Papa with Caden - Day 2

2nd day of my MC, I am feeling much better but thought I rather stay at home because of my tiring schedule in India. I believe I deserve a rest.

As usual, as per yesterday, Caden woke up late with me again. Think we have promoted ourselves from pig to bear, we were hibernating, rather than sleeping. Anyway, again, Caden had his breakfast porridge at 9plus. And since I am feeling much better, I decided to bring him out for a short gai gai before the scorching late morning sun creeps in.

Right before we went off, I was putting on my watch, Caden caught sight of it, and from out of the blue, he said,” Kay Kay wear, Kay Kay wear” pointing to his wrist while saying this. Caden has this kids watch with spiderman design, that Mama bought for him. So I dug out the watch from the cupboard and put it on for him but the battery was dead. Nevertheless, I still put the watch on for him to make him happy. After he put on the watch, he was so overjoyed and proud of his watch. When I ask him what is the time, he speedily ran to the bedroom and pointed to the clock and say,”same, same”. Wow, he never fails to surprise and impress me with his sudden burst of words.

At 9.55, we set off for our morning walk. But things weren’t as planned, I wanted to go OG to buy him a new bib, OG is still not opened. I wanted to change the battery on his watch, but also, shop is still close. And because I do not want to be caught in the late morning heat, we just went to KFC at Bugis Village area to get the AM breakfast.

I bought a cup of coffee, burger and a honey biscuit for Caden. After we bought our makan, I went into the toy shop beside KFC, trying to buy something for Caden. There are so many toys and Caden is so excited and wanted to come down and explore. And knowing my son’s nature, I prefer to keep him above my waist level to keep the situation under control. Kay Kay wants everything from the shop but for me, I only prefer something that is useful to him for learning. For example, I have bought animals figurines for him before from this shop already. But this time, I have difficulty finding the “right” toy. It’s either he is too young for the toys, if not, the toy is not educational. Toy guns, educate him in National Service? Swords and Shields, not at this age. In the end, we went out empty handed. So Caden was very guai, he was ok with it and did not make any noise about it. I doubt I will do so if I was at the same age as him.

We reached home at around 10.30 and rested a while before I took out the honey biscuit for Caden. I also open a packet of maple syrup for him to dip his biscuit in. He absolutely indulges himself in it. He was dunking his biscuit with so much syrup that it is dripping on the floor. What a mess! I broke the biscuit into smaller pieces for him, but this little greedy monkey was fast in grabbing a bigger piece and stuffing it in his mouth. Well, as long he is enjoying himself, I let it be. That was my intention anyway, for him to enjoy himself. He gave me a smile and that melted my heart. I did not let him finish the whole biscuit as it is too big, only 1/3 is enough for him. We cleaned up the mess and proceeded for his morning studies with Tita.

Little Caden was a bit restless going through the flash card session. He was moving around, only glancing at the cards once in a while. I guess it’s because I was around, that’s why PLAY and FUN was the only thing in his mind. I took over the teaching from TITA, showing him the flash cards from Baby Can Read. He only manages to get some words right. His mind and concentration was not focused. That makes me pissed. I remember myself being easily distracted as a child, thus not doing well in school most of the time. I do not wish him for him to be the same as me. So I changed another method of teaching him. I laid out the cards on the floor and asked him to pick out some of the words and he managed to do so. But still, at times unfocused, but better than just now.

After his studies, he had his fruits and followed by porridge in the afternoon. Because the next day on 8th is dear dear and me’s 68th Monthversary, I decided to go out before Caden’s nap to get something for dear dear.

So I went down to Bugis Junction to make a key chain for dear dear. Because I felt out of luck recently, I do not wish the same to happen to dear, so I made this lucky clover keychain, with our family photo laser-engraved on it. I also bought a purple rose to compliment the gift. Den Den also got something from papa, but it’s because there was a sale for Thomas the Train toys at BHG, I bought a small laptop, a lights and sound toy and a remote controlled Thomas the Train. As Mama ended school early, I surprised her by picking her up. On the way home, I gave the gifts to her and she liked it, and her delight was enough for me.

