Jules Turns 2! - #2

We figured since going to school was one of the big milestones in her 2^nd year, it was fitting that we celebrated her 2^nd birthday in school.

We decided on the balloon theme quite some time back – cos Jules loves balloons.  Let’s not go into how many balloons we have brought home with each visit to Parkway Parade (where there’s this balloon shop strategically located right in front of the Barney kiddy ride).  That balloon theme somehow evolved into a Disney movie “Up” theme after seeing how much Jules loved that movie – “Gong Gong, Por Por, Up” – as she calls it.  And with that, the husband came up with the grand plan of riding to school on his bike with 40 balloons behind him to be given to the kids at school.  It was a brilliant idea – the kids who were having water play when we arrived were so excited when they spotted mr balloon man! 

We also put together a simple goody bag for the children.  I got the canvas bags customised from Etsy and filled them with kiddy sized fruit juice, party size play dough, a retro paper ball, fun tattoos, some gummies and a chuppa chup each.  A mix of goodies for the tummy and for play – I hope the kiddos like it. 

Party bags!  Elmo and Big Bird not included

The cake remained the one and same headache I had as last year.  To bake or not to bake it myself.  Elmo with balloons or no Elmo, just balloons.  In the end, I decided to not stress myself and worked with the good people at ET Artisan Sweets to create her birthday cake.  The initial plan was to have the cake feature balloons and rainbow while I get an Elmo figurine to be placed on the cake (since ET Sweets don’t carry the license to design Sesame Street characters).  That was cos Jules was going through a serious Elmo phase (and still is).  But later, I decided to stick through with the “Up” theme, I got them to put together this design for the cake and they did a perfect job out of it!  It was much better than I expected! Thankfully Jules got the idea and when she saw the cake immediately went "Gong Gong Por Por Up cake"!  The cake was delish and the kids savoured it after their lunch today!  Pity Jules couldn’t get to eat her own cake (she did have a taste of the fondant balloons though) – but Mama made sure that a Juju friendly cupcake was ready for the birthday girl herself! 

Up Up and Away! 

It was a short celebration which started with some bubble and parachute time before we brought out the cake.  Our little girl was so thrilled that for a change, she was the one at the front of the birthday cake with all her little friends singing for her.  And that finally, she got to blow out that candle that was legitimately hers.  It was all good fun – I think all the kids were happy and Jules was completely besides herself. 

Parachute time and the birthday girl gets to sit right in the middle!! 

This will be the first and last time she’s going to be celebrating with this bunch of friends and teachers.  I’m not sure if I’ll do this again at her kindy next year – we’ll have to see about that.  But I had fun putting this little party together for her and I think our daughter felt that school today was made just that extra special because Dada and Mama was there to celebrate her special day!!

  

Jules Turns 2! - #1

Jules turns 2 tomorrow!  As I’m typing this, our little munch’kin is napping soundly in the room while two 8” chocolate cake are cooling in the kitchen waiting to be frosted for her little party tomorrow.  We also just spent the morning at her school together with 30 of her adorable, chatty little friends who crowded round her as she blew out that Number ‘2’ candle on her cake!! She couldn’t be more thrilled and I, I couldn’t be more proud!!

I think back on this time last year and marvel at how our daughter has grown.  She has gone from her wobbly tentative steps at 1 year to a little monkey jumping on the bed (literally like the song says).  She went from sleeping in that precious rocker of hers for a good 10 months and then to sleeping in her comfy pea pod to finally sleeping on the bed – like a big girl.  I can’t remember the last time she drank from her bottle since she went on to drinking from sippy cups and better yet these days “Mama, no hands, Juju hold cup”. She has abandoned her Sophie the Giraffe for my handbag, my watch, my 4” heels and my rings.  She goes around the house pretending she is all grown up and ready to “drive car”, “go work”.  Her vocabulary of a mere 10 words at 12 months has exploded to what may be in the region of hundred words today.  The little baby who woke up crying for me a year ago now runs to me with a morning hug and never fails to say her goodnights to everyone before bed.  More importantly, she has developed that sweet sensitivity to show love to the many people around her.  Tell me all this deserves at least an ‘A’ on her year-end appraisal if not an ‘A+’! 

