My dear Ulfa is down with stomach flu. She woke up at 3am in the morning on Saturday and suddenly vomitted all over the bed. Thereafter, the vomitting continued. Took her to see the paediatrician at 9am in the morning. Pd prescribed Hydralyte, anti-vomitting med and smecta. By late afternoon, the vomitting stopped but the diarrhoea started.
I hate it when children fall sick. You feel so helpless coz there is nothing much you can do to take away the pain. Today she seems better though I can see that her appetite has not returned fully. She seems a lot smaller than usual due to the weight loss from vomitting and diarrhoea.
My dear sweetheart, Mummy really hopes that you'll recover soon. I hope that the bug will not spread to your elder sister. Indeed, this period of time is a trying period for us all. I just want to see you recover and be healthy again.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Infidelity - What about the kids?
Recently, a friend's marriage was on the rocks. After 10 years of marriage and 2 kids, the husband cheated on her. Had an affair with a girl in her twenties. The affair had gone on for 2 years before the wife found out.
Like any other woman, my friend was devastated. And so I thought she would do the most logical thing to do - dump the scum. But she surprised us all by choosing to forgive him and working things out. Of course you might say that she's doing it for the kids. But is it really so? How do you work things out with your life partner when something as big as cheating takes place, especially when you already have kids together?
I do not blame my friend if she really wants to work things out with her husband because she does not want a divorce to affect the children. BUT, this guy had the cheek to say that he now finds their children more of a hindrance to the relationship with the wife. Well, the thing about kids is that, once you have them, you have them for life! How could you, as a father, choose to chuck your children aside after you discover taking care of them is not as easy as you thought it would be?! I bet it is just an excuse you use so that you can leave your wife with the children because you rather spend time with your twenty-year-old fling.
People often say that affairs of the heart are difficult to understand. You can never choose who to fall in love with or fall out of love with. But when there are kids involved, how do you know what to do or what not to do? Is my friend being fair to her kids by asking her husband to stay with her in the marriage? Will he be able to accept the kids as they are and not find them a hindrance to the relationship he is trying to salvage with the wife?
A divorce can affect a child negatively. At the same time, if the relationship is not working out, kids are smart enough to notice that. I guess if a divorce really needs to take place, then you should talk it out openly with the kids. Let them know that even though mummy and daddy do not feel the same way about each other, mummy and daddy will still love you guys as much. Of course, the mummy and daddy need to work things out and try as much as they can to be civil to one another for the sake of the children.
I know it is easier said than done. I wouldn't know what to do either if such a thing should befall me *touch wood*. But I really hope that whatever my friend and her husband does, they are doing it for their kids.
Like any other woman, my friend was devastated. And so I thought she would do the most logical thing to do - dump the scum. But she surprised us all by choosing to forgive him and working things out. Of course you might say that she's doing it for the kids. But is it really so? How do you work things out with your life partner when something as big as cheating takes place, especially when you already have kids together?
I do not blame my friend if she really wants to work things out with her husband because she does not want a divorce to affect the children. BUT, this guy had the cheek to say that he now finds their children more of a hindrance to the relationship with the wife. Well, the thing about kids is that, once you have them, you have them for life! How could you, as a father, choose to chuck your children aside after you discover taking care of them is not as easy as you thought it would be?! I bet it is just an excuse you use so that you can leave your wife with the children because you rather spend time with your twenty-year-old fling.
People often say that affairs of the heart are difficult to understand. You can never choose who to fall in love with or fall out of love with. But when there are kids involved, how do you know what to do or what not to do? Is my friend being fair to her kids by asking her husband to stay with her in the marriage? Will he be able to accept the kids as they are and not find them a hindrance to the relationship he is trying to salvage with the wife?
A divorce can affect a child negatively. At the same time, if the relationship is not working out, kids are smart enough to notice that. I guess if a divorce really needs to take place, then you should talk it out openly with the kids. Let them know that even though mummy and daddy do not feel the same way about each other, mummy and daddy will still love you guys as much. Of course, the mummy and daddy need to work things out and try as much as they can to be civil to one another for the sake of the children.
I know it is easier said than done. I wouldn't know what to do either if such a thing should befall me *touch wood*. But I really hope that whatever my friend and her husband does, they are doing it for their kids.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Our virgin trip to Fidgets @Turf City
I took the girls to Fidgets on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year. Fidgets is located at Turf City.
Adults and children below 1 year old enter FREE
Under 2 years - $8
2 to 10 years old - $15
Fidgets Is open every day from 9am to 6pm and stayed open on Chinese New Year too!
We decided to check the place out since we've heard much about it but have not been to the place before. I would say that the place is a little out of the way especially for those without their own transport. We were wondering how on earth we were going to find the place since Turf City is a big area. Thankfully there were Fidgets signboard displayed to lead us to the indoor playground.
