Skyler Has Fever

Dearest Skyler,

Today was a public holiday, Lil One, and we had planned to go out with you early in the morning to Botanic Gardens so you could visit the swans there but you still had a fever from last night. Poor Lil Darling!

You had very fitful sleep the whole night which caused you to awaken every couple of hours. We had to administer another suppository at 5 plus in the morning and that caused you to be awake for a short while. Papa gave you your breakfast milk and we watched a bit of Blue’s Clues before you went back to bed.

You woke up again only after 10 in the morning and we spent a bit of time watching Blue’s Clues, playing with your toys and reading your books. We tried to give you some solid food but you didn’t want to eat it; you just wanted to snack on your bread, biscuits and the muffin Aunty Christine baked and gave us yesterday.

For a short while, we thought that your temperature had dropped so we wanted to bring you out but your temperature went back up again and you were sleepy and tired so we administered another suppository and let you sleep. We’ll bring you out when you’re well okay?

When you awoke, Mama and you spent the whole night playing and you were so happy! Your Mama’s the best Mama in the world, isn’t she? :D It was only much later in the night that we put you to bed but you were quite unable to fall asleep; it took about one hour before you finally fell asleep.

Rest well, Lil One, and recover quickly so we can go out again.

Oh yes! You were so very sweet today, Lil One! You spontaneously just grabbed Mama’s hand and kissed it and then you did that with Papa’s hand too! You sure know how to melt our hearts, Lil One!

Papa and Mama love you!

The Joy that Children Bring

Dearest Skyler,

Today, Auntie Chris, Kor-Kor Luke, Che-Che Joan and Mei-Mei Dawn visited us after lunch. We had a blast! Kor-Kor Luke and Che-Che Joan turned our sofa into a Snowspeeder. They even had R2 wedged smartly between them! You had so much fun watching them all play!

Having you has made Papa and Mama realise first-hand what people mean when they say that children are a blessing. People say this all the time, that one won’t understand the joy that children bring till they have children. Papa and Mama understand what all these people mean now. The pitter-patter of little feet, the squeals of delight that you make when you see us… these all make our heart melt. We love you SO much, Little Gal!

Later in the afternoon, Papa brought us out for a very late lunch. Well, you’d had your lunch already, but Mama hadn’t. When you saw Mama eat, you wanted some of Mama’s food too, so you had a second lunch.

Then we met Grandma for dinner… not too long after Mama’s lunch! Haha!

After dinner, we all had some ice-cream. You shared Papa and Mama’s ice-cream cone, and Grandma shared her ice-cream with you too. You were SO happy!

Thank you for bringing such joy to our lives, Little Skyler! You truly are a blessing from God!

Mama & Papa

The Zoo’s New Penguin Enclosure

Dearest Friend of ALL Creatures Great and Small – Little Skyler,

Mama brought you to the zoo again today. However, Mama left the camera at home, so we couldn’t take any pictures of the animals. Still, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!

The penguin enclosure had been closed for some time, but it is now open. You were SO delighted to see the new penguin statues at the front of the zoo.

We also spotted a baby otter amongst the Asian small-clawed sea otters today. It was SO small. From time to time, its mother carried it around in her mouth. All babies love being carried by their mothers, don’t they?

Later, we took the tram to get to the elephant enclosure. You were already quite tired by then, but you insisted on going to see the elephants, so Mama brought you there. The elephant show had just ended, so all the elephants were there feeding on some yummy fruit. They had coconuts, honeydew melons and bananas. You were so amused to watch them feed on these fruits, so we spent quite a bit of time just sitting there watching the elephants.

After watching the elephants, we headed to the new Splash Safari show. We managed to see some penguins, a baby manatee and its mama, and some sealions. Mama was trying to tell you about sealions, but you kept getting that confused with “see, lions” and started roaring with enthusiasm each time Mama said “sealion”.

Before we left the zoo, we had our cup of Milo, as has become a practice for us before we leave the zoo.

During dinner with Papa, you started showing Papa your sealion imitation. Wow! You remembered what Mama taught you about sealions and knew the difference between “sealions” and “see, lions”. Very good, little girl!

It’s so cute that you love to say “hello” and “bye” to the animals and blow them kisses. Sometimes, it seems as if you’re more fond of animals than people!

Papa and Mama love you, precious little Skyler!

Mama & Papa

A Visit to Papa’s School, Mama’s School and Marina Square

Dearest Skyler,

We went down to Papa’s school in the afternoon for a short while today as we had to get some things done. You played a bit with Uncle Roland then. After we were done there, we went down to Mama’s school as she had to submit something. After all the chores had been completed, we went down to Marina Square.

We ate at the Café Cartel there. We quite like it there as it is fairly empty and you have lots of space to walk around safely in that part of the building. You ate quite a lot of the food, Lil One! I think it was the first time that you were allowed to eat pork chop. We usually avoid feeding you red meat but as all the chicken dishes were spicy, we had no choice. You also had a lot of the bread and waffle.