By the time we reached home, Den Den was already awake. And as usual, he smiled upon seeing us. We played with him for a while before we washed him up and went out for my celebration in the evening.

Dear has a craving for Ramen, so we headed to Ajisen Ramen at Bugis Junction. But after we looked at the menu, we realized that they do not have spicy miso ramen anymore. Dear was disappointed. But we still continued with our dinner there. Little Caden as usual, was his greedy self, demanding ramen, soup, tea, egg and also MEAT! He seems to like MEAT a lot. Like his papa and mama who are more of a bak-geterian. Hahaha. But sorry Caden, you still have to eat your greens. During dinner, Caden was a bit disobedient and I pointed my fingers and him and gave him a cold stare. And this naughty boy quickly covered his face, breaking all eye contact with me, and sometimes cheekily stealing a few glances through his fingers to check if I am still reprimanding him. This happens every time I scold him, though it was cute. I still have to hold my face, not laughing at all.

Caden’s Popo and Tita joined us after our dinner at BHG while we were choosing a gift for Chloe for her birthday. As Caden was running around, I smelled a foul smell from Caden’s bottoms. Oh no, I thought he has poo-ed, and we need to go back to change because we did not bring his diaper bag. But when Tita checked, she said he did not poo-ed. Well perhaps just a stinko fart. Haha, we were relieved until Caden ran a few rounds, came back and Tita declared that this time, he really POO-ED. Haha, so we have to go back. But because it was our celebration, Tita and Caden’s Popo went back first while Dear and me continue walking around to spend some time together. We went down to the basement and I saw a nice and cute lamb soft toy. Dear always like lamb soft toy, so I bought it for her and she was holding on to it throughout the rest of the walk. Hehe. And as it was a bit late, we only continue a while more before we went home to company Caden.

Photo with my Mama NG.1

Photo with My Mama Ng.2

Photo with My Mama -FINAL
Photo with My Mama -BLOOPERwho's tickling my neck?

nosey nosey caden

Mama, look, FOOD!

Where's the camera?

Serious? Neh, thinking how to grab food from table...

ok, a nice shot for you, but don't expect me to smile

sleeping beau... sorry.. HUNK

a shot for the magazine cover

" hello, you have to speak louder, I'm afriad I can't hear you"

Our little SUNSHINE!

Vintage effect for the photo

Papa at home with Caden - Day 1

Bruises are aching, but lucky I have MC for 2 days to rest at home, a great opportunity to spend quality time with Caden son. Because I was at home, mother-in-law does not have to rush Caden up to bath as I was able to do it. So the pieces of log slept till 0845, until it’s time for Caden to have his porridge breakfast. While he was eating, I bathed and washed up. After which, I let him rest for a while before I bathed him in the bathroom, alone. I taught him how to hold the showerhead and sprayed water on his own. He learnt quite fast and did quite well. I do not need to keep holding on to him. He was enjoying his bath. After dressing him up, I played with him for a while before he consumes his daily fruit. After eating his fruit, we studied and read some books together, sang and dance together. All the way till 12 plus, he had his second round of porridge. At 12.30, Hi-5 was shown on TV and we watched it together. And again, we danced to some of the music. After lunch, he was sent on his poo-poo session, initially, he refused to dump, so I have to resort to entertaining him with my iphone. I told him, “you must mmm-mmm, then papa let you play iphone”. And in seconds, he face turned red and I heard a TOMP on the poo-bucket. Haha, it was indeed a hilarious sight. After that, Tita put him to bed while I had a quick lunch.

As I feel bored at home, I decided to go out to settle some stuff on my own. Though tired, I got a lot of things done.

By 5pm, my princess was back at home and Caden was awake. So we went down to Heng Kwan Optician to prescribe me with a new pair of spectacles. Caden was an absolutely playful there, making Uncle Heng Kwan and his daughter who was also working there, laughing at his silly and cute antics. He was calling Heng Kwan uncle Specky Uncle and funnily, uncle understand what he was talking about. A normally 20 mins session at the optician was extended to 1 hour because everyone was having fun with him and also we were trying hard to catch the mini Usain Bolt, running around from shop to shop.