Upon reaching Fidgets, we notice that majority of those there were expats and their children. When we went to the counter, we had to sign a form. We were also given a card to hold on to. You make purchases using the card. At the end of the day when you are leaving the place, the card will be scanned and it will give you the total bill that you need to pay (entrance fee plus any food or drinks purchased from the shops within Fidgets). By the way, you have to bring your own socks to enter Fidgets.
As soon as you enter, you see the rest and relax area with cafes right in front of you. On the right, it is the smaller children's play area. On the left is the bigger children play area. I took my smaller girl to the toddler play area. I thought that it was good that they indicate the age group that a particular play area caters to. However, as there was no one monitoring whether the rule was being adhered go, a lot of older kids also end up playing in the toddler's area. So parents of younger children will still need to monitor their toddler to make sure that they don't get trampled by the older ones.
Hubby took my elder girl to the older kids' play area. The area is much bigger. What I like about it is that it has like an obstacle course for the kids to go through as they play there.
There is also a rest area for parents and kids to chill and have a bite. There is a tv monitor showing surveillance of the play area.
Overall, my girls enjoyed it there. My take is that Fidgets is smaller than Explorer Kid at Downtown East. There are things that they can improve on like having a staff to monitor that kids play in the area designated for their age group (if not, might as well remove the sign and let anyone play anywhere they like). They should also have a locker for parents to store their belongings. More surveillance cameras needed if kids are going to be left playing on their own as I saw two kids strangling each other (with their parents nowhere in sight!) and I had to tell them to get off each other. The price is affordable and ultimately, you can relax while your kids enjoy!
You can check out Fidgets at http://www.fidgets.com
Adults and children below 1 year old enter FREE
Under 2 years - $8
2 to 10 years old - $15
Fidgets Is open every day from 9am to 6pm and stayed open on Chinese New Year too!
We decided to check the place out since we've heard much about it but have not been to the place before. I would say that the place is a little out of the way especially for those without their own transport. We were wondering how on earth we were going to find the place since Turf City is a big area. Thankfully there were Fidgets signboard displayed to lead us to the indoor playground.
Upon reaching Fidgets, we notice that majority of those there were expats and their children. When we went to the counter, we had to sign a form. We were also given a card to hold on to. You make purchases using the card. At the end of the day when you are leaving the place, the card will be scanned and it will give you the total bill that you need to pay (entrance fee plus any food or drinks purchased from the shops within Fidgets). By the way, you have to bring your own socks to enter Fidgets.
As soon as you enter, you see the rest and relax area with cafes right in front of you. On the right, it is the smaller children's play area. On the left is the bigger children play area. I took my smaller girl to the toddler play area. I thought that it was good that they indicate the age group that a particular play area caters to. However, as there was no one monitoring whether the rule was being adhered go, a lot of older kids also end up playing in the toddler's area. So parents of younger children will still need to monitor their toddler to make sure that they don't get trampled by the older ones.
Hubby took my elder girl to the older kids' play area. The area is much bigger. What I like about it is that it has like an obstacle course for the kids to go through as they play there.
There is also a rest area for parents and kids to chill and have a bite. There is a tv monitor showing surveillance of the play area.
Overall, my girls enjoyed it there. My take is that Fidgets is smaller than Explorer Kid at Downtown East. There are things that they can improve on like having a staff to monitor that kids play in the area designated for their age group (if not, might as well remove the sign and let anyone play anywhere they like). They should also have a locker for parents to store their belongings. More surveillance cameras needed if kids are going to be left playing on their own as I saw two kids strangling each other (with their parents nowhere in sight!) and I had to tell them to get off each other. The price is affordable and ultimately, you can relax while your kids enjoy!
You can check out Fidgets at http://www.fidgets.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
Cake Decoration on a Cold Rainy Saturday
I went for my check-up at KKH and was told by my gynae that my placenta was no longer covering my cervix completely. It has moved slightly and now only partially covering my cervix. I did my OGTT too since my mum was diagnosed with diabetes last year. So currently I'm awaiting results.
Anyway, after my check-up on Saturday, we headed to Royal Cakes to collect the cake that we ordered. Auni has been wanting to learn baking and cooking. I know there are classes out there but I've yet to check them out. Furthermore, for Royal Cakes cake deco, they allow the customers to take the cake home to do the decoration so I thought it would be a very good family bonding session and even Ulfa could try it out.
The cake cost $18.80 together with the cream and the sprinkles that come with it. It's 0.5kg. You need to order about 3 days in advance.
It was a nice day to be doing this with the girls as it was a rainy Saturday afternoon. The things that came with the cake:
So the girls got to working. It was messy. Nevertheless, it was still fun, even for the parents. The end product was:
They added chocolate rice that was already in my fridge to the cake.
