2013 in Review

Praise God from whom

All blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures

Here below

Praise Him above

Ye heavenly host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost

*****

Made in through another year by the grace of God, with daily prayers, with His word that gave hope in times of despair, that brought peace in times of anxiety, healing in times of pain and the constant assurance of His love and grace. I give thanks.

In January, we welcomed a new member into the family when my cousin got married.  It was the very first wedding Jules attending. 

This year's Lunar New Year was extra special - it was the first with my elder sis in 10 years! Jules was also more aware of all the bustling activities going around since she was all but 3 months old when she celebrated her first Lunar New Year last year.  She could even do the "Gong Xi Gong Xi" action. 

March was a big milestone for Jules.  She started playschool in a wonderful Montessori that she has came to love today.  She made good friends - Timmy and Hannah and adore her teachers - Teachers M and Z.  I'm really grateful for the patience the teachers have in helping her adjust to school and truly admire their endless tireless dedication on the job.  She has a few months left with the school before going to Kindy and we'll be treasuring the last few months with them. 

Oh April - it was a horrible month!  Jules and I were sick for an entire month.  It started with her first cough then HFMD and a bout of really bad stomach flu.  I would like to erase every memory I have of that dreadful month and pray that it never repeats itself.  We were nonetheless thankful that through each of the sickness, Jules didn't need to be hospitalised (which was something our paed said we had to be prepared for if she became dehydrated) and her HFMD was considerably mild which she bravely got better within a day.  Only by God's grace. 

The sun came out in May and we all recovered in time for our first family holiday in years with the kids in toll!! Our last family holiday was before Jules arrived when we visited my sis in Ann Arbor.  Sophie was also all by 16 months old.  We ate our way through Penang and it was on the trip that Jules also started talking beyond her usual mono-words. 

June was quiet.  We spent out weekends lazing at home, waddling in the pool.  We also celebrated Fathers' Day and Jules made this for her Dada ....

July saw me taking on a new portfolio at work.  One that is more challenging but certainly also more meaningful.  As part of my work, I get to help ex-offenders, undischarged bankrupts, women back to work.  It makes work fulfilling and purposeful, I'm thankful for the opportunity to help these worker segments. 

It was birthday galore in August!! There was Sophie's Lorax birthday, then my dad turned 64. Sean also celebrated his 4th birthday.  We ended all that birthday partying with Mum's towards the end of the month. Imagine the amount of cakes I ate that month - my waistline wasn't happy. 

We kept with traditions and celebrated the Mid Autumn Festival in September with mooncakes and chinese tea.  We brought the kids on their little walk around the estate and also had a wonderful time at the Mid Autumn celebrations the school threw for the kids and families.  It was nice meeting her friends and their parents as we went on the lantern parade. 

October was the start of one event after another till the end of the year.  Starting with the hub's birthday.  I baked him a strawberry shortcake hoping to recreate it for Jule's birthday.  But it didn't turn out so well so we shelved those plans. 

In November, Jules turned 2!!! My little bunny was baby no more as she proudly embraced toddlerhood (and the Terrible Twos at the same time).  We celebrated her birthday in school and threw her a little party at home!! She was a truly a happy happy girl.  

We wrapped up the year seeing our daughter put up her very first performance in school - as a monkey!  I was so proud of her when she took to the stage, shook that tiny butt of hers and took the bow at the end.  

Then there was our family trip to Sydney where Jules finally got to see her kangaroos and koalas! We had a lovely lovely time there and it was a great way to bring the busy year to a close. 

Looking forward to what 2014 has in store and committing all our hopes and plans to God so that we can embrace the new year with even stronger faith to trust God for His providence and blessings.