Vain

Gwendolyn is very very girlie. When Gong Gong and Por Por came last month, she bought a set of "beauty" toys...today, she was showing Mama how to put on all the accessories and pretend to put on makeup on herself...see, she's being really serious in this whole business!

Engrossed in her "beauty set" as a "dressing up princess"! She really thinks that she's very pretty!

The entire set of "barang barang" - quite comprehensive, ok!

New Bouncing Toy

So far, Geraldine hasn't been a very brave and adventurous baby. Why? On Sunday, Mama suggested to bring out the present from Gong Gong's elder brother for Geraldine to try out. Since she's started playing with the walker, she might as well try out this bouncy toy at home...Papa fixed it to the door frame and Mama put Geraldine inside with Gwendolyn's help. Once Geraldine was in, she stood still and didn't move at all, wondering what this thing was all about. After sitting in there for a while, she suddenly tried moving and was rather shock to know that she's accidentally made a half-circle turn (from facing Papa in front, to facing Lyn Lyn behind). She was stunned for a while...and Lyn Lyn laughed, after seeing her sudden turn. With Lyn Lyn's laughter and hearing Mama's voice, she called for Mama's help and cried...she didn't like it. She was scared...

Caught by total surprise by the "sudden twist of fate"

Immediately, Mama has to "save" her from the bouncy toy - still complaining when Mama's trying to remove her from the seat!

Surprised and scared...sulking in Mama's arms, still trying to reflect on what happened and recover from the shock...poor baby!

BBQ @ SAF Chalet

Haven't had a BBQ @ a chalet for long. Goo Cheung managed to book the SAF chalet and has invited us to the chalet for a BBQ. Gwendolyn was really looking forward to it and heeded Mama's advice to have a nap first, so that she has energy to play afterwards! To make sure that Lyn Lyn and Joel is busy with something to play, Mama bought some bubbles for them to keep them busy. It worked! Since both were able to blow and made many bubbles, they were satisfied and contented to continue playing with the bubbles! That left the adults with ample time in setting up the fire and chit chat for a while!

Lyn Lyn and Joel trying hard to blow bubbles at the playground right in front of the chalet

Goo Goo taking care of Geraldine, watching Lyn Lyn and Joel play in front of her

Lyn Lyn was too busy to notice that Papa and Mama were taking some pictures with Geraldine...shhhhhh

Remember that Geraldine tried the kid's indoor playground at Shokudo? This time, she's trying an outdoor playground. See, she's so proud of herself!

Lyn Lyn-The Chef! She purposely brought her Dora fans to help Goo Cheung to start the fire...taking care of the food, brushing butter on the sausages and satay, both her favourites!

Picture with Lucas - he's just woke up from his nap...but still feeling sleepy

P.S. Something special about the SAF chalet! In fact, Mama stayed in one of these chalets almost 10 years ago when she first visited Singapore in September 1998! Papa (back then was not "Papa" yet) asked his friend to help to book one of these chalets for Mama...and guessed what? There were 2 rooms in the chalet...Goo Goo and Goo Cheung (back then was not "Goo Goo" and "Goo Cheung" yet), came and stayed for a night too! When Mama stepped into the compound again, it looked so familiar...for once, Mama thought was the exact same chalet that she stayed 10 years ago...haha!

Cruising Around in the Walker

Slightly before Geraldine turned 6 months, Papa and Mama decided to start her on walker. Why? As she seemed to be a bit bored and she likes to be in an upright position more than lying down. To make it easier for grandma, she had a trial run on the walker and she was over-joyed with the new experience and started exploring. Similar to most new "walkers", she started navigating backwards at the beginning and the next day, going sideways like a crab. However, the amazing thing is that, within a span of 5 days, she managed to grasp the skills to go forward! Ever since she noticed that she can roam around freely by herself, she's been doing a lot of exploration: cruising to the full-length mirror to look at herself and laugh...following grandma from kitchen to living room, from living room to bedroom, etc...wandering around to look for things to grab...you can tell that she really enjoys it!

So proud of herself being mobile

Gwendolyn deliberately trying to block her way...

Push Up?

New style by Geraldine, caught on camera...trying to lift her butt when lying on her tummy! Showing off how strong she is! When she's trying out all the different patterns, she'll make sure that she's turned herself 90 degrees from the normal sleeping position, so that her head and toes are each near to the baby cot bars to support whatever actions she's going to take! Baby instinct?

