Kaelyn has become more and more rebellious as she goes into the Terrible Twos..
Her favourite word - 'bu yao' ('dont want' in Chinese)
Us: Kaelyn, drink your milk / water.
Kaelyn: Bu yao bu yao (and pushes the bottle away)
Us: Kaelyn, finish your porridge
Kaelyn: Bu yao bu yao (and turns away from the feeding spoon)
Us: Kaelyn, go sayang and kiss Ye ye / Nai nai..
Kaelyn: Bu yao bu yao (and scoots off)
Actually i dont know where she picked up this phrase from. We've always said 'No' or 'Bu ke yi' to her, and very seldom tell her 'bu yao'. She could have heard it from someone somewhere and found it to be a very useful phrase!
To get what she wants - Scream, cry, wail, sit on the floor
She doesnt let anyone hold her hand while walking. And would very much prefer to venture around on her own, even when there are many people around. When we try holding her hands fearing she may get lost in the crowd or near the roads, she struggle really hard to break free. Of course not fogetting to scream her lungs out and plonk herself on the floor in protest. Sigh...
I hope this will all go away as she grows older...
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Kaelyn's first overseas trip - Bintan
6 - 8 December 2008 : Kaelyn went on her very first overseas trip - Bintan, Indonesia. Even though it was only an hour ferry ride away, it was still a trip that required a stamp on her passport.
We chose Bintan for our trip because we are a little bored with Sentosa already. We've stayed at the Rasa Sentosa twice within 6 months, and made several trips there on weekends. The other alternative location was Genting (which was first on David's list), but got thrown out after considering the fact that it was a 6 hour bus ride away! No way is our hyperactive girl going to sit in her seat for the 6 hours (not even for half of that time). It proved that we made the right choice when she couldnt even sit still for a 15 min bus trip from the Bintan ferry terminal to the Angsana resort!
We all had a great time, both Kaelyn and us. Kaelyn had so much fun interacting with other kids and playing with the other guests - she's not afraid of strangers and is really friendly. She also had 2 swim sessions, played on the beach and with toys in the kids room.
As for David and I, we had the opportunity to go for a spa session, and also just to lie on the deck chairs beside the pool with a good book in hand, fall asleep, wake up for a swim, and come back to the deck chair and fall asleep again..... Ahhh, I never know this can be so enjoyable too. I used to wonder why some people's idea of a holiday is to just sit by the pool and read. Now I know.... But if we were in New Zealand or somewhere in Europe, I wouldnt spend my time like that!
On our way back, I had a bad bout of seasickness. Kaelyn too. She was screaming in discomfort as the ferry bobbed up and down in the sea. Poor little baby... but she fell asleep not long after so it wasnt that bad.
Comparing this trip to Sentosa,
- Sentosa's Rasa Sentosa is better in every aspect
- Beach in Bintan is much better than Sentosa. Natural is better than man made!
- More mosquitoes in Bintan than Sentosa
- More attractions / activities in Sentosa than Bintan
Here are the pics:
Kaelyn getting all excited weaving in and out of the rows of chairs in the reception room, playing hide and seek with us and other guests at the Angsana Resorts and Spa.
Ahh, the comfortable bed in the room
Having a whale of a time on the beach building sandcastles
She's a water baby, happily splashing around in the pool. Doesnt matter if the water lands on her face - she'll gladly slurp it in!
Having some time of our own while the tired gal's sleeping..
A parting shot before heading back to Singpapore
We chose Bintan for our trip because we are a little bored with Sentosa already. We've stayed at the Rasa Sentosa twice within 6 months, and made several trips there on weekends. The other alternative location was Genting (which was first on David's list), but got thrown out after considering the fact that it was a 6 hour bus ride away! No way is our hyperactive girl going to sit in her seat for the 6 hours (not even for half of that time). It proved that we made the right choice when she couldnt even sit still for a 15 min bus trip from the Bintan ferry terminal to the Angsana resort!
