儿的生日是娘的苦日

有人对我说过这句话。。。“儿的生日是娘的苦日”

想想这句话还真有道理。从前，生孩子哪里有现在这么先进的妇产科设备。生产是又不可以要求麻醉，而且还有生命的危险。生个孩子就像是从鬼门关走了一趟回来。

现在的人生孩子还真宝贝。而且，还有不同的生产设备可以选择。久而久之，儿的生日就只注重在如何为儿庆生。还有谁会记得自己的母亲？说句老实话，我这么多年来的生日都没有想起我的妈，也没想到感谢她。

今年，家亨的生日那个早上，他拉着我走到沙发。叫我坐下，然后双脚一弯，跪在我面前，对我说了一句“妈妈，谢谢您生我。”

天啊，我的儿啊。太令妈妈感动了。我也要说，“家亨，谢谢你来到我们的家，当我们的儿子"

是宝还是草？

我周遭的朋友都当他们的孩子是个宝。都是爸爸妈妈心头的一块肉， 掌心里的宝。

那是多么幸福的一件事。 甚至可以说是多么幸运的一件事。 孩子一生下来， 并不能够选择自己的父母是谁。父母也一样。 能够成为一家人是多么难得的事。为什么有些孩子能那样幸福， 有些却不能？

老公下楼买完东西后对我讲述他看见的一幕。听了觉得好心酸。

老公下楼时已是将近凌晨十二点了。那位小女孩就躺在两张并排的咖啡店塑胶椅子上睡觉。样子看上去，那小女孩只不过五，六岁大。她的妈妈就坐在旁边跟别人喝酒，聊天。试想想，在那时候，自己的孩子会在哪儿？在梦乡作着甜美的梦吗？ 还是躺在妈妈温暖的怀抱里睡着？

那为什么有些孩子就要在露天的冷椅子上过夜?

当老公买完东西时， 刚好那位妈妈正要回家了。只见那妈妈又是大呼小叫，又是恐吓。什么你还不起来，我就不带你回家。什么你还不起来，就把你送给uncle。见孩子半梦半醒间，动作缓慢，那妈妈不是揪，就是打。

我一听，立刻觉得火冒三丈。冷静下来时，又为那小女孩感到心酸。我们的孩子是那么那么的幸福啊。我自己也是那么那么的幸福。真庆幸有那么疼爱自己的爸爸妈妈。

我知道我是我父母的宝。家亨和怿萱也是Kai Hock 跟我的宝。

--- posted by Mommy

What I love...

The view on the 19th floor from our unit is simply great. From the Abundance Room, we can see the Southern landmarks of Singapore. To name a few, we can see The Singapore Flyer, The Concourse, UOB building, Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore.

I love gazing at the lights coming from the tall buildings at night, patches of red, yellow and blue littered all over the skyline. The lights look especially charming and bright when I switch off the lights in our home. When the eyes got adjusted to the darkness, the view before my eyes becomes more prominent. It does give me a sense of serenity looking at the night scene in the silence of the night.

I love looking at the raindrops falling down from the sky. When I look up into the sky, it looks like streams of water coming out of a watering can. When the wind changes direction, it guides the rainwater from left to right and then left again, as if the wind is guiding the raindrops in a dance of Waltz. When the wind gets stronger, they changed the dancesteps from a graceful Waltz to a passionate Tango.

I love looking at our 2 babies lying sound asleep on their beds in their own room. I love looking at their faces while they sleep. I love looking at their relaxed features on their faces. So lovely.

------ posted by Mommy

Sleep Talk

While unpacking the 50+ boxes we brought from our old place, I uncovered a book that I store away long time ago called "Sleep Talk".

I used to do sleep talk to Jiaheng when he was younger to train him to sleep more soundly. It seemed to work. Kai Hock's buddy also had some positive experiences with sleep talk when he used it to combat bitting habit for his twins.

As the first page of the book suggests "SLEEP TALK - A breakthrough Technique For Helping Your Child Cope With Stress And Thrive Through Difficult Transitions".

