Eruption of 1st Tooth!

Finally, Papa and Mama noticed the eruption of Geraldine's first tooth! It appeared to be the lower incisor on the left. It was obviously erupting, with a little bit of white emerging from the swollen red gums! Poor baby...today, she's having a slight fever too, due to the teething...

Can you see the little red spot there...that's the swollen bit with a bit of white appearing!

What's more interesting was that she kept patting on Papa's arm and then used her hand to rub on her head, indicating to Papa that she's having a fever and not feeling well in the head! What's more? She pat on Papa's arm again, and then put her pointer finger into her mouth, to indicate to Papa that her gums were painful too! What a smart baby!

Sore gums, biting a frozen teether and running a slight fever

I Want a Pretty Dress

In one of the previous posts, Mama mentioned that Gwendolyn's a little vain and kept thinking that she's very pretty! During our weekend shopping trip, she spotted many "gowns" at Kiddy Palace and asked Mama to buy for her. Mama rejected the idea, as there aren't any functions for these kind of dresses. So, to quench her thirst, she asked Papa to bring her to the dressing room to try them out, for the sake of trying...she even posed for the camera afterwards...**faint**

Pizza @ Spizza, Bukit Timah

After shopping at United Square, all of us went for Pizza at Bukit Timah, which is one of the two remaining Spizza outlets! Papa and Mama ordered the usual food : Vittoria Pizza without chilli, Ravioli and Spaghetti Marina in tomato sauce! Geraldine was very hungry and drank her milk whilst sitting on the high chair!

When the food arrives, Gwendolyn couldn't wait, but to rush Mama to give her her favourite pizza! Yum Yum...guess what? Even Geraldine was eyeing on the pizza and having a share too!

What's special? Geraldine was eating pizza as well! 7 months and eating pizza? Wow...don't believe? See the video for yourself!

Little Shopaholic

After Gwendolyn played with the Big Ball Ball game, all of us went shopping at United Square, since we hardly come here. We went into a shop at the basement and Mama was looking at some Mickey Mouse toy for Lyn Lyn. When Mama and Lyn Lyn were busy choosing the toys, Geraldine couldn't help herself, but to start choosing her own baby stuff...not sure what she was after, but Papa was surprised that not only Mama and Lyn Lyn are shopaholic, but this little 7-month old baby is also one...see how angry she was, when Papa told her to go...

Just imagine when Geraldine grows up, both sisters will be shopping together and burning holes in Papa and Mama's pockets

Geraldine: I haven't finished yet...I don't want to go...leave me alone!

Big Ball Ball Game

Last weekend, Mama noticed from the newspapers that there are some special school holiday activities at United Square. One of them was for the child to go inside a huge ball and then roll on water! Somehow, last week was a busy weekend and we didn't have a chance to go. This weekend, Mama remembered something about United Square, but can't remember whether the activity was still available. Nevermind, we went to take a look and luckily, this Saturday's the last day of the activity. When Gwendolyn saw the activity, she was so excited and she couldn't wait for her turn to go and play. Papa and Mama lured her to have her lunch before joining the game, as she'll need a lot of energy to navigate with the ball!

We settled down at the noodle store next to the outdoor "pond". Lyn Lyn quickly finished 85% of her plate of char siu noodles, waited for Mama to finish hers, before proceeding to queue for her turn to play inside the ball! It costed $9 for a 10-minute game...rather expensive, but looks fun though!

Lyn Lyn eating quickly to gain enough energy to play the big ball ball game

Geraldine sharing wanton noodles with Mama too!

When it was Lyn Lyn's turn, she was so enthusiastic and quickly went inside the ball, waiting for the "uncle" to fill it up with air and off she went into the "pond"! She rolled, lean, crawled, doing whatever she could, to navigate around the "pond"! Papa and Mama could see that the 10-minute game was rather intensive and Lyn Lyn got a little tired during the game!

Lyn Lyn queuing for her turn to go inside the BIG ball!

Going inside the BIG ball ball and waiting for it to be inflated

1-2-3...off I dive into the water!

Wow...does it look like that Lyn Lyn was in a huge bubble?

Looks like Lyn Lyn used a lot of energy to navigate inside the BIG ball!

When the 10-minute game was over, she came up satisfied and loved the experience! It is always a joy to see how satisfied Lyn Lyn is, after every new activity!

Lyn Lyn : it was so much fun to play inside the BIG ball ball!

Sleeping Postures

This is by far the ugliest sleeping posture Papa and Mama has ever seen from a baby! Geraldine, be a lady please! No wonder people kept asking whether you're a boy?! Haha...

With both legs being wide apart, with one leg hanging on the edge of the car seat...Eeeww

Another funny posture of Geraldine...apparently, she'll put her arms over her forehead to cover her eyes when she noticed that someone has switched on the lights...and Papa said that she'll even cover her ears if she is disturbed by noise in the room where she sleeps too!!! So sensitive!

Geraldine: Switch off the lights please, it's too glaring for me to sleep!