You got restless after a while and we took turns to bring you for a walk around that area. You so totally enjoyed kicking little pebbles around! :D

There was also a toy fair of some sort at the atrium so we brought you there to take a look. One of the sales promoters for a remote helicopter was so very careless! He flew his toy helicopter into Mama’s face! Thankfully Mama wasn’t hurt. You must never be so careless, okay? Never do things that can hurt others when people are around.

We got you a cup of Soya Bean milk but you only took a bit of it. You just wanted to enjoy your walk!

We just so love to take you out for walks, Lil One.

Papa and Mama love you!

Church, Popo’s Shop & Suntec City

Dearest Skyler,

We went to church today, Lil One. You had Sunday School today and you enjoyed the usual activities with your classmates. For colouring today, you got to colour a picture of Baby Moses. :D

We then went down to Popo’s shop to pay her a visit. She was once again completely thrilled to see you and you were completely thrilled to play with the things in the shop! :D

After that, we went down to Suntec City. We managed to get some free popcorn again. We also got you a free balloon sculpture – a bee – from a nice lady there.

We then brought you to Toys ‘R’ Us as we wanted to buy you a toy. We walked around all over the place but we couldn’t find a nice ball to buy for you. You are so interested with balls now, Lil One.

There was a toy house there and you managed to get inside it after the other children were done with it. You so totally refused to come out even though there was nothing in it at all! :D You kept on closing and opening the windows and the door! However, when Papa was distracted for a short moment, you came tumbling out a window!!! Papa was so shocked! Papa managed to grab unto your arm to prevent you from hitting the ground. You must have leant over the window sill too far and lost your balance! Papa’s heart didn’t stop pounding for quite some time after that, Lil One! You must be more careful!

We came home soon after that!

We love you, Skyler! Muack!!!

Papa and Mama

A Visit to the MPH Book Sale at the Singapore Expo

Dearest Skyler,

We stayed at home most of the day. In the evening, we took a drive down to the Singapore Expo as MPH was having a book sale there.

Thank God we managed to get a parking lot fairly quickly; it was very very crowded. We were actually feeling quite hungry when we got there but you were fairly restless and refused to sit still while we tried to decide what to eat so we decided to browse through the books first.

The book sale was actually quite well attended; there were lots of people in the hall browsing the books or just sitting around flipping through mountains of books that they had picked up. We then decided that as one of us had to watch you, Mama would browse through the books while Papa kept you company. You were so cute! You walked around and whenever a book caught your fancy, you would pick it up and carry it around with you. However, you would then just leave it on the floor somewhere and Papa had to pick it up and put it somewhere more acceptable! :P

As MPH had only booked half the hall space, the other half was actually empty and sort of cordoned off. However, that totally meant nothing to you as you simply just walked under the cordon tapes into the empty space. As it was literally empty space, Papa allowed you to walk there; in fact, Papa had to follow you in! :P

One of the young boys who had also gone into that space made Papa very furious! The whole place was very very empty but that boy came and pushed you while he was running past. Thankfully Papa was just half a step behind you so Papa managed to grab unto you before you fell onto the floor. That boy must have deliberately done it as there was absolutely no need for him to be anywhere near you as, once again, that space was totally and completely empty! Papa was so extremely displeased with that boy’s behaviour. Papa simply cannot understand why boys like that are like that! And why his parent(s) were not keeping an eye on him. Papa didn’t see any adult near that boy at all!

Darling, you must never behave so uncivilly, okay? That kind of behaviour is very uncouth and uncalled for. And if you do accidentally knock into someone you must always apologise and make sure that they are okay.

After we had paid for our purchases, we went to look for food. However, you were still very restless and after eating just a few mouthfuls of food, we had to take turns to bring you for walks. Skyler, Papa and Mama can’t wait to have full meals together regularly again. :P

Before we left, we bumped into Uncle Alex. Uncle Alex is a very old friend of Papa’s from Papa’s Pre-University days. Uncle Alex was Papa’s best man at Papa’s and Mama’s wedding! Papa hadn’t seen him for so long! However, he is one of Papa’s closest friends.

We came home after that as it was getting late already.

We hope that you enjoy the books, Lil One! We got you a Blue’s Clues rhyme book! :D

Papa and Mama

Our LONG Day Out

Dear Sweet Little Girl,

We had such a long day today, but it was totally enjoyable!

Early in the morning, Mama got up to prepare some things to bring along for our long outing today. Just after Mama had her cup of Milo, you were standing in your little playpen-bed and calling for Mama. So began our exciting day…

After our baths, Mama slathered sunscreen on us both. You were still recovering from heat rash from our last trip to the zoo and Mama didn’t want your skin to get worse. Then we headed to our first stop – Popo’s house.