It seems to be all encompassing isn't it. It has Sleep Talk for Picky Eater, Sleep Talk for Sleeping, Sleep Talk for Toilet Training, Sleep Talk for Manners, Sleep Talk for Fingernail biting etc etc. It covers Sleep Talk for various stages of a child, Infants to Adolescence.

The way Sleep Talk works is to make use of the child's awareness of sounds during sleep. At a particular stage of their sleep, the parent will read a script to the child. The script will address a particular issue with the child. It is believed that at the stage of deepest sleep of the child, the child will be very aware of sounds and the script will offer the child alternatives to his present behavior that may result in greater success.

The book even provides scripts meant for addressing various issues. How thoughtful. This book is definitely worth exploring.

Give you a sample:

The following script is for addressing Bet-Wetting issue:

"Damon, this is your mum.
I just want to let you know how much I love you.
I just want you to know how proud I am that you are my son.
I want to let you know how proud of you I am when you wake up in the morning and your pajamas are dry.
When you wake up, you have plenty of time to get to the toilet.
I appreciate it when your bedsheets and you are dry.
I am proud of you because I know that you are proud of yourself.
It does not matter where you spend the night - you wake up in a dry bed.
Thank you for being my son.
I love you so very much.
Sweet Dreams"

The author of the book is Lois Haddad, R. N. Why not check out this book if you have done all you possibly could for your child but still does not see desirable result?


------- posted by Mommy

Enjoying our new home

The first thing that captured our hearts when we first saw our new home was the spectacular night view. And the best part is that we can see all the way South to the Singapore Flyer.

I chose the room that faces the Singapore Flyer as my work room and the children and I have voted to name it the "Abundance Room".

The children decided that their room will be called the "Fun Room". Our living room is the "Joy Room" and the Master bedroom is the "Love Room".

The children have settled down very well in the new home. In fact, they slept through the night on the very first night in our new home. They are so fascinated by everything in the new home. From the storage compartments under their beds to the lighting in the home.

And of course, one very good advantage of living in a mature estate is the accessibility to various kinds of shopping and food. From medical halls to laundry shops to saloons to bakery, you name it, we have it all here. Now, we are TRULY home-based. Besides, running our home-based business, there is not much reason to travel far from home to get our necessities settled.

We love our new home and is enjoying every moment of it here. We have bid good bye to our first love in Serangoon and will now build another loving relationship with this new home in Toa Payoh.

Our Girl's 1st day in school

Kai Hock and I decided to start Yixuan's school in the middle of the year as we wanted our little baby to stay home with us a little longer. But the little one is more eager to take flight. Yixuan kept saying that she wants to go school like her big brother so we decided it is time to let her go.

Today is Yixuan's first day in school. Based on Jiaheng excellent track records on his first day in school, I was hoping that it will also be easy for me this time round for Yixuan.

The afternoon session children were gathered in a room while waiting for the morning session children to dismiss. Yixuan looked so grown up and solemn sitting on the mat cross-legged. I was glad that she doesn't look anxious about the first day in school. Like what the Papa always say... Mama always seems more "kan cheong" than the little one. Sigh! What to do? Mama always worries the most.

When the teachers came to fetch the children from their respective classes, Yixuan said "Mummy go outside and wait, cannot come in". I was taken aback when I heard her, but it is a good opportunity for me to stay out and observe if she can do it herself. I quickly jumped on the opportunity and 'obediently' did what I was told. *double wink*.

I felt so sneaky and sheepish trying to peep from the outside window to see how Yixuan was doing. On one hand, I tried to let her go. On the other hand, I was dying to see how she is coping in the classroom. So in the end, got to end up spying on her. The moment I thought she is going to see me, I had to duck. Aiyoh! Can really pull my hair off... try to be cool lah... let her go in herself lah.

Luckily for both of us, Yixuan seems to blend into the environment very quickly. When the class teacher introduced her to the class, she very cooperatively and calmly stood next to the teacher, facing the class. During her lesson time, I can see from her back that she is sitting up very straight and cross-legged. Even though, I cannot see her face expression, I can already visualise her trying her best to appear serious.