While I think my daughter deserves a trophy, I would like to think that I haven’t done too badly on the report card either.  The year has had its challenges especially in the health department.  I was falling sick very often – I had a dengue scare, a hand-foot-mouth scare, a serious bout of stomach flu and the usual bad throats and colds in between.  It was probably a combination of lack of sleep for the past 2 years and lack of exercise (I can’t recall when was the last time I run!).  Jules too came down with a few serious cases – hand-foot-mouth, a bad case of stomach flu (that warranted an ER visit) and bronchitis.  There were also those crazy teething nights where she was waking up every other hour wanting to  be nursed.  I dreaded those moments and wished I had that remote control from the movie ‘Click’ so that I could just fast forward and move on to the happy parts – but I guess that would mean missing out on those extra cuddles we gave her when she was sick and those special bonding we shared as she nursed.  All very precious moments that has gone into giving her a very happy and secured 2 years of childhood.      

So never mind she’s still not sleeping through the night, never mind that we still haven’t succeeded at weaning or potty training.  Those shall be next year’s KPIs.  For now, I’m a proud Mama seeing what my little girl has achieved over the past year and thanking God every.single.day. for her and all the joy that she brings to the home.

We have been praying for this little one since the day we found out we conceived her.  Today, she prays along with us – thanking God for her day in the life of a toddler that’s filled with mischief, laughter and love.  Over the past two years, two things remain my constant prayer (1) that Jules will grow up to be a woman of God, with a heart for Him and with an even bigger heart to bring people to Him; and (2) that God will grant me all the wisdom to bring her up in a way that will always honour Him.  While I wait to see what adventure her 3^rd year will bring, I trust and believe that God will bring us on an exciting journey to making her a child-warrior for God and me, a better mother. 

Blessed birthday my sweet Julianne!        

{p/s: photo credit - the little aunt from her album - Juju Takes Over the World}

Juju says the cutest things . . .

Jules is pretty much speaking in sentences now.  She's most candid with her speech when she's around us, my parents and sis.  Although with others - including my elder sis whom she doesn't see as often - she almost always goes mute. Sigh! 

Some of her favourite phrases . . . 

When she needs help - like getting up onto her high chair.

"Help me Juju, please"

When she sits her soft toys in a circle during play time

"No no Elmo, sit down here, keep quiet"

When we tell her we're done with bathing and it's time to get out of the tub

"Noooo, I want to play.  Row row row boat"

When we ask what school she goes to

"Erhm Baby Planet", sometimes, she also says "Moncer Inc school" (Monsters' Inc school - a result of watching too much Monsters University)

The moment she's up in the morning

"Mama, take out swa-er (swaddle)" - she's been going to bed in a sleep sack since 6 months old after she was done with all that swaddling business.  We just never got round to calling it a sleep sack. Haha! 

When we ask if she wants to go swimming

"Juju go swimming, big swimming pool" (By emphasizing it's the big swimming pool, she's telling us that wants the real thing and not the inflatable pool we sometimes inflate at home for the kids to waddle in) 

When she farts

"Oh no, Juju poot"

When she sneezes or burps
"Oh no sorry, Juju ah-choo/Juju burp"

When Gong Gong is driving

"Gong Gong turn left .... cherberdujubertuberjuchersherba (some string of Russian words which no one understands) .... Gong Gong turn left"

When we tell her we're going to the supermart

"Go mart, pay auntie, buy wee-pooh diaper" (we use Mummy Poko pull ups with little Winnie the Pooh characters on it)

When she gets hold of our phone, she'll turn it at a photo taking angle and go ...

"Mama, mama, mama, cheeeeeesee"

When we take a photo of her on the phone or camera

"Dada, see Juju"

When we remind her to say "thank you"
"Tank-qu, welcome" (we have been trying to teach her than you only say 'welcome' when someone says 'thank you')

When she wants a share of what we're eating or what we have
"Dada dada share" or "Mama mama, Juju borrow?"

