Week 38

Elva is 38 weeks in Jerlyn's tummy.

First time having Christmas lunch at office. I didn't have Christmas exchange during my last job before as last time was always working and my job doesn't allow to do that. I got a jewellery box from my sale and marketing manager while the senior finance assistant got my book. We also celebrate our Christmas at home and eating western food at Jerlyn's mum house.

We went to Cyndi's house to get the baby cot from her. She gave us the baby cot and some of Sarah's clothing as Sarah could not fit into it. She also bought a new playpen for Sarah. We had a hard time to fit the baby cot into the car but was managed to bring it back home.

I changed my AIA accident plan from Leo. As my old accident plan is more for military and I have left the force, it is time to change. The old plan does not suit me anymore so I added the new plan with daily hospital income benefits and TMC claims.

I sprained my left wrist again. 6 years ago, I sprained my left wrist while trying to break fall from rollerblading. But not sure why 6 years later the pain came back again. I went to see the Ma Kwang and the guy help me "Tui Na" for me. It was painful. I can't jog again. I need to be recover soon so that I can carry and hug Jerlyn and Elva.

We went to see Dr Sim again, Elva is now 3.044kg. Dr Sim told us that Elva is more than 50% engaged in the pelvis, so got to prepare to standby. Hope Elva can wait for 3 more days as Jerlyn wanted Elva to come out in January. We are almost ready in all the baby stuff except those small little stuffs.

Week 37

Baby Elva is 37 weeks in Jerlyn's tummy!!

We went to Trisa's house for steamboat dinner and Christmas exchange. Jerlyn bought towel and tumbler and Trisa got it. I bought speaker and Cecilia got it. Jerlyn got a handmade pouch with recycle bag from Linli's rumored boyfriend Raymond while I got a mini usb vacuum cleaner from Linli.

I went for my Risk Management course in the weekday, it was like learning how to do Risk Assessment plus the regulations. But I still learn something from there.

I went to meet my AIA agent and found out my accident plan need to change as I have left the force, so still having the military accident plan will be redundant, so I might need to change to a better accident plan.

I went to meet my Prudential agent and found out that I need to beef up my insurance then thinking of buying Elva's insurance first. But her hospital plan is still the priority to buy. Mine will be asking about the HSBC to see need to reduce it while maybe beef up my term insurance and also having a co-owned saving plan for Elva.

Jerlyn went to see Doctor Sim on a weekday as Doctor Sim is not free on weekend. Everything is good as Baby Elva now is 2.8kg but Jerlyn still have to control her diet. She is having low blood count too so she need to be more careful. After that she went to buy Christmas presents for her colleagues and bought thongs and low rise trunks as Christmas presents for me.

We started to sterilize the sterilizer and prepare all the breasts pump and milk bottles, wash the toys for Elva and also wash the playpen too. Luggage for hospital is packed. Now need to go get the baby cot from my cousin.

Week 36

Elva now is 36 weeks in Jerlyn's tummy!

Time for exercise as January ICT draw nears but my left toe is still having pain. I am having infection on my left toe because of the ingrown nail. I went to see the doctor who gave me antibiotics and cream, it seem better but still the crack part is still having pain. The weather is not helping much too. Christmas is coming soon, how to stop myself from eating too much and continue to train for my IPPT.

We went to see Doctor Sim again, She was saying that Elva is 2.6 kg now, so if Jerlyn want to have smooth delivery without epidural, she have to cut down on junk food and soft drinks so Elva won't gain too much weight. The ideal weigh that Doctor Sim says for baby to give birth was below 3kg, if not mother will need more energy and time to push baby out.

We went to have our Christmas shopping for friends gift exchange and also company gift exchange. This is the first time I attending company gift exchange so I bought a book to exchange, not sure if they will scold me for that.

I have finished my exams, hoping both will pass. Now got to review my insurance policies as I always did during the end of the year. I check through what Jaymee had compile for me and found it quite confusing. I need to meet all my agent again to review.

Week 35

Baby Elva is 35 weeks now in Jerlyn's tummy!

I had my first exam, it was about environmental and safety law. I think I should be able to pass it. Now left one more which is environmental impact assessment which I feel will be more tougher. Concentrate!!

Jerlyn's brother got married and she felt that it was so unorganised. The table listing was out of control, the photographer was late and unprofessional, and her father was so happy that he got drunk during the middle of the banquet. Overall, it the happiness of the couple that counts. So happy marriage to you J and N.

We went to collect Jerlyn's passport at ICA but first time we got our passport less than 15 minutes after we reach there. So we went for our McDonald's breakfast and then went to choose our Bloom Shot photos. We chose 12 photos, 6 given and 6 paying for $15 each. Now waiting for our new house to come so we can put up those photos at our own home.

We went for the hospital tour at Thomson Medical Centre and found the suites look more like resort hotel than hospital wards. The prices are also more expensive than those hotel in Orchard. Due to our financial constraint we chose the 4 bedded ward stay. I think Jerlyn rather spend the money on the real hotel stay than in hospital. Now got to start packing the luggage for the hospital stay. So many things to pack or nothing much to pack? some say need this need that, some say don't need much. Breast pad, maternity pad, clothing, breast pump, sterilizer all need to bring? I think still depends on individual. I was told some will have breast engorgement so can't even wear bra for few days, some will have high mense flow after birth so need more maternity pads. So the most important for me to bring stuffs to the hospital when I visit her everyday will be fine. Problem solved!

week 34

Elva is week 34 in Jerlyn's tummy!

We went for photoshoot at Studio Loft for pregnancy shot or they call it the Bloom Shot. We didn't have photoshoot experience so we do not know what to expect, always following the guidance of the photographer Maryann. The shoot was great she guided us along but Jerlyn felt that the photos make her fat while I felt that there should be more shots. Even the nude pregnancy shots seem little to our expectation. But we are in the hurry to go Jerlyn's checkup so we paid the money and left. Choosing the photos will be next weekend.

We were the last couple for Dr Sim checkup, she explained to us about the complications and her clinic staff explained to us about the fees. The doctor fees for normal delivery is about $2200. We paid $900 deposit for the doctor fees, the rest will be paid after birth with $700 using medisave. There are still inpatient doctor's visit fee about $300 per visit, anesthethist fee about $500, paediatrician fee about $250 per day, hospital fee about $210 per day for 4 bedded, baby care fee about $250 per day. So I think to give birth I estimated I need to prepare about $10,000 for everything. I suppose that the reason of low birth rate in Singapore.