Secret Habit

Finally, caught on camera! Geraldine's noticed the strings on her Hello Kitty bumper in the baby cot and has been trying to pull them whenever no one is around. This morning, Mama caught her in action again and took pictures of her. Because of the flash, she was wondering what was happening, until Mama walked to her side and she realised that Mama was taking picture of her secret action!

Pull, pull, pull - how come I cannot remove it? Cheese...caught on camera!

Our Papi is So Strong!

Ever wonder how strong Papa is? As strong as being able to piggy-back a 22kg kid and carry an 8.4kg baby! That's heavy! Mama surely cannot...carrying an 8.4kg is already testing Mama's limit...

Doesn't look comfortable, but Papa is soooooooo strong!

First Taste of Bread

Geraldine will be 6 months soon. She's been interested in watching us eat, with herself salivating and imitating the movement of the lips. Finally, when Gwendolyn was having some bread on a Sunday morning, Mama asked to give a tiny bit of bread for Geraldine to try. Firstly, she observed, opened her mouth. Once the food touched her lips, she would frown for a few seconds and move her lips a little to expel the object from her mouth!

Geraldine doesn't seem to be ready for food yet - No thanks Mum!

Bullied?

We all agreed that babies look cute when they roll over and lying on their tummy! Saturday, when Mama was busy expressing milk, Papa was taking picture with Geraldine and Gwendolyn joined in. Papa and Lyn Lyn were both having fun, when poor Geraldine, being very tired and sleepy, trying to keep her head up, couldn't take it any more, having posed for so long, finally cried...

Lyn Lyn enjoying herself and perfecting her photography skills

After posing for so long, finally, Geraldine fell asleep. Guess what? Normally, she doesn't nap in the baby cot or sleep sideways at home...but think she was really too tired...she ended up sleeping sideways, which was very adorable!

1st Hair Cut

Saturday morning, Geraldine woke up happily after a good night's sleep. Mama sat her up to practice sitting. She started to enjoy the company of Elmo and Peter Rabbit and would befriend them my grabbing them and putting them into her mouth! Whilst she was sitting up, Mama noticed that her fringe is getting longer and longer and concluded with Papa that she should have a haircut before bathing.

My friends, Elmo and Peter Rabbit...Elmo's big eyes are really yummy!

Once lying on tummy for too long, Geraldine will pull on a long face!

After taking some pictures with her long fringe, Papa and Mama proceeded to arrange for her haircut in the bathroom, like Gwendolyn's first haircut, Geraldine sat in the bumbo chair in the bathroom, following Papa's scissors and trying to grab them! It wasn't really that difficult to "trim" her fringe, as she doesn't have too much hair! Unlike Lyn Lyn's first haircut, where Papa and Mama sat her in front of the TV for the first time!

Curious of what Papa is holding and doing, Geraldine followed Papa's scissors all the way. Does she look more boyish after the haircut?

"M"-mouth Koala Bear

Geraldine was having an afternoon nap and Papa took this picture of her, having an "M" shaped mouth, looking like a koala bear! So sweet...

Not sure how she managed to make her mouth into such an "M" shape?

Just like a koala bear, holding on the tree...Geraldine wrapping her arms and legs around Mama like a koala!

Brushing "Teeth" for the First Time

Geraldine's already 5 months old and soon, she'll start teething. In order to inculcate a good habit of brushing her teeth, Mama's decided to try her out with the finger toothbrush! Apparently, this wasn't a welcomed move by Geraldine. Just look at her facial expression. She doesn't seem to enjoy any of this at all. What's worse? Gwendolyn was interested in helping Mei Mei in brushing her teeth, with her face all twisted...

What's that thing that you guys are sticking into my mouth? Yes, I like to lick and suck my own fingers, but not that plasticky thing that you're shovelling into my mouth...HELP...on the blink of crying out loud

Gwendolyn's Laptop

Since last year, Mama noticed that Etonhouse has increased the number of computers in various classes and Gwendolyn got to start using a computer after official school hours with the teachers. Mama decided to introduce her to the use of computer, as nowadays, it seems like all kids are required to be equipped with computer skills upon enrolling into primary 1! Initially, Mama thought that Lyn Lyn could use the "old" computer that Papa and Mama have kept, after buying a new one. However, it's been some time since they've packed it...it's no longer working. As such, Papa and Mama were debating about whether to buy a new desktop or a laptop for Lyn Lyn's use. The conclusion was to get a laptop, so that even when Lyn Lyn is not using, Mama can still use it to surf the net in the house!