Popo brought all your toys downstairs and lined them up neatly for you. She always treasures her time with you and does all she can to make you happy. She also bought you a little stuffed pig which you kissed and kissed and got Mama to kiss too! You then went our to impress Popo with the many things you can identify in your “Hello Kitty” Colours book.

For lunch, Popo made us all some very yummy porridge with raisins and apples in it. You liked the raisins very much.

After that, you continued to impress Popo with your reading of your “Little Fish” book with Mama. You also impressed us by climbing up the stairs all by yourself! You’re really growing up SO fast, Little Girl!

After making it all the way up to Popo’s room, you went on to hug Popo’s new stuffed turtle that Kow-Fu got her for Mother’s Day and rolled around in Popo and Gong-Gong’s bed, something you always do in Popo’s room. When Popo was about to carry you downstairs, you insisted on lugging Popo’s Pooh Bear stuffed toy, which is taller than you, downstairs too. Popo was so amazed that you could hold on to Pooh Bear by his foot all the way downstairs while she carried you. It was such a funny sight!

As we were going to meet Auntie Patsy at the Botanic Gardens soon, we had to leave. We gave a lift to Popo to her shop before going to meet Auntie Patsy.

While waiting for Auntie Patsy at the Botanic Gardens, you held Mama’s hand and dragged Mama to all the little waterfalls around. You really do like fountains and waterfalls, Little Girl!

When Auntie Patsy met us, she transferred a big box of che-che Nicole’s clothes to our Duckie Mobile. Wonder when you’ll be able to fit into those!

We then proceeded to Tanglin Mall as it looked like it was going to rain. Auntie Patsy knows Tanglin Mall very well, and she took you to all the toy stores in the mall. You were SO delighted with each one! Very soon, you were holding Auntie Patsy’s hand and then showing her how a lion roars and how an elephant blows its “trumpet”. Auntie Patsy was SO amused by your antics, Skyler!

We also had some food in the McDonald’s there. Auntie Patsy got you a Kids’ Meal, so you had the strawberry yoghurt with Mickey Mouse on it, a cup of Milo, and a Shrek 3 Donkey toy! You had such a great time there!

Before we left to go pick Papa up, you even reached out to ask Auntie Patsy to carry you. What a sweet little girl you’ve been, Sweetheart!

After we picked Papa up, we headed to Raffles City for dinner as we wanted to catch the opening of this year’s Arts Festival.

In the food court there, we sat next to a man and his little girl having dinner. It was only after we’d sat down that we realised that the man was none other than Uncle Dennis, Mama’s former colleague and friend! What a pleasant surprise, especially since Mama hadn’t seen him for quite a long time already. Moreover, they were heading for the opening of the Arts Fest at the Padang too!

So we had the pleasure of their company on the grass fields of the Padang. That was a relief, since there was a bit of waiting to be done. You spent the time watching che-che Chloe play with her Papa, so you weren’t bored at all.

When the performances finally started, the music was very loud and Papa and Mama were worried it would affect you. The performances were also a little too “artsy” for Papa and Mama to understand, but we stayed around because we wanted to see the fireworks. When the fireworks finally started, the sky above us lit up with a full range of colours and sparkles! It was SO beautiful, so the long wait was all worthwhile!

We were out from early in the morning to late in the evening today, Little Skyler, and you only got to nap in the car. Still, you lasted the whole day and didn’t fuss very much at all. Papa and Mama are SO proud of you!

We love you!

Papa and Mama

A Sleepy Day for Mama

Dearest Little Skyler,

Today was a really sleepy day for Mama. Mama had a late notification of work that needed to be submitted today, so Mama stayed up all night doing it, knowing that she won’t be able to get any work done once you were up. Poor Mama!

After you had your breakfast this morning, you dragged Mama to the door and insisted that Mama take you for a “walk-walk”. Once again, you brought your sandals to Mama and kept saying “please” as you asked Mama to help you put them on. You’re SO cute, Little Skyler! We had planned to visit Popo this morning, but because Mama hardly got any sleep, we decided to postpone the visit to tomorrow. Popo had cooked some yummy porridge for us, but it wasn’t safe for Mama to drive when she’s had so little sleep. Thank you, Popo!

Since we had no agenda anymore, Mama decided to go for a nice walkie with you. During our walk, you wanted to have a closer look at some pigeons, but instead of walking up to them yourself, you asked Mama to carry you to have a closer look at the pigeons!

When Mama brought you back upstairs after some time downstairs, you didn’t want to go home and kept pointing to the other end of the corridor. So Mama brought you downstairs again, but apparently, that wasn’t what you wanted either. It took Mama some time before she figured out that you wanted to visit Auntie Chris! So Mama gave Auntie Chris a call and we paid her a visit. There, you played happily with Dawn-Dawn.

For lunch today, Mama heated up a “bao-bao” for you. You really love bao-baos, Little Girl! It was so nice just sitting there and having a bao-bao lunch with you.