Last month was a busy month for me, with two major audits and one workshop plus my exams are coming. There is still tons of notes to be read and understand. I need to pass my exams!! Next year course fee has increased. Every time they increased fee but my salary did not increased!!

Week 33

Elva is week 33 in Jerlyn's tummy!

Finally fixed up the stroller that we got from an ex colleague who help to bring the stroller for me. But he still owe me some money that I borrow him about 5 months ago, and getting money back was really difficult. Next time no more borrowing people money, except Jerlyn and those trusted friends. The stroller is cheaper than those we can find in Singapore but it is big. Jerlyn might not be able to bring around when she is alone. So that is the job of mine to bring the stroller around. We will still get a baby carrier so that when she is alone with baby, she can use the baby carrier instead of the stroller.

We also lost one baby clothes that we bought in USA and not sure why it was misplace and my ex colleague could not find it. There is no way we can get it back so got to buy a new one for Elva. We didn't buy anything for this year Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals as there was nothing we needed to buy.

I went to my classmate's baby shower and found out the tips of ordering of caterer. They must be reminded if not it will be like my classmate who order them to come at 11am but they came at 11:30am and set up till 12:30pm which cause some of his guests to leave without eating. I was thinking how to arrange all the guest so that both Jerlyn and my friends and relatives can enjoy and not feeling the squeeze in this small unit of Jerlyn's aunt. This will be a challenge. Another challenge is the how to convince the two aunts about the confinement lady. Maybe its the age gap thinking.

Week 32

Elva now is 32 weeks in mummy's tummy. This week we wanted to go buy playpen mattress for her but when we went there, it was out of stock, but we end up buying other stuffs. We needed to check on her insurance as we were looking at which company insurance is best and cheap for her. We also need to check the paediatric doctor in the west area for her after hearing that going to the hospital's paediatric doctor would cost a bomb. Most important is the vaccination for Elva can go to normal general practitioner as all the vaccination are the same, just that hospital will cost a bomb again. But those that need paediatric will still go for it.

Finally the last assignment need to submit. I tried to do it during weekdays and didn't have much time for it. My classmate who have more time was rushing all of us to finish so that he could compile and submit to Turnitin to check for similarity index. Now will be the exams coming. I got to start studying again.

I got three more modules to go next year while most of them are graduating after the exams. With Elva coming out next year, it will be a challenge for me to juggle three things at once. But I will bite through and finish my degree in August next year for our better future. I heard that next year might have recession again so my degree will really helps when in need.

Thanksgiving is coming next weekend, we got to check what we need to buy and pass it to my friend in Arizona so she can help us send back the stuff. What else have we not buy yet??

Week 31

Our Elva now is 31st week in Jerlyn's tummy. We went to see Dr Sim again and everything is looking good. She is now 1.6kg and with 9 more weeks to go. Seem like I will be getting more busy soon.

We went for the Parentshood Fair at Singapore Expo and found out there more things than the Baby Fair we came last month. We upgraded our package with Studio Loft to the bloom and teeny weeny package instead of just the bloom package. This means we will have two photo shoots with them, one is the photo shoot of Jerlyn in heavy pregnancy and the other is the photo shoot of the newborn Elva. We check out the photos that they took and more and more mothers are taking nude tummy photos.

We also bought Huggies pampers for $30.50 for 3 packs of newborns with 24 pieces each, 2 packs of small with 44 pieces each, 1 pack of medium with 40 pieces each and 1 pack of baby wipes with 80 pieces. We also got a lot of goodies from Motherhood magazine when we sign up their magazine for 1 year. We wanted to buy the mattress too but does not have enough hands to bring it home.We even went to the Crocs Fair sale beside the Parentshood Fair and bought crocs shoes for both of us.

We met Chee Shuen and Jia Min and little Claire alone the way, Andy Sng and his wife and also my ex colleague who is now a general manager of his business which sell reusable nursing pads. This is his website: www.drymama.com Mummies who need to buy nursing pads can consider this.

We had dinner at Changi City point with CS and JM and had a nice chat with them. I see that CS is doing better at his second company since our of the force, I think I need to buck up more and learn more from my company to improve.

Later got to go Kok Foong and Hema house warming party and also need to finish my assignment this week. Everyday is packed with work and study. Going to have the third role soon. Can I cope? There is always people saying: When there is a will, there is a way.

Week 30

Now that Jerlyn has reached week 30, meaning 10 more weeks to go. She has been hit by the hormones in her body, she was getting more emotional. So my job is to smoother her emotions and I'm glad that I was there with her.

Finally I get to feel Elva kicking inside Jerlyn tummy. Usually she will not kick when my hands are on the tummy, but that day when I want to hear her, she kick me on my face. Maybe she will be a good footballer when she grow up.

My school assignment and work assignment are getting more and more. I needed more time to completed my work so I will have less time for Jerlyn.

Today Jerlyn went to her mum house to bake egg tart and muffin. The last time she bake egg tart and muffin was in 2009 when we are still in Arizona. I think she misses the days that she could bake pastries again. During those days we were more relax and free, so we got the time to do those things. But the egg tart wasn't the taste we had last time, maybe it was the crust that was different. Do we still got the chances to go Arizona again? Maybe we will go for holiday with Elva after she come out of this world.

Long Weekend

Its a long weekend in Singapore, where in America its going to be Halloween soon. Miss those days in Arizona where there are so many holidays, can travel around and relax with not much stress.

We went to Bugis to pray and also look for baby clothes but the shop was not opened. There were so many people in Bugis that Jerlyn was feeling frustrated. Its still the best to stay at home and relax where there won't be so many people crowding around.

We went to eat curry rice at one of the shop in Bugis where they only served curry rice. The food was not bad but it was quite expensive. We also saw those people dressed up in Halloween costumes trying to scare people.

I have been out of office almost whole week. I was at different site working. The weather is getting hotter again in Singapore, making me sticky everyday.

There are still tons of work to do. Finally finished my two tests, now have to do my two assignments, my office work and also housework.

I started jogging few weeks ago after my birthday. My IPPT window has opened so I need to train myself harder to pass my IPPT, best if I can get silver but my motivation is not high enough. I only went to jog on Sunday morning when Jerlyn is still asleep while I change to my jogging gear and went downstairs to jog.

Baby Elva is 29 weeks now. Time is getting nearer and there are still lots of things to be done. Please give me more time to prepare.

Tired

Everyday is so tiring, work and assignments are piling higher and higher. When will I have a break?