After some careful comparison, they bought a Compaq laptop, with quite sophisticated functions, with a reasonable price! Actually, it was a rather good buy! Anyways, Papa fixed the kids table and chairs, connecting the laptop to the "old" monitor, keyboard and mouse for Lyn Lyn to start with! Papa bought 2 educational games for Lyn Lyn to start with and she's enjoying it so much! It's just a matter of controlling the amount of time she spends at the computer each day...

Happily showing off her new computer!

Playing with the Clifford game with good control of the mouse!

This game requiring some problem-solving skills, which Lyn Lyn was able to demonstrate whilst playing! Not bad eh!

Cute Poses of a Baby

Does anyone agree that babies look very cute when they first started to roll over and then look up at you? Papa and Mama couldn't take enough pictures of Geraldine doing that! Especially when Geraldine finds it tiring to keep her head up...

Shokudo @ Raffles City

One lunch time, Papa and Mama went to Raffles City and discovered this new Japanese food place, just like Marchee. All customers are given a card upon entrance to record all the food consumed and return the card at the exit for payment. As like Marchee, all food items are rather pricey. However, the best part is that it's a child-friendly place, with a little "playgound" for Gwendolyn to play in, while Papa and Mama can eat in peace...

Food-wise, Papa and Mama preferred all the "sticks" grilled items. Considered reasonably priced and tasty! Lyn Lyn as usual, had her favourite Udon and Edamame beans! Yes, she finished all, with Mama giving her some yakitori!

Even though the play area isn't that amazing, but it has the minimum items, such as a kid's slide, some table top activities with various levels, some cushions and a "rocking cresent moon"! Initially, Lyn Lyn was enjoying herself, whilst Geraldine could only watch Lyn Lyn in action...however, Mama's decided to let Geraldine have a go at the slide and the "rocking cresent moon"!

Lyn Lyn and Geraldine playing see-saw on the "rocking cresent moon", with Geraldine grabbing tight on Mama's hair! Overall, Geraldine doesn't seem to be scared at all!

From sitting to lying down...Geraldine lying on Lyn Lyn to rock...but Geraldine seems a little scared!

Geraldine trying the slide, where Lyn Lyn suggested Mama to let go of Geraldine, so that she can catch her at the bottom of the slide! Look at Geraldine's face at the bottom right picture...not very convinced that Lyn Lyn can do a good job in catching her!

Having a good nap back home after all the "adventurous" activities @ Shokudo!

Ikea Smaland @ Alexandra

Remember some months ago, Gwendolyn went to Ikea @ Alexandra before their renovation of the play room? Lyn Lyn was having fun in the ball ball place? This time round, when we went to search for a set of kid's table and chairs to prepare for Lyn Lyn's new computer, Papa and Mama noticed that the play room has been renovated, to become something like the play room @ Ikea Tampines...the one that Lyn Lyn was scared and cried for Papa and Mama when she was much younger?

This time round, she's more brave! She was so excited about this new establishment and was keen to register herself to play! Good that she's much bigger now and she enjoyed herself so much this time, with no complaints about being bullied by other bigger kids! It was great that Lyn Lyn had fun and Papa and Mama could shop in peace...hehe...with only Geraldine to take care...

Lyn Lyn getting all ready to head to the play room!

P.S. Not sure whether it was a coincidence? The following day, Lyn Lyn had viral fever and didn't attend school...could it be because she's contracted with other kids whilst in the play room? Really not sure. But Mama was a little worried, as Lyn Lyn had ulcer in her mouth with a little fever! Luckily, she was just too heaty (too much MacDonalds, as she wanted to collect all the Kung Fu Panda Happy Meal toys) in getting ulcers, rather than the scary HFMD! Phew...what a relief...

FuWa BeiBei

During the June school holiday activities, Gwendolyn learnt about the Olympic FuWa for the upcoming Beijing Olympics. She came home, kept repeating "Beijing Huan Ying Nin" and teaching Papa and Mama about the 5 FuWas, which Bai Laoshi has taught her! Btw, Lyn Lyn already has "Ying Ying" from Mama. It was a Christmas present from Mama's colleague...but Lyn Lyn didn't know what that was before she got to know about them from school!