Later in the afternoon, Auntie Chris, kor-kor Luke, che-che Joan and mei-mei Dawn visited us. You had SO much fun watching them and playing with them.

In the evening, Papa brought us out for dinner. As always, you played with all the kiddy rides we passed. Mama used to love playing with these rides too when she was a child. Good to know you’re just like Mama! =D

We love you, Little Skyler!

Mama & Papa

Free ice-cream?? Why, thank you! =D

Dearest Little Loved Skyler,

This morning, you brought your new sandals to Mama after breakfast and insisted that Mama bring you for a walk-walk. You were SO keen on going for a morning walk that you got a little anxious when Mama went to turn off some appliances to get ready to go on a walk. You’re SO cute, Little Girl!

Once we got downstairs, Mama and you walked around the estate. We saw lots of birds, a couple of cats and a dog. You were really happy and walked up to a number of pigeons to say “hi” to them!

After lunch, we paid Auntie Chris a visit, so you got to play with che-che Joan and mei-mei Dawn. It’s really nice to have good company so close to home. =D

In the evening, we went for some Japanese food at the mall near our house. Papa and Mama had some vouchers and needed to use them before they expired. While waiting for our food, you picked up the computer mouse that was on our table and put it to your ear as if it were a phone. You were SO cute, and even held a “phone conversation” with Papa while waiting for your steamed egg!

When we were almost all done with our dinner, the waitress at this restaurant who’s very fond of you – the one who made her colleague give you a red packet during Chinese New Year – spotted us. She then came up to you and offered you ice-cream! Papa and Mama didn’t feel comfortable taking ice-cream from her, but she was so sincere that we felt bad declining. Thank you, che-che!

You’re so loved, Sweet Skyler! You probably don’t know this right now, but there are many people who love you lots. Let’s remember to thank God for all of them.

Mama and Papa

More Draw-Draw!

Dearest Little Artist,

This morning, Mama and your plan to go to the zoo was thwarted by dark skies. We were all dressed and about to leave when the sky darkened and threatened to rain. It was a good thing we took the hint well and stayed home, because it started pouring shortly after!

On this wet, rainy day, we stayed home and were inspired to do more drawing. You were thrilled when Mama brought out a new box of crayons for you. Mama then set up a little table for you by the window so you had sufficient lighting when you “draw-draw” and so you could spot the occasional bird flying by outside our window. You were really happy. Mama was in awe of your art again and told Papa that she’s going to frame this one up too!

Later in the evening, Mama and you went to pick Papa up in school as Papa had a really long meeting. The meeting lasted longer than expected, so we waited patiently for Papa in his office. We busied ourselves transferring Papa’s pens and paperclips from one box to another. You were a very good girl and waited very patiently, even though it was getting late and you hadn’t had dinner yet. Thank you for being such a good little girl, Skyler!

Though we ended up having a very late dinner, it was all worthwhile as we got to eat together as a family. Papa and Mama value spending time together as a family, so we always try to at least have dinner together everyday.

We love you, Little Skyler!

Mama & Papa

Yet Another LAZY Monday…

Dearest Sweet Skyler,

Today was yet another happy lazy Monday for you and Mama. After a busy activity-filled weekend, Mama always feels we ought to take it easy on Monday.

In the morning, we read some books together. When Mama was reading your “Little Fish” book with you, you started chiming in with an enthusiastic “no” whenever Mama asked if something was Little Fish’s Mama. Mama even taught you how to pretend to cry, as Little Fish did at the start of the book. We’re SO glad you enjoy books, Sweetheart. Papa and Mama love reading with you!

Later in the evening, we picked Papa up from school and went down to Taka together. There, we had dinner and you got to look at the fountain in the basement. You really do like fountains, Little One. It’s a good thing Papa and Mama enjoy looking at them too!

Mama wanted to get some paper to use as the backing for your new “Happy Feet” poster, but they didn’t have any in stock at the art supplies shop there. Instead, Mama bought a mounting board to frame up your first drawing, the one you did in Sunday School yesterday. Mama is SO impressed by your piece of abstract art. Besides, this being your very first drawing makes it priceless for Papa and Mama! =D

You brighten our days more than any flavour of ice-cream can, Little Skyler. We love you SO much! Muack!

Mama & Papa

Church and the Point

Dearest Skyler,

We went for Church with Grandma today as she had stayed over with us the night before. In Sunday School, you did a piece of art work that Mama was so proud of that she immediately declared that she was going to frame it up and put it up at home! :D It the very first piece of art that you have ever done, Lil’ One – some form of pointillism. :D

After service ended, we headed over to Sushi Tei for lunch. We once again stuffed ourselves silly with good old Japanese food. :D Grandma gave you her lipstick holder to play with and you had a few minutes of fun just feeling its texture and opening and closing it! :D After lunch, we drove Grandma home before we returned to our own place.

