The Evian Boy

Hmmm, it's common to have a little baby acne at a few weeks' old. So mummy treated them by cleaning my face with warm wet towel (which I hated. So Mummy says I am a "dirty pig"...) and then followed by a cooling evian spray of spring water (by Danone, of course...) Now, they have all cleared up. Do I look good enough to help Evian pose and advertise their sprays???

A Lesson on Colours

After my bath this morning, Mummy decided I needed a lesson on colours. So she started by teaching me the primary colours using the "RED", "BLUE" and "YELLOW" cushions on the couch... Check this out...

RED












BLUE

YELLOW

Mummy's Thoughts to cost 5 pennies???

It's been a busy week for gatherings since it was Christmas. Finally got some time to rest. As usual, shopping centres had their post Xmas sale. So Mummy got 奶奶 to take care of me, while she goes for some speed shopping at Isetan and Robinson. Hmmm, come to think of it, Mummy really got nothing much to buy. But I guess she just needs some "shopping" to have her time alone...

So after she fed me, she sets off to reach Isetan at 830AM, since their post Xmas sale starts early, so that she can hurry back to take over taking care of me while 奶奶 goes to work. Gosh, it seems like a good year where folks are paid good bonuses, the queue to enter Isetan Scotts was all the way to the Thai Embassy. It was so crowded that Mummy didn't really bother to try on anything, except for a few pairs of Levi's jeans, just to make sure she can still fit back into the pre-pregnancy size. Although Mummy could fit back into the Levi's she had at home, she wasn't 100% sure as she thought it might have loosened after many times of laundry. But after the tries at Isetan, she finally proved to herself she am able to put on the same Levi's size. So Mummy rewarded herself by buying the Levi's...

Then Uncle Daniel fetched Mummy to Robinson, where Mummy is supposed to help him to do some prenatal shopping as Aunty Pauline was expecting their 1st kid next March. So suddenly, Mummy became the "expert" Mummy to people around her, giving advice to people on which brands are good, what to buy, how much to buy, how to prevent stretchmarks, which massage lady to use, how to have more breast milk etc. etc...

It also seems like Mummy's focus for shopping has changed. It has used to be the Mango, ZARA, Women's Secret, Lver etc shopping outlets, but now the kids' department is a favourite too (even though Mango etc are still on Mummy's favourite shopping list). To see if there are new items out there or items on sale worth getting. Mummy even visits the diaper and milk powder section in NTUC and Cold Storage now. Mummy's next favourite place of shopping is online shopping, since she couldn't get out of the house too much without the hassle of bringing me (and plus lots of my barang barang) along. Now, she's been ordering stuff from TAOBAO (China's "Ebay"), Amazon, Drugstore, Maidenform etc. Aunty Ting asked if Mummy was so free to keep surfing the Internet to do online shopping. Mummy's reply was that she needed some "time alone". I guess I need to be a good boy and not make Mummy angry. Then at least, Daddy will be happier (AKA smaller credit card bills haha).

Christmas Wishes from Daddy and Mummy...

Christmas has always been a time of thanksgiving, celebration and for reflecting on the year that has passed. This year, Mummy and Daddy have one more reason to celebrate because God has not just given us His One and Only Son, but He has blessed us with a son of our own.

Looking back on Matt's birth, we saw the fulfillment of some of God's promises that we would like to share:

1. Before we set out for Shanghai in April 2006, Mummy and Daddy attended the Apostlic Night at Trinity to seek God's directions for our lives. I remembered that one of the promise prayed upon Mummy that night was that 'She would take on a new and bigger role as she embarks on this new journey'. Back then, whilst Mummy and Daddy interpreted this as being Mummy holding a new and different role in her career in Shanghai, Sister Eileen from our cell group, gave us a different perspective - that maybe God could be speaking about Mummy having a baby, which would itself be a totally new and challenging role to her.
2. After we began our new lives in Shanghai, Mummy and Daddy had been trying hard for little Matthias (back then, also known as Darren, Keith, Andre before we decided on Matthias). However, humanly attempts have been futile and brought disappointments. One night however, Daddy had a dream. In Daddy's dream, Daddy was playing with a little girl and a little boy. Daddy reckoned that little girl was Zoey (whom Daddy adore very much), but Daddy wasn't sure who the little boy was. Nevertheless, Daddy passed it off as just another dream until Mummy announced the good news about Matthias 2 months later.
   