After about 15 minutes, the moment of release came! The teacher started to play a song and I was simply tickled seeing Yixuan's pony tail sway vigourously left and right as she moves her head left and right to the beat of the song. Ahhh... this image suits my little girl more, she just comes alive when music is played.

Then it was break time, followed by toilet break, followed by outdoor play. Again, I did not follow her in as she seems to be coping good. I tell myself to restrain my impulse to sit in with her. Why ruin her eagerness to be independent? I can reassure you that it is not easy for this Mummy to just let go. But ultimately, I am glad I persisted.

It seems like eons before she reached her last period. Mummy's neck cannot stretch any longer after all the peeping sessions.

I am so proud of my little girl for having adapted so well on her first day of school and am so proud of myself for having SURVIVED her first day. :) And of course, I must thank Yixuan for making it an easy day for Mama.

------ posted by Mommy

我们的第一个十年

我觉得我是幸运的。在茫茫人海中能遇到我的老公。

老公， 你常说只要我开心， 你就开心。在结婚十周年的今天，你准备了一连串的惊喜给我， 真的让我有些招架不住，受宠若惊。我要告诉你， 我真的玩得很开心， 只是不好意思让你整天都在做陪客， 一直在等我。

我知道你为了今天的节目筹备了有两个多月。真的很谢谢你为我所做的一切。正如那 nail therapist 所说。。。you are so sweet。 连老板娘都那么觉得呢， 你几棒一点哦。 说真的，那不知道 next destination 是哪里的感觉还挺好的。 我是个典型的 planning 派， 总要策划， 准备， 以防万一。 久了都觉得有些闷。 今天， 那种被你带着走的感觉真好。

老公，你常说我很好养， 花费少。 既不喜欢逛街又不喜欢买东西。 所以你就把这十年累计的一切奢侈一天内全给了我吗？ 你是知道我是个不爱乱花钱的人， 虽然不至于是个守财奴但算一算今天的花费也是会觉得心痛 （ 老毛病， 改不了）。 就这一次好了。 ：）

我会记得这十周年的一天。 这只是我们的第一个十周年， 还有第二个， 第三个， 第四个， 第五个， 第六个。。。 要对你说的是今天的每个节目都让我很感动， 但最让我感动的是你许下的那个愿望。 放心！ 我们一定会做到的。 要白头到老哦！

The Games We Play

I really find that playing games is the best way to teach our children. There are so many learning points we can derive from well-selected toys.

Yixuan is really into a few games right now.

Game #1 - UNO
---------
Yes, you are right. She can play a game of UNO independently. The only challenge is that she has issues holding up the 7 cards fanned out in her tiny hand. So, the best she can do is to place the cards all faced up on the floor. We the professionals will hold the cards in our hands and spy on what cards she has at the same time so that we can strategise our winning moves. ^^

Rules wise, we go for the most basic i.e. no placing of double cards; no interception; no reverse; no skip. Lest the many variations puts her off. However, the main teaching points in the game is to teach her to match numbers and colours. I must say she is a fast learner. After 1 session with her Papa, she is ready to play.

She even manages to win & wow Grandma with her new skills. Ha ha


Game #2 - Giant Floor Jigsaw Puzzle
---------
The Alphabet Jigsaw was actually inherited from Jiaheng. It covers a floor area of about 60 cm by 100 cm.

For beginnings, it is better to start with bigger pieces of puzzles. It is easier to handle and not so straining on their eye sight. And it is just so accomplished for them to see a giant piece of work done. Yeh!

I will first dramatise the process of searching for the correct placement for a piece of puzzle. Soon, I find that Yixuan will imitate me looking at the model answer on the puzzle box and try to match the placement of the piece that she is holding. From that first piece, she will find the other connecting pieces and slowly grow the puzzle. Most times, she can finish the 26 piece puzzle herself with a little help here and there.

Well, I could have just done the 'start from A and form to Z' method. But, I find that the forming of the puzzle with different starting pieces proves more challenging for the girl. That is when I can say "What is the piece BELOW G?" "What is the piece ABOVE K?" etc. Another great learning opportunity, isn't it?