We went to see Dr Sim this weekend again for her routine checkup. Baby Elva is 28 weeks already, everything is looking good for her, weighing 1.2kg, in good position and most of all healthy. The nurse was asking us about the delivery room and the ward we wanted and also to choose the paediatric that we wanted. We were not prepared so we told her we will go check online and let her know at the next visit. Jerlyn wanted 4 bedded room as Thomson Medical has only one 4 bedded room so hope they would upgrade her to a 2 bedded room.

We also went to Jerlyn's friend's house for lunch. It's a gathering for her polytechnic classmates. Her friend, Adeline had a cute 7 months old daughter named Chloe. We chatted and plated with Chloe before going back home.

Its was a rainy weekend, and I got tons of work to do. I have been staring at the laptop since morning doing my office work. There is a test coming on Wednesday and I have not started studying. Can the time stop?

Working at home

This week has been very busy for me. I have been going to Seletar Aerospace Park and work under the sun till my batman eyeshade came out due to the tan from my sunglasses. I have not been having the batman eyeshade tan since in Arizona. I also got to bring back some of the work back as there are too many work to do.

Seem like I have been working and there were nothing much interesting that has happened around me. Jerlyn has been doing well too and she has entered the last tri-semester of her pregnancy. But she still need to control her weight as Dr. Sim wanted her to go below the weight so she won't be overweight. Baby Elva is doing fine too.

I went to get the wet wipes and thermometer and breast pump from Edmund who just came back from Arizona last month. Thanks to him I could get cheaper items from America. Maybe I will get to chat with him again when I have my first ICT in January. That will be after Elva is born. Next year will be a new life for me and Jerlyn as we will be upgraded to parents.

Bad day

It was not a good day for me as almost everything went wrong for me. I was taking the train to my school for my law test when one guy not sure how he cover his hand when he sneeze and his residue hit my arm as I was beside him. He didn't even say sorry to me while his girlfriend was trying very very hard not to laugh in front of me. She told her boyfriend what happened but still nothing came out from his mouth. I stared at his girlfriend till she tried her whole might to stop laughing. I shall not tell which country they are from to protect them from being disgrace to their country.

Jerlyn had a stomach pain which couldn't go away and she didn't want to wake me up. She told me when morning came and I told her to go see Dr. Sim. Thank goodness that both of them are alright. I was told that if pregnancy mothers always drink cold water, when baby is out, the baby immune will not be strong and need to go see doctor often for cold and cough. I need to remind Jerlyn to drink less cold water.

I heard that bonus is good this year but I do not have a share, so I need to work harder for the next October share. Hope I get it next year.

31st Birthday

It's my 31st birthday and Jerlyn gave me  surprise by asking all her family to celebrate my birthday. Jerlyn bought Swensens cookie and cream ice cream cake for me. I think within 10 mins the cake was gone with little XN eating the most.

I went for my school field trip regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment Assignment. We went to the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Marina Barrage to know more about the future development and the water dams.

Jerlyn went to Jacqueline house early in the morning as she was asked to be one of the sisters. She woke up at 4am in the morning and went there to help. As the day goes by and due to the lack of sleep, she became grumpy. I think because of her pregnancy she get irritate easily., luckily I was there to pacify her. Its great to have someone who love her to pacify her when she is grumpy.

I went for Jacqueline and Nicholas wedding at Singapore Expo. The carpark was really difficult to get and it make it worse when the roads were closed for the construction of SMRT downtown line 3. the food was not that good but the services there really sucks.

Busy

I getting more busy everyday. We went to Singapore Chinese Girls School for the breastfeeding talk during the weekday where Mrs. Wong taught us about the ways to feeding baby, how to massage the breasts and how not to have sore nipples. She also teach us about the bottle feed too.

The 5th lesson at AMK hub she taught us how to bathe the baby, how to swaddle the baby, how to handle new born, how to burp the baby and how to use cloth diapers.

Jerlyn's Aunt organised a open house for her friends and so many people came and look at the house.

We went to see Dr. Sim again for the monthly check up. Baby Elva is growing well as 651g but Jerlyn was told by Dr. Sim to control her weight as she worried that Jerlyn will be overweight and hard for baby to come out. So the ideal is gaining one kilogram per month till birth.

We went to Jerlyn's friend Jane wedding at Regent Hotel. Most of her guests are rich people. The food was not bad but it started quite late so by the time it reaches the last dish we were too tired and had left for home.

Mooncake Festival

We went for our annual moon cake festival tasting at Taka Square and bought Jerlyn's favourite durian moon cake from home's favourite. I did not buy because I bought tung lok snow skin mini moon cake from my company with discount.

We decided to call our baby girl Elva Lee after eliminating 9 other names. The Chinese name will be chosen after our baby girl is born.

We went to my company staff night at Mount Faber Jewel Box. This was my first staff night with the company. The food was not really good. Everyone was complaining about the food today. I heard it cost $90 per person.

We went for Mrs. Wong third lesson and were told that the fourth lesson will be at weekday in a school. Jerlyn will have to take two buses and walk to reach there. We were shown a video about 6 different types of giving birth. Jerlyn was amazed by the women giving birth naked at home and in hospital. It seem like in western countries it is quite common to give birth naked.

We went to meet Jacqueline and Nicholas for their preparation for their wedding. All the brothers and sister went to Hougang Plaza and meet. Let see what will Nicholas have to suffer for his gatecrash on next Saturday. Will they dance the "Oppa Gangnam style"?

Ella and Elva

Finally we got our Internet at home. We went to Starhub Plaza Singapura to buy our home broadband. We do not need to go to Jerlyn's mum house to use Internet anymore.

Jerlyn went to Jacqueline so call hen's night but actually it was a mahjong session for the sisters. I went to fetch Jerlyn about 10pm at night and watch her win after 5 hours of mahjong session.

We went for the second session of per natal class. We were taught the breathing technique during labour but most mummies will forget how to breathe when during labour. Mrs. Wong also taught Jerlyn how to do Kegel exercise, which comprise of three different exercise, urinal exercise, birth canal exercise and anal exercise. Birth canal which help control of giving birth when not in labour and also more enjoyment of sex.

We went to meet the mummies club because I need to get something from KF. We went to untied square as it is a baby and kids friendly mall. We went there for late lunch at baker inn and early dinner at Xing Wang Cafe. Basically we were eating all the way when we were there.

Finally I have work 3 months at the new company. Hope I can get the confirmation soon. During my 3 months there, I did my first safety audit. Although I have a swollen left eye that day but I still managed to learn something from the lead auditor. Hope the next quality audit will have new experience.

We have been thinking of baby names till now. Jerlyn thought of using alphabet E for our baby because of her name JER will stand for the three of us. So I went to search for more alphabet E baby names and we narrow down to two names, Ella and Elva. So which names will we choose, we shall know next week.