Indeed, it seems that God has everything in His greater plans which is being slowly revealed to us when the timing is right.

Now, Daddy's wishes for Christmas this year is for Matt to grow up to be a courageous, upright and compassionate man; that he would not just be a gift unto this family, but he would also be God's gift unto the world. May the Spirit of God dwell within this young man that he would be able to bring joy to the people around him and to be a helping hand to those who are in need.

Luv, Daddy, Shanghai 25.12.2007

Mummy's additional thoughts:

Indeed God has been gracious and good to us. It has been a year of trials and new challenges, be it in a new place, at work, or even taking on new responsibilities. But I must say God has been faithful in all aspects. To bless both YJ and I with favours with the people around us...

As usual, during our annual Xmas gathering at church, Pastor Pris asked me to share one thing that I want to thank God for in 2007. I must say I have to thank God for the addition of Matt into my life. His addition has helped me discover another arena of my life, the more "maternal" instinct. Like my good friend Michelle would say to me that she cannot imagine me being that maternal, but as she sees me being so patient with Matt, she was surprised. It's amazing how God creates a new life, from a fetus in my womb to a fully formed baby like Matt today, how he yawns, snores and eats and his every little action etc... Now I share every little smile and cry Matt has, however big or small, as he becomes a large part of my life. I really thank God for his hand on me during the entire pregnancy and delivery. As compared to some others I know, my pregnancy has been a relatively smooth one and that definitely has been a blessing cos I am so far away from home without family to help take care of me. It's been really amazing how God hears too. Although not a definite must, I have always wanted my first born to be a boy (due to the fact that I have always wanted an elder brother myself) and my baby to have lots of hair. So when my gynae tells me it's a boy and showed me through the ultrasound the hair baby has, I was telling myself, God is really good. He really hears every little single thought we have. Lastly, I also thank God for the favour with my boss in Shanghai for his understanding towards my pregnancy and need to return home to Singapore to deliver Matt.

My First Christmas cum Christmas Party...

Yesterday night (AKA Xmas Eve), Mummy and her close friends had a theme party "Uniforms" at Uncle Marcus and Aunty Melissa's place. Guess what Mummy dressed me up as??? I was a SAILOR and Mummy's a PIRATE. See the Mummy and Son in action...


Mummy's friends were funny and innovative. Check out the guys... See uncles Marcus (DHL delivery man with his DHL box), Winson (the neighbourhood policeman), Victor (a doctor or the SOFTLAN laboratory man) and Su Kit (Bao Gong???)...



Check out the nicely decorated Christmas tree and the PRESENTs... Wow, wonder how many are for me...

And the wide spread of Christmas food. But as usual, Mummy still say I can only have my MILK MILK...

See ME in my Sailor costume up close and personal

Me and Santarina Miffy... Hmmm, how come we are the same size???

Check out the rest of the crew:

Aunty Delphi (the Chef)











Aunty Melissa (the Referee)











Aunty Michelle (the "Fashionable" Jailbird???)











Aunty Vanessa (the HOOTERs gal with devil horns???)












Mummy was proud of me last night. I behaved myself and did not wail at all during the entire party. All of Mummy's friends say I was "well-behaved". I enjoyed myself at the party too, cos Mummy's friends were so amusing (I saw how they played charates... they were so crazy...). Mummy was amazed that I was awake the entire evening until we left after midnight (Yes, it's Xmas day...)

Too bad Daddy isn't here with us. Both Mummy and I missed Daddy a lot. We called Daddy during the party last night to wish him a merry christmas. I also want to tell Daddy although I missed spending this Christmas with him, I am thinking of him all the time...