We all had a great time, both Kaelyn and us. Kaelyn had so much fun interacting with other kids and playing with the other guests - she's not afraid of strangers and is really friendly. She also had 2 swim sessions, played on the beach and with toys in the kids room.
As for David and I, we had the opportunity to go for a spa session, and also just to lie on the deck chairs beside the pool with a good book in hand, fall asleep, wake up for a swim, and come back to the deck chair and fall asleep again..... Ahhh, I never know this can be so enjoyable too. I used to wonder why some people's idea of a holiday is to just sit by the pool and read. Now I know.... But if we were in New Zealand or somewhere in Europe, I wouldnt spend my time like that!
On our way back, I had a bad bout of seasickness. Kaelyn too. She was screaming in discomfort as the ferry bobbed up and down in the sea. Poor little baby... but she fell asleep not long after so it wasnt that bad.
Comparing this trip to Sentosa,
- Sentosa's Rasa Sentosa is better in every aspect
- Beach in Bintan is much better than Sentosa. Natural is better than man made!
- More mosquitoes in Bintan than Sentosa
- More attractions / activities in Sentosa than Bintan
Here are the pics:
On the ferry - on the way to Bintan
Kaelyn getting all excited weaving in and out of the rows of chairs in the reception room, playing hide and seek with us and other guests at the Angsana Resorts and Spa.
Ahh, the comfortable bed in the room
Toys galore in the kids room
Having a whale of a time on the beach building sandcastles
She's a water baby, happily splashing around in the pool. Doesnt matter if the water lands on her face - she'll gladly slurp it in!
Having some time of our own while the tired gal's sleeping..
A parting shot before heading back to Singpapore
A very good friend's wedding
I attended a very good friend's wedding 2 weeks ago. I've known her for about 13 years now, being in the same JC, university and first job. I'm really happy for her to have found such a great husband. I dont know him well, having met him only once before the wedding. But from the brief conversations, the church ceremony etc, I know he's going to be great husband.
I remember my own wedding more than 5 years ago (OMG, has it been that long already?!), she took a day off work to help us out during our wedding shot for the wedding album. She was also my 'personal assistant' on my actual wedding day itself, and helped me a lot on the preparations. I'll never forget that..
Yet, on her wedding 5 years after, I was not able to reciprocate the gesture. What I can give her is my sincere blessings and share in her joy. I did not even have the chance to get her a decent wedding gift, or tell her truly how happy I was for her. She being stationed overseas and me being tied up with my family and work here were the main reasons.. Now thinking back, I think I was really terrible as a friend.
But I know she will not put this to heart, definitely not. That's the best thing about good old friends. You may not see or speak to each other for a long time, but when you do, you are never at a loss for words. And you still know how each other thinks or feels.
So, I attended the wedding just like any other guest. It was a slightly different wedding from the others I have attended, not just because she was a good friend. But I remember being touched several times by the pastor's and the groom's speeches. There were a few moments when I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and memories of my own wedding and images of my small family of 3 flashed across my mind. I dont know why I have suddenly become so emotional, given that I did not even feel this way on my own wedding! Must be due to child birth (at least that's what I attribute to all the changes I went through over the past year...).
Congratulations once again. All the best, and we will still continue to be in touch..
I remember my own wedding more than 5 years ago (OMG, has it been that long already?!), she took a day off work to help us out during our wedding shot for the wedding album. She was also my 'personal assistant' on my actual wedding day itself, and helped me a lot on the preparations. I'll never forget that..
Yet, on her wedding 5 years after, I was not able to reciprocate the gesture. What I can give her is my sincere blessings and share in her joy. I did not even have the chance to get her a decent wedding gift, or tell her truly how happy I was for her. She being stationed overseas and me being tied up with my family and work here were the main reasons.. Now thinking back, I think I was really terrible as a friend.
But I know she will not put this to heart, definitely not. That's the best thing about good old friends. You may not see or speak to each other for a long time, but when you do, you are never at a loss for words. And you still know how each other thinks or feels.