Pre Natal Class

We went to AMK Hub for our first pre natal class. Mrs. Wong is the trainer for the course, she teaches us how a pregnant lady should do and not to do, how to breathe, how to massage, what is the correct diet, what is the correct postures. She teaches us a lot of things that we do not know about. We even saw how mothers breast feed their twins.

We went to a lady house near AMK hub to buy maternity bras. She is a full time housewife taking care for her kids and also part time blogger selling maternity clothes. Her house was quite big, should be a 5 room flat. she had a small room for all her maternity clothes and there is changing room too. I bought two maternity bras, one maternity pants and two bras extenders for Jerlyn as she couldn't wear her normal bras and pants anymore due to baby growing bigger.

I haven't been working in the rain for quite sometime and one of the day that need to go down to the site for surveying and it rain. I couldn't carry out my work and got drenched too.

School started again and I was very sleepy on my first day of school, might be the wet clothes which has dried making me tired.

I had an infection on my left eye for the whole week due the the dust. My whole eyelid was swollen and I could feel the weight of the swollen eyelid sitting on my eye which make it very uncomfortable. I went to see one of my company registered panel of doctors. First one was not opened as their timing has changed, so I went to see another doctor near the first doctor. Turn out I wait for one hour, went in and see him, poke my eyelid and ask me is it painful? What do you think? He told me he will give me eye drop, antibiotics and inflammation tablets. I was in the doctor's room for only 30 to 45 secs. I waited for 30 mins for the medicine and went home. But the medicine did cure me after 4 days. 

It's a Princess

We finally get to know our baby's gender when we went to Thomson Medical Centre for the detail scan. The senior radiographer told us how to see the ultrasound photos. Having three lines at the bottoms means it's a girl. Now its time to find names for our little princess.

We went to meet up with my former colleagues and talk about our future. Hoping to have a better future so I need to try anything that can help in making more money for our life and child. Heard that Thomas, Winson and Kok Foong are going to USA again.

Almost working at the new workplace for 3 months. Still trying to adapt to the new environment. Hope I can be confirm earlier.

Packing and working

Finally finish my exams, now its back to work and also unpacking of stuff at new house and moving stuff from old house. Seem like there are so many things to move and so many things to do. My work is piling up and deadline are nearing soon. Who can help me?

Went to my classmate's house for a gathering to celebrate exams over. He cook mee siam which was really good. Although he stay quite far at Simei but his unit is big. At 122sqm, it is the old type 5 room flat with 4 bedrooms. I think now you can't find it for newly built flats anymore. Our house will be ready in year 2014, so still got to wait for 2 years. Now staying at Jerlyn's Aunt's house so everything got to learn to cut cost and save as we got to pay for our own rental and utilities bills now.

Looking forward to next weekend, provided I can finish my deadline.

Moving House Plus Exams

This week is really tiring, having two exams plus need to move house. About 20 boxes, one mattress, one bed frame and two support, one cupboard was move over, though it was a short journey but it was really tiring. Lucky my brother and his friend came and help plus Jerlyn's cousin, we managed to move all those things over in 5 hours plus. But it was not done yet, as we still have clothes and computer yet to move over.

After moving over, we could not sleep in the new place. Though I was very tired but still could not sleep. Jerlyn even sleep in her sleep. She is getting the pregnancy jitters. Hope I can sleep tonight as I still got to work tomorrow and exams on Wednesday.

Exams Coming

Went for my first SMPA at Riverview Hotel, learning about the future where what needs to be done. Then eating the buffet which was overwhelming, buffet lunch at Riverview and buffet dinner at Shangri-la Hotel. Think I ate the most food of my life on that day. First time ate two buffet in one day. Shangri-la got free flow everything, red wine, white wine, champagne, juices and hot beverages, tons of oysters and seafood eat till you drop.

Went to my cousin Cyndi's daughter Sarah baby shower. she cater for 120 people food for 150 people she invited and still have leftover. Will we have more than 100 people? I think so, so how much food needed? Hmm. Jerlyn like the braised duck with sea cucumber while I like the dessert.

Went to Mothercare for nursery appointment where the lady teaches us what is need to have for the upcoming new born and also for the first time parents. From breasts pump to sterilizer, milk bottles, bath tub, shower accessories, baby cot, stroller, baby carrier, diapers, maternity bras, maternity pants, maternity pads and support pillow. So much things to buy. But learn quite a few things from her that Malaysia things doesn't mean cheap. So think diapers will go herbal shop and buy.

Exams coming !! One in Tuesday and one in Friday and one on next Wednesday. Good Luck to me.

Revision

It is time to revise as class ended this week. 3 modules for this semester, need to revise a lot.

We willing be moving house soon as Jerlyn's aunts unit is almost ready. It is time to move bit by bit. I will be getting more busy, move house, work, study for exams. I need more time!!

Jerlyn went to meet Jac at Nex for Jac pre-wedding preparation brief, they were discussing how to torture Nicholas and his brothers.

We went to ALGO and LOCK & LOCK warehouse sale and bought the clothes stand and some toilet accessories for aunt's unit.

We went to Suntec to get free gift but was disappointed but Jerlyn managed to meet some old friends, then we went to Orchard for waxing and dinner at Quiznos.

Research

This week has been doing lots of research. Thinking of which stroller to buy, which breast pump to buy, which sterilizer to buy.

For stroller, at first I was looking at Maclaren Quest 2012 and Peg Perego Si Completo but after many research and also went down to Takashimaya Square to look at the stroller, we feel that Peg Perego was better, but more expensive. So I went to do more research and found this brand call Chicco. I found two model Liteway and Cortina. After our discussion, we decided to go for Cortina, thou it is more heavy but feel more stable and cheaper than Peg Perego.

For breast pump, at first was looking at avent dual electric pump and Medela Pump In Style Advanced, then Jerlyn's friend recommend Medela Freestyle which is more smaller and easier to carry, but more expensive. So we decided to go with her friend choice.

For sterilizer, we went to the baby fair at Takashimaya Square and saw there was a package from Avent booth which comprise of 3 in 1 sterilizer, food warmer, starter kit which have two 4oz bottles and two 9oz bottles and some accessories for $199. So we decided to buy on the spot.

We went to see Dr Sim for the third time and stupid me digging my ear with cotton buds and the cotton got stuck in my right ear. We had to go to see Dr Chia to get the cotton out of my ear and spent the needless $20 for consultation and take cab to see Dr Sim and was late for it too. No more cheap cotton buds for me. Anyway, we still could not know the gender as our baby did not open the legs. We got to wait till next month for the detail scan to know the gender. We also bought the package at $700 so that the next visit We don't have to pay again until the delivery.

