Salad Crop

Here's proudly presenting the salad crop planted from seeds by yours truly.

I just realised my son hidden a stone in between the leaves after looking at this pic

We harvested some to make an Avocado and Egg salad for dinner tonight.
It's amazing how a 58pence pack of seeds can give me at least a dozen packs of the same salad which cost about £1 each in the supermarket. Of course, homegrown ones are organic, tastier and fresher.

London Zoo

We took the train down to London to visit ZSL London Zoo. This would be the 2nd time Tobey got on a train. The first time when he was about a year old, but I doubt he remembers. The 45 minutes journey went by quite slowly for us parents as the boy kept asking questions about why the train stopping at other stations? Are we in a tunnel? and various other questions again and again. I think he expected a steam engine train complete with "Choo-Choo" sound..hehe! We told him we got n a modern train instead.
Once in London we took the tube. A first for him again. It's a "smaller train" according to him. From Camden Town station, we walked for about 15 minutes to the Zoo entrance.
Last Summer, we took him to Colchester Zoo. We were expecting London Zoo to be much bigger and better from what we heard from friends who visited. But it's actually much smaller. In Colchester Zoo, the Safari area was a huge piece of sandy field where all the safari animals mingled amongst themselves. We also managed to witness Warthogs fights. In London Zoo, they were just normal sized stalls for each individual type of safari animals. What can we expect eh?, It's after all in the middle of a metropolitan.There weren't even Elephants for us to feed nuts to! Plus the animal petting area just consisted of Sheeps when we were there.
Anyway, we are still thankful for a great day out as it was suppose to rain but it just drizzled twice for 5 minutes when we were walking the grounds. We also managed to watch a 20 minutes live show called "Animal in Action". Like us, Tobey is not a fan of animals. He just lingered a minute or two at each exhibit before saying "my see something else please". He is more fascinated in reading the map and pretend to direct us to the next stall. Oh well.

Mr. Map reader
Jelly Fishes

Most co-operative Penguins ever. They literally parade themselves for the visitors at all times. Walking around the pond, lining-up or simply just walked forward in a group and stared point-blank at the spectators. For a while, I wondered that maybe they are the spectators of us silly people at the other side of the fence.

26th April 2010

SK spent some time this evening trailing the boy around the garden. He managed to capture what the boy usually does when he's hanging out in the garden. He does and is encouraged to get out there to play and be adventurous whenever the weather permits.

Plucking some blossoms of the tree for mummy & making sure no cat is messing with mummy's vegetable patch :)

Peeping Tom

Half-time

I have to mention this here. Today, the helium balloon he got from his friend's birthday party over the weekend flew off his hands and up into the skies. We both looked at it flying upwards helplessly for a few minutes.
He asked me to 'rescue' it for him. If I could fly, I would fly up there to get it for him, but I couldn't. So I explained to him that the balloon has 'gone home to God'. He accepted it but ran to hug me and cried for a little while, totally devastated. "My love my yellow balloon" he said. A few hours later, an airplane flew past and he said (looking very hopeful) that the airplane will rescue his yellow balloon. I had to break it to him that it's not going to happen and that his balloon will not be coming back anymore. It's heartbreaking knowing that I can't protect him completely from sadness however careful I am. I guess being there to hug and explain things to him is the best I could do. Not easy being a parent. Now I feel like getting a tank of helium to fill up a room full of yellow balloons for him.

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On a separate note, trees and plants are starting to bloom;

Cherry Blossoms

Apple tree blossoms

Plum tree blossoms

Rhodendrum flowers- We got 2 of these last year and waited for them to bloom, but they didn't. This time around, blooming it did, but only from one plant. The other one needs to be replanted to a more sunny spot.

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.

Easter break'10

Easter break starts on Friday (Good Friday) and stretches until Monday.