Papa and Mama put up the poster that we had bought the day before – your ‘Happy Feet’ one in a frame. We then put it up at the main entrance to our apartment. It’s such a happy looking poster that we just have to smile when we see it before we leave and when we come home. :D

We had our dinner at the Point. We brought you to shop for a pair of sandals as we didn’t want to have you in shoes all the time if we were only out for a short while. We went around a few places but couldn’t find anything suitable. Finally, we went to BATA and managed to find a pair that was just nice.

And you were as usual enthralled by all the Kiddy Rides that we came across. You insisted on sitting in each of them even though we don’t actually activate any of them. :D Apparently, a lot of parents do the same with their kids. :D

We love you, Lil’ One.

Papa and Mama

Visit to the Zoo and the Esplanade

Dearest Skyler,

Papa had to go to attend a meeting this morning. Mama and you thus sent Papa to work before heading off to the zoo. You had such great fun there watching the otters and the other animals and also walking around the shop near the entrance. However, you couldn’t go further into the zoo as you both had to come back to pick Papa up after his meeting. On the way back out, you and Mama bumped into your Godpa Ben and Godma Steph! What a lovely chance meeting!

We then headed to our favourite dim sum place for lunch - Min Jiang Restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel. A few of the staff there have been working at that restaurant since Papa and Mama started going there when we were dating, so they’ve actually watched you grow up, Lil One! :D You had your favourite ‘bao-bao’ as usual. :D You are so SO cute that the waitresses there always look at you and smile. You bring such joy to people around you! :D

We then headed over to the Esplanade as Mama wanted to get a poster for you at the Popcorn Pop store. We got you the Happy Feet poster as you like the Mumble penguin that we got for Mama last year during her exams. Mama also found the Chicken Little teaser poster she had wanted to get for you. It was the last copy, so it was a little tattered, but Mama got it anyway as it’s a rare find. It also cost quite a bit more because it’s an original poster. It’s really cute, though, and Mama is looking forward to putting it up in your room some time.

After poster-shopping, we stopped by the Haagen Daaz outlet to get ourselves some ice cream. We think we have made you like ice cream as much as we do. :D We just hope that we’re not introducing too much sweet stuff to you. :P

Before we left the Esplanade, we brought you to the basement to take a few photographs. We gave you your cap to put on and you were SO happy! You not only looked like a ‘Breakdancing Girl’, you also had the poses to go with the look! Mama and Papa were so amused with the photos that we took as you really looked like you were breakdancing! :D

We then went to pick Grandma up and she stayed over with us tonight.

We love you, Lil’ Darling!

Papa and Mama

We’ll miss you, Kow-Moh!

Dearest Little Skyler,

When you got up this morning, you kept wanting Mama to kiss Hippo and Kitty Kat. After giving them some love, you insisted on bringing them both out to the living room. We left Camel behind so he could sleep in a little bit more. So Mama carried you, and you carried Hippo and Kitty Kat. What a jolly crowd!

Later in the afternoon, we visited Papa in his office, as has been our practice for a few Fridays already. You like to wander about Papa’s office, sit on Papa’s chair and toddle about to visit Papa’s colleagues.

As Kow-Moh was flying off tonight to the UK to join Kow-Fu there, we had dinner with her in the evening. There were a number of kiddy rides at the mall where we had dinner, so, as usual, you did your rounds on them.

After saying bye to “Moh-Moh”, we dropped by Popo’s house to pay her a visit. You played with Popo for a while before we brought you home.

Have a good trip, Moh-Moh! We’ll miss you and Kow-Fu!

Love you, Sweet Little Skyler!

Mama & Papa

The BIG Storm

Dearest Precious Little Skyler,

This morning, Auntie Chris and Dawn-Dawn came to collect che-che Joan’s book. They stayed a while to play, but because you were quite sleepy, they didn’t stay very long.

Later in the afternoon, after Mama gave you your bath-bath, a big storm started brewing. The thunder roar was really quite loud when Mama was getting you dressed after your bath, so Mama wasn’t surprised when you clung to Mama and started telling Mama that you were “scared-scared”. What surprised Mama, though, was that you patted your chest and told Mama that you were “scared-scared” when Mama had never taught you to do this! Did someone teach you this, Little Girl, did you learn this from other children, or is this something “instinctive” that just came to you?

In any case, Mama started teaching you how to imitate the booming sound of the thunder whenever it roared. After a while, you weren’t so scared about the thunder anymore. =D

Later, after Papa got home from work, we packed some things for you to carry in your Minnie Mouse bag and headed off to Suntec City.

Mama had been wanting to get you the “Happy Feet” teaser poster with Mumbles the penguin dancing, since you like penguins, so we headed to the poster shop in Suntec City. Mama also wanted to get you a cute Chicken Little teaser poster. However, these posters were out of stock. They didn’t have any Heffalump movie posters either. Oh well… At least you got to do some shopping and visit Bob the Builder!

