food is being served. Obediently he sat down and as soon as the noodles got on his plate, he was so eager to eat and had a bite before the teacher caught him. They usually have a small singing session (something like saying a prayer - 'doa makan') before they eat. Aemir just went Bismillah and gobbled his food!!

Eating is always a task for Aemir but this time he did most of the feeding himself and I'm very proud of him! Then the kids waited for Jared's birthday cake to be served! (yes!! lucky for him it was another kid's birthday) All of them ate the chocolate cake before they were asked to wash their hands and face and brush their teeth after their lunch.

Next just before going home, they had some time for Phonics Zoo. Aemir was very interested for the first 5 letters and then it became boring. By then I know he was ready to go home as he was very very tired and sleepy already!

They completed the Phonics Zoo and Jared's Goodie-bags were given out....and off they went. School dismissed!!!

In the car, Aemir hurriedly opened the goodie-bag, had a sip of the Nutrigen before we reached home. At home, it was diaper change time and he was so sleepy that within the next 20mins he's fast asleep on his bed.

I bet he can't wait to tell Papa about school and can't wait till Monday comes for his 2nd Day at school.

Embracing 2 0 0 8

H a p p y N e w Y e a r!!!

Only 11 days into 2008 and already there is a public holiday [ Awal Muharam ]. So to all Muslims out there - Selamat Maal Hijrah 1429!

Just a recap of the few days before ushering in 2008 - Yes....Thank you to all your Kind Wishes!

2 Dec: Our 3rd Anniversary

How time flies .... and we've been married for THREE Years already! Seems like just last year (and...sometimes it feels like we've been married for DECADES!) Since we share this special day with my parent's 30th Anniversary, we thought we'd make it a "FANCY" affair but unfortunately work calls for my darling father and we couldn't be together on this special day! [ We were in KL and they were in Malacca!!!]

But to make it a memorable affair for the two of us, my darling hubby sent me the most touching card that I've ever received from him. And without his knowledge, I shed a tear or two when I read the card!!! hehehehheeh.......

And to make it even more special, he took me out for dinner at Prime @ Le Meridien. It is this classy restaurant at the hotel and it is known for good steaks from Argentina, Australia and even their Kobe Beef from Korea. I was warned that it would be a hefty meal and so I saved some room for my tummy. When my lamb chops came.....yummmm.....it was lovely! Too bad we couldn't top it up with a glass of bubbly (or something similar) - just to festi-fy the evening!

Certainly I had a shock when the bill came. I must say, be prepared to pay a hefty sum for that hefty meal 'cause it was certainly THE MOST EXPENSIVE lamb chops and salad I've ever had!

Thank you Darling...Love you!

12 Dec: I turned 29!

hmmmm...not long before I hit the 3-0. But in the meantime, I shall enjoy the last year of my twenties! On that note, I don't feel any bit older than I was last year. I guess after I hit 25 I stopped counting how old I am and stop worrying about ageing and concentrating on living a youthful life!

It was a small affair with the family (the 3 of us). Hmmmm....we didn't exactly go out for dinner - nor did I have a birthday cake on that day - only because we celebrated my birthday a few days earlier with my nieces and nephews! But I didn't mind as to me, it was just another birthday! Again , the card my darling hubby sent me made me CRY! He either picked the Perfect Card that Touched my Heart or the Pregnancy hormones are running WILD! Nonetheless, it was certainly a card to be treasured!

Then he started pestering me on what I wanted for my birthday. Honestly , it used to be an easy question for me to answer - since I usually plan ahead and scout around for what I'd like to receive as my birthday present. But this time around, I honestly didn't have a clue what I wanted! I guess this put dear hubby on the spot - not knowing what to get for me on my birthday!

He came up with:

• a new pair of glasses [ 1 for each day of the week]
• Kenwood Chef Mixing Bowl ( so I can bake him some cream puffs)
• RM600 worth of anything
• SK-II products (I hope he doesn't think I'm getting uglier!)
• etc.

And I didn't think I need any of those except a new pair of glasses (NOT 7 pairs!). In the end, we came across a lovely ruby red leather box which came with the SK-II Facial set and he got me that on the spot! Yippeee.....And he promised me the glasses (which I still haven't gotten till today - my fault really!)

That's why I Love My Husband!!!!!

15 Dec: No Maid

My caregiver (maid) decided to return to her hometown for Hari Raya Haji. So I'm left with taking care of my boisterous son Aemir for approximately 2weeks.

