Some bun made mini cupcakes in school!

These photos were sent to me by his teacher, and I was quite amazed to see that he wasn't doing anything destructive (like sticking his hands into the flour or something). I am SO proud of my champ.. (at least he's made a cupcake before he's even 3 years old.. I am almost 37, and I am pretty sure I haven't made a cupcake in my life - yet. LOL!!

See, the last time wasn't a fluke! He's really momma's best little helper around the house and he goes about doing his chores earnestly. I am hopeful that if I am patient for just a little longer, the boys will start putting back their own toys (this is training in progress now and if I am lucky, they will pack their own toys after playing). Little bun can also do simple chores like throwing things away into the bin, so there's hope in the world for me! Yay!!

The boys each received a surprise present from Mark's friend from overseas (who was formerly an ex-client of his). They were pleasantly surprised to see the wrapped packages and eagerly tore into them (after some initial help from momma). 

Little bun opened up to find a drum set and Den-den present was a McQueen car.. Very coincidental how the gifts suited each boy. Little bun always likes playing with musical instruments and Den-den likes to pretend he is a car by making the 'vroom vroom' sound when he is in the car (much to Mark and my amusement)!

Vroommm... Vrooommmmmmm....

Shopoholic in the making

Walking in daddy's shoes..

We were supposed to be going on our 2nd family trip of the year in less than one month's time, but plans took a major change and we just cancelled all our air tickets and our service apartment reservation. My heart (and wallet) aches just thinking about how much money we lost from the ticket refund fees and penalties (damn you, Singapore Airlines promo tickets!!!). 

 1. SQ  237 K  14AUG SINMEL HK2  2355  #0915

 2. SQ  208 K  23AUG MELSIN HK2  1820  #0020

Since March this year, Mark and I had spent a fair bit of time planning our travel dates, accomodation, activities and meet-ups with friends... right down to perfecting our seating arrangements on the plane, i.e. who gets the honor of sitting with little bun and who is in-charge of Den-den. We were REALLY looking forward to our trip to Melbourne again, especially knowing how much little bun enjoyed himself last year. I even planned to have picnics in the park for the boys cos I know how much they'd love the cold and the wide open space. Oh, and not forgetting Melbourne Zoo. We didn't get to cover all of it during our visit last year. **sigh..**

So anyway, plans changed, we will be staying at home for the next 12 months, but this is all for a VERY good reason. :) 

We will be back next year, Melbourne!!! 

Happy Birthday to the BEST HUSBAND in THE WORLD!

Happy Birthday to the BEST HUSBAND in the world, and he also happens to be the BEST DADDY!! We are so blessed to have you in our lives, and if you don't already know this, all of us love you SO much. 

Thank you for everything you have done for us, for being a pillar of strength and for being the anchor of our family. You bring so much love and laughter into my life and I don't know how it is even possible, but my love for you continues to grow day after day, even though we have been together for 16 and a half years. I can't bear to imagine life without you.  I used to joke that I am the 'better half' in our relationship, but right now, I know that you are the 'better half' for sure. You complete me, and you make me a better person. I am proud the boys have a shining example like you as their daddy, complete with a wicked sense of humour as little bun is already showing signs of!! 

Please know that on your birthday and every single day, you are deeply loved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU

Little Bun is 33 Months Old!!

You are the only one who can make me laugh.. make me proud.. make me want to pull my hair out.. hug me tight.. cheer me up.. keep me going strong.. and drive me up the wall. Every time I look at you, I wonder how I can ever love anyone (including Den-den of course) so much. You know I (and everyone else) am putty in your little hands, and I can see the wicked twinkle in your eyes when you are planning your next mischief. 

I have a ominous feeling that very soon, you and your little brother will rule the roost and you will be the best 'partners in crime'. 

I love you to the moon and back, my previous little bun. Happy 33 months!!

My tiny little helper around the house. I suppose he must've seen me doing this a lot and one day, I found him doing this. He wasn't only concentrating on that one particular spot, he actually moved from the master bedroom to the hall, imitating how I'd clean the floor!

My sweetest Den-den boy... 

Little Bun #2 is 16 Months Old!!

The cutest boy in the world is turning 16 months!! The words on his romper very much describes what my little ray of sunshine does.. 

From this series of photos, I really can see myself in him (just like how I can see Mark in little bun). Heaven is fair!! 

Happy 16th Month to my Den-den boy.. We love you so much!

A friend shared this article on Facebook and when I read it, I was like "Hey, they are talking about me!". The title of  the article is - Moms, Put On That Swimsuit.

Usually when we take the boys to the pool, I will be fully clothed (t-shirt and shorts) rather than wearing my swimsuit (best example.. refer to my last post. Instead of getting into the pool with the boys, I was lounging by the poolside with Hershey).  Instead of jumping in and splashing around with them, I will be sitting by the poolside, dipping only my legs into the water and watching enviously as father and sons frolic around happily. Why? It's certainly not because I am afraid of getting tanned or adding even more freckles to my face, but rather, I am self conscious of my body. So because of my own insecurities, I am missing out on having a great time with my family. This is time that cannot be brought back, and I am creating memories for my kids... my boys will grow up thinking that it is 'normal' for mommy not to be in the pool with them simply because it has become a norm. I am missing out so much. 

I am very motivated after reading this article, and I am saving it on my phone so that every time an insecurity comes up when I have to put on a swim suit, I will read this article and remind myself of what really matters most. 


An extract from the article:

Your swimsuit does not define you.

That soft tummy you are trying to hide? Has stretched and grown life.

Those thighs that have long lost their gap? Gave you the strength to carry that beach ball for 9 months, then walk with life hanging on your hips for years after.  

I refuse to miss my children’s high-pitched, pool-induced giggles because of my insecurities.

I refuse to let other women’s judging eyes at the pool prevent me from exposing my kids’ eyes to the wonder of the sun glittering on the water.

I refuse to let my self-image influence my children’s.

I refuse to sacrifice memories with my children because of a soft tummy.

The next time we are taking the boys to the pool, I am going IN there with them, making memories with my 34 inch (and growing) waist and wobbly thighs. 

A: "Oh kor kor, I think we are wearing the same outfit.."

K: "YikesI You've got to be kidding me!! MOM!!"

K and A: "Hmmmphh"

A: Yay!!I have more room for myself now!

He wanted the dinosaur but I thought it was hideous. So we compromised and settled on a tub of Play Doh instead. 

My poor baby lost weight lately due to the recent bout of flu. He lost his usual hearty appetite and lost interest in his food, including those that he used to love. Hoping that he will recover soon and his appetite will be back. I miss my little chubby bun..  

Glad that the month of June is well and over. Somehow June has always been a 'challenging' time of the year for me/us.. It all started from the year we lost Lucas in June 2008, then Chloe in June 2009. While those 2 'Junes' are clearly the worst, the subsequent Junes have ended up being rather 'down' for me. 

This time, the 2 boys and I were unwell for the most part of last month. We took turns catching the flu bug and it made us all miserable as hell. Even as I write this, little Den-den is still feverish. Good thing is he takes it all in stride, just like a champ! No grouchiness, no crabbiness even when his fever is high. 

Please July, please be a better month than June.. and please can we all recover quickly?