We also managed to get some grocery shopping done. While Mama zipped around picking out fruits and vegetables for you, you were doing your own shopping with Papa! You selected a yellow zucchini and also held on tightly to a little lemon the whole time we were there.

Later on, you helped Mama to pick out all the yoghurt you wanted from the frozen foods section. You’re becoming such a helpful little girl, Skyler! Papa and Mama are SO proud f you!

We love you LOTS, Sweetheart!

Mama and Papa

Zoo Trip with Mama and Kow-Moh

Dearest Friend of All Animals Big and Small,

Kow-Moh came early in the morning to go to the zoo with us today.

When we got to the zoo, we saw SO many animals. First, we went down the Tiger Trek and saw some white tigers basking in the sun at the end of the trek. Then we visited the pygmy hippos and watched them swim about in the water. Next, we walked through the Australian Outback and watched the kangaroos for a while.

By this time, we were all quite tired and famished already. So we went back to the central area to get some food. Kow-Moh got you a high chair, but you refused to sit in it. You kept pointing to the “adult chairs” and asking to sit in one. When Mama let you sit in the adult chair, you were so happy and contented.

After lunch, we visited the polar bears and watched them have their lunch. Mama and Kow-Moh wanted to visit the Fragile Forest and elephants after this, but you looked SO tired already. In the end, we simply took the tram round the zoo before we left.

Mama’s SO proud of you, Little Girl! Even though you were already tired at the start of our zoo visit, you lasted the whole visit without fussing.

Back home, you were totally awake, so Mama gave you a bath and some yoghurt before we set off again to pick Papa up from work. At the door, you started putting your feet into Moh-Moh’s sandals! You were SO thrilled and even took a few steps in them.

After sending Moh-Moh home, we headed to Borders with Papa. We picked up a book for Papa, a book for you, and a book for che-che Joan. As usual, you made Papa walk up and down the flight of stairs in Borders with you. We know you enjoy that, Little Skyler, but it’s actually back-breaking for Papa. Don’t make Papa do that with you too often, ok?

We love you, Sweet Little Girl!

Mama and Papa

Skyler and Her Books

Dearest Little Skyler,

Today, you surprised Mama by bringing one of your favourite books – the magnetic “Colours” book that Kow-Fu and Kow-Moh got you – to Mama and naming everything on the book cover! You pointed to each thing in turn and told Mama what that was. Then you turned the page and proceeded to name all that you could on that page, and you carried on till you reached the end of the book. Well done, Little Girl! You remember all that Mama has taught you!

In the afternoon, we paid Auntie Chris, che-che Joan and mei-mei Dawn a visit. Auntie Chris gave you some apples which you enjoyed because they were so sweet. Thank you, Auntie Chris!

Little Skyler, you’re Papa and Mama’s little darling. Mama loves taking care of you, and Papa always rush home after work to be with you and Mama. We thank God for you and for our little Duckie family!

Mama and Papa

Dinner with a Wonderful Family

Dearest Sweet Loving Daughter of Ours,

How you’ve been showering Papa and Mama with kisses and hugs galore! No matter how many kisses and hugs you give us, our hearts still melt each time. Papa and Mama are very loving people, so we really thank God that you’re so warm and loving too!

Aside from Papa and Mama, you’re always kissing your stuffed animals and also pictures of animals that you see, whether in books, newspapers or posters. The birds and animals that we meet all get flying kisses from you. How sweet, Little Skyler!

Today, you decided that you are a big girl already and didn’t want to sit in your high chair anymore. You insisted on sitting on one of the dining chairs that Papa and Mama sit on at meal times. You looked so small on the big chair, but you were SO happy to have your soup there during lunch. You’re growing up SO fast, Little Girl!

Today was also the day we were pleasantly surprised by a dinner invitation at Auntie Chris and Uncle James’ house. How wonderful to be invited to dinner!

Dinner was yummilicious and after dinner, while Papa and Mama chatted with Uncle James and Auntie Chris, you got to play with kor-kor Luke, che-che Joan and Dawn-Dawn. They had so many toys to show you!

Thank God for new friends!

We love you, Little Skyler!

Mama & Papa

Mama’s Day!

Dearest Skyler,

It was Mama’s Day today, Lil One! Wow! Mama’s Day! A day we set aside to remember all that our Mamas have done for us! Mama has really done a lot for you, Lil One – from the time that we learnt that you existed until now and all the way into future! Mama’s sacrificed so much for your sake, Lil One! You must never ever make Mama disappointed, okay? :D

Before we set off for church, we gave Mama her Mama’s Day present – the latest Michael Buble CD (as Mama likes his singing and his songs) and a Mama’s Day card. :D Papa sent you to give the present to Mama and to wake her up as well. Mama was SO happy to wake up to see you and to receive her presents! :D

We then went for church in the morning as usual. As it was Mama’s Day, the church gave away flowers to all the mamas in the congregation and of course Mama received one – it was a carnation.

