New Books

I brought Shun to Osaka one week ago. Takashi was on business trip and I thought Shun would enjoy the company of his grandparents. He is having a good time but mum is getting a bit bored here. Doing nothing much except eating and sleeping early.

So, mum decided to do some shopping on the Internet to kill boredom.


I enjoy selecting picture books because they are all so brilliantly illustrated. Children who do not read yet, can easily follow the story while looking at the colourful pictures.


The first book that I chose promises to take passengers on a train journey across the country. The train passes by flower fields, winter hills and the sea. Great book for Shun who is crazy for trains now.

The second book is about a neo pink goldfish that escapes from the tank and camouflaging in different places. A simple yet creative book.

Swine flu

I happened to snap this picture when we drove pass a pig farm few weeks ago. We stopped the car outside the farm to show Shun how a real pig looks like since he loves the song `Old Macdonald had a farm`.

Little did we know that pigs are going to be the center of the most recent mutant virus strain. The world is concerned and many are affected by this virus. My husband is stuck in Shanghai with all business trips put on hold. Let`s all pray and hope swine flu will not become pandemic. And we can return to our normal lives....

Balcony scare

I was locked out on the balcony this morning by Shun while hanging out the laundry.

Totally freaked out for a few seconds wondering what to do next. It was a cold morning and I was in my sweater only. Damn it.

I can always call my husband home with my cell phone, but it was on the table inside my apartment. To make matters worse my apartment is on the second floor so I started looking around trying to figure out how I can get out of this predicament. Maybe I could climb over to my window?? Maybe I should shout for my neighbour?? Or should I try jumping down?

Anyway nothing on my mind seems feasible so I continued to wave and knock on the door frantically. Shun innocently knocked back thinking that it was a game. -Sweat-

Then I started pointing at the door lock and signaled him to open it..He managed to catch my cue and opened the lock! Phew..what a relieve..my little episode ended within 10 mins.. I must make sure that it doesn`t happen again.

B is for Bear..

Oh...its a DOG.

Mess

This is how our living room looks like at the end of the day. Argh!

Ice skating 2008

Ice skating has become increasingly popular in Japan with the success of many young star skaters. The competition season begins in October starting with regional skating competitions and the placements will decide who will qualify and compete in the World Championship held in March.

I am a great fan of Japanese skater, Mao Asada. Never fail to record her competitions in my HDD recorder so that I can watch her over and over again. I may sound silly but whenever she wins, it gives me goose bumps and makes my eyes water.

She was too young to be eligible for the last Winter Olympics held in Turin. But, with her talent and artistry, I am sure she will make it to the next Olympics held in Vancouver 2010.

Her recent exhibition skate was a sneak preview of what she will be performing this coming season. Her effortless and flawless moves on the ice are absolutely breathtaking. I can`t wait for the next season to start!

Virus attack

2 weeks ago, Shun came down with a high fever up to 40 degrees. We took him to the doctor the following morning and managed to bring down the fever after a day. However, he was down with a bad stomach virus after the fever which upset his system as much as 20 times per day. The virus finally left him after 4 days which was a relief. He has since recovered and back to his usual active and mischievous self. Then, I caught his virus a few days ago and experienced fever and gastric pains. Damn the virus. Hope daddy won`t be the next one to get it.


Since we never went out when Shun was sick, we followed the news on the Sichuan earthquake. My heart goes out to the casualties. Sick children lost their parents and are not receiving adequate medical aid. Parents lost their precious children overnight under collapsed schools. Total wreck. Our virus attack seemed so small compared to their situation. I pray that the children in Sichuan will be able to receive more medical help soon.

Blissful Weekend

We had the most delightful experience at a Japanese Hotspring Inn called Seni Onsen （仙仁温泉）to celebrate my belated birthday, Takashi`s birthday, our 4th wedding anniversay and the birth of Shun.

Seni Onsen is an extremely popular inn with full bookings everyday. In fact, we heard that most guests book their rooms one year in advance.

We were lucky to get a room due to a last minute cancellation. Even luckier when we were told that they will upgrade us to the most expensive room during check-in. Wow!

The room was enormous for 2 adults and a baby. Shun was nervous of the new environment at first but got excited after familarizing and crawled all over the tatami. We changed into the yukata, rest a bit, ate some snacks and ventured the hot spring facilities while Shun was napping.


There were 2 public baths and 4 private baths. We chose one of the private baths so that we can go together as a family. That evening, it was snowing outside as we entered the mineral-rich baths. It’s one of those experiences that you definitely don’t want to miss if you ever have the opportunity. Totally rejuvenated.