Papa boomz by a Lorry

Really really suay, I was on my way back home from work and as I was crossing the road, BANG! I was hit by a reversing lorry. i was down on the floor in seconds, trying to catch my breath. The tiny brain driver was still trying to assist me to stand up. I shrugged his arms off immediately. Only managed to catch my breath after a long while, all this time, I was staring hard at the air-headed driver. He looks terrified. He looks anxious. As soon as I was breathing normally, I was SHOUTING at him, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! DIDN’T YOU SEE?!” The bugger was a Indian foreign worker. YES, INDIA again, they never get out of my life. The accompany passenger of the lorry was trying very hard to make sure I am ok also. I managed to stand up, pick up my stuff and walk back to my in-law’s place. My thought is just quickly go back and spend my evening with my wife and son. But as soon as I put on my spectacles, I was furious! My spectacles are damaged from the impact to my head. I walked back and demanded compensation. The uncle who was the passenger, gave me his phone number and to contact him in the evening, to tell him how much for me to make a new pair. I agreed, took it down and went home.

When I reached home, I told dear about it, at the same time, trying to look calm so as not to worry her and not to cancel our evening plans. But she could sense there was something wrong with me and made me tell her the damages that were done to me by the lorry. Even Caden can say, “Papa pain pain.” I was surprised, how did he know.
As hard as I tried not to spoil the evening, she insisted that I go for a checkup to make sure I am alright. So to ease her anxiousness, I put away my mindless stubbornness and went to Raffles Medical center while Caden is taken care of his Popo and Gong Gong. Had a thorough checkup, oral medication, injection and x-rays on my head, ribs, ankle and hand, everything turns out well, except some bruises and abrasions. Spent 2.5 hours and $350 there, a waste of money and time due to the reckless incident. Caden and dear’s parents joined us at Raffles Medical Center and we went back together. Come to think of the accident, luckily the lorry stopped, if it went on, I would not be typing out this blog now. Sorry Dear, I will be more careful next time. I will not leave you alone. I am supposed to die after you, remember? =>

I think the best thing that came out from my ordeal is…… 2 days MC…..

A Simple Sunday

Today is Tita’s off day, so we have to wake up early for her to clean up our room and toilet. After most of the critical tasks are done, she left at around 9 plus. A day without Tita is pretty much the same for us as we always try to take care of Caden ourselves or do some of the household chores on our own, this way; we will not be dependent on her. And so far, we have not.
Today, all of Caden’s grand-aunties and uncles are having a lunch gathering with great grand-mama, and we were invited to join them. As Caden has no lessons in the afternoon, we do not have to rush back to my in laws’ place, we decided to join them, for everyone to look and play with him.

The lunch was at Suanthai Restaurant at Liang Court. It was a simple restaurant that has a pretty nice ambience. It’s was not crowded and noisy and most importantly, easy to get a table. We all had the ala-carte buffet which has a pretty decent variety of food and the taste of the food was great. I would say the standard is higher than some of the Thai restaurant I tried.
After lunch, we walked around Liang Court for a while, visiting the Japanese Supermarket and some of the shops around the place. It was a short 30 – 45 mins walk before we head back to Selegie. As we woke up pretty early, we all had afternoon nap.

In the evening, after dinner, Mama and me brought Caden to OG shopping center to meet up with his cousins, Chloe and Caleb, and their mum. Caleb has grown much bigger already and was laughing out loud when we were playing with him. In contrast, my little Caden has grown so big already. Can still remember when he is that small also. Well, time flies…. And people get old. We did not spend too much time there as it was too late. And that’s how we spent our Sunday. 100% beats me staying alone in India a week ago. Glad to be HOME!

Papa is Back

Mama is busy and tired due to Caden nightly ordeal. So it's papa taking over the blog again.
Today, the little family, less papa woke up very early. It's the day that has been waiting for some time. Papa is back from India. Touching down at terminal 3 at 0820, SQ423. Thank god that it's the last of Papa's trip. Papa can't stand the homesickness. Thinking and worried about Mama and Caden.