We let you hold on to it and you bent it at the stalk, thus totally shortening it as we had to break it off. :P

After church, we went off to visit Popo at her shop. We spent a bit of time there as she is Mama’s Mama and it is Mama’s Day! :D As always, Popo was totally thrilled to see you and to just play with you. She loves you so much!

Later in the evening, after we had all taken our naps in the afternoon, Papa went off to the Point to get dinner. It was a whirlwind stop for Papa as Papa wanted to get home quickly as it was Mama’s Day and it was our Mama’s Day dinner.

Mama also spent quite a bit of time preparing food for the soup that she was preparing for your lunch tomorrow. As you were afraid of the sound that the blender makes, Mama asked Papa to take care of you. Papa decided to take you into our room so that you needn’t be so near the blender. Papa and you played for the whole time that Mama had to blend the vegetables and such that was to be your soup. You really made Papa’s day when you laughed so happily. :D

After dinner, we had our Mama’s Day cake before we put you to bed.

Happy Mama’s Day, Mama! You’re the best Mama that our Duckie family can ever hope for. We love you!

And we love you, Lil One.

Papa and Mama

Mother’s Day Celebration with Grandma

Dearest Skyler,

Today was a lazy day at home, Lil One. We spent most of the day at home as we were simply too lethargic to go out. In the evening, we went to Raffles City for dinner with Grandma and to celebrate Mother’s Day with her.

We ate at Sushi Tei. This was the first time that Papa and you were eating there (Mama had eaten there before with Godma Audrey). You were quite restless for most of the dinner so Papa and Mama once again had to take turns to bring you out for walkies.

After dinner, we walked around a bit - doing some window shopping - before we headed down to the basement for some ice cream. :D We fed you some of the ice cream and you loved it! However, you also wanted to walk and you ended up walking all around and even into a few of the shops – there was a shop you walked into where you were picked up and carried by the sales assistants and you entertained them to no end; they kept on bringing you caps to try on! :D

We then sat at your favourite fountain so that you could enjoy it once more before sending Grandma home.

Happy Mother’s (and Grandma’s) Day, Grandma!

We love you, Lil One.

Mama and Papa

Enjoy the UK, Kowfu! We love you!

Dearest Little Girl,

Today, we finally had Auntie Chris, che-che Joan and mei-mei Dawn over at our place.

You got up very early in the morning and were so happy already. That gave Mama the chance to leave you alone to play after your bath while Mama washed the bathrooms. You just ate your biscuits on your own from your cup and watched some Blue’s Clues while waiting for Mama to be done. What a good girl you were!

After lunch, Auntie Chris, che-che Joan and Dawn-Dawn came over to play. Mama was pleasantly surprised with an early Mothers' Day gift from che-che Joan - a bunch of origami flowers. How sweet! Che-che Joan and Dawn-Dawn enjoyed playing with your toys, and you enjoyed having them over. You all looked so happy!

Later in the evening, we went to the airport to send Kow-Fu off on his UK trip. His flight was very late in the night, so we had to help send Kow-Moh home after that to make sure she got home safe and sound.

Kow-Fu and Kow-Moh love you a lot, Skyler. Papa and Mama are glad that you love them too.

See you soon, Kow-Fu! Enjoy yourself in the Land of Peter Rabbits! We’ll miss you!

Mama and Papa

Morning Library Visit with Auntie Chris and Dawn-Dawn, and the Dinner that Wasn’t To Be

Dearest Sweet Daughter of Ours,

Our day got off to an early start today. We had arranged to visit the library with Auntie Chris and Dawn-Dawn this morning, so we met them downstairs at 9.20am. Though we had just gone to the library with Papa the evening before, we went to the library again with them since we had no agenda this morning.

When we got to the library, Auntie Chris went in search of Chinese books to read to kor-kor Luke and che-che Joan before their bedtime. Mama and you loitered around, played with the little toadstools at the library and read a little. From time to time, you’ll go and look for Auntie Chris.

When we got back to our own station, you put your finger to your lips and said, “Shh…”. This is what Mama taught you to do to indicate the need to keep quiet because someone is sleeping. Mama was wondering why you did this, then Mama realised that you were looking at Dawn-Dawn and that she had fallen asleep in her stroller! How observant of you, Little Girl! The funny thing was, on the walk back home, you too fell asleep in Mama’s arms! You would usually wake up once we get home, but today, Mama put you in your bed after we got home and you carried on sleeping. You must’ve been quite tired from our morning trip to the library.

Oh, here are some pictures of you in your new cap. You had never liked hats since you were born, but last week, when Mama let you try on a cap and you saw yourself in the mirror, you started wanting to try on different hats! You were SO cute! This is a cap you liked very much, and since Papa and Mama had a voucher, we used it to redeem this cap for you.

At noon-time, Popo came to play with you. This gave Mama a chance to go catch up with Uncle Daniel over some ice-cream.