My First Excursion to Church

Mummy and her church friends had a Xmas party today. It was my first excursion to church. Daddy and Mummy used to be "Sunday School" teachers at Discovery Land in Trinity Christian Centre (see, they LOVE kids!!!) before they left for Shanghai last year. Now they are still teaching kids of different nationalities in Shanghai.

So early in the morning, I finished my daily routine... Feeding... Pooing... Bathing... Now I am all handsome and ready to leave the house for church.

Check out the back...Did the Disney designer print this on the wrong side??? Why is Mickey on my backside???

Christmas Elves...

Mummy is supposed to go back to 婆婆's place for dinner tonight as it is 过冬 (AKA it's time to eat 汤圆). Whilst waiting for 舅舅 to come fetch us, Mummy was surfing the Net and chanced upon this cute "Make Your Own Video".

Watch the Chan family turn "elfy" for this white Christmas... http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1678341114

Faces of Sleep

Mummy brought me to Uncle Bernand's place on Tuesday earlier this week to visit Aunty Hazel and little Ives, who was born on 28 Nov. I was so tired that I fell asleep at Uncle Bernard's place. Check out the photos he took for me with his BIG SLR...

My Morning Exercise

As I grow now, Mummy realises that I tend to be awake in the morning. Usually after my feed at 7 or 8 plus, I would have my bath at 9 plus. Then, Mummy would give me some tummy time (see other post) or exercise time. Check this out... Ignore the sounds though, 奶奶 is having a telephone conversation with her friend...

Morning Exercise_Take One

Hari Raya Haji...

It was a public holiday in Singapore yesterday... Hari Raya Haji... A Malay festival.. Mummy took me out shopping at Marina Square, together with Uncle Daniel, Aunty Pauline and Ting and 姨婆. Mummy bought me some new Disney clothes yesterday too, as there was a sale. Now I have more new POOH and Mickey clothes. I was in Mummy's MIM sling the entire afternoon and it was really comfortable (since it felt like I am sleeping in a sarong). When I woke up later, I realise that there were LOTs of people at Marina Square doing their Xmas shopping. I was looking around as this place was so bright and full of new faces. Then we stopped over at Andersen's for ice-cream. Gosh, whilst the gang had ice-cream, waffles and brownies, I only had my MILK MILK, cos Mummy says I am too small for those. Check this out...

ME and Aunty Ting


















ME and 姨婆. See I told you I was at Andersen's.


















Then Mummy brought me to Uncle Choon Shing's (Mummy's Uni cum church friend who graduated in the same year) place for a gathering. Hmmm, it must have been a strange and new place to me cos I was a bit cranky and Mummy couldn't eat her dinner proper. And then, I refused to sleep when I reached home. Now Mummy's considering to leave me at home for future Xmas gatherings. Oh no... I want to go along...

I am a "Kung Fu" Master

叔叔 always teases me whenever I wear this top. He says I look like a "Kung Fu Master". Check out my "Kung Fu".

The "Pose":


And the "Video" of my "Kung Fu" and "Flying Kick":

A Fourth Penny for Mummy's Thoughts

Finally, confinement's over on 15 Dec. I was stuck at home for confinement for 1 month and there was so many things that I wanted to do. Like xmas shopping (gosh, this is real pathetic this year, I barely bought presents for anybody cos of the lack of time), manicures & pedicures, cut and colour my hair, KTV etc. So finally I did my hair and colour last Sunday. And today, I have arranged to go do xmas shopping with my good friend.

Well, having a baby will probably turn your own timetable upside down, cos your life no longer just revolves around yourself, but revolves more around your baby as you adjust your time to his feeding, sleeping, pooing etc routines which puts curfews into your life. And of course, that also means no more going out whenever you like or late into the nights... So as usual, this morning, Matt woke up early at 8 plus to feed and then we bathed him at 9 plus. I was trying to put him to sleep before I go off, so that it will be easier on my in laws. However, he seemed to know that I was going out, and didn't want to sleep. Later my MIL told me that whilst I had already left at 11AM, Matt didn't sleep until his next feed at 12 plus.