Initially, I was worried since I really don't have much energy to chase him around in the 5th month of my pregnancy. But with a lot of organisation and help from my hubby and the cook, I manage to do what most mothers-without-help does. And I certainly enjoyed it...though it would have been more enjoyable if I wasn't carrying the extra "baggage"

Although enjoyable, I do hate mealtimes. Aemir has a bad habit of running around during meal times and it's very difficult for him to sit down unless his fav programme is on TV or there's no distraction around him! The maid usually chases him around and I can't be bothered to do that. Therefore out came the "disciplinarian" in me.....screaming and shouting and begging for him to sit and finish his meal!

Then 2 weeks turned into 3 weeks...thank God by then my mum arrived with some help!

20 Dec: Hari Raya Haji

Nothing much....we went to my sister-in-law's and stayed there the whole day to EAT EAT & EAT somemore!

24 Dec: Xmas Eve

We went to Singapore to fetch my uncles at Changi - who've just returned from performing the Hajj and later that evening my brother who's back for a 2-week break from Melbourne.

We also went down to Orchard Road to do some Christmas shopping....and show Aemir the Chirstmas decorations. It was lovely and thought of returning at night to see the lights lit up. In the end we bought another stroller - this time it's the Peg Prego Pliko P3 in RED! It was cheaper than in KL and a good bargain indeed.

Afterwards we headed to Beach Road to buy Sup Tulang and Mee Mamak Goreng.....for dinner.

And by the time we were heading for Orchard Road to see the Christmas ligths at night, Aemir was already fast asleep in the car and we detoured and headed back to JB instead.

25 Dec: Xmas

In honour of my darling cousin, Ana, we decided to have Christmas BBQ. My aunt prepared so much and we ate out hearts out. And the whole day was spent eating and eating except that my sister missed it all as she's not back from UK yet.

31 Dec: New Year's Eve

For once, my family is COMPLETE! Each of my siblings are back and I thought we could plan a Family New YEar's Eve Party...but to my surprise, my brothers and sister already have plans, and so does my parents. So it just the 3 of us again ..... hubby thought we could take a drive out to the highway to see the fireworks at The Curve. I was all game for it provided Aemir's still awake!

At the stroke of midnight - you find us 3 sleeping on the bed only to be awoken by the smell of Aemir's wet pampers around 1am. And both hubby and I decided to watch "I am Legend" on DVD while waiting for everyone to come back! Hahahhahahah

What a wonderful way to celebrate 2008 !!

Our Second Bump

My bump is showing and we can no longer keep it a secret! This time it was no accident since we certainly planned for it. There was this yearn to become a mother to a second one and all I needed was a GREENLIGHT from my donor husband! Viola.....didn't take us long!

Alhamdulillah....the 1st trimester is over and I'm able to eat, drink, move, travel & do other things than sit infront of a toilet bowl, dustbin or any container that can hold the contents of my stomach! I can say it was the worst 2-3 months of my life. On the bright side, I lost so much weight so fast and even got below 70kg! I was happy about that. Of course it didn't last long and now I'm back to 70kg & above!! [sob sob sob]

We're now 4 months and my gynae says it looks like a GIRL but we can never be too sure! But of course we're praying hard for a GIRL - although if it's another Boy, we're still fine with it! At least Aemir has a sibling to play with.

5 September 2007: Aemir's 2nd Birthday Party @ A&W

October 2007: Our Family Hari Raya Photos

I apologise for the delay. Hope you enjoy the pics as much as I do!

Unfortunately we couldn't take many photos as Aemir keeps hogging the camera. We definitely need to get him one "almost" real one to prevent our Ixus from getting spoiled.

To all Friends and Families all over the World :

A Very Belated Eid Mubarak!!

Friday Live Music

Fridays are unbelievable here at the office....Somehow many things can happen on fridays and I do look forward to Fridays - not only because the weekend is here, but because the Live Band I can hear for Free whic performs at Westin's Poolside every Friday!!

By 5pm you can hear the band setting up their instruments and doing a sound-check for the evening's event! It's incredibly loud and you can definitely hear it clearly from my office room!

I have to saw that it can be quite annoying when you're trying to wrap-up the week's work - only to be bothered by the sound of 'loud' music coming from Westin.

However, when times are slow at the office and the only thing you keep your eye on is the clock on the computer....then hearing the sound of the band practising and making sound-checks can be quite comforting and relaxing at the same time.

Well...to all those reading this blog...Hope you have a great weekend and I shall return with more stories from the party!