0845, papa emerges into the luggage belt. And spent quite some time waiting for luggage to come out. Waited for a good 15 mins there. And after papa got his luggage, on his way out, still gotten checked by customs. Sigh. As soon as that was cleared, papa zoomed to meet Mama and Caden. We were all delighted to meet each other. Because it has been some time Papa brought the family out, we decided to spend some time in t3.

We started with our breakfast at Mac. Caden, as usual was utterly greedy with the hot cakes, hash browns and Milo. But that's the cute and adorable thing about him and we enjoy every seconds of it.

After the breakfast, we brought Caden to see the airplanes at the viewing gallery. He was ecstatic! He keep pointing to the planes and say, “big plane, big plane". Haha. At he was fully concentrated in seeing the planes take off and land. We spend only 15 mins or so there because there was not many planes.

After the planes viewing, Papa suggested going for the Crocs Sale at T3. Mama was a bit skeptical about it initially as she don't remember seeing a crocs outlet in T3. But with Papa's insistence and persistence and also a bit of irritation. We decided to give it a go. And along the way, we saw a mini playground at level 3 and decided to let the little monster have a go at it. As soon as he is down, he started climbing the playground. My god, what a little monkey. He was up on top at the slide in no time. Next he started to creep forward. Trying to slide down. He did it with caution. We decided to let him slide down by himself. Though it was somewhat slow, it was still acceptable sliding standard. Hahaha. So we let him try once more. But the second time he was zooming down so fast and landed on his butt. Haha. Papa had a good laugh. Mama was worried. She asked if there is any pain pain. He just said,"backside pain pain". But the floor was actually cushioned and plus his diapers, Papa felt that it was just a small bump. True enough, the prince of mischief was up and climbing again. He was having lots of fun. So were papa and mama. 10 mins was spent there and after which, we resumed our Crocs Sale Hunting.
At last! We finally found it. And YES, the footwears are cheap. We were contemplating whether to buy a few pairs for Caden there as Mama had ordered a SpongeBob pair from a recent teachers' sale in school. But we felt that the design from the school was newer and nicer. So we only buy a crocs slipper for him. Mama also bought a new pair of crocs. Papa decided to pay for both pairs, a compensation for his absence in Singapore.

After our mini spree, we headed home to rest. In the evening, we decided to go down to Downtown East to spend our Mid Autumn Festival. We brought along Caden’s Barney lantern for him to walk around with, to get into the festive mood. We were joined there by my parents and sister. We had a simple stir-fry style dinner there. As usual, they were well-entertained by Caden. After we finished our dinner, we decided to walk around for a while. We watched the Dragon Dance performance, which is a bit disappointing, but eye-opener for Caden though.

Visit to Little India

Today my mum rushed Caden to Doc Ong again in the morning as his rashes on his feet seems to worsen. Not visually seen but Caden has been complaining that his feet are itchy esp in the middle of the night. He has been awake almost every day for the past week between 12am to 3am. My mum and I have been tortured by him by not having enough sleep and having disturbed sleep. But I know he is also feeling very terrible. Insisting that I have to scratch his feet for him and carry him to sleep during the 3 hours every night. My mum sometimes even insist I rest and she try to take over. According to Doc Ong, Caden might have viral rashes and have not fully recovered. He gave him a cream to ease the itch and allergy medicine.

In the evening, I took a nap and then decided to bring Caden to Little India for a walk as the lights are up for Deepavali. He was so happy and looked around curiously while we walked along the pasam malam. My dad bought him a ball with lights and he played with the ball through the walk. My mum was so tired that she slept at home while my dad and I brought Caden for the walk.

Posing a picture with gong gong against the lights

Posing with the ball that gong gong bought for him...

Who does my son love?

Nowadays, my son seems to be very sticky to me. Esp when he is sick, he always insist that "mama bao" and he also insist that I am the one who do thing for him. This silly boy.. But I really wish that he will be like that forever. His mama, his love, his number one. Hehe...