Post-CNY post

Yep, the festivities are over, at least at my end. I had a week-long restful break back in Muar with plenty of family gatherings and feasting. There was little time for friends though as I now have a little girl in tow who subcribes to a 3 hour drinking schedule. You do not want to mess with this one when she is hungry. So no more late nights out catching up with friends or playing 'in-between' till the wee hours of the morning. Well I did get some game-time though at Vicky's place when her aunts and cousins converged on the fourth, fifth and sixth nights to gamble on black-jack. As parents, we had to tuck baby up to bed first before thinking of joining the lievly crowd at the gaming table. The baby monitor sure comes in handy in times like this.

Here are some photos of the first day gathering at my place.

Cheyenne looking cute in pink

Outpouring of emotions and welcomes as relatives start to arrive

At the main table, from left CW : Janet, Annie, Un.Gan, An.Gan, Un.George, Un. Kay (satnding), An.Mary, and Mom

What are kids up to these days? They definitely do not need TV cartoons to keep them entertained.

A family portrait

More shots ...

Rounding up the Ox

It's been awhile since I updated this blog and now we are on the verge of another New Year. Since I had missed writing a round-up post for 2009, I figure I will do one for the Year of the Ox instead.

We ushered the Ox with gusto but it could not stem the sub-prime tsunami that battered the financial markets and caused many companies, including mine, to shed their workforce and tighten their belts. I was fortunate to be spared and learnt a valuable financial lesson along the way. So career wise, I am still where I am at the beginning of the year.

We found time to travel too. After our exertions in Europe the previous year, we decided to hop on a guided tour to a not-to-distant and less expensive destination. So Taiwan was it. This was our only holiday getaway for the year.

We finally became parents this year. To prepare for our baby, we attended ante-natal classes, borrowed books on pregnancy and baby-care, and did loads of shopping.

Upgraded from public transport to a set of wheels and from a basic DSLR to a full frame.


All in all, it was a pretty good year. I'm hoping the Tiger will be a even better year.

'Twas the night before Christmas' for Moms

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping all snug in their beds,
while visions of Nintendo and Barbie flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only Mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With the toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh, great," muttered Mom, "now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake,
your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The Mother's twin;
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch The Young and The Restless."
"Fantastic!" the Mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy? Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the Mom smiled, "she sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you, too."

The Mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's love she is trying to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said, "To me it is clear,
Only one loving Mother is needed here."

The Mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said, "Good night.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you will be all right."

~ Author Unknown ~

Baby Steps

What I've learnt so far ...

1) When she wants her milk ... she means she wants it NOW!

Before and After

2) If she sleeps for 3 hours in a stretch, she is giving you a breather. Don't be surprise if she's up in half that time.

3) Babies do break wind, sometimes more often than I do. And don't be surprise at the amount of 'fecal matter' can come out of that tiny frame.

4) Angel, Textbook, Miss Sensitive or Grouchy ? ... well, that depends on whether her needs are met.

Homecoming

The past week and a half has been a blur of happenings and changes. The important thing is that both baby and mummy are healthy and well.

As for the house, it has become kind of unrecognisable, turning into a war-room like place for project BABY-01. My mum and the confinement nanny has cleaned and dusted every nook and cranny, revamped the kitchen and all its contents, stocked up the fridge to the brim and hung nappies on every space that catches a glimpse of the elusive sun beam. Our time has also been tuned to the sleeping pattern of our little girl, the one who eat-sleeps-and-poo.

Welcome home Cheyenne!