I love that we're actually having conversations these days!! 

Our very happy and chatty little one!! 

Eat, Play, Love

I rarely ever write food reviews on this blog - which is a great irony really considering that we are a foodie family.  I suppose it has got alot to do with the fact that since Jules came along, I really don't get to enjoy the food and place as much since I'm usually busy feeding her and by the time it's my turn to eat, the food would have turned cold and any review about it probably won't do it justice.  

Now that Jules is older, I usually try to let her eat whatever we're having when we're out for meals.  That why, we don't have to specially cook for her at home and lug the food around with us.  It's also a chance for me to introduce her to new dishes and types of food.  I've been on the look out of kid-friendly places to bring her and have read many a good review on a little unpretentious cafe in the heart of Arab Street - Eat, Play, Love Cafe. 

So on a rare Friday that both of us managed to be off from work, we brought Jules there with the littlest aunt after a late morning swim at the pool - and what a delightful lunch did we have! Housed within the Aliwa Arts Centre, the cafe prides itself on serving wholesome food at affordable prices as well as allowing both kids and adults the opportunity to get creative and crafty at their well equipped craft corner.  For $5/2 hours (on weekdays) kids get to pack of craft filled with glitter glue, glue, assorted embellishments, pre-cut animal-shaped craft paper and a construction paper - good enough to keep little hands busy.  On top of that, there is a selection of craft materials - crepe paper streamers, pipe cleaners, ribbons and even coloured pasta! - all very thoughtfully put together which kids can help themselves too!  

The menu is mainly Thai-Western inspired and tasty enough by my standards.  The chicken chop I had was well seasoned and went perfect with those crispy fries (which Jules sheepishly stole).  The hubs had pasta bolognaise while the sister's plate of Thai chicken-basil with rice was pretty authentic!  Dessert was a lovely plate of mango sticky rice which was really yummy - granted the mango could have been sweeter but that rice - Jules was asking for seconds and thirds!  Our nutella banana waffle didn't fail us either!! We polished up every.single.dish!  And the best part - they had chicken macaroni soup on their kids menu - much to Jules delight!  Restaurant owners really need to know that child's menu doesn't also have to spell fish and chips and chicken nuggets!  She polished up the ENTIRE bowl!! (Got to be a first with resturant food for her!)  

Another big plus point about the cafe that I like is that it takes reservations.  We were told weekend bookings typically fill up fast.  The place is also often booked for private functions so call ahead before you head down.  

We'll be back for sure! 

Eat, Play, Love Cafe

28 Aliwal Street

#01-07

Singapore 199918

6444 6400

12pm - 10pm daily except Tuesday (kitchen closes 3pm-6pm except on weekends & PH)  

Picnic - Our Style

Tuesday was a public holiday and we had grand plans for a family picnic at the Botanical Gardens.  The kids were all very excited - Jules even woke up in the middle of the night saying "Juju, go playground (with), Che Che".  So when that torrential rain hit us in the wee hours of the morning, my heart sank a little.  Hearing how the thunder was clapping - there was no way we were going to make it to the Gardens that morning.  By the time I got up, the rain had subsided somewhat and I was still stubbornly harbouring hopes of our family picnic until the sky turned all dark on us once again.  

Determined not to let the weather spoil our picnic plans, we made do decided that a picnic on the car porch wouldn't be to shabby either.  The kids could still run around, we had the little garden next to us and we even had stereo music coming from the hall.  Not too bad! 

So excited, she wanted to brush her teeth on the picnic mats

In the end, the rain got too heavy so we brought the picnic indoors.  I made an board of antipasto - perfect with freshly baked crusty bread,  

while our daughter decided since it was a holiday, she'll indulge her Dada in some silly shots.  

Part of the buffet table

In the end, we had fun.  The kids got their treat of Ni-Hao-Kan-Lan and even got to wear mitchy matchy clothes out!  