As we had arranged to celebrate Mothers’ Day with Popo this evening, Papa went back home after work to bathe you and bring you and Popo down to a vegetarian restaurant to meet Kow-Fu and Kow-Moh for dinner. Mama got a lift from Uncle Daniel to a shopping mall near the restaurant and got a chance to choose a nice gift for Popo.

Unfortunately, shortly after Mama reunited with Papa, you and Popo, our dinner plan fell apart. First, Kow-Moh called to say that Kow-Fu had vomited and that they could not join us for dinner. Next, Popo started feeling ill as well and felt like vomiting, so we had to send Popo home without dinner too. What a pity, since this was the last opportunity for us all to eat together before Kow-Fu flies off to the UK on Friday.

After sending Popo home and making sure she was well, we got into our Duckie Mobile to leave for dinner on our own somewhere. However, Papa couldn’t start our Duckie Mobile! Papa had just gotten the car serviced today, so we immediately suspected that the mechanics tinkled with something accidentally to cause this to happen.

It was getting late, so we had to get a tow truck to come and tow our Duckie Mobile back to the workshop. The tow truck was to take about an hour and a half to get to us, so we went back into Popo’s house. Popo was sound asleep, so she didn’t know we were downstairs.

Papa and Mama fed you your dinner (it was a good thing Mama had packed some “emergency food” for you), but we were so hungry ourselves, so in the end, we called for some McDelivery food. Throughout our dinner, we tried our best to keep you occupied and happy, since you were actually quite tired by then. Poor Little Girl!

When the tow truck finally came, the mechanic managed to start the engine and Mama suggested we take our chances that it was the battery that needed to be changed, rather than send the car to the workshop then. Mama suggested this as it was getting late and she hoped that we would be able to drive you home to rest quickly. So, on a wing and a prayer, we went straight to get a new battery for our car. Thank God everything worked fine after that and we were able to get you home safely!

What a stressful later half of the day it was for us all, Little Girl. We were supposed to have a wonderful Mothers’ Day celebration for Popo, but Kow-Fu and Popo both fell ill. Then our Duckie Mobile broke down and Papa and Mama were stuck worrying about how we were going to get you home safely and in time for your bedtime. Thank God He’s watching over us all!

You must always remember to pray at all times, Little One. God loves you very much, and so do Papa and Mama.

Mama and Papa

Happy Little Girl

Dearest Little Skyler,

Even though it’s only been a few days since Mama’s exams ended, we’ve been enjoying ourselves SO much!

Mama’s amazed by how happy you have been these few days. In the last few weeks, because of Mama’s assignments and exams, you fussed a lot when you had to be left in the care of others. It’s so good to see you happy all through the day now!

Today, Mama made you some pumpkin soup for lunch. You liked it so much!

Papa and Mama always miss you when we’re not with you. We really enjoy watching you all the time, Little One. Once again, we’re going to spoil you with all our love, but you mustn’t be spoilt, ok?

Muack!

Mama and Papa

Trip to the Zoo with Mama

Dearest Daughter of Ours,

The highlight of our day today was our trip to the zoo!

Our day started off slowly as Mama wanted to make sure you were well rested before we headed to the zoo.

After lunch, we visited Auntie Chris to play with che-che Joan and mei-mei Dawn. Isn’t it great to have neighbours we can visit, Little One? You were so thrilled with all the toys there!

Later in the afternoon, Mama brought you to the zoo. The otters were all playing around in the sun, so we stayed there for a long time watching them splash about in the water. Some of them scurried up to look at you. You were SO excited!

We then took a slow walk to the Polar Bear enclosure, passing some flamingoes and monkeys on our way there. You weren’t too thrilled by these, but your eyes lit up again when you saw Sheba and Inuka, the two polar bears we have at our zoo. It was feeding time, so we stayed to watch the polar bears dive into the water to demonstrate their hunting skills.

After that, we took a tram round the zoo. We saw some zebras and rhinos, and we even saw the production team for a Kids Central show at work. Mama didn’t know who they were, but they were dressed in funny-looking superhero costumes.

Our last stop for the day (it was getting late and the zoo was going to close soon) was the Australian Outback section. There were many free-roaming Australian animals here, but Mama thinks you enjoyed watching the kangaroos most. We stayed here for a long while and you had some biscuits while watching the kangaroos jump around.

Before we left the zoo, you played in the UV-light section of the zoo souvenir store at the exit. You had so much fun trying to blow out the little toy lights that were shaped like candles.

From the zoo, we headed back to the mall near our house to have dinner with Papa. Maybe it was because you expanded so much energy walking around the zoo, but you ate so much for dinner!

After dinner, you played at a few of the mall’s kiddy rides before we headed home. You totally know where all the kiddy rides are, so every trip to the mall isn’t complete now before you’ve made your rounds on them.

We love you, Sweet Skyler!

Mama & Papa