I am really not too surprised to hear Yixuan trying to use the prepositions like BELOW and ABOVE the next few days though she mixed it up most of the time. Whatever!.... It is still a good try. :)


Game #3 - Scissors, Paper, Stone
---------
Yes, it is the good old Scissors, Paper, Stone game that we played when we were kids.

Think about it... it is pretty good motor skills for a 2.5 years old to come out with a Scissors sign.

I was lazing on the bed when Yixuan requested to go pee pee in the toilet. As I just laid down, this lazy-bum-bum mummy was really very reluctant to get up and bring her to the toilet. So, I asked Kai Hock to bring her. As usual,Yixuan refused. It is strange sometimes why there are so many things that ONLY mummy can do in the eyes of the little ones.

To keep my chance to continue to laze around, I suggested that we play Scissors, Paper, Stone. If I win, then Papa will bring her to toilet. If she wins, then I will bring her to toilet. I thought that I had everything planned out. I predicted that she will come up with an easy Stone sign (showing a fist). Else, it will be a Paper sign (showing an open hand). For me, I will come up with a Paper sign to counter her. Smart right?

Lo and Behold, while mine was a Paper sign, hers was the Scissors sign (showing a Victory sign horizontally). Aarrghhh... how can this be? Really 人算不如天算喔。What can I say but to concede defeat. Just got to crawl out of bed and bring the victorious girl to pee pee lor.

Really cannot under-estimate the learning ability of this 小不点 and the power of learning with FUN!

----------- posted by Mommy

Our first appointment is done!

Today is our scheduled HDB first appointment date. It took us a whole 2 hours to get all paper work done. Can't really remember the procedure, it is just one paper signing after another.

"Owner 1, please sign here. Owner 2, sign here... sign here... sign here... sign here... sign here...here... here... sign here..." For a moment, I thought I turned into a document signing machine!

As we are doing contra for buying and selling our flat, all three parties (i.e. the couple buying our current flat + the gentleman selling the new flat to us + Kai Hock & I) need to be present for the contract to materialise. It is like a battalion moving from one counter to another. I must admit it was quite fun. :)

I like the young couple buying our current flat. In fact, they left a good impression with me the very first time we met. Nice people, I must say. Very friendly and warm. We are happy our current home will be in good hands.

Our current home has served us well for 10 years. Kai Hock and I spent 4 "honeymoon" years here before Jiaheng arrived. Then 3 years later, it welcomed its 4th occupant, Yixuan.

Every time I step into our home, I will feel secure and at ease. It is not just a shelter over our heads but it has shared 10 years of our life stories... like a good, loyal friend. I am going to miss it. *sentimental, sentimental*

Well having said that, I am also looking forward to moving into our new flat. It is a different experience altogether with new neighbours and new environment. But ... yes! I am looking forward to it. Especially when Jiaheng starts his Primary one next year. It will such a breeze to send him to and fro school as the school is just a stone throw away. :)

Not forgetting the nice gentleman who sold the house to us. He shared with me some family history of the house while we chatted at the HDB. So kind of him to leave me some of his fond memories.

At the end of the day, it is all these nice people you meet that makes this world a warmer and happier place to live in isn't it? And I am lucky to meet so many of them.


------ posted by Mommy

Mother's Day Card

The card says it all....

Thank you Jiaheng. :)

Swine Flu

6 years have passed, it still hits a sore spot. April 2003 was the happiest yet the darkest month for me.

Happiest as I welcome Jiaheng, my favourite boy into the world and into our family. Darkest as our family struggled with SARS and praying that my mum-in-law get out of her coma soon.

6 years later, April 2009... again, the world is hit with a pandemic, the Swine Flu. From the news reports, it seems that the Swine Flu is hitting the world harder. It is getting on my nerves and the first persons whom I want to protect are my favourite boy and girl.

On top of a healthy diet of fresh fruits and lots of vege (I m lucky tt they are vege lovers), I will up their supply of anti-oxidants. Every night, I will soak 1 grape-seed extract and 1 Vitamin C in their milk bottles. When the pills dissolved, I will mix in their milk powder. Not forgetting the daily children's multivitamins to boost their immune system. And of course, they will need to drink lots of water to hydrate themselves. I am not taking any chances.