When we went to IMM, Lyn Lyn insisted on doing the colour-art @ Level 3. Mama didn't understand why. But when Lyn Lyn chose FuWa Bei Bei, then Mama knew, it was because the FuWa, that made her wanted to do the art work!

Concentrating in getting Bei Bei in the right colour order!

Bringing to the Jie Jie to heat up, before finally bringing Bei Bei home!

P.S. Recently, MacDonalds have come up with the 5 Olympic FuWa toy for the Happy Meal. It will be a hard time for Papa and Mama to collect all 5 for Lyn Lyn!

Uncle Tiong Soon & Auntie Lindsey's Wedding

5 July was Uncle Tiong Soon and Auntie Lindsey's Wedding @ the Wesley Methodist Church, opposite to the Fort Canning car park. Papa went to help as "brother" in the morning and returned home to pick Mama, Gwendolyn and Geraldine for the church ceremony. Initially, Papa and Mama were quite skeptical about Geraldine being able to stay quiet during the entire ceremony. Hence, we were all seated at the last row, next to the door, ready to leave the hall any time. Surprisingly, Geraldine was all quiet during the ceremony, saving Papa and Mama some face...hehe

The couple walking into the hall; Geraldine having milk to calm her down; Geraldine sucking her bib during the ceremony; Lyn Lyn asking to take a pic with Shannon and Mabel

After the church ceremony, there was an outdoor buffet at the marquee outside the church! Whilst the adults were catching up with each other, Geraldine had a short nap in her baby pram and Lyn Lyn was playing with Ralston and Shannon! Though it was a little hot outdoor, it was a warm event! Congrats again!

Brunch @ One Rochester

Mama's friend, Auntie Rachelle, told Mama that there is a child-friendly place @ Rochester Park for Sunday Brunch. Mama was interested to bring Gwendolyn for a try...after some researching and enquiry, finally, Mama found out that that place was actually ONE ROCHESTER! If was so concealed that the first time Papa and Mama drove past, they couldn't find it at all. It's only the second time that they managed to find it!


The menu looked a little like the German Cafe @ Sunset Way and as EXpensive as well. However, the difference is that there is a room upstairs with toys for kids to play and LIVE music during BRUNCH as well...which was a little unexpected. Lyn Lyn ordered from the kid's menu for a fish & chips and the rest of the adults ordered the usual egg and sausage, egg benedict, ham sandwich, etc!

Initially, Lyn Lyn was sitting next to Papa. However, once the LIVE music started, she asked to change seat with Mama, so that she can see and listen to the music! Can you see from the bottom left picture that Geraldine managed to fall asleep when the adults were enjoying their breakfast?! You can barely catch a glimpse of her left leg behind the sofa!



Mama's cafe latte and Lyn Lyn's fish & chips!

4 sets of adult breakfast...yum!

For more information about this place, please go to : http://www.onerochester.com/

A little disappointed before Mama's been to this place. Why? When Mama visited the website, Mama thought it looks very interesting, with various "rooms", so that she can consider the next departmental offsite meeting to be held here. However, when Mama arrived and noticed that the "rooms" were not really as great, with the "Library & Balcony" being the "playroom" and only "other room" other than the main bar area downstairs, it doesn't look as suitable for the meeting any more!

Dinner @ New York New York

After washing up, all of us checked out from the chalet and went to the main building again to look for food...as everyone can see that Gwendolyn is about to fall asleep! However, along the way, she saw the train ride at the entrance...Gong Gong went with her for a ride! You know what? It costed $3 for a ride...2 of them will be $6!

Por Por, Geraldine and Mama went to get a table at the restaurant and ordered food, so that when Lyn Lyn arrives, it won't take that long for the food to come...we ordered quite a fair amount of food...Lyn Lyn's favourite spaghetti, chicken chop, pizze, ribs, etc...

Mama ordered a mud-pie with ice-cream as well...which really was yummy!

Surprisingly, Lyn Lyn didn't fall asleep and managed to finish her plate of spaghetti! Bravo!

Poor Geraldine, seeing everyone eating, she was swallowing her saliva and you can just see how much she was drooling...just wait for another 2 months and you can start your solid food!