The Brothers

Tobey- Ever cheerful and friendly, Euan- Ever serious and reserved. Their personalities couldn't be anymore different. Only thing in common, they absolutely love and adore each other.

Hello 2011!!!

Since I last posted, Euan has grown up alot. He'll be 3 months old in a few days time and is due for his 3rd month immunisation jab on the same day. This little baby still is very sweet and considerate. He has taken to sucking his own fingers to comfort himself. During the night, he comforts himself back to sleep and only cry for feed if he really have to. Very thoughtful baby hahaha! He recognises faces and ask to be picked up in his own way. During bath time, you can ask him to kick the water and he would proudly do so with a big toothless grin on his face. These few days, it's as if he just noticed his tiny toes. He would wiggle them and move his feet in circular movement whilst watching intently. I guess his feet are always covered by his sleepsuit, hence he never knew. Euan adores his daddy and Tobey. He loves watching them play from a corner and would not take his eyes off them and their toys.

Euan watching daddy and Tobey playing Wii. These pictures were taken on the 5/12. When Euan was 2 months old. Will load up his recent pics soon.

See how he happily joined in the gang

Learning from his big brother

*** Warning- Long winded posting below***

December hasn't been a good month for us health wise.

It started with SK accidentally shut the door on Tobey's left ring finger on the 7th of Dec. We rushed him to A&E and his finger was x-rayed. It had a hairline fracture at the very tip. They bandaged him up and put him on a course of antibiotic to avoid any infection. We kept him home from pre-school but he still went to perform in his nativity play on the 9th as he had been practicing really hard for it. As he's a sheep for the play, he's suppose to take off his t-shirt before putting on his costume. He refused and wouldn't let his teacher take it off for fear that it might hurt his bandaged finger.

my darling with his injured finger

He got really bored midway

Posing with something we won in the raffles draw

We took him for further 3 check-ups. It's all healed now, but the boy still insist on having a bandage on until his new nail grows back. Whenever he accidentally pull off the bandage he would cry out of fear, as if his finger fell off. Silly bunny.

On the 19th, Tobey started to have a flu. For the next few days he had mild temperature at night and that followed by a terrible cough for a couple more days. Other than being snotty and very lethargic, he was well in himself, as in he still as active as usual. We wanted to bring to go to the church service on the eve of Christmas, but since he's still not completely well, we didn't. When he got better, except for a lingering cough, SK and Euan fell ill with the same virus on Christmas day! Both of them were being hit REALLY hard by this strain. SK was literally bed-ridden for a few days. It was so heart-breaking seeing them being so weak! I weren't so worried about SK, but was quite panicky for Euan. He was just 12 weeks old. I didn't want to leave any stone unturned and was ultra alert of the symptomsor changes. For the first 3 nights, I took him to see the out- of- hours doctors. The doctor on the first night even offered him antibiotics! I stopped after 24 hours as it did not take effect( after seeking approval from a doctor first of course) and I was then pretty sure it was a viral flu. Antibiotics would not help. I don't understand how can a doctor just put his finger in the air and simply prescribe antibiotic to such a small infant. On the second night, he vomited one of his feeds. The second out-of-hours doctor said it's just a very bad flu. Just treat him with calpol(children paracetamol) and neurofen (children ibuprofen) at home and let the virus run it's course. On the third night, his cough was getting so bad that it again triggered his gag system and he vomited twice. I was so anxious and thankfully the third out-of-hours doctor wrote us a letter and referred him to be seen by the paediatrician immediately. Euan was being examined thoroughly for the next couple of hours (wee hours of the morning till 5 am). I told them that my concern is his hacking cough that is so bad that it's causing his body to jerk and gag. He is being diagnosed as having Bronchiolitis. Apparently, this virus affects mostly babies between 3-6 months during the winter months. they have been seeing so many babies this winter down with the same virus. The symptoms are mainly coughing, accompanied by mild fever for the first few days. The coughing is the only way the babies use to clear their airway of mucus. Since babies aren't able to spit out phlegm like adults, they just retain it longer until it's being expelled in their diapers. The severity of the symptoms peaks at day 3 then it stays bad for 4 days and gets gradually better in the next 3-4 days. There's nothing the doctors could prescribe him. We were just instructed to keep him hydrated and temperature down. I think he turned the corner and started to get better on day 7, except for the irritating cough. Again, I took him to the our local Cambourne paediatric doctor to be checked out again, just to make sure he hasn't got any secondary infection such as a sore throat. He was alright. She told me that almost all of Cambourne babies are down with this virus this winter, it just went around the village. Great. Today is day 10 and he's 95% back to himself. There's still this stupid damn cough that appears a few times in a day. Oh, hubby's purchase of a vaporiser is worth every penny. It humidified Euan's room and help loosen his mucus from his nose and airway, hence made his breathing easier and gave him better sleep. And to think that I actually objected to this purchase a few months back. Sigh.