We went to celebrate Jacqueline's birthday at Orchard and found out that Nicholas has propose to Jacqueline the day before. Congrats to both of them and we will wait for their wedding in Sept.

Too Stress?

Waking up at 5am in the morning is really tired. Is it too stress? With two assignments due on Monday and constant changing and editing the assignments, working and worrying about my wife really tired me out. Not to mention that exams are coming and moving house is on the cards. Though worrying for my wife but was feeling very happy too, as thinking of what to buy and what to do next excite me. Now that the September group is coming back, we need to act fast in all the items to buy. The after birth stuffs like confinement and infant care need to consider too. The planning is getting more important, asking about advise from all sources that I can get.

Just know that Baby Sarah was still in hospital because of jaundice. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. I found out that there are few types of jaundice:

• Physiological (normal) jaundice: occurring in most newborns, this mild jaundice is due to the immaturity of the baby's liver, which leads to a slow processing of bilirubin. It generally appears at 2 to 4 days of age and disappears by 1 to 2 weeks of age.
• Jaundice of prematurity: occurs frequently in premature babies since they are even less ready to excrete bilirubin effectively. Jaundice in premature babies needs to be treated at a lower bilirubin level than in full term babies in order to avoid complications.
• Breastfeeding jaundice: jaundice can occur when a breastfeeding baby is not getting enough breast milk because of difficulty with breastfeeding or because the mother's milk isn’t in yet. This is not caused by a problem with the breast milk itself, but by the baby not getting enough to drink.
• Breast milk jaundice: in 1% to 2% of breastfed babies, jaundice may be caused by substances produced in their mother's breast milk that can cause the bilirubin level to rise. These can prevent the excretion of bilirubin through the intestines. It starts after the first 3 to 5 days and slowly improves over 3 to 12 weeks.
• Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems): if a baby has a different blood type than the mother, the mother might produce antibodies that destroy the infant's red blood cells. This creates a sudden buildup of bilirubin in the baby's blood. Incompatibility jaundice can begin as early as the first day of life. Rh problems once caused the most severe form of jaundice, but now can be prevented with an injection of Rh immune globulin to the mother within 72 hours after delivery, which prevents her from forming antibodies that might endanger any subsequent babies.

That why babies are put in UV light to reduce their jaundice. Hope baby Sarah can go home soon.

Assignment

2 Assignments due on 16th July!! no time to blog!!

Cyndi gave birth to baby girl Sarah on 6th July.

Test again

I really hate test. The test on friday was really difficult and I do not have any confident to pass at all.After the test, it was discussion on assignment again. Having three assaingment due in the next 3 weeks is not joke, need to find the time for work, study and family. I need better time management!

One month have passed since the new environment, it was not bad but I still got a lot to learn, hope I can get confirmation faster than the targeted time. The new management will be coming in tomorrow, so will there be new changes? I still trying to adapt to the changes now.

My parents in law has started buying the new furniture for the new flat, buying sofa, dining and coffee table for around $2.5k at nova furniture shop. Next will be bed and frames, it means that moving house should be soon. We still got a lot of things haven't pack yet and exams is looming!!

Second Appointment

While Jerlyn was having her second appointment with Dr Sim, I was in school mugging for my test later. After the test I went to meet Jerlyn and saw the picture. It had grown about 4 cm now, feel so excited thou I couldn't join her earlier. We went to OG Orchard Point to buy my working shoes, feel so expensive for a pair of leather shoes. Maybe last time when I buy leather shoes, I always use credit to buy in E mart. Ate my first Cold Stone Creamery in Singapore. I think eating in Arizona in winter feel better because of the weather.

Anticipating for the third appointment in July.

Meeting Cyndi

Meeting with my Cousin Cyndi during the weekday for dinner. 3 more weeks and she will be giving birth. She is having a girl. I went to meet her at Bishan and we chat mostly about babies. I learnt that a lot of things need to prepare when having a baby, like looking for confinement nanny and looking for infant care for baby. I did some research and found this website for confinement nanny; http://www.gplsconfinementnanny.com.sg/index.php This might be one of the option to choose since the price for the agency and freelance is about the same. I also check up infant care and found this; http://myfirstskool.com/ This school has the link points for my card and also near to our house.

I went to Jurong Island for the first time to learn about how fuel is tested. It was a eye opener. Feeling to like the job better now. I am still trying to know more about the job and the colleagues too.

New Environment

Trying my best to adapt to the new environment. Last time it was an enclosed area where everything I do is discreetly, now its more open thou there is still restriction like camera phone. Last time it was more technical, now its more paperwork. Last time everyday is in coveralls, now its formal wear. Last time does not need to deal with opposite gender so much, now about half is female so I need to think before I say anything. Lots of changes but its good, just that need some time to adjust to it.

Went to get my blood test results, first time so happy that I fail my results, meaning I'm healthy. This also put us at ease that our little one might be carrier or not carrier instead of major.

Now having term break, meaning rushing for assignment and preparing for test. 2 group assignment plus one individual assignment. Making my busy everyday.

Within 4 months will be moving house, still so much to pack and move. Just taking a day at a time.

Won 4th Prize

Wow my first time winning 4th prize. Last time was a 13th prize of Ipod touch 8gb 2nd Generation in year 2010. This time was my wife's company annual family day lucky draw at USS, I won a $1200 travel voucher. Think its our new member in the family that giving me luck. Hope there will be more to come.

Went to Linda's house for her baby shower, everyone was passing their babies around so I got the chance of learning how to hold 3 babies, one who is 2 months old, one 3 months old and one 8 months old babies. Was really scared at first as I do not have the experience in this and if the baby cry will make me nervous. But my first time was good, not much crying, maybe the babies are in good mood.

Went dinner at compass point with KF and Hema and his two kids.

Started my new work on the first day of June, was having mixed feeling too, did not know what to expect. Trying to blend in and was taken around to know the new people. Also trying to takeover all the thing that the outgoing guy can handover. I have no experience so got to learn and learn and learn. Hope it will turn out good.

2 choose 1

Having this headache of 2 to choose 1. In the end I chose the one that have 100 more. Although I prefer the 100 less but think reality is more important than comfortability. Hope this will be a good choice. Seem like I need to spend on the GSS as I need new shirts and pants. Think my wife will be more happy than me as she like me to be in shirt and pants. Let's see next month what will happen next.