So, I attended the wedding just like any other guest. It was a slightly different wedding from the others I have attended, not just because she was a good friend. But I remember being touched several times by the pastor's and the groom's speeches. There were a few moments when I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and memories of my own wedding and images of my small family of 3 flashed across my mind. I dont know why I have suddenly become so emotional, given that I did not even feel this way on my own wedding! Must be due to child birth (at least that's what I attribute to all the changes I went through over the past year...).
Congratulations once again. All the best, and we will still continue to be in touch..
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Our weekend outings in November
8 November - East Coast and Marina Barrage
When we reached East Coast that day, the skies started to darken and it looked like it was going to rain. We've arrived with Kaelyn's beach toys and were prepared to have some fun in the sand, so I refused to believe the rain was here to stay. But just in case we really were so unlucky, David decided to put his 2 man tent into good use. It was a great idea! The rain didnt come and we had great fun in the tent and on the sand!
After our East Coast trip, we had a rest at Ye ye & Nai nai's house, where Kaelyn posed for the camera with her cheeky look
In the late afternoon, we left for the Marina Barrage for a walk. Quite a nice scenic place except that it was crowded with families and the restaurants were not opened yet. But Kaelyn had a great time there, running around on the grass and playing ball with other kids. She's one sociable baby, always looking for children to play with.
Yay, I got the bal!
Mama asked me to return to Kor kor
Kor kor, next time we play again together, ok?
A shot with Mama
When we reached East Coast that day, the skies started to darken and it looked like it was going to rain. We've arrived with Kaelyn's beach toys and were prepared to have some fun in the sand, so I refused to believe the rain was here to stay. But just in case we really were so unlucky, David decided to put his 2 man tent into good use. It was a great idea! The rain didnt come and we had great fun in the tent and on the sand!
After our East Coast trip, we had a rest at Ye ye & Nai nai's house, where Kaelyn posed for the camera with her cheeky look
In the late afternoon, we left for the Marina Barrage for a walk. Quite a nice scenic place except that it was crowded with families and the restaurants were not opened yet. But Kaelyn had a great time there, running around on the grass and playing ball with other kids. She's one sociable baby, always looking for children to play with.
Kaelyn: 'I see people playing ball! I want to play too!'
Yay, I got the bal!
Mama asked me to return to Kor kor
Kor kor, next time we play again together, ok?
A shot with Mama
15 November - Singapore Flyer (surroundings only)
I have been wanting to go to the Singapore Flyer ever since its opening but didnt have a chance to. But today, we finally are able to make a stop there. Didnt go up on the flyer itself - David says wait till the IR is ready or else we will just be looking at all the ongoing construction sites. Well, which is quite true. So we decided to just roam around. Kaelyn enjoyed herself thoroughly at this stuff toy making shop, running, pointing to the toys, hugging the bears etc. There was nothing really much there other than the flyer. A couple of restaurants, some shops and a small 'rainforest walk'.
Look at the dog - woof woof!
16 November 2008 - Popo's birthday
Today's my mum's (Kaelyn's popo's) birthday, and we celebrated over dinner at the Straits Kitchen at Hyatt hotel. Pre-dinner, we walked around the hotel lobby. Kaelyn was running and prancing around, chuckling happily at the same time. Must be the large area available for her to explore. The dinner was good, with a wide spread of food. But I still think that The Line at Shangrila is better.
Happy birthday, Popo!
A kiss for Gong gong. Oh, what a darling!
Peek-a-...
...Boo! Ha ha, I see you!
I have been wanting to go to the Singapore Flyer ever since its opening but didnt have a chance to. But today, we finally are able to make a stop there. Didnt go up on the flyer itself - David says wait till the IR is ready or else we will just be looking at all the ongoing construction sites. Well, which is quite true. So we decided to just roam around. Kaelyn enjoyed herself thoroughly at this stuff toy making shop, running, pointing to the toys, hugging the bears etc. There was nothing really much there other than the flyer. A couple of restaurants, some shops and a small 'rainforest walk'.