The reason why some people fall sick and some don't when the flu bug hits is their immune system. When their bodies are well-protected with anti-oxidants, the chances of them falling sick is highly reduced. This is my way of protecting my two angels. Jiaheng, Yixuan, I love you both so so much.

----- posted by Mommy

儿子还蛮感性的

今晚是农历九月十七，所以月亮还很圆很大。

家亨刚好站在窗旁，好象是被那美丽的月亮吸引住了。"Mommy, you know the moon is really big and bright right?"

听到儿子这么说，我突然兴起，便吟了一段 “举头望明月，低头思故乡。” 我这一显了显身手，儿子就给了我一副 ‘妈咪，你真棒！' 的expression。嘻嘻，感觉还真不错。。。

其实在家亨很小时，我也教过他这首诗。当时他只是会catch 到每一段的最后一个字。好像我念 “床前明月”，他就会大大声的回应 "光！"。回想起来还挺好笑。我问家亨他还记得吗？他竟然还记得。：）儿子还说他在Sherise家的墙壁上也看过这首诗，他说他只看得懂一些。既然这样我便教了家亨念这首“静夜诗”。

"Mommy, what's the meaning?" 听到儿子这一问，当老师的职业病又犯了。我就一句一句的解释给家亨听。 当我解释到那段 “低头思故乡”， 我叫家亨想象一下当他长大后，可能要到外国读书，爸爸和妈咪都不在你身边。当你看到月亮时，你就会想到在家里的家人。

突然儿子说了一句 “Mommy,you don't say anymore, I am already very sad." 一边说，一边转身把自己的脸埋在枕头里。差点连最后的那几个字都听不到了。吓！真的把我吓了一跳。没想到儿子会有那么大的反应。

虽然在黑暗里，我感觉到儿子哭了。儿子真的长大了。能够appreciate家人和爸爸妈妈对他的复出。我也感觉到自己的脸颊湿湿的。。。

"Come, come and give Mommy a hug."

------ posted by Mommy

Something I Learnt from Jiaheng

Jiaheng's 弟子规 teacher told the class that it is important to have a 志向, i.e. to have a direction in life.

If you do not have 志向, it is like packing your luggage and lugging it all the way the airport but just standing there from morning till night but still have not taken flight, simply because you don't know where to go!

During "Jiaheng's Late Night" today, Kai Hock, Jiaheng and I were having a game of monopoly. Needless to say Jiaheng had a very enjoyable night. While I was lying next to him in bed, Jiaheng said this to me.

"Mommy, do you know that the dice for monopoly is just like the “我的志向”that teacher was talking about, you know? It is like you need to know where you want to go. Like if you want to dice to land at box 8, 10 and 11, you will tell the dice to go there, just like our 志向. Right?"

I just replied "Yes, Jiaheng". Although I didn't comment much, but while Jiaheng drifted off to sleep next to me, I can't help but think how correct he is. :)

-------- posted by Mommy

I didn't know Jiaheng is that popular

Jiaheng's school celebrated Children's Day this morning. It is a combined session with the morning class pupils. Really bustling with laughter and energy in the room with 70+ children in the room.

The average class size is about 8 to 9 pupils. My wife always says that class size matters so she is pleased that Jiaheng's class is not extremely big. She will say small size means teacher can give more individual attention to the pupils, can have more activities to cater to individual, etc. As these comment came from the point of an ex-teacher, I have to fully respect that. :P

Since the class is not that big, we kind of know all of Jiaheng's classmates. My wife knows who are his best friends, who did what in school, who is his partner at the graduation night etc. For me, I can at least match face with names lah. Both my wife and I feel that it is important to know our child's friends, especially when our children grows older. So my wife always makes it a point to talk about what happens in school and what his friends and him did in school.

At the celebration, Jiaheng was seated across the room from us and we could see him clearly. His 2 girl classmates are seated next to him. During one activity, Jiaheng left his seat to get something. I spotted that another of his classmate sat on his empty seat. Guess what? The 2 girls immediately pulled him out of Jiaheng's seat. I can't hear what they were saying but could guess from their body languages that they are saying that that's Jiaheng's seat.