First Appointment

Went to see Dr Sim today. Dr Sim was referred to us by Jerlyn's friend, heard that she is very good so we decided to go visit her. We woke up early today as we do not have an appointment, so we have to go there early for walk in appointment. There were many people when we reach there, we waited for quite some time and when we went in to Dr Sim's room, she was unable to see clearly as Jerlyn's bladder was not full, so Jerlyn was asked to keep drinking more water. She drank almost 3 bottles of 500ml of water before we finally see Dr Sim again for the third time, we were able to see yolk sac as they call it. We were so excited thou we were there for almost two hours. After finish with the blood test, we leave for square 2 to buy microwave and then meet Jerlyn's parents and brother at HDB hub to get their new house keys.

Waiting for the second appointment to come in 4 weeks time.

e2i course

Went to a course call executive workshop last Wednesday and Thursday. It was recommended by my classmate when he knows about my situation. So Tuesday I went down and see and got myself enrolled in this course which is free. It teaches me how to write a powerful cover letter and resume and also interview tips. I felt that I have improve a lot this two days.

I also heard from my wife that there might be good news coming. Both of us was having mixed feeling. For me in this situation now, I need to be even more positive now. I know I can but luck do plays a part too. So I set myself a target that is two months. Wish me luck.

Jerlyn's Birthday

Sunday was my wife's birthday. We went to have massage and facial on that day. The massage was normal for me and the facial was a bit painful for me. Massage was normal as compared to traditional Thai massage, it did not have the comfortable level there and was much more expensive than the Thai massage. Though it would be cheaper to do it in Singapore as compare to flying to Thailand to do massage. The facial was painful as I had not been doing facial for few years, so the black heads and the pores had been accumulated for many years. After the massage and facial we went to Plaza Singapura to eat our lunch. We went to Manhattan Fish Market to eat. We had not been there since I went to America 4 years ago. We wanted to watch movies that day but it was simply too crowded for the movie we wanted to watch so instead we went home. Jerlyn still managed to get a nap before her parents brought us out for dinner. As we were too full from the lunch, we had simple dishes for dinner. I wanted to get the Starbucks cake for her but she was too full so we ended our day early.

A new start

Yesterday I finally ended my 10 years and 11 months of my career since going for my national service. these years of military service has let me go through a lot of things and saw many things that I have never thought of. Throughout the years, I went to United States for 2 years, 1 year as single and 1 year as married. It let me learn to be independant living over there and also learning to love and care for my wife too. I also went to Canada twice, Thailand twice, Indonesia once and Australia once for detachment and exhibition too. I also went through my love life and let me found my love and got settle down. I also started studying again. So now it will be another step as in finding a job.
Yesterday was really a mixed feeling for me. I was feeling happy that I leaving this organisation but also feeling sad leaving this group of colleagues whom I have good relationship with. I also feel worried about the future too. My new department which I had been there for about 8 months gave me a token of appreication of a coin and also my FWO bought pizza to celebrate me and my OIC farewell. But there was nothing from my previous department where I worked for at least 6 years over there. Maybe that is why I felt that leaving there was a better choice. But I will still miss the people there. Now it is time for the future and the challenge ahead. Hope I can get a new job soon.

Trains in Bangkok

I didn't write about the trains in Bangkok in the previous post. We wanted to try their train system when we reach Bangkok as we always took cabs to the hotel and back to airport when we go Bangkok, so I told my wife that why now try the train and see is it better and cheaper. Taking cabs cost us about 500 baht per trip every time. The airport railway is at the basement of the airport and there is two types of railway line; one is express line and the other is city line. The express line have two different stop, one stopping at Makkasan station and one stops at Phaya Thai station. Phaya Thai station is link to BTS Rail where you can take to Siam centre where MBK and Siam square. The express line cost 90 baht per person. The city line has eight stops, The time for waiting the express line plus travelling is about 45mins with only one stop while the city line took about the same amount of time to travel with 7 stops. So we took the city line as it was cheaper. I think I would take the train if I go Bangkok again, it is cheaper and will not be inside the Bangkok famous traffic jam.

Leaving Bangkok

We will be leaving Bangkok later in the afternoon, it has been a relaxing and pre-birthday trip for my wife. This is the most relaxing trip in Bangkok ever, we could take nap within the day, we could stop back at hotel and relax. Our hotel which we stayed is near Pratunum area is call Budacco hotel, it is a very nice hotel with colourful room. The only bad point of this hotel is there is only 8 floors and now we know that staying low level is a bad things as at night it will be very noisy, so we could not sleep and had to change to a higher floor. The location is very good and the room is clean and nice too, I loved it.
The purpose of this trip for me is to buy things for my work. I had a list that I wanted to buy, the list are: shirt, pants, bag for work, belt, leather shoe and those low waist short boxers. I managed to get all except pants and bag for work. I saw the forum that there are good tailors in Bangkok that made shirts and pants so I decided to come and try. I ordered and tailor made one shirt on last Friday and would get it on yesterday Monday. I did not tailor made pants as it was expensive and I could get it the same price in G2000 in Singapore. But the shop could not get my tailor made shirt in time despite using 3 days to do it. Luckily I will be leaving today instead of yesterday, if not they have to sent it back to Singapore for me. It was quite a bad experience for me, going 3 times a day to push them for my shirt. The boxers was really lucky to get it too, because the boxers that I want is not easy to get as I prefer small and short boxers than those normal baggy boxers which is easily available. I managed to find it at Platinum Mall and there are called police zebra boxers. It is a home brand made it Thailand and have a website for it (http://www.policebodysize.com/).
After waking up today, I was reviewing our trip and was thinking how to maximise our next trip to Bangkok. I was thinking is 6 days 5 nights too long? I was in the above website and found out that Pattaya has outlet mall which sell the boxers, so I went to check on Pattaya and it could be added to our next Bangkok trip when we coming over again. There is Hard Rock over there too. It will be in our itinerary in our next Bangkok trip.

Bangkok 4

Bangkok 4 means its my 4th time in Bangkok. It's my 7th time in the land of smile, 4 in Bangkok for shopping, 2 in Khorat for work and 1 in Koh Samui for anniversary. I'm still in Bangkok, while my wife is having her nap, so I decide to write my blog. This is the 4th day in Bangkok, we have visited almost all the place that we have wanted to go. The 2nd day we were here, we went to the Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. As the floating market and the railway market is two of the Thailand famous attraction other than shopping, I decided that we should visit them so we won't feel bored with the same routine in Bangkok. The tour guide named Tiger took us to the tour was very good, took us to the two markets, and give us a driving tour outside the palace and let us know the history of the kings of Thailand. This is our first time we had tour in Bangkok, as mostly we will walk ourselves as we only come here for massage and shopping. The rest of the days have been shopping, massage and eating, so I shall write more when we are back home.