SK is also almost back to his usual self. He's alright, except that he felt cheated of his Christmas holidays. 8 days were used up to nurse this virus off system. I think before next winter break, I would try to keep Tobey off school for a few days. Really don't want any of us to spend another Christmas being sick.

As for me, I am just so glad that my 3 sweethearts are ok now. I only managed to go to the sales twice. But didn't managed to get anything for myself both times. However, I did quite good on the internet shopping front. Breastfeeding shrinked me a little, so I dug out many pairs of jeans which were banished to the top of the cupboard and suddenly have new clothes to wear..hehe.

To family and friends, here's wishing you good health and lots of love in 2011.

More pics

Euan at 7 weeks old

Tobey practicing his school play

Almost 3 1/2 years old Tobey

Family picture

Dry night?

Tobey has been going to the loo to wee since 2 years and 1 month old. But poo-poo is a different story altogether. He refused to poo in the loo and only goes in the diaper. So his days were diaperless until after dinner, then he will ask for a diaper to do his business. After that he will have his shower and stay diaperless until sleep time. We tried to persuade him to deposit in the toilet a few times but failed miserably. He rather hold his poo in until his night time diaper comes along. This went on until June this year, a few days after his 3rd birthday. SK decided to get him to poo in the toilet again..this time he was promised 3 tic-tac sweets if he succeeded. He was also given 1 or 2 whilst trying to tide him along. Suddenly, it happened. SK witnessed it. I was so upset that I didn't get to see that magic moment. Nevertheless, I was overjoyed. The following day, he told us he wants to poo but was a bit too late and pooed in his trousers instead. He was very apologetic after that. It was as if he was embarrassed to have done that. From then till now, he's been telling us whenever he wants to poo (except for a few times when he pooed in his night diaper in the morning. When we asked him why? He said because mummy was sleeping and daddy was bathing, so he had "no choice"). I was really afraid of a relapse, but thankfully he didn't. So now we can confidently say that he's potty trained.

The only diaper he wears now is when he sleeps. A few nights ago, I forgot to put on his night diaper for him. But he was dry when I gave him his morning milk. I truly think it is most likely just a one-off because from what I read, they will still need a night diaper till 4 years old. So I didn't purposely leave him diaperless after that. Should I? Hmmm ..I better get a mattress protector first before finding out.

Pics updates

Weather has been fantastic.Tobey has been busy playing with friends and spent most of his time imagining different adventures in the garden. The other day he told me he's building sandcastles on the seaside (we have to bring him to the beach soon)..hehe...the last pic shows our attempt in planting vege seedlings into the ground. Tobey helped me with his new set of tools. They are choi-sums and pak-chois cultivated from seeds. We've also planted courgette seeds in pots to cultivate into seedlings, but they have yet to break through. Last weekend, we sowed salad and chives seeds directly into ground (it's possible to do so according to my friends' experiences). So fingers crossed. It's definitely won't be as good as FIL's vege patch last summer. But one can only try. Plus I found pottering around the garden is very therapeutic for both Tobey and me. SK does alot as well. But he's more interested in keeping the grass healthy, moss free and scaring cats away with some ultrasonic box, gel repellents, etc. He actually checks the perimeters for cat poos twice a day. Yup. TWICE.


I've been busy in the kitchen too. My firsts lately were mamak mee goreng and garlic loaf. The bread dough actually doubled in size after some waiting time, but I forgot to take a pic of it as I was busy punching the air out of it. Very satisfying. Highly recommended.

Magic Moments

I hurt my hand banging it against the doors again. Sigh.

Tobey: Mummy pain?

Me: Yes, ouch!

Tobey: (rubbed his fingers on my hand and said) "Don't worry mummy, pain go away soon...my love mummy" and hugged me.

I felt much better after that :D

Updates

Helping mummy with the ironing. He's ironing his muslin cloth. Don't worry, the iron is NOT turned on.

At Nandos waiting for food. He no longer can fit into most high-chairs comfortably.

Visiting Shean Wenn in London. They held hands on the way out of the restaurant.