On Friday, SK needed to work from home and needed some ultra-quiet work time, it was raining cats and dogs, so I brought Tobey to this play centre to make use of his excess energy. Being a public holiday, the place was heaving with older kids. With my pregnant tummy, I could no longer trail him in those structures as certain section requires me squeeze my whole body through 2 rollers, like pan meen rollers. So I told him to fend for himself, make sure he stay away from rowdy kids. I parked myself at a table nearest to the structures so that I can still keep an eye on him. We had lunch there too. After like 3 hours I had to drag the boy out.

On Saturday, we went to town, came home, he still got the energy so we went cycling to the nearby playground.

On Sunday (and Monday), we went up to Birmingham to stay a night and to help BIL view a few apartments. That morning, I was the first to wake-up because going to Birmingham also means visits to Malaysian Delight Restaurant. I dreamt of their Assam Laksa the night before....slurp...

Anyways, in between viewings we had lunch there with BIL- Super gorgeous Assam Laksa, Wa Tan Hor (another one for ta-pau as well), Braised pork belly with yam and Char keow teow. Then after more viewings (all the shops were closed because it was Easter Sunday) we chilled out in the hotel club lounge eating canapes and helping ourselves to free drinks (ahem..that's the advantage of having BIL working in a hotel) but all I can think of is dinner back in the same place. So dinner time came and for dinner we had -Butter Prawns, Belachan Kang-Kung, Claypot seafood with tofu, Sizzling pork chops....just your average dinner food when eating out in Malaysia right? nothing to shout about. But having authentic Malaysian dinner served in this country is really a rare treat. Very often in chinese restaurants, you'll find Hong Kong cuisine being served instead. We've also tried several other restaurants that serves Malaysian food, but nothing as authentic as this one.

Anyways, here are several pics
Tobey and I chilling out in the room. Tobey is playing Jelly Car on the iphone (he is laughing to himself in the picture above) and I am playing his DSi.


Yes the boy is a gamer. We had to confiscate Wii from him because he was refusing to do anything else whilst playing it. "Tobey time for dinner", "wait 1 minute mummy". We kept it in the cupboards and told him that it's spoilt and being sent for fixing (sorry boy, but it was too overwhelming for you). To cater to his geeky gaming genes from his daddy, plus to further nurture his concentration skill, we substituted it with a DSi game console instead. It works. He enjoys it moderately whilst still rather go out for cycling, football, crafts activities, playing with his friends, etc. Lately, he's been surfing the Internet on my laptop too. He can't read or spell yet, but he can navigate and click on fixed links at the top of the window using the touch pad. Usually he'll click onto the BBC link and look for CBeebies website. He will then look for games to amuse himself. To avoid him being obsessed over it, we only allow him some time on the laptop after dinner/lunch. Both SK and I are trying to let him enjoy these moderately and not deprived him from it altogether. Because the last thing we want of him is to become stuck in his room, gaming his time away into his teens. Honestly, it's not exactly the route to a balance healthy lifestyle. It has to be one of the activities that he enjoys amongst others.

Conversation with my 2 yrs 9 mths old boy

1)Tobey and mummy at the top of the stairs

M: Let's go downstairs boy
T: let's go!

The next thing I know, he wrapped his hands and legs on the stairs vertical banister/rail thingy.

M:Argh! What are you doing? Get off!
T: I'm Fireman Sam, my slide downstairs.

Fireman Sam is his current cartoon hero.


2)Tobey checking my tummy with his stethoscope

T: My checking baby
M: Is baby sleeping?
T: No, playing toys


3)Mummy rubbing tummy on bed with Tobey next to her

M: You'll have to be a big brother an look after baby when he/she is out ok?

Tobey stared into my belly button

M: Oi! Concentrate, mummy is talking to you. You'll have to help mummy look after baby, ok?

Tobey leaned forward and looked into my belly button more intently and seriously.

M: Hey, I am talking to you.
T: My looking after baby now!

