We bid our final farewell to Mark's grandmother yesterday afternoon after a 4 day funeral that was filled with traditional rites. We left little bun #2 with my mom and took little bun with us to Malaysia to attend the funeral and for the rites (since he and his brother are the only 'Lee' great-grandsons).  

While we were on our way to the crematorium, I mused that exactly a week ago (Sunday) at around the same time, we were all sitting in the car on our way home after a family lunch (which was also a belated celebration for little bun #2's full month). Now a week later, we are on our way to send off the 2 bun's great-grandmother on her final journey here.. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in life/ with life that we tend to forget what is really important to us... i.e. our loved ones. Once in a while, something will happen to remind us to treasure the ones we love.

Yesterday morning, we received a call from Mark's mother that Mark's grandmother/ the bun's great-grandmother passed away in her sleep. We were all blind-sided by the news of her sudden death cos we only saw her on Sunday, barely 4 days ago. She went out for lunch with us and we were happily talking and laughing during the journey. Little bun also learnt to call her for the very first time and she was thrilled. Little did we know that it'd be the last time we'd see her and take her out for a meal. 

The dear old matriarch was 93 when she passed on and she had always been healthy save for some minor ailments (rheumatism, high cholesterol). The family only realized something was amiss when they didn't see her downstairs at her usual spot during breakfast. Mark and I are glad at least she got to see little bun #2 for the first (and unfortunately only) time.. If we had postponed the trip back a week later, which we had originally planned to but changed our minds at the eleventh hour, she would not have had the chance to see him.  

Very sad that the 2 buns have lost their great-grandmother, whom I am sure would dote on them a lot. The next few days will be hectic preparing for the final farewell. 

Little bun #2 had got his very first passport made and we brought him back to Malaysia on Sunday to introduce him to Mark's side of the family for the very first time. By sheer coincidence, I ended up wearing matching outfits with my 2 boys!!  

Admittedly, I was rather apprehensive about bringing both boys out for a long day trip and brought enough food and extra clothings to feed a small village. Thankfully, both were on their best behaviours (little bun #2 basically did what he does best, he was either sleeping or drinking) throughout. 

Took little bun for his final (YAY!! I don't have to feel like a terrible mother anymore) 5 in 1 vaccination (but my happiness is short lived because although we are done with little bun's vaccinations, we are just at the beginning of the whole cycle with little bun #2). It really pains my heart every time I have to watch him brawl when he gets an injection. 

Actually this time, we distracted him with a Barney (I love you, Barney!!) video during the jab and he barely made a whimper!! Why didn't I think of this sooner??? 

Just before we were about to leave, we bumped into my favourite doctor, Dr Anu! Took the opportunity for a quick pic (or two) and she was so pleased to see little bun. Every time I look at the photos below, I get this warm feeling in my heart. It feels SO RIGHT to see her holding him in her arms... She played such a crucial role in why he is here today, and indirectly, it led to the surprise addition of little bun #2.

She is my guardian angel, and I am sure my 2 Angels in heaven have sent her to me.

Little Bun is 18 Months Old!!

Wheeeee........ My little champion is all of one-and-a-half years old!! 18 months!!!

Now that I am no longer pregnant and no longer have to wrap myself up in bubble wrap, I am cuddling little bun a lot and bonding with him to make up for the past 9 months where I was discouraged from carrying him (or basically anything heavy for that matter). The past 1 month have been very, very rewarding because I was able to play with him, hold him, cuddle him close, carry him, etc without having to worry about over-exerting myself and jeopardizing the pregnancy. Happy to say that I am making up for lost time.

Little bun is very good-natured and it is such a pleasure watching him grow up. He never fails to make me laugh on a daily basis with his cheeky antics and silly facial expressions!! He is also picking up words/ actions VERY fast, much to our amazement and amusement. I just wish time will slow down so that I can enjoy his childhood...

Little bun #2 is a feeding machine... his meal times are right on schedule like a clock work and he hardly ever misses a beat (unless in the night when he is sound asleep. This is perfect for me cos it means I get my much needed beauty sleep too, or at least 3, and sometimes if I am very lucky, 4 continuous hours of it). 

He is so very, very unlike his big brother who is not into his meals at all. Well, this probably explains his chubbiness. Just hope I am not overfeeding him.. 

In one of his frequent milk-induced coma

A rare moment of peace (lasted all of 10 minutes) where little bun is playing with his new toy. 

*Note: Water-based erasable markers

Little bun #2 is 1 Month Old!!

Oh gosh, where did the time go? Little bun #2 turns 1 month old today!! My little chubby monkey has been with our family for one whole month already although it feels shorter than that. I suppose this is what sleep deprivation does to one.. 

As usual, we threw a 'little' party to celebrate the occasion and he slept through it, which is great for me!! His big brother, on the other hand, had a fun time playing with all guests.

So glad the party is over.. I had a hard time juggling my duties as a mother and being a party planner. Doesn't help at all that I am a perfectionist although this is something that I have been trying to change.

The STAR of the Day!

A sleeping baby is a good baby!!

Can't get over how chubby he is... Little bun #2 is a whole lot bigger/ heftier than his big brother was at the same age and he certainly does not look like a newborn baby! The plus side (no pun intended) is that since he is physically bigger, he is a lot less fragile and much easier to hold.

We are still trying to figure out who he resembles (obviously I am insisting that he takes after ME since little bun is a photocopy of his daddy.. there MUST be some fairness right?!!).

Bonding Buns!

Playing around with the pair of Dumbo ears that my sis brought back from her recent Tokyo holiday!! Little bun was fascinated with the new toy but his little brother couldn't care less.. he was more concerned about his sleep, me thinks!

Burping and bonding with my little milk monster after one of his feeds.

Mark surprised me with this lovely flower arrangement!! While I love the roses, it is the card that I'd treasure. 

Little bun's been picking up a lot of new words and I took the opportunity to teach him how to say 'flowers' since he was so curious about them. I can happily (and proudly) proclaim that he can now say 'flower' and then proceed to take a dramatic sniff!

Little bun: "Flower" (poke poke!!

..Sniff sniff...

(still sniffing)

Found these 2 photos that were taken when little bun #2 was 4 days old and had to be warded for photo therapy treatment due to his jaundice. Poor baby had his little wrists and feet poked numerous times for blood tests to check on his bilirubin levels, which at its peak was 307!!  

I felt terrible leaving him behind in the hospital although I knew the nurses would take great care of him and the treatment was necessary to lower his bilirubin level. Mark and I made frequent trips to visit him throughout the day (like every 3 hourly so that I can latch him on) and it breaks our heart to see him lying naked under the light, brawling his little lungs out. 

Fortunately he reacted very well to the photo therapy after 24 hours and was allowed to go home the following day.

I see myself in little bun #2.. full of facial expressions and I think I passed on my classic furrowed brow frown to him! Hehehe..

He's been with us for over 2 weeks now and we are still getting to know each other better. I find myself studying his every feature, especially when it is just the two of us at night. This little man is another product of Mark and I!! He is a testament that miracles do happen and blessings do happen to the same person twice!!