Our littlest son is one year old today! It was one year ago that my 2nd maid ran away and the anxiety of which started my contractions (because my 1st maid was back in her home country for the holidays). It was one year ago that I’d experienced the shortest labour - less than 3 hours. I laid my eyes on this beautiful creature as he couldn’t wait for the ob-gyn to arrive, and just “popped out” on his own and landed on the bed. It was one year ago when I became a mother of 3 boys.

We had celebrated his birthday 2 days earlier seeing that it was a public holiday, together with our family. It was almost a deja-vu as about a year ago, we celebrated Brandon turning one at the same hotel. Family members shared casual chit-chat while digging into the buffet brunch amidst kids running around with balloons, popcorn and candy floss in their hands. It was a really nice and relaxing celebration. However, the poor birthday boy did not enjoy as much as he has a runny nose hence was rather grumpy. Never theless, when we started singing the birthday song, Bradley promptly clapped his hands and broke into a big smile. Never mind that he didn’t get to sit right in front of the cake as Bryan kor kor wanted to “help Bradley cut the cake because he is too small”. Never mind that he didn’t get to blow the candle because Brandon kor kor blew it out, one second into the song and we had to re-light it. Bradley is blessed to be surrounded by people who love him on this special day.

Bradley and his cow-themed birthday cake

Kor Kors blowing the candle

At one year of age, Bradley responds to his name, he loves to wreck the toys and games his kor kor are playing, and he can crawl really quickly especially when he hears, “Bradley, do not go into the kitchen/bathroom”.  Bradley can stand unsupported for a brief period of time and is cruising around, but still apprehensive about taking his first unsupported step. He can scoot up the stairs pretty fast though. He is not too big a fan of food but if starved a bit, will gobble up his meal in 5mins. Of late, he needs at least 7-8ozs of milk, even after meals. Loves to drink water from the Mag Mag sippy straw cup. Bradley says Papa, Mama, mum-mum (whenever he sees food), ta ta (bye bye) and duck very clearly. He loves to rub his own head for some strange reason and still enjoys sticking his forefinger into his mouth. Desparately in love with his cloth nappy. Go out without one and you’ll be in deep trouble!

Happy 1st Birthday, little Bradley!! You are the baby of our family and all of us love you to bits and to end!! Wishing you many many more happy returns *MUAK*  

The camera flash always makes Bradley squint

Thanks to those who expressed concern when I posted about Brandon and Bradley being ill. It was a terrible week for us - full of uncertainty and worry. After running several tests, Brandon was diagnosed with having a terrible case of stomach flu. But all of that has passed now. He is back to being the bully and for a small part of me, I am happy that he is back to being his naughty, cheeky self. Brandon did lose a bit of weight from not eating for 5 days but is happily regaining lost time (or should I say, lost meals?) the past 3 days.

Bradley recovered much quicker but is now down with a cold.

Mums worry and fret when her children are ill. Dads are way more cool. It’s the genetic design.

Brandon had fever on Monday & Tuesday and some vomitting. Then on early Wednesday morning (yesterday) at 4am, he started tossing and fussing in his sleep, crying  off-and-on. His cries got progressively louder and longer until 6am when I carried him downstairs. He kept rubbing his tummy and when I asked whether it was painful, he said “Yes”. Immediately, I packed him into the car and drove him to DSH. The medical officer checked his vitals and odered for a white blood cell count to be done. Brandon was so tired that he fell asleep on the trolley bed while the nurse pricked him. Poor boy. His results showed a low count, normal for either someone with a viral infection or dengue. We further tested him with the relatively new dengue test, which can detect from 48 hours instead of the older one which you needed to wait for 5-7days post-infection. Thank God the result returned a negative. 

Brandon had no appetite and barely ate the whole of yesterday. We just made sure he was sufficiently hydrated. He vomitted both his lunch and dinner out. Early this morning, he even vomitted water out and refused to eat anything. I gave him a suppository for the vomitting while VT held on to him as he was struggling. It was a sad sight for me but I had no choice. When I left for work, I was told that he managed to eat a few spoonfuls of cherios with milk. If he continues to vomit today, VT & I will admit him into the hospital so that he can be put on drip.