Woah! Didn't know my boy was so popular in school. *wink* Told mommy about it and my wife said "Yar yar... Papa and his egoo.ooo...." Ha ha, true true... of course I am proud of my boy!

儿子说他明年要 Convocate 了

下课后，儿子很高兴地对我说他们正在准备graduation concert。 K2 的同学们要毕业了， 儿子的K1 班也有份参加。

突然兴起，把摆在厨里多年的Convocation旧相簿拿了出来给儿子看。哇，女儿和儿子好像捡到宝！指这儿，指哪儿，口里不停说着“妈妈，妈妈”。两兄妹好像在比赛看谁能赢这“SPOT THE MUMMY CONTEST”

我就借着机会psycho他们两。看看他们想不想长大后也convocate。“要，我也要！” 当他们正看得兴起时，我也在多年后再度翻阅这相簿。天阿！十一年前的我好年轻阿！还有与家人合照的， 和朋友合照的，和死党们的合照。真的是勾起了不少少年时的回忆。

尤其是和AJPS的死党的合照，真的是好怀念AJC的岁月。那天天呆在darkroom 聊天，做tutorials，process film， develop photos 的日子。

这张，我们是排成一行的。那张，我们是排成V字形的。还有这张，站在高高的柱子上。哇！极会摆pose ，不愧是AJPS的精英。那一张张青春洋溢的脸孔， 那一张张充满期待的样子。All ready to face the real world? hmmm... 连我自己都不太记得自己心中的想法是什么了。只感谢上天眷顾我，毕业至今，家庭， 感情，事业都交了不错的成绩单。

儿子打断了我的思绪说了一句“妈妈，我明年也要convocate了。” ：）

---- posted by Mommy

Reasoning with my 5-year old

I realised that it is not an easy battle after a few tries. Reasoning with my 5-year old requires me to take each step with caution and also to really structure my sentences properly.

Let me give you an example.

We were having dinner the other night. And Jiaheng doesn't seem to have much appetite that night and taking his food very slowly. I decided to give him a time limit to complete his meal. As with any people, we have to put in the RISK and REWARD to get them going.

If he cannot complete his meal in the next 15 minutes. his RISK will be:
- not to be able to ride on his bicycle for the rest of the night.

His REWARD will be:
- to be able to join Yixuan and me in a ball game after dinner.

I said this "Jiaheng, if you cannot finish your meal in the next 15 minutes, you cannot ask to ride your bicycle for the rest of tonight." Thinking that I should pre-empt the situation for tomorrow, I 'smart-aleckly' added "If tomorrow, the same thing happens, you cannot ride your bicycle and your scooter bike for tomorrow night"

Thinking that I have covered all grounds, Papa feels happy about himself.

Then Jiaheng asked "Papa, if I cannot ride the bicycle and scooter bike tomorrow. Does it mean I can ride my scooter bike later if I cannot finish my food in 15 mins?"

Aiyoh! How har? Should I say yes or no? Based on Jiaheng's reasoning, the answer should be "yes". But if I say yes, then there is no RISK already.

Finally, I said "Yes, Jiaheng" and abruptly completed the episode by saying "Eat your food quickly". *gua gua gua...* :< (hitting my own foot with my hammer!)

Hmmm... kids nowadays har!! Need to be extra careful with words and reasoning the next round.

Luckily, you marry Papa

I really don't know what sparked off this thought in Jiaheng's mind.

On the trip to Grandma's place for dinner, Jiaheng made an interesting comment. "Mommy you know, Papa is such a good manager" * Har ! Eh, but your Papa is not a manager leh *

"Why do you say so, Jiaheng?"
"Because Papa can manage so many things so well" * At the back of my mind, I can already picture Kai Hock's smug look when I tell him this *

"Luckily, you marry Papa. If not, Jiaheng won't have such a good Papa and Yixuan won't have such a good Mommy."

I felt like crying when I heard those words. Our son appreciates us and is proud of us! Isn't that what we as parents hope for?