Exams Over

Finally my 4th semester exams is over, time to concentrate on other things. Although I am halfway through my study, I am glad that its over so that I will have time to spend on my wife. We are planning to go Bangkok on this Thurs as her birthday trip as her birthday is around the corner. The last time we went over was last year June with her family, so she did not have much time of her own to shop. I am planning to go for the railway market and the floating market tour, so that our Bangkok trip would be different this year for the birthday girl.

Last weekend we went to Batam for a short weekend trip for massage and shopping. The massage was very cheap but the lady who massage my wife did not take off her ring before performing her job and I think she was not professional enough. The lady did not gave her and disposable underwear to change too as most massage would have. We went there with MF as he wanted to go there to buy sanitary pad for his wife as it was cheaper there. The last time I went overseas with MF was in year 2005 and that was with his then girl friend and I haven't met mine yet.

The third interview did not get me the job, so I got to start again. I have not been receiving calls for interview lately, so got to put more effort in sending resume again. I saw my friend who posted in Facebook that he will be taking the ECO course at SP in June, thought of joining him but it was a 6 days course in the day which I can't afford to gamble if there is a job opportunity comes, I will be stuck in between. And I will be taking 3 modules in the night class so it will be some tough choice to make, so I decided to try to take the course in the next intake in Sept. I am hoping that taking this course would make me more marketable in getting the job I want in the future.

Feeling the Heat

Feeling the heat? I'm not talking about climate change, thou I need to study about climate change for next week exams. Feeling the heat because I'm the only married guy in my batch who haven't got a baby yet. Four of us, Nic, Leon, Rog and me all got married about 3 to 4 years ago, Rog's wife just posted her ultrasound photos in FB, so now only left me. But I'm the only one now who is studying for my degree. We did plan that we wanted to have baby, we were hoping it will come next year as I will be finishing my degree by then. But seeing so many friends and relatives having babies this year, it kind of feeling the heat is burning our arses as everyone expected us to have babies. I think now I should be concentrating on my exams next weeks first.

The third interview was not bad, the questions asked were mainly scenario based questions. I manage to answered all but have to wait for their call again to know the results. Went to meet MF for lunch in TB plaza for the porridge buffet. Not really that good but for 8 plus dollars for a buffet its quite worth it. Went to Peninsula Plaza to pay off the Batam trip to the agency, for 80 plus per person for one night its still not bad. Yes! After the exams will be holiday.

Hope my clearance forms come quickly, got a feeling I might be delayed.

2nd Interview

The second interview was really better than the first. The HR lady was really friendly and told me everything I wanted to know. The project manager who interview me also describe everything for me to know. I think the only thing which was in the way was the notice period that make him have second thought. The place was a bit far from boon lay but its in the west so it is still alright for me. Now got to do is wait for call.

MF suddenly asking me wanted to go Batam to relax. That the only place he always go as he couldn't left his company behind for too long. He has been to Batam twice this year and he is still planning to go there. So he ask me if me and my wife wanted to go as his wife AL is not free. The last time we went for holiday together was in year 2005 I think. That was when his two kids was not born yet. I shared a room with him and his wife as I was single at that time and now he has to share a room with us this time. So we will be going Batam in April after my exams, before my wife's birthday trip to the land of the smiles for more shopping.

First Interview

After 11 years of stable life, I started a new journey so I went to my very first interview. It was very technical, not as what I have expected. So in the end, I need to wait for phone call to see if there is another interview to make sure if I can get it. Before and after the interview, I went to ask two of my friends about job related stuff. CS told me that he had just changed job and the new company has given him a pay raise, at least two thousands extra from his previous company. He thought he was really lucky to get that job, I thought so too. To get such a big pay raise is really such a big feat, I hope next time I could have this luck too. I talked to my other friend MF after the interview and such pay for that post is acceptable, but being no experience in this field, it is hard to get that amount for me.

So lets hope for the best and continue my journey.

Finally

Finally finish my two rounds of interview, seem like easy for the first one while the second one was really tough. But after the second interview, what he say was true, it will be difficult for me out there. Since I have make this move, I have prepared to brave the world outside. Everyone seem happy to leave, but for me it is kind of mixed feeling, after all it have been 11 years. Had my fair share of fun, growing up in a protected environment, learning to drive and knowing new friends, going to clubbing and going overseas to work, learning to take care of oneself and helping out each other, learning to cook and getting married, learning to take care of wife and studying for degree. All were done in this 11 years, but it's time to move on. What these 11 years have given me will be put close in my heart, the friends that I have made will always still be friends. Lets hope there will be a better future for me.

It's getting too draggy

Felt so angry after I found out that I couldn't get an appointment with A because B wanted to transfer me to another department and he didn't seem that he need to let me know. I was asking A's PA to book for appointment but she keep delaying me. This make me feel suspicious so I text C to find out what happen. C did not know what was the problem so I text B instead. He then reply me about this issue. I quickly call B and told him I'm not interested about this, so he then ask me to look for him tomorrow to talk again. This will be the sixth time I'm talking to him with no outcome every time. Hope this can be solved immediately.

PS: A is B's boss, B is C's boss, C is my boss.

Talking about the Climate Change again. This has been getting quite popular lately as everyone now has been feeling the heat. Some say the temperature is rising because of the human activities done to the earth which is causing the ice to melt and sea level to rise. But others say that heating up is a cycle which happened every few thousands years, where after Ice Age there will be a heat cycle aka global warming. So who is correct? We will never know unless you can live for another few thousand years to experience the Ice Age. Only our descendants will know.

Waiting again

Call the PA today and she told me got to wait till next week again. It seems like the waiting game had to continue. Maybe I have been there for almost 11years, there is always a pull factor behind it. But since I make up my mind I should not change it. My new boss in the department talked to me and wanting to change my mind again. He was very persuasive, but I did not move. I didn't want to change my mind again and again. I know out there it might be a jungle compare to the cozy forest I had been in, but if I don't go out to the jungle, I will not know how to survive if really things turns bad. So lets hope next week will be a better week.

Do you know that Singapore is trying to turn from a garden city to a city of garden? Being a garden city is not good enough now as climate change has threaten to change the life of the Earth. That is why now more building are going green, more parks are building on the rooftop of buildings. So lets do our part by going by giving back to nature. Conserve energy and build more greenery to save the Earth. Go natural.