His uncle visited us. The boy just wouldn't stop playing his uncle's Iphone's games.

Settling-in

There were 3 "settling-in-sessions" this week at nursery.

Tuesday- We were there for about 45 minutes. I filled in some forms and he explored the new toys and activities. I was given a list of things to be packed into his bag.He was reluctant to leave.

Wednesday-Bag all packed (spare clothes, nappies for poo-poo, hat, gloves, wellies, handphone (kidding), muslin cloth and water tumbler). Tobey double-checked to see that his muslin cloth and water tumbler is in before leaving. He loves wearing it. Kept saying "My going School, this my bag".

I was with him for 10 mins then made my exit. I told him that I am going to the supermarket opposite to do some shopping and will be back very soon to pick him up. At first, he whispered "Mummy stay here, sit-down next my". I told him that Ian (his key person) would be looking after him and pointed out at all the fresh paint readily available for painting. He went to the paint straight away. I was told me to come back after 45 mins. I went to the cafe in the supermarket, bought newspaper and some overpriced tea and was prepared to read in peace. Surprisingly, 2 of my friends were there too (they just came back from shopping and waiting to pick up their older kids from school), so I ended up chatting with them and looking at their purchases. Newspaper untouched.

When I went back, all the kids were all wrapped up and was playing at the nursery's playground. Ian told me that he didn't even ask for me. It took me another 10 mins to persuade him to go home.

Friday - 5 mins after bringing him in. I was told to exit for 1 hr 30 mins. Tobey said "No , mummy stay". Ouch! heart pain :( I pointed at all the soft play dough they just made and he said "kay" to me leaving. I went and bought some stuff, cooked dinner and tried to make some calls. I missed my boy. When I went to pick him up, I was told he was fine for the first hour. Then when the children and adults set-up the tables for teatime, he started crying and asked for me. Ian quickly got him his muslin cloth and tumbler. He calmed down. When I went to him, his face lighted up and he was seated with other kids around a table having his toast with butter and jam. His face was all red from all the crying. After making sure he hasn't got a temperature, I asked him why he cried he said "my tummy pain, my cry". He didn't ask to go for a wee at all. When we got home, he went for a big wee. So, I figured, he wasn't comfortable to ask to go for a wee in a new surrounding. Hence, he held it in until his tummy hurts.

So this coming Monday morning would be his first official session. Just Monday morning for now. He asked for his bag today so that he can go to school. I'll put a nappy on him then, until he's used to the place.

Nursery

Although his days are filled with a fair amount of playgroups and classes, I've always been around him. Now that he's old enough, we've enrolled him into nursery starting off just one morning a week and increase accordingly (probably up to 2 or 3 mornings a week). Reason being, I don't want him to miss out on the benefits of being away from me. I am hoping that he'll learn to fend for himself by himself amongst his peers. It's also so that he will be ahead of the game and ease into Pre-school easily this coming September (kiasuism :P). I've visited several nurseries within reasonable driving distance, but still settled for Sunflower Nursery which is just 5 mins walk from home (save petrol which is £1.119/litre now ~CRAZY! get to sleep in more, no traffic jams..etc).

So very soon, my baby will be going to "school". The big question is, what do I do with my free time? I hope to get back to work part-time if possible. Just have to leave it in God's hands. Who knows he might have other plans for me ;)

Pretend Play & 2 1/2 yrs old Developmental Checks

We couldn't find a dentist toy set (there goes the early retirement dream for SK).So this Doctor one would do. Actually, he's been using shoelaces, ribbons, ties and any bit of string as stethoscope to check our heart beat. That is on top of our daily temperature check with the digital ear thermometer. As expected he was ecstatic when we handed him a plastic briefcase filled with a stethoscope, a syringe, 2 medicine bottles, an otoscope (to look into ear canals), a thermometer, a clipboard, a "knee knocker" and a cute pair of spectacle frame. It's the first thing he plays with everyday.

I role play with him using different scenarios. He loves it.

For example:

I play the Dr siting at the desk . He comes into the clinic on his red race car and ask for a check-up. I check his heart beat whilst he takes deep breaths. Then I check his ears and knocks his knee, where he'll pretend to move his leg after each knock. Very dramatic. Lastly, I place the thermometer under his armpit and declares that he has a temperature and needs an injection! I'll extract some medicine from a bottle and an injection is given to his bum and he'll go "ouch!". That calls for some pain medication for the pain :P. He'll then shakes my hand and hops onto his car and zooms off into his kitchen. 2 Seconds later. He'll be back to return his empty bottle of medicine for me recycle.