It was funny to be out without Matt. After all, he's been with me everywhere in that 9 months he was in my tummy (I remember at times when I used to go for my business trips, I would touch my tummy and tell Matt, the plane's going to take off soon. Don't be scared cos Mummy's here with you. Or at home, we would play some children's songs or read bible stories to him). And then I was "confined" at home for 1 month, facing nothing else but mostly Matt. An "overdosage" of Matt... Although I was glad to be out shopping (and obviously did some quick shopping with the ongoing MANGO sale), a few hours shopping in the afternoon seemed too long for me. I finally left Orchard Road slightly after 5pm as I decided I wanted to be home to see my boy. Come to think about it, I couldn't really believe this was me. After all, I have always thought of myself to be more independent, even with kids. Perhaps the saying that my ex-boss used to tell me is true. Wait till you become a mother and you will understand. That was what Priy used to tell me whenever I tell him career was more important and kids can wait and that I should still have my career after having kids. Well, being a one month old mother, of course, I haven't really came to that stage where I have to decide between the two, since I am happily enjoying my maternity leave. But one thing I do know, which also reinforces what YJ has said, Matt has become a very important part of our lives. His growth each day amazes me and I thank God for this blessing in our lives...

An Eventful Day

Wow, it was indeed an eventful day today. Mummy started my day at 8AM this morning by bathing me and feeding me. After that, I had my 1st month visit to the PD, where I took my weight, length and head diameter again. See how much I have grown:

At birth:

• Weight = 2.97kg
• Length = 48cm
• Head diameter = 32cm

At one month:

• Weight = 4.5kg
• Length = 53cm
• Head diameter = 38 cm

Indeed, I have grown so much. My PD, Dr Ngiam, said that I have put on a little too much weight (me heavier by almost 1.5kg now) as the normal monthly weight gain is 1kg. But I guess it's ok, cos many people say chubbier babies are cuter... Haha...

I took a look at my little Health Booklet and noted the list of jabs that I need to take. Gosh, I was shocked, so many. I took my Hep B - 2nd dose jab today. It was so painful.

After that, Mummy brought me to Aunty Katie's house. Mummy has arranged a cake and chit chat session with a few of the Nov 2007 Mummies. These mummies had a good time chit chatting of everything under the sun, from babies, to daddies, to weight gain/loss and stretchmarks etc. Hmmm, how come Mummies have so many things to "gossip" about???

Check out my other Nov 2007 baby friends:

From left to right:

Baby Bevis (Aunty Pauline); Baby Matthias (that's ME!); Baby Javier (Aunty Gillian); Baby Lewis (Aunty Katie); Baby Mischa (Aunty Sally)

That's ME and Baby Bevis sharing a "SOFA" for sleep:

Check out the Nov 2007 Mummies and babies:

From left to right:
Baby Mischa & Aunty Sally; Baby Matthias (that's ME!) and Mummy; Baby Bevis & Aunty Pauline; Baby Lewis & Aunty Katie; Baby Javier & Aunty Gillian

Hey I learned a new trick at Aunty Katie's place today. I learn to roll to my side (ie 90 degrees to the sofa). But think Mummy didn't put on my diapers tight enough, so when I rolled over, I actually peed onto Aunty Katie's sofa. I am so sorry for this, Aunty Katie... Promise I won't do it again... Please don't bar me from your place when you have future gatherings...

Part Time Baby Sitters

I had a small 1st month celebration yesterday and Mummy invited her friends and Mummy's side relatives along. Mummy's friends are dying to wake me up so that I can play with them. See Uncle Winson and Aunty Melissa. Hmmm, Mummy says they are practising their baby sitting skills on me, so that they can use them in time to come when Winson Juniors and Melissa Juniors come along.

My New "Vehicles"

As Cousin Zoe has grown up and has no need for some of her vehicles, 叔叔 has kindly agreed to loan me some of those. See how I travel in them now. Ain't I stylo???