Thereafter, we ate the cake.
It was nice. A tad sweet with all the toppings. I would recommend parents to do this with their kids. Even boys will enjoy doing this coz my friend did this activity with her son and he enjoyed it thoroughly.
After this activity, you can follow up by getting your child to recall what he or she did and writing in down. That way, it can also be used as a teaching activity.
I got Auni to keep a journal where she records things she's done. So after the activity, She would just write 2 sentences about what she did that day (this is NOT a daily exercise though). She would also draw a picture. Maybe one of these days I'll share about her journal writing. Till then...
Anyway, after my check-up on Saturday, we headed to Royal Cakes to collect the cake that we ordered. Auni has been wanting to learn baking and cooking. I know there are classes out there but I've yet to check them out. Furthermore, for Royal Cakes cake deco, they allow the customers to take the cake home to do the decoration so I thought it would be a very good family bonding session and even Ulfa could try it out.
The cake cost $18.80 together with the cream and the sprinkles that come with it. It's 0.5kg. You need to order about 3 days in advance.
It was a nice day to be doing this with the girls as it was a rainy Saturday afternoon. The things that came with the cake:
So the girls got to working. It was messy. Nevertheless, it was still fun, even for the parents. The end product was:
They added chocolate rice that was already in my fridge to the cake.
Thereafter, we ate the cake.
It was nice. A tad sweet with all the toppings. I would recommend parents to do this with their kids. Even boys will enjoy doing this coz my friend did this activity with her son and he enjoyed it thoroughly.
After this activity, you can follow up by getting your child to recall what he or she did and writing in down. That way, it can also be used as a teaching activity.
I got Auni to keep a journal where she records things she's done. So after the activity, She would just write 2 sentences about what she did that day (this is NOT a daily exercise though). She would also draw a picture. Maybe one of these days I'll share about her journal writing. Till then...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
East Coast Park
This entry is 2 weeks overdue. In the effort to spend more quality time with the girls, hubby and I decided to take them out cycling at East Coast Park. See, I was told by my gynae to avoid exercise and such due to my low-lying placenta. But I really want to join my girls as I want to spend time with them. Cycling is a form of exercise, so I had to ensure that I do not tire myself out. So what better way to do this than to rent a Quadricycle/Quadracycle.
It seats 5 adults and 2 kids. 2 adults cycle while the 2 kids sit in the front. The cyclist on the left is the one who steers and brakes. Thus, I was seated on the right. The best thing about this is that the whole family can cycle together, especially when you have small children and they cannot cycle on their own. Then next best thing is, if one adult is tired, he/she can take it easy while the other cyclist pedals...heheh...that was what happened in my case. I think hubby really burnt some fats that day. The only disadvantage is that the bicycle does not have seat belts so I would not recommend it for kids below 18mths. Unless of course your children can sit still.
We rented the bicycle from here:
Shop Name: Our Family Corner
Address: Carpark E2, East Coast Park
Rental charges: $30 for 1st hour, $50 for 2 hours
They also have 6 seater bicycles but I didn't check out the price. We were on the waiting list to rent the quadracycle as all were already rented out. We had to wait about 30 minutes so we sat around and ate ice-cream.
When we got on the bike, we cycled around. We went to Bedok jetty. The girls had fun of course. We returned the bike at around 5pm. We saw kites in the shop and bought one. It cost $15 together with the thread. It was easy to fix. There was open field just next to the shop and we flew the kite there. The girls have always wanted a kite and thus it was a dream come true for them.
After kite-flying, we were famished and headed to the East Coast Park Lagoon Food Village which was near Carpark E2. We had our dinner of satay and bbq chicken.
Thereafter, satiated, happy but tired, we headed home. The girls fell asleep in their car. But before she dozed off, Auni did tell us to take her there again.
It seats 5 adults and 2 kids. 2 adults cycle while the 2 kids sit in the front. The cyclist on the left is the one who steers and brakes. Thus, I was seated on the right. The best thing about this is that the whole family can cycle together, especially when you have small children and they cannot cycle on their own. Then next best thing is, if one adult is tired, he/she can take it easy while the other cyclist pedals...heheh...that was what happened in my case. I think hubby really burnt some fats that day. The only disadvantage is that the bicycle does not have seat belts so I would not recommend it for kids below 18mths. Unless of course your children can sit still.
We rented the bicycle from here:
Shop Name: Our Family Corner
Address: Carpark E2, East Coast Park
Rental charges: $30 for 1st hour, $50 for 2 hours
They also have 6 seater bicycles but I didn't check out the price. We were on the waiting list to rent the quadracycle as all were already rented out. We had to wait about 30 minutes so we sat around and ate ice-cream.
