11 months

At 11 months, Shun is getting mischievous and cheeky, blabbering a lot of baby language. His appetite has improved tremendously since recovery from the virus attack. Cannot resist fruits, bread, seaweed and baby biscuits.

Loves to play and move around creating a big mess when he is allowed. Seems to have endless energy and will not sleep till he used up his last bit of calorie. Many times I dozed off on the mattress before him.



Once every few weeks, I will invite my neighbour and her son to come and play. The boys can`t really play together yet but knows how to enjoy baby snacks together happily.


Looking forward to seeing them play ball soon.

Mum is getting restless in Japan. Urgently needs to recharge worn out batteries. Will be planning a trip back to Singapore soon.

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.

New stunt

Here`s a smug looking Shun displaying his newest stunt - standing without support. Since he first figured out how to stand by himself, he's been non-stop, standing up everywhere waiting for someone to praise him.

Apparently, he seems to understand that my mother in law is his most faithful supporter. Whenever he sees her, he will stand in front of her with this smug look on his face. Funny boy.

Tulips in full Bloom

Lovely colours of red and yellow tulips.

Even Shun was attracted by the vibrant colours dancing in the wind. He can`t keep his eyes off the beauties and kept touching the petals.

Fresh air, warm sun, beautiful flowers, great day!

Takayama

Went to Takayama　for a one night stay with my parents in law and brother in law last week.


We visited Shirakawago, a world heritage on the second day as my brother haven`t been there before. It is probably the most overrated sightseeing spot in Japan. He was utterly disappointed with how commercialise it had became. I don`t think we will be visiting there again. Good for photo taking only.

Best part of the trip was the 8 course dinner that we had at the hotel. Great to be able to relax by myself in the onsen after dinner while the others took turns to look after Shun.

Flowers galore

We spent the past two weekends soaking ourselves in the sakura season. Sakura's full bloom can only be enjoyed in a mere week's time so we drove from one famous spot to another to catch the best view.

Basically we can see sakura everywhere in Matsumoto. The best part is that we can enjoy the full blooms and push my stroller leisurely without crowding with a bunch of people. Glad that we were blessed with good weather during the weekends to capture many beautiful shots.

I am a Glutton

As I was preparing this today, I thought about the $2 Nasi Lemak which I can buy conveniently from Singapore. It is worth my 2 hours to prepare this just to satisfy my craving? Definitely yes! Absolutely Sedap!

But, I need to chase after Shun later to burn off the calories.

Here are my recent cooking. I have less time to bake or experiment new food now as Shun requires a lot of attention. He can`t play by himself unless I am sitting near or beside him. If I leave for the kitchen or else where, he will follow immediately. However, I will still try to cook something different during the weekends when my husband is around to entertain him.


Beef Patty with mushrooms


Fried Wanton


Takoyaki - Octopus Balls


Glutinous rice stuffed in roasted chicken Recipe here

Spring arriving

The blue skies are back. Its time for outdoor fun.

Let`s go for a stroll

Weather is looking bright and definitely warmer. Started bringing Shun out for afternoon strolls yesterday. We usually end up in the nearby supermart with me buying unnecessary snacks.

Every Wednesday from 130pm-430pm, there will be a qualified pediatric nurse stationed at the baby and kids corner. Anyone can consult or discuss about baby`s development and wellness, free of charge. I appreciate this service as we don`t have to go to the pediatrician to ask the mundane questions eg Shun not gaining enough weight, how much to feed, which foods to avoid feeding etc.



The conclusion to all discussions about his weight ends on the same verdict. Healthy. Just a petite svelteness like his parents. Totally convinced.

Well, if I can`t make my son fat, I will concentrate on making him smart next..Haha-

Here`s a not so smart looking Shun munching on his tidbits on the mart`s bench.

Updates - 8 months

Shun turns 8 months tomorrow. He has 2 new teeth. They definitely affected his sleep but once they popped through, it was all better. Many more to go.

He is enjoying his new found mobility, getting into everything and is happily crawling to wherever he wants. He hates to be left alone and will follow me to the kitchen or when I leave the room.

Tugs on to my legs and pulls himself up in a standing position. Grabs my bowl when I eat my lunch. Gets so distracting recently that I can`t cook or eat a decent meal until he is napping. Started to child proof our house but still can`t avoid one bump a day.

He is also getting more verbal than he was a month ago. He has even started babbling loudly in public which is embarrassing sometimes. Developed so much personality lately that makes us laugh.

Here`s a glimpse of his menu on Friday. He is eating better and I started him on dinner two weeks ago. On good days, he will finish 2/3 of his food while I eat the remaining. Loves strawberries and any sweet stuff. Eating but weight increase has been stagnant. He should be getting enough nutrition from the quantity he is eating and drinking. Blame it on my small genes.

Frozen lake

This is how frozen Lake Suwa looks like. Despite continuous warnings from the authorities, curious people still took their chances and walked over the frozen ice to experience this rare natural phenomenon.

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.

Mini Snowman

We had heavy snowfall yesterday. Since this is my third winter in Matsumoto, I wasn`t very excited about the hassle of shoveling the carpark after the snow storm.

I was more excited in making a snowman to let Shun feel and experience winter. I brought him to the window in the morning and we watched snowflakes falling. At night, Takashi collected some powdery snow from our balcony and we made a small snowman indoors.

This greedy baby wanted to have a taste of the snowman but crawled away after realizing that it is inedible.

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.

Shun and his cousins

Like last year, we celebrated New Year Day in Osaka. This time, Takashi picked us up from Nagoya airport and drove us to his parents` place where Shun met his Japanese cousins.

Sho and Yuto, visited us when Shun was one and a half month old. For Nami and Ryo, it was the first time for them to meet Shun. Due to the 10 years age gap between Shun and his cousins, they doted on him and kept him entertained while the adults were busy feasting.

When Shun grows slightly older, his cousins will be probably busy with their own lives and studies and won`t be able to gather at Osaka like they do every year. Relationship will grow distant but I hope fond memories will remain with them.

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.

Merry Christmas and Happy 6th Month

Shun spent his first Christmas and 6th month in Singapore today. I dressed him in a cute zebra outfit on Christmas morning to welcome my relatives for the gathering.

Great grandma, who is 80 this year gave him a big red packet for good health and luck.


She is sad that we are leaving for Japan this weekend and started tearing when she went home.



We would love to stay longer but daddy is freezing alone in winter Japan.

Shun and I had a great time in Singapore and we will definitely miss all those who love us. We love you too.

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.

Crabs

I will miss these juicy succulent Sri Lanka crabs when I return to Japan.
Japanese crabs are delicious too but lack in the variety of cooking methods. The Japanese only steam their crabs which is probably the best way to enjoy its freshness but boring for crab lovers like me.