Where's the Singapore flyer?
Look at the dog - woof woof!
All I want for Christmas is this cuddly bear!
16 November 2008 - Popo's birthday
Today's my mum's (Kaelyn's popo's) birthday, and we celebrated over dinner at the Straits Kitchen at Hyatt hotel. Pre-dinner, we walked around the hotel lobby. Kaelyn was running and prancing around, chuckling happily at the same time. Must be the large area available for her to explore. The dinner was good, with a wide spread of food. But I still think that The Line at Shangrila is better.
Eh, what is that?
Happy birthday, Popo!
A kiss for Gong gong. Oh, what a darling!
Peek-a-...
...Boo! Ha ha, I see you!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hokkaido - August 2008 (Day 5 - 8)
Day 5 - Otaru (5 Aug 08)
Went on a day trip to Otaru, a small town near Sapporo. Highlights were the famous Otaru canal, musical box factory, and lots of small authentic Japanese shops selling food, souvenirs and crafts.
As we walked along the streets, we couldnt stop ourselves from indulging in the snacks and BBQ seafood. It's a nice little place but was very very hot!
BBQ crab for lunch
Delicious Hokkaido melon (sells for S$80 - S$100 in Singapore)
Yummy BBQ scallops
Outside the musical box factory
Day 6 - Noboribetsu (6 Aug 08)
This day we embarked on a 2 day 1 night trip to Noboribetsu. Of the entire trip, the hotel accomodation in Noboribetsu (Dai ichi Takimoto kan) is the most expensive of all. There's an indoor swimming pool, and separate hot spring areas (both indoor and outdoor) for men and women. We also had buffet dinner in this hotel. I could just stay in the hotel for the entire week to enjoy the hot springs, swimming pool and food!
In the female hot springs area, there are around 9 hot spring pools with temperature ranging from 39 degrees to 42 degrees. As you soak in the bath, you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well. Sometimes I wonder how they were able to build outdoor spring baths but at the same time hidden from outsiders... For those who are not familiar with Japanese hot spring baths, you are not allowed to wear any clothes (yes nothing at all) into the bath, only a small piece of towel to wash yourself. Apart from the initial awkwardness, once I begin to soak in the warmth of the hot spring water, and moving from one pool to the other, I feel I could just stay in there forever!
Apart from the baths and food, we also managed to trek around 'Hell valley', an area with hot bubbling underground spring waters and high sulphur concentration.
Enjoying a hot spring for the feet along the hike
Day 7 - Shiraoi village, Sapporo (7 Aug 08)
On our way back to Sapporo, we made a little detour to the Shiraoi village. This place was recommended in the guide books and we thought it would be an easy place to find but how wrong we were! We took a train to one of the Shiraoi train station and walked for almost 20 mins in the hot blazing sun before we found the place. It was very out of the way and in there we watch a short performance by the Ainu people (couldnt understand a single word) and walked around the museum which showcased the history and ways of life of the Ainu people. We also saw a few large bears in cages. We realised that this is only catered for tourists who disappeared as quickly as they appeared. The only great thing about this place is the beautiful scenery.
In the evening, we went back to Sapporo to soak in its night life.
Day 8 - Sapporo (8 Aug 08)
We spent the last day of our trip walking all around Sapporo. We went up the Sapporo TV tower, the Tokei dai wooden clock tower, a big garden in the centre of Sapporo (cant recall the name now), shopping malls etc. Basically just taking our time relaxing and soaking up the culture...
Fountain in Sapporo garden
I cant get enough of the Hokkaido melon!
Day 9 - Sapporo - Singapore
End of our trip - Home sweet home. Kaelyn, here we come! Papa and Mama miss you!
Went on a day trip to Otaru, a small town near Sapporo. Highlights were the famous Otaru canal, musical box factory, and lots of small authentic Japanese shops selling food, souvenirs and crafts.