When we got on the bike, we cycled around. We went to Bedok jetty. The girls had fun of course. We returned the bike at around 5pm. We saw kites in the shop and bought one. It cost $15 together with the thread. It was easy to fix. There was open field just next to the shop and we flew the kite there. The girls have always wanted a kite and thus it was a dream come true for them.
After kite-flying, we were famished and headed to the East Coast Park Lagoon Food Village which was near Carpark E2. We had our dinner of satay and bbq chicken.
Thereafter, satiated, happy but tired, we headed home. The girls fell asleep in their car. But before she dozed off, Auni did tell us to take her there again.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Pregnant with 3rd child
I know I have not been updating my blog much. Well close to a year, really. When you have 2 growing up kids, they take a lot of your time - especially when you are a working mom too.
So anyway, my darling Princess Auni is already 4 going on 5 this year. My dear cutie-pie Ulfa is already 20mths old. And I'm currently pregnant with baby no. 3.
I went for a scan a few weeks back and was told that there is 80% chance that the baby is a girl. Auni who was in the room with me exclaimed, "Girl?! Another girl! 3 girls!" Haha...she was hoping for a boy obviously.
Well this time round, it didn't matter whether it is a boy or girl. What matters is that the baby is healthy. Baby's edd is 14 May 2012.
It is always exciting when expecting a child. Auni already knows that she is having another sister. I need to prepare Ulfa for the baby. She is so attached to me.
So anyway, my darling Princess Auni is already 4 going on 5 this year. My dear cutie-pie Ulfa is already 20mths old. And I'm currently pregnant with baby no. 3.
I went for a scan a few weeks back and was told that there is 80% chance that the baby is a girl. Auni who was in the room with me exclaimed, "Girl?! Another girl! 3 girls!" Haha...she was hoping for a boy obviously.
Well this time round, it didn't matter whether it is a boy or girl. What matters is that the baby is healthy. Baby's edd is 14 May 2012.
It is always exciting when expecting a child. Auni already knows that she is having another sister. I need to prepare Ulfa for the baby. She is so attached to me.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A Letter To My Girls- Part 2
Dear Cutie Pie (a name Daddy concocted),
As I write this, you are already 10 months old. Mummy has just returned to the workforce. I miss you terribly when I'm working. It is heartbreaking to hear you wail each time I leave you for work. If given a choice, Mummy would love to stay home to care for you and your sister. Unfortunately financial constraints do not permit me to do so and thus here I am, at work, typing this letter out, while visualising the smile on your face.
My cutie pie, you are a bundle of joy. You make it easy for Mummy to care for you. You are full of laughter. You are indeed, a happy baby, full of joy and laughter. Even though you are only 10months old, I can see the love you have for me, Daddy and your sister.
I look forward to see your smile and how your face brightens up each time you see me. I'm sure you notice how happy I am to see you too after a long day at work.
My dear cutie pie, I feel really guilty each time I work late. Trust me I do try my best to return home as quickly as I can. However, sometimes work really takes its toll and unfortunately I have to take work home too. I hope you forgive me should I have not been spending enough time with you at home now. I really want to provide you and your sister with a better life.
Now, you've started to call me "Mama". I feel so touched and loved each time I hear you calling me that.
The name 'Cutie Pie' that Daddy concocted for you really suits you. You are indeed one of the cutest baby I've ever seen.
I love your chuckle and your gurgle, your smile and your smell. I truly love everything about you my dear.
Regards,
Mummy
As I write this, you are already 10 months old. Mummy has just returned to the workforce. I miss you terribly when I'm working. It is heartbreaking to hear you wail each time I leave you for work. If given a choice, Mummy would love to stay home to care for you and your sister. Unfortunately financial constraints do not permit me to do so and thus here I am, at work, typing this letter out, while visualising the smile on your face.
My cutie pie, you are a bundle of joy. You make it easy for Mummy to care for you. You are full of laughter. You are indeed, a happy baby, full of joy and laughter. Even though you are only 10months old, I can see the love you have for me, Daddy and your sister.
I look forward to see your smile and how your face brightens up each time you see me. I'm sure you notice how happy I am to see you too after a long day at work.
My dear cutie pie, I feel really guilty each time I work late. Trust me I do try my best to return home as quickly as I can. However, sometimes work really takes its toll and unfortunately I have to take work home too. I hope you forgive me should I have not been spending enough time with you at home now. I really want to provide you and your sister with a better life.
Now, you've started to call me "Mama". I feel so touched and loved each time I hear you calling me that.
The name 'Cutie Pie' that Daddy concocted for you really suits you. You are indeed one of the cutest baby I've ever seen.
I love your chuckle and your gurgle, your smile and your smell. I truly love everything about you my dear.
Regards,
Mummy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)