Kai-Lan's biggest fans

Singing in the rain

It was a cold, wet morning, warmed up with the company of family and good food! 

Hope everyone had a good break too!! 

These are a few of my favourite things ....

At 23 months, Jules has a clear mind about her likes and dislikes.  Thought I'll share some things on her favourites list. 

Snack: Tu-tu kueh, those little old-school colourful gem biscuits, cheerios, dried mangoes

Notice its mainly the whites left ... guess who's been munching all the coloured ones!

Food: chicken rice (the rice specifically), por por's fried bee-hoon, Mama's tomato pasta, pork chop, chicken macaroni soup
Drink: Yakult (the only dairy drink she seems to be able to stomach although I only give her a quarter bottle each time), Ribena, apple juice
Book: The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr,  Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg

Soft toy: Barney, Elmo and "Roar" - a little Jellycat Lion we got from the Elly Store
Colour: Purple (because Barney's purple)

Barney, Roar and Elmo

Character: Woody from Toy Story, Elmo, Barney, Boo from Monsters Inc
TV programme: Hi-5, Ni-Hao-Kai-Lan
Movie: Disney Pixar movies - Up, Toy Story 3 and Monster Inc. 

With Woody - we got him from Amazon and am really impressed with how 'real' it is

Fruit: Apple, Golden Kiwi, Grape
Pastime: Painting, playing dough, pulling tissue paper and cleaning the floor, playing with our phones pretending to be talking to her friends
Game: Hide and Seek (although she's a really bad "Hider" - she'll hide behind the curtain and then jump out, let out a shout and make her presence known.  How lousy!)
Person: Mama (naturally!) also guys in general (particularly Uncle Jude, Unc Unc (referring to the little sister's boyfriend) and Timmy (her best friend in school after Hana)!)
Song: Oh Mr Sun Sun, The More We Get Together (in Mandrine), Dancing Bus (from the Hi-5 Turn the Music Up album)
Words: "Oh no!", "Mama, bao bao", "A bit, please", "Go Por Por room play toy toy"

37 candles ....

It was children's day yesterday, it was also the hubs' birthday.  

I wasn't able to take leave from work cos I had an event so to make up for it, I caved in and got him a gadget that he's been eyeing for (but which I've been rolling my eyes over) and spent my afternoon on my day off earlier this week baking him a cake! 

I've always wanted to have a go at baking one of those light and fluffy Japanese strawberry shortcake.  So when I found this recipe I had high hopes of it turning out just like I imagined.  But alas, the end result wasn't to my satisfaction.  The cake turned out grainy and nothing close to the soft cotton airy texture like those we tasted in Japan.  The fresh cream (which the younger sis helped prepare) was tasty though (if that's any consolation).  If the cake had succeeded at being what it was supposed to be, I was planning to bake it for Jules' 2nd birthday but looks like it's back to the drawing back for that one.  

Still we had a cosy evening blowing out the candles on the cake the night before.  No prizes for guessing who was most excited to blow out those candles!! Jules clapped along, sang "Happy Dada" and was eagerly waiting for all the singing to be over so that she could blow out those candles! She got so close I was so afraid her hair was going to catch fire!! She was soooo happy! 

We spent yesterday evening having a simple delicious homecooked dinner of birthday noodles which my mum whipped up before heading out for some ice cream at haagen daz!  Jules couldn't be happier with that ice cream sorbet topped with rainbow sprinkles! It was like it was *her* birthday!

Doesn't matter how we celebrate our birthdays these days, it's special as long as our little girl is happy! 

Happy birthday dearie!! May our Lord continue to pour forth his blessings and favour upon you so that you may grow in faith and wisdom.  

Happy Children's Day!

Dearest Juju, 

Happy Children's Day!

Love,

Mama

To The Barrage We Go

Jules' school brought the children to the Marina Barrage yesterday to celebrate Children's Day and parents were invited to come along. 

Having missed the last outing, the hubs made it a point to join us in the morning before rushing back to the office for his afternoon meeting.  I'm sure that meant a lot to Jules to have both of us spend the morning with her! 