Bradley also had a fever on Monday and vomitted yesterday. His fever seemed to have broken yesterday with no more vomitting.

I have to say that my boys seldom fall ill (*touch wood*). This is probably Brandon and Bradley’s 2nd time getting a fever. I pray to God that He will he heal my babies soon without the need for hospitalisation, and to protect Bryan from the viral infection. Please pray for us too if  you could, thank you.

It is possibly the most difficult thing to do - getting all the 3 Bs to look into the camera at the same time. Smiling would be a bonus, but let’s not get too hopeful, shall we? I have tried countless times and have failed time and again.  If it’s only either 2, no problem but once the 3rd comes into the equation, I think only people like Jazzmint can capture those moments!

Can’t see Bradley at all as he’s been smouldered by his kor kors - can only see his yellow shirt
 

Better but still can’t see Bradley’s face

All 3 in this - B1 looks like he’s in position to poo; B2 is showing a monkey face; B3 is crying

I GIVE UP!!

Our first-born turns 4 years old today! I hate saying this, but oh, how time flies!! Bryan talks so much these days and takes reasoning extremely well, I must say. If he is not allowed to do/eat/say something, as long as he knows the reason, he won’t make a fuss. Bryan keeps us amused with the things he says and the things he does. There is never a dull moment with him around. As my MIL says, the only time he is quiet is when he is drinking his milk. He is still enjoying drinking from the bottle and it’s no big deal to me. Afterall, how many 18-year olds do you see drinking from a bottle? A whisky bottle, maybe but a baby bottle - none!

To celebrate Bryan’s birthday, we had a party at McDonald’s last weekend as per his request amongst our family and close friends. It was the only time I’d allowed Bryan (and Brandon, for the record) to eat Maccas to their heart’s content. He had a swell time and was obviously very happy with his birthday cake, with a Ben 10 theme from my regular baker.

 
At school, VT & I popped by during snack time so that Bryan could celebrate again with his peers. Instead of a cake, I had mini Ben 10 (yes, again!) cupcakes made. It was terribly cute to see how his friends singing the birthday song and oh boy, I have to say all the kids (including Bryan) are so well-behaved at school! Anyway, Bryan was very clingy to me when I was around so once snack time was over in 30mins, I’d quickly scooted out of the school before he started fussing.

The mini cupcakes from Christine

School mates singing the birthday song. Bryan was oh-so-serious throughout.

Party packs full of unhealthy stuff!!

Bryan, you are getting more matured everyday. You are a very caring and loving kor kor to your 2 di dis, and sometimes they take advantage of you. Keep smiling and stay happy. Papa and mummy wishes you many, many, many more happy returns. Happy Birthday, Bryan!!

I have known Christina (or Chris, for short) for the longest time. She was informally my mentor when I was all green-eyed and wet behind the ears when I’d joined the organisation I currently work in. Chris is one of those person whom will never fail to show you the ropes and bail you out when you’re in trouble. Yes, she will grumble when she has to but she ALWAYS lend a helping hand. When I’d just started work, I would be thrilled when my company sends me to Singapore for attachments. I would have a blast with Chris there, even at work because I really genuinely enjoyed her company and the way she works. Sometimes I would extend my stay in Lion city and being a lowly-paid fresh grad, Chris graciously opened up her home for me to bunk in.

Chris and I share a 20 year age gap, yet we clicked instantly from day 1. She is prim and proper, I’m not. She’s neat and tidy, I’m not. She is well-spoken, I’m loud & brash. She’s helluva skinny, as you know, I’m DEFINITELY NOT! She’s a very out-doorsy person, I’m a mall-rat. I could go on till the cows come home and I won’t be able to find something in common. And yet, she is one of my best friends. We can stay apart and not even communicate for months but the moment we start, the months lost will disappear.

Fast forward to last weekend when Chris was up in KL at Bryan’s request for “Aunty Chris” to celebrate his birthday. When I had first invited Chris up, little did she know that her Sunday lunch was errmm….McDonalds!! Never theless, this kind lady endured a 5-hour bus journey up here with little more than a thermos of hot tea and some pastries - she sounds so typically English, doesn’t she? We had a whale of a time - talking and laughing. Chris was the perfect babysitter - she kept the kids occupied while I could enjoy reading the papers together with my coffee. And the kids all adore her as well, chanting “Aunty Chris” all day long!