Geraldine Sampler

In this shor video, you can experience a variety of Geraldine: the way she smiles, the way she screams, the way she yamns, the way she looks for her toys, etc...quite a good sampler of a typical Geraldine when she's sleepy!

She'll normally scream, when she's sleepy!

Walking in the Swimming Pool

2 weeks ago, when Gwendolyn started her first swimming lesson, Geraldine would follow to the swimming pool to have a stroll near to the swimming pool. This time, Papa has taken one step further to put her inside the swimming pool, near the shallow steps, so that she can experience "walking in the water"! She must be wondering: how come my legs up to my knees are cold cold and difficult to walk in?!

When should Geraldine start to dip into the pool? Must be fun, since she enjoyed her bath time so much!

Blowing Bubbles

Jurong Point has this new Japanese themed "food street" opened in July and Mama wanted to try the buffet lunch on Saturday, with a special offer price of S$60++ for 2 adults and 1 child. Not a bad offer, considering that it's a buffet and even if we eat somewhere else, it will probably be a similar amount. Off we went to this Kuriya place (can't remember the exact name though)...this is the first time that Geraldine sat in a proper high chair and ate with Papa, Mama and Gwendolyn! As usual, the table top in front of her must be empty, of only to contain toys that can be secured to the table...if not, everything will be swiped onto the floor (apparently, Mama was the same when she was a baby, as confirmed by Por Por)! So, Papa and Mama have to be very careful not to put anything hot in front of her! Stressful...as in other Japanese food experience, Geraldine was sharing some udon with Lyn Lyn and both sisters really loved udon! Nihongo-jin nei?!

All enjoying the food and Lyn Lyn actually had some soft ice-cream with plenty of peanut and colourful sprinkles!

Papa took over to take care of Geraldine, so that Mama can eat. Guess what? Geraldine started to do ugly bubble-blowing...

Hepatitis B 3rd Dose

Even though no pictures were taken at this visit to the polyclinic, however, something amazing happened! When Geraldine took her Hep B 3rd dose jab, she didn't make a single bit of noise and didn't cry at all! Well done, Geraldine! Papa, Mama and Jie Jie were really proud of you! What's even more interesting? That same afternoon, Papa, Mama and Jie Jie went to Uncle John to take a flu jab to prepare for the HK trip in October...none of them could be scared of the jab, as Geraldine was soooooooo brave! Bravo, everyone!

Playing in the Bathtub

Since Geraldine reached 6 months, things have started to change. She doesn't look like a "lying down flat" baby any more and has been exploring new things! One of the other new things that she enjoys was to play with many toys during bath time! She literally stared at ALL the available toys in the bathroom and indicate to Mama that she wanted ALL of them to be played in the bathtub! She'll grab on whatever is insight and pushed many of them out of the bathtub as well! She's a very active baby indeed!

She seems to have taken great interest in the bucket, ever since Mama showed her how to pour water with it!

RSAF Open House

The Republic of Singapore Air Force had an Open House event during this weekend. Papa wanted to bring Gwendolyn for the event. Mama wasn't feeling very well, so Papa, Grandma, Gu Gu, Lyn Lyn and Geraldine went to Paya Lebar for the event. Once arrived, Lyn Lyn was so excited and requested Papa to bring her to climb onto each and every single fighter jets, whilst Grandma and Gu Gu took care of Geraldine! What's surprising was that there was air show going on, where the fighter jets were dashing to and fro in the sky! However, Geraldine was napping all the way, throughout Lyn Lyn's adventure times climbing onto all the fighter jets!!! Papa was so impressed with Geraldine...considering that she's normally a light sleeper, this was truly amazing!

Lyn Lyn was pleased with her experience in the air base, as the fighter jet pilots were so experienced in handing visitors and took pictures with her, explained the cockpit to her, etc! What's more interesting to her was that her class was learning about commercial jets in the last 2 weeks in class and Ms Jam was teaching them about Pilot, Co-pilot and flight navigator, the key personnels in the cockpit, which is very different from the pilots handling fighter jets! What an experiential learning experience!

Spelling

9 August, was Singapore's National Day and Gwendolyn was learning the pledge, National Anthem and how to spell the word "SINGAPORE". She was so proud of herself when she managed to spell SINGAPORE, without requiring anyone to remind her of it. She's specifically asked for a short video clip about her ability to spell SINGAPORE!

Muscial Enlightenment

Geraldine can sit very well now. Hence, during Saturday or Sunday mornings, before Mama bathes her, Mama would sit her up in her baby cot for some "activities", normally playing with some toys...this time, Mama gave her the Fisher Price "piano", where previously, she was only kicking on it to make sounds. She was amazed when she learnt how to pat on the notes and make some sound out of it! See how happy she was with this discovery!

Patting with both hands was good!