He was trying to look AT baby through my belly button

Baby Number Two

First scan at Hinchingbrooke Hospital Treatment Centre

Yup I am 3 1/2 months pregnant with Tobey's bro/sis :)

Although I have been through all these before, for me, this baby is entirely different from Tobey. It's a new life altogether. Today we went for the first scan. I was moved beyond words when I saw my little baby inside of me. After making sure that he/she has got 2 arms and 2 legs, the next thing I noticed was how sharp his/her nose is. Tobey had my button nose in his first scan pictures (he still has the cutest button nose). I guess this baby has SK's nose.

The first month of pregnancy was smooth sailing. I was telling my friends how I might have escaped from suffering any morning sickness this time around. With Tobey I had a few weeks of morning (2 hours each day max) nausea. I remember vividly munching on vinegar and salt rice cakes on the way to work. I spoke too soon obviously. Month 2 and 3 was torturous. Most days, I suffered from mild nausea ALL DAY LONG.I couldn't even vomit to relief it. I couldn't eat well, but if I was hungry, the nausea got worse. So I had to force food into my system for my sake and the baby's health. The sight and smell of certain food can really set me off. First it was chicken -on-bone (same case when I was carrying Tobey), then it was pork, then fish, then cheese...etc. At one point, I could only tolerate toasted bread with tomato sauce! Cooking for Tobey and SK was like an out-of-body experience. I did it without passion and just like a robot. MSG in outside food didn't agree with me as well. I suddenly found the smell of anchovies repulsive! I love food and my love for eating is common knowledge to everyone I know. So having such a 'touch-and-go' relationship with food genuinely saddened me. I couldn't even stand my usual favourite laundry detergent of Lavender and Camomile. I got tired easily and slept alot more. Long story short, I was at one of my lowest point in my life. The only thing that can relieve my morning sickness was a walk in the fresh open air. Unfortunately during those months, UK was suffering the coldest winter in 30 years. So a slow walk in the park was out of the equation. It was more like sticking my head out an open window for several minutes a time.

AAAAAnyways, every cloud has a silver lining...Spring came 2 weeks ago, a months late, but it came at the tail end of my morning sickness period. Most of my nausea went away along with the cold. I started vegetable gardening, took Tobey out for walks in parks, cycling and to the playgrounds, hanging my laundry on the washing line, visiting friends for lunch dates and sometimes just ate lunch in the back garden. Simple pleasures that 5 months a year of winter robbed from us. I hate winter. I really do. Snow no longer hold that magical feel to it and has no more 'wow factor' for me anymore. Snow is more like a massive inconvenience to our lives here, which centres alot on being outdoors. I lost count of the number of times my car skidded on frozen roads. When the sun came back, my appetite and energy returned too. I cooked up a storm. Portugese Curry Devil, Mango Rojak , Hokkien Mee, Wonton Mee, Prawn mee...it was such a relief.

I can't wait to hold this baby in my arms in September. I pray daily that this baby will be healthy and well-formed. We discussed for centuries before decided to have another child. Especially when it's just the both of us caring for both children in this foreign land. No maid, no relatives, no easily available yummy food (plus in a huge variety) to turn too when we don't feel like cooking for a week, no cheap childcare, the list goes on. All we hope is for he/she and Tobey will look out for one another in life and can be pillars of support and strength to each other. Especially when we are not around anymore (we'll be travelling the world! Woo Hoo!).

Two is our magic number.

Where has Spring gone?

It's been the longest winter ever in my 8 years here. When we thought we heard Spring at the doorstep, the snow will swiftly come and greet us (how I wish I am in the Malaysia, under the scorching CNY sun). Like this morning, it was frosty and white again outside. Fortunately, the sun came out and melted off the ice on my car (It was about 2-3 celcius) Yay! no need to scrape windscreen. Tobey and I went for our usual Friday town outings. It's usually when I stock up on groceries from the Chinese supermarket, toiletries/vitamins/nappies from Boots and do a bit of window shopping. It's the best time, as that is when every store is stocked up for the weekend. So you get your hands on the weekend offers and abundance of stock /options without the weekend crowd.