From the accommodations to the food, everything was perfect. The food was not only delicious, but probably some of the most beautifully presented. We had our own room and attendant for all of the meals. They even prepared a set of mattress for Shun in the room in case he wanted to sleep during our 3 hour dinner. Its been a long time since we can stretch our legs and enjoy a good and relaxing meal.

The next morning, we took turns to soak in the public bath. Rejuvenated again. Skin felt silky after absorbing all the minerals.

Felt very hungry after our morning bath. Breakfast was very satisfying with a wide variety. Takashi had the Western set while I had the Japanese set. The kitchen even prepared vegetable porridge for Shun. Wonderful service.


After breakfast, we took a short walk around the inn. Scenery was beautiful with lots of snow. Didn`t want to leave this paradise but we had to go back to reality. We would definitely want to come back someday if we have extra cash.

A new friend and a generous vendor

On Friday afternoon, my neighbour and her 3 months + baby boy, Ryuta came for a visit. I met her at the common corridor when we were pregnant last year. She came for a visit when Shun was 2 months+ and we were really looking forward to meeting up again with our sons this time.


I baked a pumpkin chiffon cake for tea and we chatted about our sons` developments. Had a good time catching up and I like her as she seems easy to get along with unlike some Japanese ladies who are pretentiously polite. I think I will invite them over again.

Ryuta is already a chubby 6kg at 3 months+ while Shun is only 7kg+. Very slim for a 7 month old but doctor said that it is ok since he is gaining height. Anyway, Shun is very active and happy so I think I should not be overly concerned about making him fat.


On Saturday morning, we brought Shun to the pediatrician for his last round of immunisation. We left our house at 8am and dashed into the car as it was freezing cold with chilling wind outside. It was minus 11 at 8am! OMG! This must be one of the coldest winter in Matsumoto.

Luckily we travel by car most of the time and can stay comfortably warm inside. I really can`t imagine walking down the streets in this bizarre weather.


After the injection, we went to the farmers` market to buy our weekly groceries. This is a place where the local farmers sell their produce direct to the public.

Here, we can get fresh vegetables and fruits at almost half of the supermarkets` sales price. Bought lots of vegetables including some sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, apples and pears for Shun`s meals this week.


I must mention this vendor who `knows` us as we frequent the market. We bought some dried shrimps from her last year and from then onwards she always gives my husband lots of freebies when she sees us. This time, she gave us 5 packs of tofu, 6 packs of nato and 1 box of strawberries that look really expensive.


Last year, she gave us free pears, bunches of grapes, apples and a big box of yams. This must be one of the benefits of staying in a countryside where people (especially farmers) are warm and friendly.

I have asked Takashi to get this generous vendor a little gift as a token of our appreciation. I hope he remembers to do it before we go to the market next weekend.

Here is the greedy boy again trying to get his hands on one of the FREE juicy strawberries.

Nothing

Nothing exciting happening here. Freaking cold. Its minus degree outside in the mornings and nights. Water from the tap is freezing cold. Shun`s hot milk turns cold in minutes. My chilli oil froze into one lump.
I hide in the blankets with Shun on cold mornings. He thinks that it is a new game. Go away, winter.

Back in Matsumoto

We arrived home finally on Thursday after celebrating New Year at Osaka. Relieved to be home again but tired with lots of unpacking to be done. We left Singapore with 4 check in luggages and 1 hand carry. Not sure when is the next time we can go back so tried to stuff everything that can fit in.

Mostly food and stuffs for Shun. He was showered with gifts of clothes, toys and books.

My family couldn`t bear to part with him especially my mother who has been taking care of him everyday for the past 3 weeks.


Anyway, I think she will come to visit us this May or June.

Thanks again to everyone who made this trip a memorable one for us.

Civilised or not

Are Singaporeans civic-minded? Judge for yourself.

1) Inconsiderate neighbours who flaunt their karaoke skills till 2am+ on
Christmas eve.

2) Man who spit saliva and blew his nose mucus on the grass.

3) People who write in to a local supermarket to complain about not
distributing plastic bags on an environmental friendly campaign day.

4) Drivers who hog on to the bus lanes refusing to move their vehicles.

5) Drivers who refuse to signal when changing lanes.

6) People who don't bother to look back nor apologise when they knock into you.

7) People coughing violently without covering their mouths.

Shopping Spree

Its the season of Christmas shopping and sales. Everyone is shopping non-stop in the malls including me!

I went for a shopping spree with my sister today and grabbed many good deals for my husband, myself and Shun.

Burnt a small hole in my wallet but felt a great sense of satisfaction. My sister, the chic shopaholic went home delightful too with bags of sales items from MANGO.

Its been a long time since I shopped to my heart's content without worrying about baby's milk and diaper time. Shopped so much till I didn't notice anything about the Christmas decorations in Orchard road. Will be dropping by again next week to indulge in the festive mood.