As we walked along the streets, we couldnt stop ourselves from indulging in the snacks and BBQ seafood. It's a nice little place but was very very hot!
Famous Otaru canal
BBQ crab for lunch
Delicious Hokkaido melon (sells for S$80 - S$100 in Singapore)
Yummy BBQ scallops
Outside the musical box factory
Day 6 - Noboribetsu (6 Aug 08)
This day we embarked on a 2 day 1 night trip to Noboribetsu. Of the entire trip, the hotel accomodation in Noboribetsu (Dai ichi Takimoto kan) is the most expensive of all. There's an indoor swimming pool, and separate hot spring areas (both indoor and outdoor) for men and women. We also had buffet dinner in this hotel. I could just stay in the hotel for the entire week to enjoy the hot springs, swimming pool and food!
In the female hot springs area, there are around 9 hot spring pools with temperature ranging from 39 degrees to 42 degrees. As you soak in the bath, you are able to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well. Sometimes I wonder how they were able to build outdoor spring baths but at the same time hidden from outsiders... For those who are not familiar with Japanese hot spring baths, you are not allowed to wear any clothes (yes nothing at all) into the bath, only a small piece of towel to wash yourself. Apart from the initial awkwardness, once I begin to soak in the warmth of the hot spring water, and moving from one pool to the other, I feel I could just stay in there forever!
Apart from the baths and food, we also managed to trek around 'Hell valley', an area with hot bubbling underground spring waters and high sulphur concentration.
Hell's valley
Enjoying a hot spring for the feet along the hike
On our way back to Sapporo, we made a little detour to the Shiraoi village. This place was recommended in the guide books and we thought it would be an easy place to find but how wrong we were! We took a train to one of the Shiraoi train station and walked for almost 20 mins in the hot blazing sun before we found the place. It was very out of the way and in there we watch a short performance by the Ainu people (couldnt understand a single word) and walked around the museum which showcased the history and ways of life of the Ainu people. We also saw a few large bears in cages. We realised that this is only catered for tourists who disappeared as quickly as they appeared. The only great thing about this place is the beautiful scenery.
In the evening, we went back to Sapporo to soak in its night life.
Sapporo with TV tower at the background
Day 8 - Sapporo (8 Aug 08)We spent the last day of our trip walking all around Sapporo. We went up the Sapporo TV tower, the Tokei dai wooden clock tower, a big garden in the centre of Sapporo (cant recall the name now), shopping malls etc. Basically just taking our time relaxing and soaking up the culture...
Sunflowers in Sapporo
Fountain in Sapporo garden
I cant get enough of the Hokkaido melon!
Day 9 - Sapporo - Singapore
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hokkaido - August 2008 (Day 1 - Day 4)
I finally got down to writing about our Hokkaido trip. It was a trip as a couple after we had Kaelyn. We had contemplated bringing her along but after thinking about the logistics, we decided against it. In terms of the timing, we planned it such that it was after her first birthday celebration, and coincided with the time I could take my mandatory block leave of 2 weeks. So first week will be for the trip and 2nd week to come back and spend time with Kaelyn in case she forgets me after our 8 day absence.
Here are some photos and what we were up to during the 8 days, enjoying our little break from our daughter.
Day 1 - Chitose, Furano (1 Aug 08)
We flew from Singapore into Chitose airport and from there, took a train all the way to Furano (land of flowers). At Furano station, we collected our rented car and proceeded to look for our accomodation near the Furano ski area. Till now I still didnt quite remember why i booked a place near the ski area (which is out of the way) when it's summer... We still had some time before the sun set for a short visit to Farm Tomita, followed by the famous Gengkhis Khan BBQ dinner. I still can remember how the lamb, chicken, pork liver etcy tasted.. yummy!!!