Although it was only for the weekend, everyone enjoyed having Chris around. Please do come back soon, ok??!

Chris with Brandon
 

Last Friday, Bryan’s kindy had its regular theme day. It’s an non-uniform day where children are encouraged to dress up according to the theme. This time around, it was “Recycle”.

VT & I discussed with Bryan on what he wanted, the response of which was a car. We wanted to do it over the weekend so that Bryan could contribute but it was close to impossible with the 2 younger ones around plus we had to have all the tools (knife, scissors, cellophane tape) on the floor. So VT & I decided to make it only on the eve. We both had great fun doing it although VT claims he was the labourer and all I did was to shout out instructions. Hey, somebody has to be the brains, right? *smirk*

The car was made from:

Body - empty box

Wheels - paper party plates

Windscreen - old plastic paper cut open

Wiper - straw

Front lights - old containers

Exhaust pipe - toilet roll

The following morning, Bryan woke up super early because he knows a “car” would be waiting for him. He couldn’t wait to give it a “test drive”. After he did that, he proceeded to paint the wheels and gave the car a bit more colour. My, oh my, he was beaming with pride & joy when he arrived at the school and had many other children & teachers crowding around him.

It is nice to see Bryan so happy. It was very every ounce of effort put in - even if it meant me setting the alarm clock to wake up once the kids were asleep to start the mini project. No wonder they said that parents will go at length for their children. You won’t comprehend this until you become a parent yourself.

Getting Bryan to the hair salon for a hair cut is a very traumatic experience. For me & VT, that is. From the moment we tell him where we are headed, he will start crying hysterically and his limbs will be all over the place. Now, to be hit by one of the flying limbs from a 25kg boy is no joke! VT usually holds him down while the lady (bless her for allowing us to return every single month, and always chasing away her other customers) quickly shaves off the hair. She needs less than 10mins. She is THAT good. Even when it’s over, Bryan will still be sobbing, as if we have somehow tortured him. Sometimes, he can cry until he throws up. No amount of cajoling, bribing or threatening works.

When Brandon was slightly older, we would bring him along. Now, Brandon is as cool as a cucumber. He will quietly sit on the hair on his own, and allow the nice lady to do as she pleases. Not a single sound. We thought that if Bryan sees how cool his di di is, he should be all right. But noooooo…….the cries continued up to last month.

Mr. Cool himself
 

VT & I mentally prepared ourselves for the monthly trip to the salon last week. I was adamant in capturing some photos so that I could show Bryan when he was older. As usual, Brandon went first while Bryan waited on the sidelines. And as usual, no problemo. Not even a flinch. Once done, Bryan approached the chair. I posed my camera in anticipation of the crying to come. And then, nothing. He needed a bit of persuasion to sit by himself on the chair but he was ok after that for the entire duration of the hair cut, which by the way, took much longer than 5 minutes since the poor lady wasn’t working under pressure anymore. He flinched a little when the razor got close the nape of the neck and ear, but I may say that Bryan passed with flying colours!

Getting ready

Flinching a little
 

Both Bryan and Brandon were treated to ice-cream at Baskin Robbins after that. Way to go, boys!!!!

We celebrated Brandon’s second year birthday at Marco’s Pizza @ Bangsar Village. We often frequent the place for reasonably good food that matches with its prices, and of course, the mini playground that allows us to eat in peace. It was a cosy affair although not a small affair eventhough it was only amongst family members. Both VT & I come from a family of 5, plus my god-daughter & her family, one special aunt -  so do the math. Earlier, I had ordered a few helium balloons to cheer the place up and an orange flavoured ”Elmo” cake from Tracey, my usual baker. We were undecided between that or a Thomas the Train, but each time we asked Brandon, he would always say “Elmo”. Afterall, that was the first two-syllable word he could say

All of us had a good time, especially so when we didn’t pre-order and allowed everyone to choose from the menu. We managed to save RM300 off the total bill as my best friend (also my god-daughter’s mother) has the store card, which gave those savings! I’ll let the photos do the talking.

The Setting - helium balloon plus a large size Elmo

The Cake

The Kids Singing the Birthday Song

The Birthday Boy with my Dad