In Singapore

We are doing great in Singapore. I have been stuffing myself with food and Shun has began to adapt to the humid weather. He has been sweating a lot even though its the monsoon season now. However babies adapt really fast. He is not as cranky now compared to the first few days and everyone simply dotes on him.

Met some close friends, many relatives and have been enjoying lots of free time thanks to my mum. She helps me look after Shun in the daytime so that we can go out and have fun.

Life in Singapore is definitely more exciting for Shun and me. Maybe we should consider moving back for good.

Going Home

Yes! I am finally going back home. Our flight to Singapore leaves tomorrow morning.

Really looking forward to seeing my relatives and friends. I am ready to gorge and gorge myself with Singapore food. Forget about my diet plan. Its officially over!

October - a new beginning of new challenges

First day of October. Start of another new month. Time passes so fast. July, August and Sept flew by. More than half of 2007 is gone!

Shun turned 3 months last week and started to develop a fixed sleeping pattern. Followed the baby whisperer`s recommended day routine and he is sleeping 4 hours in the day, 7-9 hours at night now. Hope I am not jinxing myself by saying this here.

Finally have time to sit down, enjoy dinner together with husband, catch up on daily happenings, less quarrels, feel less insecurities, sleep better at night and most importantly inhale fresh air. Summer is gone. I hardly have time to step out of the house and is oblivious of what happened during summer.


Motherhood starts at the birth and will never end till the day of a mother`s last breath. Motherhood is all about making sacrifices for your little one. Sacrificing your time, sleep, changes in the body, hair. Both physically and mentally challenged.

I started losing hair 2 weeks ago. According to the Internet resources, hair loss is due to hormone changes, is temporary and should stop about 6 months after birth. Nothing much can be done to prevent hair loss during this period.

Nevertheless I got myself a new haircut last week. Spent 3 hours at the salon giving a new color and shine to my dying strands. Felt rejuvenated and ready to face the world again with a new mother`s confidence.

A Day at the Art Museum

On Sunday, we visited the Chihiro Art Museum located at Azumino city, about 40mins drive away from home. Our kind neighbour gave us two free entrance tickets to this highly recommended art museum.

This museum displays mainly works by Chihiro Iwasaki (1918-1974), one of Japan's best-known children picture book illustrators.


As many of her works were painted in watercolours or pencil sketched more than 40 years ago, some of the exhibits are replicas printed with the help of high technology printers to prevent further deterioration of the originals. I wouldn`t have noticed if the museum didn`t indicate the replicas as they look almost exactly like the original works.



I never knew much about this talented illustrator until visiting the museum today. Her style is beautiful in its simplicity and the soft innocence of the children portrayed in her works do charm my heart more than I have ever known.

The museum has a second location in Tokyo. I hope that we can visit it someday.

37 weeks

This week I'm officially 37 weeks pregnant which is considered full term. As I near the end of my pregnancy and my body is getting bigger than ever, (41kg --> 49.7kg!), I am getting excited to be so close to meeting our little one.

During the last checkup, the midwife advised me to walk for at least 2 hours every day for an easier labor. At this stage, I feel too heavy and uncomfortable to do much by myself so I really appreciate my husband for offering to walk an hour with me every night after dinner.


Next week at my appointment, the doctor will see how dilated and effaced my cervix is. Apparently it is not a very comfortable check but I have to deal with that somehow.

We've finished all our to-do things like cleaning the house, attended all the prenatal classes, and packed the hospital bag. We're almost ready. We're just waiting for our little baby now.

Wish us lots of luck!

Cross-stitch

I have stopped baking breads recently due to water retention in my hands. My fingers are slightly swollen and I`ve lost the strength to knead the dough. It seems like there`s nothing much I can do about it except reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy diet.

Besides baking, I have been busy stitching since March and glad that I managed to complete before my fingers started aching.


Since I am stuck at home more often due to the cold weather and pregnancy insomnia, I was stitching during the day and every evening, to the point where I almost feel like I’m churning things out.

This one is for my kitchen. The border stitches were more tedious than expected. I spent 2 weeks on the borders alone. phew..


I stitched this Suzy Zoo picture for our new baby`s room. Love the cute design and the bright coloured threads used.

Fiddling with my new toy

I finally bought the digital SLR camera that I have been eyeing on for a long time. Its a Nikon D40!

I am still in the experimenting stage and having a great time learning to use it along with a 100+ page manual.


With my new Nikon camera, I am entering into an entirely new world of ISOs, shutter speeds, aperture control etc.


I still have to figure out how everything works and hopefully I will be able to post some great shots in the blog soon.