With his precious little girl

There was kite flying, a little picnic and the best part - a splashing good time at the water play area.  

Beautiful weather for kite flying

Diapers only

I was just observing how she plays with her friends and realise that our daughter doesn't quite play alongside her friends.  I'm not sure if it was because we were there with her so she was clingy or because she's technically only in school 3 times a week for a few hours each day that she isn't that close to the rest of the kids.  But I noticed the same behaviour especially amongst the younger ones her age so I'm hoping it's a developmental thing and that at this age pre-2, they are more into parallel play more than actually playing together.  

With T her good friend

Still it was nice to hear from her teachers that she was doing very well in school especially in her speech and language which they felt she's pretty advanced for her age.  

We all had a good time, the weather got a little hot by 10am and you can see all the kids running into the sheltered area preferring to munch on their little snacks then fly the kites the teachers had painstakingly made for them.   

Picnic Time!

At the end of the day, all the kids went home with a little jigsaw puzzle, kites made by their teachers, a little t-shirt and precious time with their parents to celebrate their special day! 

Happy Children's Day to all the little children out there!! 

Letters to Julianne #28

Dearest Julianne, 

This will probably be Mama's last letter to you for your 2nd year.  

Time has passed incredibly fast this year, it feels just like yesterday when we blew out that candle on your first cake.  Well, one thing's for sure, you'll be able to blow out the two little candles on your cake next month all by yourself - you've been practising hard for it! 

Your vocabulary and comprehension continues to be your biggest development this month.  You now speak in sentences - granted they are not in perfect grammar - but I think it's still mighty cool!  "Mama, Juju want to play dough", "Mama, Juju clothes dirty, Aunty Joy bru bru bru (sound of the washing machine accompanied by rolling of her fist to show the clothes tumbling in the washing machine), Por Por sun sun".  Being able to communicate in this manner also means you're fully capable of telling tales.  Just over the weekend, Mama had to work in the morning so Dada got to bond with you.  When I got home and asked what you had, you told on Dada and said "Juju eat mango", when I probed further to ask who gave you that mango, you said "Dada".  (We're talking preserved dried mango here - which she loves but which I only give as a treat)

You also use words to your advantage.  We've been teaching you to share.  So every time you play with Sophie we tell you that you have to also share your toys.  These days, when we are eating something or doing something which we don't want you to eat or touch, you'll tell us "Mama/Dada share, share Juju".  You just found a more politically correct way of saying "give me"! Smart - but sorry, doesn't work! 

We spent alot of our last month working on art pieces and playing dough.  We finally got down to creating a little craft corner for you.  We picked up a simple white table from ikea, big enough to accommodate you and Sophie.  I like it that the table is adjustable and can grow with you.  And to make sure you don't end up wanting to sit on the chair Sophie sits on, I made it a point to buy both of you identical chairs - so no fighting.  The plan has worked well, you enjoy painting out in the patio and it's such a joy to see you and Sophie  actually sitting down working on your pieces and sharing the craft materials.  

Art & Craft Time!

On the kiddy ride with Che Che

Other than a wedding, the mid-autumn celebrations at home and in school and lots of love and cuddles you get from everyone everyday, September was relatively quiet.  Which is good rest for all of us before the busy year-end comes along.  Already we have birthday celebrations, a staycation and a holiday lined up.  Exciting!!   

Having a swinging good time with Yiyi Jill!

I love it that you are so chatty these days always wanting to tell me stories of your day, or how you just love hanging out with Mama and Papa, asking us to bring you for walks, to dance, to "play toy toy", to "do painting", to "play dough".  I fear the day when you're all grown up and would rather stay in your own room behind close doors then talk to Mama or would rather hang out with your own girlfriends than spend the afternoon with Mama over tea or an evening walk.  I treasure my everyday with you more than anything else in the world and go to bed each night, thankful for all the joy you bring. 

Monster cheese face

Enjoy your last month being ONE Jujubee!! Love you deep deep! 

Huggies, 

Mama