Day 2 - Around Furano, Asahikawa (2 Aug 08)
The weather on the 2nd day wasnt very good, so we postponed a second visit to Farm Tomita (we had only visited part of the farm the day before). So we drove round visiting cheese and wine factories in Furano before deciding to head to Asahikawa, the second biggest city in Hokkaido (after Sapporo). Along the way to Asahikawa, we made 2 fantastic discoveries - a lovely field of lavendars (although starting to dry up) and another flower farm, Kami Furano farm.
GPS - the greatest invention for all drivers (or rather drivers like me with no sense of direction!)
With the GPS, no need for maps, no need for a navigator while the other drives, no need to worry about getting lost in a foreign land!
Some photos at the Asahiyama zoo. Here, we could get real close to the animals!
Day 3 - Furano, Sounkyo (3 Aug 08)
On the third day, the weather was slightly better, and we went back to Farm Tomita before setting out for Sounkyo (a place with natural waterfalls and gorges). Along the way, we stopped by the 3D Trick Museum. We reached Sounkyo in the evening and enjoyed our first hot spring bath in this trip at our accomodation. It was so relaxing and heavenly!
I like Sounkyo best in this trip - lovely scenery (waterfalls, mountains etc). This is also the place where David dropped his SLR camera and damaged his lens = ( He was so upset the whole day that we decided to go hunt around Sapporo that evening for a repair shop or to by a standby lens. We eventually bought a simple lens at Bic Camera in Sapporo. By the time we had dinner, it was already almost 10pm...
Tired after spending 2 - 3 hours looking for camera lens
Here are some photos and what we were up to during the 8 days, enjoying our little break from our daughter.
Day 1 - Chitose, Furano (1 Aug 08)
We flew from Singapore into Chitose airport and from there, took a train all the way to Furano (land of flowers). At Furano station, we collected our rented car and proceeded to look for our accomodation near the Furano ski area. Till now I still didnt quite remember why i booked a place near the ski area (which is out of the way) when it's summer... We still had some time before the sun set for a short visit to Farm Tomita, followed by the famous Gengkhis Khan BBQ dinner. I still can remember how the lamb, chicken, pork liver etcy tasted.. yummy!!!
Day 2 - Around Furano, Asahikawa (2 Aug 08)
The weather on the 2nd day wasnt very good, so we postponed a second visit to Farm Tomita (we had only visited part of the farm the day before). So we drove round visiting cheese and wine factories in Furano before deciding to head to Asahikawa, the second biggest city in Hokkaido (after Sapporo). Along the way to Asahikawa, we made 2 fantastic discoveries - a lovely field of lavendars (although starting to dry up) and another flower farm, Kami Furano farm.
Field of Lavendar and scenic background
Kami Furano flower farm
Kami Furano flower farm
GPS - the greatest invention for all drivers (or rather drivers like me with no sense of direction!)
With the GPS, no need for maps, no need for a navigator while the other drives, no need to worry about getting lost in a foreign land!Some photos at the Asahiyama zoo. Here, we could get real close to the animals!
Day 3 - Furano, Sounkyo (3 Aug 08)
On the third day, the weather was slightly better, and we went back to Farm Tomita before setting out for Sounkyo (a place with natural waterfalls and gorges). Along the way, we stopped by the 3D Trick Museum. We reached Sounkyo in the evening and enjoyed our first hot spring bath in this trip at our accomodation. It was so relaxing and heavenly!
Farm Tomita
3D Trick museum - David's actually standing in front of a painting
And I am sitting on a small stool in front of a painting of the armchair - not actually sitting on the chair...
Day 4 - Sounkyo, Sapporo (4 Aug 08)
I like Sounkyo best in this trip - lovely scenery (waterfalls, mountains etc). This is also the place where David dropped his SLR camera and damaged his lens = ( He was so upset the whole day that we decided to go hunt around Sapporo that evening for a repair shop or to by a standby lens. We eventually bought a simple lens at Bic Camera in Sapporo. By the time we had dinner, it was already almost 10pm...
Beautiful scenery at Sounkyo
Tired after spending 2 - 3 hours looking for camera lens
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