The Saga Continue

Seem like the saga continue again when I was told to go for interview again. Having assignment coming back to back, it is really tiring of keep thinking about the same thing, talking about the same thing but to a different person. Is it because this is my first time? Maybe. Anyway its good to have a first time, this will prepare me when second time comes. I think now it is really the time to step out of the well, if not I will always be inside. I must be firm now.

Being Firm

Think that by being firm on what you want to do, you can achieve the things you want. I'm trying to change something in my life which I have been doing for many years, but when the time comes to change, I started to ponder and become indecisive. Now it have become a draggy affair which mentally drained me. How I wish I was firm and execute the things I want to do in the first place. Is it because I think too much? Or because I have been doing for the past 11 years that I need time to adjust it. this really affect my thinking and I just want to get the things done with and move on. Hope things can go my way and everything can be settle fast and harmony.

3rd Anniversary Trip

Went to Bali for our 3rd Anniversary Trip last week after the Chinese New Year. Our Anniversary Trip was suppose to be in last year December, but because of my exams, I postponed it to last week.

Thou it was rainy season, we were blessed that the rain only came during late at night so the weather was still hotter than Singapore, most of the time Jerlyn was in her bikini walking around. I engaged an agency from Joseph, who ask Wayan to be our driver. Joseph is the boss of the agency, he had 8 drivers under him, Wayan handle mostly Singaporean and Malaysian. He is a very funny guy, we enjoyed chatting with him. However Wayan got into accident on the 2nd day and had to change a driver who is much more quiet. We didn't enjoy much after that. Traffic was pretty bad in Bali. We were always caught in the traffic jam. The blue bird taxi which is their main authorized taxi company which goes by meter was cheaper than Singapore.

At first we should be staying in Nunia Boutique Villa as we bought it from www.outlet.com. This deal go through this middle company called Villas Indonesia and they are not really professional about their stuff. They forgotten to book the slot for us and 3 days before going to Bali, they called and said there some miscommunication between them and they were fully booked. I had booked way before ahead, about at least 5 months ago. Then told us they will help us to change to a better villa for us. Since there is no other choice, we accept and hope the next villa will be better. When we reached Bali to the new villa, the villa people say they were not informed by Villas Indonesia, but lucky someone cancel their villa, so we managed to stay in there, if not we got to sleep in the streets. Jerlyn was so angry with Villas Indonesia. Their service were poor and not helpful at all. We asked and found out that most villas in Bali goes through booking from Villas Indonesia. I will never use their service again.

Lucky the Astana Batubelig Villa was good, very quiet and lots of privacy, with private pool, open space bathtub, suntan bed in the villa, the weather was good for suntanning too that we tried suntan naked. The service is good, called them they will come help quickly. Had breakfast and candlelight dinner in the villa, they will come set up and let you enjoy the ambiance. It is a very good place to make babies as it is very secluded in a corner of seminyak, no one to disturb us. They provide transport to the town too though booking must be early. The spa was far from the villa and was only so-so, didn't have the feel like the one in Koh Samui. Checked their price for one night is USD300+ , really worth staying.

Sight seeing we visited Tanah Lot temple (temple in the sea), Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Kintamani volcano. There was so many people at Tanah Lot. Tegallalang rice terrace there was only terrace to see that all, we took about 1 hr plus to reach there just to see for 5-10mins, and lots of locals keep asking us to buy their stuffs. Kintamani Volcano was better, lots of restaurants there but we didn't eat their buffet, we saw they use the lava soils to built roads and house. Went to a coffee break which we were so called cheated as the coffee they sell were expensive but we were not in our clear mind when we bought it.

Water activities we went to Sanur for the seawalker. It was quite an experience and was really scared at first as the diver push us down the water and our ears felt pain when we reach the water bed, but they do teach you how to overcome it. Jerlyn said that I was very brave as I was the only one who went down wearing only swimming trunk while others were wearing board shorts. But this come with a price as I got bitten by the small fish. Jerlyn was wearing t-shirt over bikini as she scared it will be cold. The duration was only about 15mins and we saw fishes and starfish. They gave some bottles to feed the fishes, that when the fish came biting me.

Naughty Nuri have the pork ribs which is not bad and near our villa too. Learn from my driver Wayan that Bali main religion is Hindu, that why people eat pork here. The Babi Guling(suckling pig) is one of the famous food here. Ultimo Italian restaurant was not bad, quite reasonable. Wayan took us to their eatery where most drivers will eat their local food, it was cheap and taste better than some of the expensive food there. Seafood dinner at Jimbaran Furama restaurant was bad, not sure is it the food that caused both of us having slight diarrhoea after that.

Overall I think the place was quite expensive, maybe next time if we go again, it will be just relaxing in the villa and suntan naked.

Happy Lunar New Year

Another year of Chinese New Year arrived again. Every year as I grow older, Chinese New Year has become less exciting for me. Chinese New Year has become a normal public holiday to me. Every Year is the same, going to relatives' house to visit and give red packets to the younger generation. This year is the same, but with a holiday trip on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year, which is tomorrow, make it different for this year.

Day 1 of the water dragon year, which has quite a lot of rainfall for this year, Jerlyn and I will go to my parents house for the traditional mee sua for breakfast. After that, we went to visit my sister first, and then go to my 2nd uncle house to visit my dad's relatives and my aunt house to visit my mum's relatives. This year with Cyndi pregnant, we are feeling the heat as everyone is asking when is our turn? There are only two couple who are married but haven't had kids so naturally the arrows will be aimed at us and Jaymee and Calvin. For Jaymee and Calvin, I suppose they are trying for baby as Jaymee was saying that they had married for three years, it is about time to have kids when Jaymee met us for insurance talk. For me and Jerlyn, we are trying too. But for both of us, we are not so firm that we must have kids in this dragon year. We were trying to take nature at it course so that we won't be so stress about it.  

Let's see how our 3rd anniversary trip to Bali will turn out to be baby dance trip or just a normal anniversary relaxation trip.

A New Year, A New Beginning

A new year has started, I have also decided to end a chapter and start a new beginning. It is time for a change after almost 11 years of work. Though there is fear in me that after so many years in the comfort zone, I think changes must be made to move on. There will be a lot of uncertainty in the future, but if I keep a positive mindset, I would be able to pass through this few months of transition period. Life will be tough financially so I need to keep track on myself more often now. Jerlyn has been wonderful, giving me the support that I need. she knew that by changing, I will improve more, rather than staying put in the same small well for so many years. Hope this year will be a smooth year.

A new year has started, my new school term started too. Went for my first lesson till now, I was still warming up for the lesson as I was too tired because of work. Heard that the results for the last semester will be out on the first day of Chinese New Year, what a way to celebrate new year.