My First Swimming Lesson

Finally, after much consideration, Gwendolyn is finally starting her first swimming lesson! Two weeks ago, Mama asked Lyn Lyn seriously, whether she wanted to learn swimming. She gave a firm nod and said she wants! Mama brought her down to the swimming pool on a Sunday morning, asking her to choose her own coach, since there were 3 of them teaching 3 different groups of children concurrently. Lyn Lyn, had her eyes set on one, told Mama firmly that she wanted that "Gor Gor" to teach her. Then, without being shy at all, she went over to that "Gor Gor" and told him that she wanted to learn swimming with him. That "Gor Gor" asked Mama to write down some contact information for him, so that he can give Mama a call after the lesson. Lyn Lyn was satisfied and went home with Mama. That afternoon, Mama got a call from "Collin"! He told Mama the per hour rate, proposed time for lesson and his experience. All was set to start on 17 August 2008, 8:45am.

Lyn Lyn was so excited the night before and made sure that she slept early and woke up early to prepare for her first swimming lesson! She was all prepared, with a Michael Phelps diet as well (since it was the Olympic period), had a lot to eat before the lesson, were all set to go!

Look at me, I'm drinking my kid's milo, preparing with enough energy to swim!

Without bringing her armbands along, Lyn Lyn went into the water and followed Collin Gor Gor's instructions. First, Collin Gor Gor asked her to try blowing bubbles, to test her out on whether she's afraid of going under the water and underwater breathing skills. Since Lyn Lyn isn't really scared of being under water, she was doing fine.

After that, Collin Gor Gor taught her how to do the frogleg, with 1, 2, 3 steps. This wasn't at all easy for her, as she was kind of stiff in holding her legs up afloat in the water...Mama can hear the repeated word "relax", where she may not even understand what she is required to do...

Anyways...after practising with leg movements, Collin Gor Gor brought her swimming around, practising the 3-step frogleg movememt and to introduce the flipper kick, with her, only holding onto the "noodle"! She was so excited about herself being able to "swim" without a floaty or armbands! For a first-timer, she's been doing really well!

Holding onto the "noodle", that same afternoon, we headed off to Toys R Us to buy one for her to practice

After a round of blowing bubbles, kicking, Collin Gor Gor helped her to learn about floating...she must be thinking about this being very funny...

After the 45-minute lesson, Lyn Lyn was so satisfied and happy about herself. Papa brought Geraldine down to the pool to see Lyn Lyn swim. After Lyn Lyn's lesson, Mama took Geraldine for a "walk" at the side of the pool, whilst Papa took over and swam with Lyn Lyn. Compared to the first time where Geraldine was first at the pool, being barely a month old, she's now much more confident and appreciate the fun of standing near the pool! Starting her on swimming soon? Think not until another few months!

Gwendolyn Feeding Geraldine

This little baby is rather interesting. As Mama was giving her a taste of rice and udon, prior to her baby cereal, she's grown to prefer something chewy than runny. Hence, when Mama introduced baby cereal, she didn't really like it. Gwendolyn, saw Mama trying it out with Geraldine, was keen to help. Look at Geraldine's facial expression, as if she's being fed s***.

Lyn Lyn...don't feed Mei Mei so much at one go...a little bit at a time!!!

Eating Udon @ Sushi Tei

Mama applied for the Sushi Tei membership card to entitle for 10% discount at every meal. She's received a phone call from the China Square Central branch that the card was ready for collection, hence we all went for lunch on 10 August 2008, to enjoy the complimentary vouchers! As always, Gwendolyn would ask to sit next to the conveyor belt to serve us food, which Geraldine, not steady enough to sit in the high chair, was seated on Mama's lap. She's getting more and more interested in food and Mama's decided to give her some udon, from Lyn Lyn's bowl, to test the water...surprise surprise! She liked it, and was enjoying that chewiness...For a baby who hasn't really started on rice cereal, she's considered fast in accepting solid food, such as udon!

Initially, Geraldine was rather skeptical about the new food that Mama was putting into her mouth!

When she started to chew on the tiny udon, she started to notice something different from her normal "milk" experience! See how she "chew on it"!

Trying to Climb!

Even though Geraldine is also very persistent like Gwendolyn, actually, she's not as strong-filled as Lyn Lyn. She'll try and test the water, but may not follow through to make sure she can do it...like here, she attempted to climb / crawl...but so far, she tried a little and then she'll stop...maybe more a relaxed person, as compared to Lyn Lyn?!

Rolling Time in the Cot

Mama couldn't help, but loves, seeing Geraldine rolls in the baby cot, especially when she is lying with tummy down! So lovely! Just to share some snapshots of her rolling!

Drinking Milk Together

Sunday morning, both Gwendolyn and Geraldine woke up together! Mama's decided to put both of them together and let them drink milk together! Both looking so sweet and alike...nowadays, Geraldine loves to see Lyn Lyn a lot...she'll get all excited whenever Lyn Lyn is near...maybe she knows that that's another kid that she can play with!

Geraldine placed her leg on Lyn Lyn - a sign of showing friendliness. That's something unique about Geraldine...she'll keep kicking you with one leg if she is trying to get your attention!

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?