It's also the day where we try to lunch at new places. I heard of this noodle bar from a friend, but I could never find it in the Cambridge town street maze, until today. It's Yippee Noodle Bar.

Tobey was trying to dig into the noodles with his chopsticks (from the right side)

We shared a bowl of Beef HoFun noodle soup. Abit like Vietnamese Beef Pho, with tastier and thicker soup. We also had some Tempura prawns. Both were really good. SK wants to try it for himself tomorrow. I hope I can find the restaurant again ;P

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 ;)

Crunchy peanut butter cookies

Ingredients

8 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp caster sugar (I used icing sugar instead for better texture)
2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 free-range egg yolk
50g/1¾oz butter, softened
icing sugar, for dusting

Method

Mix everything into a bowl. Mix with hand. Shape with dusting of flour. Bake 10 mins in preheated oven of 180 C.

Tobey was the main chef this time around. He's getting a hang of listening to the ingredients being read out and adding them into the mixing bowl accordingly. I mixed them with hand. He then shaped and sprinkled them with sugar strands (instead of icing sugar).

He decided to shape them to various sizes

Once it's baked and cooled, out came the coloured icing tubes for more decorating

Finally the taste test- "Mmm Nice, my make cookie nice"
(he then asked to save a few pieces for daddy)

Yam Pau

I didn't make this ..hahahahah (as if I can). It's from the Chinese supermarket frozen section. I am a total convert. Move aside Red Bean and Lotus. Make way for Yam Pau. Yummy!

Why?

It has started.

"Why turn off tap mummy?"
"Why wipe hands mummy?"
"Why not climb mummy?"

I find it quite amazing for now. I am sure I'll sing a different tune once he goes on overdrive.

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.

Hello 2010

2009 is when...

...We newly moved to our new home in Cambourne, where we made many good friends.
...SK settled into his new company
...My parents, SK's parents and my auntie&uncle visited us from back home
...We went home to Malaysia for a holiday

and the best part is that we saw Tobey grew into a fabulous boy that he is now. All we wish for 2010 is for him to continue growing into the happy, healthy, confident, assertive and loving person we wish for him to be.

Happy New Year everyone. May this year brings you added happiness and contentment, the fortune that your are looking for, be surrounded by good people, and good health to enjoy them all.

Pan Mee

I was feeling really lethargic one evening. So I decided to pull myself together and do something interesting in the kitchen. I made Pan Mee for the first time. It's not my favourite, but Tobey liked it back in Malaysia. It took me 2 hours. Kneading and rolling of the noodle took most of the time. I really ought to get that special pasta/noodle machine.

Anyways, here it is...

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Just kidding...it's more like this

Actually, I am pretty proud of my humble bowl of Pan Mee. Although it's not much of a looker, but the taste is there. SK asked me how come the noodle looked like belts.Tsk! If only they sell that potato leaves here, then the garnishing would look more complete.

Christmas 2009

a beautiful rainbow on our way back

We went up to Birmingham for 2 nights to celebrate Christmas with BIL and his partner, Ann. Plus also to 'hit the sales' on Boxing day...hehe...We stayed in BIL's hotel and had steamboat as Christmas Dinner.

Ann with BIL and our little Christmas spread.

Tobey with his uncle. He calls him "tup-tup" (instead of "Suk-Suk")

Gone were the days where we would leave the hotel at 6 am and speedwalk for 10 minutes, making sure we are the first customers at Next. Now, (or rather after being parents) we value our sleep more. Furthermore, there was no way we could compete with the younger generation of today. They lined up outside Next (in the cold) since 4am. Doors opened at 7am. Cheesin(spoken like a true oldie ;P). We started at 10 am and by 3pm, Tobey was too bothered by the massive crowd, so we went back to the room for him to rest. Instead, he happily spent the next hour or so playing with everything electronic in the room.

Here's my baby in the midst of his phone 'conversations'

I did managed to sneak out for some alone shopping time when both father and son were asleep. That was really good.