Shower Cap

Sophie's new shower cap in the shape of an elephant. We got it in Bangkok. She has never been so enthusiastic about taking her showers after that.

Sophie is reading

Sophie has started reading on her own in the past few weeks. I must say it is all due to the hard work and perseverance of her Baba, who took the effort to make phonics fun and to use it with her during her bedtime stories. He is quite proud of himself, and so am I.

If I may blow our trumpets a little, I think it’s not a bad achievement for two super busy professionals managing a household and a child on their own with no maid, no car, and no family support. (That is also why we have no social life here. And why we go to bed every night exhausted)

Anyways,… she is now reading simple sentences like “Big Pig goes on a dig”, “There is a map in the hat”, “Fat Cat dreams of cream”, etc.

I don’t know if she has just memorized the lines, or she is actually registering them as separate words, but it certainly lights us up whenever she reads!

Bangkok in April

YL was attending a "conference" in Bangkok over the long Easter weekend, so we tagged along together with Popo who was feeling adventurous.

This time, I did not really plan for much activities, what with the pregnancy and salary review rush at work. I was happy to vegetate in the hotel all day, but since it was going to be YL and Mom's first time there, I cannot be forgiven for resting on my out-of-shape laurels in those crisp white hotel bed sheets.

First outing was to go for a dinner cruise in a traditional rice barge along the Chao Phraya. It started pouring cats and dogs the minute we boarded, so we missed out on some impressive sights at the start of the journey. But no worries, we did feast our eyes on the magnificent Grand Palace and impressive Wat Arun on the way back.

Sophie imitating the Thai dancer's moves. Very amusing sight.

The next day involved a visit to the Grand Palace.

This was followed by a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya. It was Popo's favourite part of the trip because she finally got to see what she had studied in her Geography classes in school decades ago.

However Sophie was not the least amused by the loud engines accompanied by bumps and knocks as we sped down the river. She did not change her mind even when we slowed down to a carefree bob down in the canals.

All's well after a dip at the pool back at the hotel.

The next day, we returned to the Grand Palace area to visit Wat Pho, home of the massive reclining Buddha, and also Thailand's first massage school. YL & Popo dutifully went for a half-hour massage

Sophie giving alms at Wat Pho

Popo giving the Buddha(s) at Wat Pho a bath

The Zoo, Again...

For the coming 12 months, I promise we'll start exploring other educational family spots, but in the meantime we had to make our annual zoo membership worthwhile, so we took our 5th visit to the zoo last weekend.

This time, the itinerary was focused.

First, a boat ride on the Upper Seletar Reservoir to arrive at another dock.

Then, Sophie braved some obstacles.

Including this one, which she feared for her life because those little boys were a little too aggressive for her.

Finally, we reached our destination where the objective was for Sophie to meet Dora & Boots. The girl is so meek & timid that I had to resort to being the bossy, kiasu parent to ensure she gets her turn to see Dora.

Finally, we ended the day with an elephant ride around a (pathetic) sandy patch.

Just the typical day out at the Singapore Zoo....

Spastic Dad

Sophie and her Baba mucking around at home with my Ikea cloth storage containers

Hill Street Fire Station

Aunty Su-En invited us to join her & Josh for an outing to the Hill Street fire station this weekend. It is one of Singapore's oldest functioning fire station, having begun its life in 1909.

The open house at the fire station takes place every (other?) Saturday morning, and is well-organised. Enough of things to do to keep the little ones engrossed.

Posing in front of a fire engine

Look at her in action!

Sliding down the firemen's pole

The making of the shot above

Josh was rather reclusive that morning, which is unusual behaviour for him, since he is a die-hard fan of fire engines and fire men, as little boys are apt to be. I suppose even 2-year olds have their moods.

Josh warmed up towards the end for a photo with Sophie

Chinese New Year 2009

Chinese New Year came and went more than 2 weeks ago. It was chocked-full of activities and food, as usual.

One of the highlights was seeing Chris & KM and their new precious, Kieran. Was it just 4 months ago when I bid them goodbye in London? (Actually, it is, because immediately after I left, Chris had a show and baby Kieran showed up two days after. I admit I am guilty for allowing her to walk and stand around with me the whole day...)

The second highlight was meeting up with Tim & YP, who had disappeared from our radar for god-knows how long. Great to spend some time getting to know Krysta, who is now a proper, gentle young lady.

The gang, with the addition of one baby and several toddlers in tow...

Once in a while, you will find the silly teenagers bursting out of these aunties...

My favourite picture - Aunty Mel having a blast with Krysta & Sophie

Gong Hei Fatt Choy, everyone!