They are the reason why we are working hard. We want the best for them. We want to groom them. We love them. We want to be their role model. But we also want them to feel proud of us isn't it?

While still feeling touched, at the back of my mind, I can see Kai Hock's smug face again. :P

------ posted by Mommy

Fish Therapy

22 June 2008 marks the 9th year of our wedding. It has been 9 years since my wife and I got married. Looking back, it has been a wonderful journey together, and along the way came Jiaheng and then Yixuan. :)

We are both very grateful for these 2 wonderful kids. It must have been the good fortune left from our ancestors. As I get to know more and read more, I am beginning to believe that you have the power to create your own destiny and to accumulate good fortune to be passed down to your descendants.

I was cracking my brain where to bring Mommy to for our anniversary. Some place where she has never been to, some place where it will be a surprise for her.

Then a great idea dawned on me. Mommy used to be a teacher so she used to stand for long hours. After near a decade of teaching, she started to have cracked heels and dry skin on her feet. It became worse with the 2 pregnancies, with so much weight added to her.

It really pains me to see the deep lines on her heels. We tried a few things like moisturisers, foot scrubs etc. But they didn't really help. Even though, Mommy kept saying never mind. I really hope to find a solution for her. I decided to book an appointment with the Fish Doctors.

It was a cosy place nestled among the many famous eateries at Novena Ville. I actually found this place using the Internet, the reviews seem to be good. The Fish Doctors are supposed to be a totally natural skin treatment experience. The Fish Doctors will gently nibble on your skin and provide massage to your feet at the same time.





Mommy was still guessing non-stop even minutes before we reached our destination. Is it SPA? KTV? Massage??? Nope! none of the above. I was beaming with satisfaction that she did not manage to get the right answer.

The staff there were very friendly and knowledgeable too. When they knew it was our wedding anniversary, they even gave us an additional 15 mins for the dip.

But alas, I didn't expect Mommy to be so terrified of the fish nibbling her. Once she put her feet in, she quickly retracted them. I was prepared to leave. Mommy insisted that we should stay. I knew she didn't want me to feel bad.

Initially, Mommy only mustered enough courage to dip her heel in, then slowly after some tapping and distraction, she managed to dip her both feet in. So proud of her!

We completely the 45 minutes of dip together. The final product was pretty good too cos the feet were visibly fairer and smoother. Mommy said perhaps next time, when she mustered enough courage, we can come again.

The feel of giving someone a surprise is really nice. Seeing Mommy in suspense, trying to guess where I will bring her to. But it is really 人算不如天算, the final person to get the surprise was actually myself. Sigh! got to do a better job next year... our 10th anniversary :)

Just a thought

My father just completed his second cataract operation. Everything is going well for him. He says that his vision is no longer blurred. Even the doctor is impressed with the rate of recovery for someone my father's age.

The visionex supplement I gave him has really helped tremendously. :) Now that, my father has seen the positive effect himself, he has finally 'approved' the use of supplement on himself already. Yippee!

Just that these few days, a scene kept surfacing in my mind. That day, at the hospital clinic, I saw lots of elderly. You may say, what is so uncommon about seeing elderly at the cataract clinic... Old already will kanna cataract what??? No, no. that was not what I meant. I meant, where are their children? Aren't they supposed to be with their parents when they are not well?

Maybe, I won't say 100% elderly lah. There are a few young ones but they are maids, not closed ones to the patients. The maids are not even communicating the old person. The old person is just sitting there, keeping to himself the whole session. And I kept asking myself this question, where are their children?

At work? Too busy? No time?

It just reflects on our society that young people are all too busy working. The word 'busy' is easily the most used word in their dictionary. Sometimes, they just neglect the most important thing i.e. their family, their loved ones.

Reflecting back, I am just glad I made the decision to move forward. Else, I will not be able to be there with my father.

A touching song

The first time I heard the song, I was drawn by the beautiful voice of the singer. Then when I understood the meaning of the lyrics, I love this song even more. Very touching and meaningful words.

I am sharing this song with you, and I am sure you will learn something from it too.

---- posted by Mommy