Today we went for his 2 1/2 years old developmental check. He met all the milestones/ should haves. Showed no nerves whatsoever when being observed playing with the tea set, building blocks, threading toys and such. Infact, he impressed me. How come he never concentrated that well at home. Tsk. Long story short, the health visitor were charmed beyond words. She commented that he looks really healthy and confident. We discussed about him still asking for a nappy to do his big business and then goes into hiding (usually the hallway) to be alone and will only reappear and ask us to "please wash poo away" once he's done. I am going to try out her suggestion.

Snowy 18th Dec'09

Promised SK I'll bring the boy out to build a snowman. Early in the morning, Tobey came to me and went "Mummy,wake up! snoremen snoreball please please please! My brush teeth!" (he willingly went and brushed his teeth). So after breakfast, we ventured out into the -2 c with a mission. I lost my gloves, so had to put on my kitchen mittens to build it. Even with them, I can only manage a tiny one before my hands went numb. Here are several pics, especially for his family back home who misses him :)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everyone. God Bless.

22 Months Old

* When SK was lifting the heavy bed frame, he also helped by trying his best to lift it from the other end. He thinks he's a little superman, such innocence!

* He loves this milk roll call brioche. He can never say no to it (unless he's teething). When he's not hungry, he'll break it into bite sizes and uses the hammer to hammer them flat into the carpet. Nice.

Spot the padlock he's holding whilst posing for me? He's waiting to help lock-up the garden door when his dad gets back in.

* He loves a watch although he can't tell time yet. He used to wear SK's oversized watch for a long time, taking care not to let it slip off his wrist at any time. He looked as if he's carrying a hand bag on his wrist. We got him a kid watch recently. When we ask "What time is it Tobey?" He would look at his watch swiftly, just like how adults do it. Funny to watch, especially when baby fat still exist around his hands and wrist.

* Since two weeks ago, he's been teething really badly. So far two teeth broken through, making a total of 7. Two more are making their way out at this very moment. I can see the cuts on his gum already. He really needs a break after this, but I don't think that will be the case as we can see many more white bulges along his lower gum. When he's teething, he's clingy, looses his appetite, hot red cheeks, plus changes his sleep pattern. Oh well, we'll get through this together.

* Much to SK's delight, he can now understand the Wii. As he can relate how the handheld remote effects what's happening on screen.

Playing Wii Kart with daddy

* Favourite food : Broccoli, avocado, raisins, fried rice, cheese, biscuit, baked beans, orange, grapes, chocolates and orange/blackcurrent juice.

* Still enjoys playgroups and making new friends. Anyone around his height will automatically be in his social circle. He's not the kind of toddler that would linger around my legs out of shyness when brought to a new playgroup. He would charge into the scene and mingle without any hesitation! So not us! So far this Spring, he's been invited to one christening, one housewarming and one birthday. Of course, his parents are the ones buying the presents :P

we planted a runner bean seed and 2 sunflower seeds into pots at playgroup. Tobey was already expecting something to happen after the first watering

* He's into scissors nowadays. "Zizzosss" he goes on and on until I pass him a pair of nail scissors. He will contently cut a piece of paper to pieces for the next 20 minutes. Of course, that also means 20 minutes of high stress monitoring for me. A few days later, we got him some craft supplies which includes a pair of safety "Zizzosss". Of course he asked for the nail scissors 5 mins later.

No price for guessing who chose the googly eye stickers for his son

* Best friend: Daddy of course...This boy adores his daddy the most in the world. Both of them have so much in common, it's amazing. From their love of a certain type of music right up to the way they sweat like a pig (enough to wet a pillow case or two) when their fever breaks.

(click on image to enlarge)

Spending time together

* Words wise: It's getting better..."totur" (turtle), "ftish" (fish),"ohm" (home...he recognises our street and says that everytime we are near home" and so on. Most overused word is "Stuck!"...This morning, I was looking for an envelope , he went "klavailope"...He sounded as if he was speaking Thai ;P

Happy 22nd months old my baby :)

Met up with the girls again...

Tobey and Kaka...they were sooooo sweet to one another during the outing

...over the weekend. It's was our friend's (Tsulin) birthday lunch. We proceeded to Top Golf after that. There SK, me and Tobey hit the golf ball for the very first time. It was fun!Although I suck at it :P

Copying the adults