T W O

I'm sure "The Terrible Twos" sound familiar to most families and indeed it is the most challenging part of bringing up a toddler into this world. It is when they insist they are ALWAYS Correct and they are extremely adventurous (I guess for some!!) and willing to try every little thing they see you do!

Somehow it's no longer the "Terrible Twos" but the "Terrible One-and-a-halves"!!! yup yup...they are indeed getting smarter and smarter..

At this age, Aemir finds a camera fascinating....not only does he love posing for the camera, but he loves taking shots of himself with the camera! Hmmm...in the end it's the flash that gets in his eyes. But to no avail he's persistent and keeps on trying!!! Is that a sign of a vain-pot?

Then comes the switching on and off the switches! Even the safety gadgets are useless since he can take them off, try and find an electrical appliance or a handphone charger and "probe" the switch. It's highly dangerous and it's very difficult since we always have to keep a close eye on him.

And even if he knows he cannot do something, he shall attempt to do it....err...it has a sequence:

1. Go near the object of his fascination

2. Get your attention by calling "Mama" or "Papa"

3. Grin his cheeky grin while hand reaching out for the object

4. When you spot him, he retrieves his hand off the object

5. And when you're not looking again, he giggles and try his luck AGAIN!!

Just imagine....

That's only one of his long list of mischievous activities......I lost count!

But no matter how much he's testing our patience, at the end of the day, we still love him no matter how naughty he can be.

Do tell you stories and worries...Would love to hear from your experience of bringing up a Toddler!

Happy Birthday , Dear Aemir!

We love you

Mama & Papa

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!!

Indeed it was 50 years ago when we first heard the words "MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!"

Even though I wasn't around then, I can imagine how sentimental everyone felt at that time achieving and experiencing Independence for the first-time!!

In celebration of Malaysia's 50th Independence Day, organisers went full force to re-enact the account of that day 50 years ago at Dataran Merdeka. From what we observed on TV, the crowd was spectacular and everyone was anxiously waiting for the stroke of midnight (precisely 12.01am) the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag was hoisted by UMNO Youth Leader followed by the PM's shout of "MERDEKA!!" (7 times).....hehehhe....he's only human because I saw him keep count with his other hand.

I must congratulate the organisers and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage headed by YAB Dato Seri Rais Yatim - with his powerful and patriotic opening speech!

So what did we do on the eve of Merdeka? We were invited to the American Express Merdeka Event at Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC). Honestly we were excited to attend the event since it's been a while since I last got glamourously dressed......(ok it's a girly thing!!)

When we arrived at PICC, we had to walk a bit to get to this balcony where we saw everyone helping themselves to food at the buffet table......BUT unfortunately, these organisers were so kelam-kabut that there were not enough seats for everyone!! Also taking into consideration the typical Malaysian attitude where "Heck! I got this seat first and I shall remain seated until the event is over!"

Yup!! With such a Malaysian attitude displayed by most of these American Express Card holders, I was ashamed to be associated with them....Nobody got off their A$$ and offerred their seats to us even though they've finished eating!

Such crappy attitude......and to think these people were of a mid-to-upper class and highly likely well educated, you would expect them to give up their seats for those standing and eating!!

So we all stood up and had our dinner - which wasn't THAT great to begin with!!

Another typical Malaysia attitude - everytime another tray of chicken wings came out of the kitchen, you can see these scroundrels rushing for a hand in it. And before you know it, the tray is EMPTY again! Yes...perhaps the chicken wings are the most delicious amongst the spread but must you rush?!!! So embarrassing....

Next, the fashion shows and the dance shows were almost no visible from the balcony we're at. I guess the organisers thought we'd wait around, mingle and chat while waiting for the stroke of Midnight and the fireworks to begin!

It was sheer luck that we all came to an understanding that the event was a total failure and decided to go home instead!! So at 1030pm we left PICC happily and headed home to play with our little Aemir!

On our way home, we thanked God that we made the right decision because on the opposite side of the road, heading towards Putrajaya, the traffic was horrendous!!! There was an unbelievable queue of cars on the highway and it's all because everyone wanted to experience the Nation's 50th Birthday!

Oh well, I was told we didn't miss much....and in fact, opposite our place, we can see the fireworks from afar and Aemir did in fact experience his first Merdeka (of which he understands). He was happily waving his mini Malaysian flag while grandpa was singing the patriotic songs to him (of which I don't think he enjoyed!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALAYSIA!