Hong Kong Day 1

This is us, on Jetstar that will bring us to Hong Kong for a holiday from 30 Mar to 6 Apr 2013. 

We topped up $25 each for the exit seat. The flight stewardess briefed us on Mayday! Mayday! procedures and went on with her duties.

Upon landing, we proceeded to the Airport Express ticketing counter and purchased our tickets to Kowloon Station. 

Hubs was very impressed by the clean train interior.

and was... captivated by the train ride so he went snap happy despite me telling him that it is impossible to get a clear shot in a fast moving train.

We stopped by some food joint at Kowloon Station for a quick meal before the free shuttle bus departed for Yau Ma Tei area. 

Wished Singapore has this too. Delicious rice and soup takeaway, perfect for our CBD area! 

We took the K5 bus, alighted at The Cityview and walked over to our accommodation under the romantic drizzles. This was the first trip we forgot to bring our umbrella, and it turned out to be the wettest trip so far.

Let me share about our accommodation, The Salvation Army Booth Lodge. It was the best accommodation during the trip. 

These are our hotel beds; no idea why the receptionists didn't give us a room with queen sized bed. Do we not look like a couple? 

Both of us liked the toilet a lot. He liked it cause it was bright in the day. I liked it cause.... there...was... a... BATHTUB! Nothing beats soaking in a warm tub after a day of walking, or chores.

We headed out after a short rest. First stop, the famous Tin Hau Temple (天后廟) @ Yau Ma Tei. 

The weather was getting unkind. Our shoes and socks were soaked thoroughly, making us desperately for warmth. Walked by the famous Yee Shun Milk Company. Hopped in and ordered delicious mango ice (so much for warmth!), almond milk and toast bread.

The weather forecast reflected rain and thunderstorms the entire week. We had to get new shoes to protect our feet from the rainwater. So we headed to nearest MTR, which was Yau Ma Tei Station. Took the train and alighted at the next station, Mong Kok. 

Hubs was sneezing due to the weather. We walked around Mong Kok, the well known shopping district. But did not fancy anything. Off to the Ladies' Market just round the corner, in hope of getting water resistant footwear. 

We managed to get more than our footwear! Rewarded ourselves with real warm food to beat the cold. Came across this traditional noodle shop. Had some soupy food and returned to the hotel. 

My shopping loot from Ladies' Market. Yes, RAIN BOOTS. Laughs!

Places of Attraction

Tin Hau Temple 天后廟

Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
MTR Yau Ma Tei Station Exit C, walk along Man Ming Lane to Temple Street.

Ladies' Market

Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks

Little things in life

A simple french toast made by hubby made me a happy lady. Even happier cause this was the first french toast he made for me, after a long day at work and taiji training session. :)

Be thankful for the little things in life.

Caught a series of virus

Morning of 27 January 2013 (Sunday), I had a bad feeling when I saw "Mummy" flashed on my mobile phone screen. Call it 6th sense? My mum told me Colin was running a fever. His normally chilled arms and legs were hot to touch during his sleep. The night before, Colin woke up many times, crying for comfort.

Sidetrack a little: I think I was the one who passed the fever to Colin cause I was feeling under the weather that week and spent whole Saturday with Colin. Plus we drank from the same bottle that morning before I felt really unwell. Guilty as charged.

Anyway, we monitored Colin's fever closely, sponged him constantly and administered paracetemol when his temperature climbed to 37.8degC. On the third day, we finally brought him to Dr. Gwee from My Family Clinic (Punggol). She said nothing serious, asked us to continue monitoring. Around this time, Colin started coughing occasionally. Doctor Gwee said people don't cough for nothing; no cough is random. We didn't take her comments seriously...until....

The next day, thank God his fever was gone, but he caught a cough and runny nose, probably from my mum, whom had been coughing for 2 weeks. His appetite was affected during this period. It was hard to drink with a blocked nose. He cried and cried, frustrated hungry little fellow. We brought him to the doctor again and was given nasal drops to reduce phlegm and Sterima nasal spray to clear his blocked nose.

It was war with Colin when we tried to administer both nasal medication. He would turn away, display his unhappiness vocally and brush our hands away from his face.

It was so bad his food will came out along with his cough. :(

A week later, cough gone.. but his poo ran loose, for as many as 4 times a day. We stopped giving him Friso Comfort (for his constipation). Had to go to the doctor the third time after 3 days of runny poo. Doctor said it should be viral. Gave us probiotics which lasted 10 days. Meanwhile we had to dilute his milk by 50% (which means 3 scoops of powder to 180ml of water instead of 6 scoops). Colin's butt was red and obviously very sore due to frequent bowel movements. He cried and cried in discomfort each time he pooed, unwillingly.

We went back to doctor after 10days cause he still had diarrhea. Given another 10days of probiotics. We also decided to switch from Karihome Goat's milk to Friso Soy milk and viola! No more diarrhea! He is still on soy now but we are slowly changing back to Goat's by adding a scoop of goat's every 2 weeks. His weight is back to almost 11kg!

This viral episode caused Colin to lose a few kgs. His michelin looking folds on arms were gone and cheeks were deflated (saw his dimples clearly for the first time). His night routine changed as well. My parents suffered many sleepless nights so that we could rest and concentrate at work. We were very grateful for their help. I have no idea how we would have cope without them!

As a chinese saying goes "家有一老如有一宝", which means having an elderly at home akin a treasure.

I'm thankful for a healthy baby. :)

Walking baby

I haven't been updating! Life has been busy with the little one. I will try to recall Colin's firsts and update at a later time..

So we went on a trip from 30 March to 6 April 2013 without Colin... and came home to a 10 month old walking baby! :)

My brother uploaded the video onto facebook for us while we were in Hong Kong.

This milestone was not surprising at all cause Colin loved standing. He first pulled himself to standing position in his cot on 23 December 2012, at 6+ months old, right after our staycation in Grand Park Orchard Hotel.

Now Colin prefers walking to being carried, unless he feels stressed in a new environment. Way to go baby boy!

Life is getting busier with a baby inspecting the house.. chasing cats... touching anything and everthing!

 

And you know what? His 2 front teeth are out too! We departed Singapore with his left front tooth halfway out.

First fall

What happened to your usual wake up cry today? You woke up silently and crawl over a big fat pillow and fell off our bed. I came into the room and shouted to daddy "Baby fell!!" the moment I couldn't see you on the bed. Daddy rushed in immediately too!

Spotted you faced down on daddy's side of the bed and hurriedly scooped you up with an achy heart. You cried and cried for the first time. Took me a few minutes to calm you..

Glad to see your happy self when you stood on your own feet (we can never understand why you love standing so much).

So this was your first fall, and many more to come. You are growing up so fast dear Colin. We love you, always.

Colin the Prince

Colin: Lies on bed, cries. Sits, cries. Being carried, cries. Plays with toys, cries. Stands, chuckles, smiles and laughs.

Mum: Dear, Colin wants to stand. Let's bring the walker back from my mum's place.

Dad: Sure, let's go!

Colin: Dozed off in the car

Mum & Dad: (-_-;)

Colin: Snoooooozed the moment we placed him in the cot.

Mum & Dad: Let's catch a nap now. Hahah

The Colin song

This is the song daddy sings to Colin when he cries, fusses, refuses to sleep, or any other situations daddy feels like signing to Colin.

Tune: 嗡嗡嗡小蜜蜂

Lyrics:
Colin boy Colin boy
爸爸最爱的 Colin boy
就是你 就是你
爸爸最爱你 (infinite loop)

Mummy's ideal lyrics:
Colin boy Colin boy
爸妈最爱的 Colin boy
就是你 就是你
爸妈最爱你

爷爷奶奶也爱你
外公外婆也爱你

Colin boy Colin boy
爸妈最爱你!

Baby Led Weaning

Colin is 5mths young! He has shown signs that he is ready for solids. And so I'm thinking whether spoon fed or baby led weaning would be better for us.

Hmmmmmm

Face recognition

Colin cried when grandparents Chang carried him today. Just like what grandparents Kam commented - Colin is beginning to recognise people!

Cute.

Baby Diary 3

Did time just flew by again? You're 3 month old already! Mummy only has 5 more days before returning to work.

Length: 65cm
Weight: 7.6kg



Your baby vocabulary increased.. You can now 'ah boooo' and 'grrrrrrr'. Your eyes still follows mummy most of the time (it will change when mummy starts working *sobs*).

Fingers are at your command now. You like to stare at your hands and observe your fingers. Somehow your fingers displayed its vulgar power.


You loved eating your fists!


Your saliva was free flow.. 2 bibs wet thoroughly for a 6 hour trip.

Neck is getting stronger everyday! Cant wait for you to flip...


You are amused with your feet whenever we placed you in the bumbo seat.


Slept on your tummy through the nights.

Started having a mind if your own. Insisting on carrying when you want to, slept when you are really sleepy.

Loved your crib toy!


We brought you out a few times and you were awesome! You enjoyed car and stroller rides.




Went to grandpa Chang and great-grandma Chang's houses for the first time too!

Keep growing our little boy.

Your 80th

I hope you will live till 80 years, and beyond. But for now, you need to cross your 80th (800th, 8000th...) day on earth.

You weighed 6.9kg. Many whom carried you said their arms were tired. But they all loved you the same and still carried you anyway. :)

Daddy and mummy sometimes fought over who should feed you, pacify you to sleep, and keep you entertained. Many more fights to come - fights that will only bring us closer as a family. We love you, always.

Mouth is for eating

You've officially entered the eat-your-own-hands phase!

Actually, you eat anything that comes in contact with your mouth. Handkerchieves, our arms, blanket, pillow... Laughs.

Can I sanitise your hands?

抱抱

抱抱, which means carry/hug in chinese, is often said together with a clap, follow by opening of arms to indicate a carry action.

It's sort of like a sign language to ask baby if he/she wants to be carried by the person doing the action.

Today, my mum did the action while Colin was being carried (in an upright position) by my dad. To our surprise, Colin turned his body around and stretched out his arms towards my mum!! Our jaws dropped; stunned at what just happened.

Was it coincidence? Or did he understand the action?

I prefer the latter. Heee. So this marks the first time Colin understood the 抱抱 action/sign.

We should have a pee and poo action too. :)

Here's a picture of him today! 70 days young!

Baby Diary 2

Happy 2 months Colin boy! See how much you've grown in a month!


Length: 60cm
Weight: 6.1kg

Milestones this month:
- You said 'Hello' to us

- Smiled more generously



- Found a new friend Mickey mouse



- Neck got stronger; no problem lifting your head off the bed, turned left and right



- Enjoyed sleeping on tummy time mat (gift from daddy), sometimes smiling too.






- Enjoyed hitting the elephant, hoping it would respond to you.



- Fingers received more fresh air. But as a result, you scratched your left eye area a few times.

- Got better with your exercise gym



- Liked being held upright

- Slept through the night 10pm-6am in your cot

- Had fun kicking in the sarong


- Went out with us to Novena Sq 2.

- Cried when we placed you in a meducca carrier

- Eyelashes grown longer



- Conquered your jaundice


- Outgrown some rompers



- Got cheeky and learnt to stick out tongue, drooled a lot too.


- Grown chubbier and still growing.






- Fell asleep yourself



Hope these 2 months were wonderful for you. We love you!

Hello!

I was seating beside his cot, looking at him quietly, waiting for him to settle down after startling himself awake. Next thing I knew, he looked into my eyes, smiled (with the pacifier in his mouth) and said "Hello".

Awwwwww... My heart melted instantly. Colin is soooooo cute!

Sarong

First time in sarong! Grandpa and grandma said this will make you sleep better.

First asleep

You are growing up so fast! Today was the first time you drifted to lala land by yourself in your own cot without us cuddling you. Yes, you did ask for some attention but eventually slept on your own! We hope this wont be the last time.. :)

Here's a picture of you sleeping comfortably!

Citizen of Singapore

We finally headed down to ICA and registered Colin's birth (daddy forgot his NRIC the last time we went)!

Have we mentioned his full name?
Colin Chang Renjie (Zhang Renjie)
张仁杰

Coincidentally, his NRIC ends with alphabet C!

Welcome to Singapore, Colin. :)) We hope you will enjoy your century long stay here.

Little note to Colin

Dear Colin,

You didn't sleep much today. You cried for grandma Kam, mummy and daddy to cuddle you the whole day, only to doze off in our arms then woke up when we place you down. Hope you are feeling all right.

Try get a good rest on our bed tonight!

Love,
Daddy & Mummy

Baby Diary 1

Week 1, you....
Woke us up often, like every hour, for precious milk.
Cried for unlimited carrying and rocking.
Was pacified by pacifier when you were 4 day old (we were amused by your sucking power).
Slept like a baby.


Week 2, you....
Spent almost half a week under artificial sun (phototherapy) for your jaundice.
Cried loudly for carrying all day.
Started sleeping through the night, waking up only for feeds at 12am, 3am and 6am.
Sang in your own language.


Week 3, you....
Started having lots of nose dirt.
Wailed for our attention to carry you.
Enjoyed a new way of sleeping.
Had a hard time sleeping during the day.
Smiled. :)


Week 4, you....
Still had a hard time sleeping in the day.
Started to make your carrier's arm tired faster.
Wailed loudly and faked cries for carrying.
Threw tantrums - refused feedings!
Stuck out your tongue and played with your saliva.


Time flies. It's been a month of parenthood for us.

Happy full month our dear baby boy. May you continue to grow longer(taller), healthier and smarter! Daddy and Mummy loves you.

Bolster hugging

Colin was asleep on me (imagine a koala hugging a tree) when I needed to go to the toilet. Being a light sleeper and cuddle lover, he will wake up if I were to place him down.

So I took his bolster and place it between his arms and legs, hoping he would think that I'm still near him; worked like magic!

And so today marks the first time he hugged a bolster!

Before and after

I miss being pregnant.. Having a life inside me felt amazing. His kicks, punches and hiccups were a constant reminder of life's miracles. I would say that the 41 week journey was filled with mainly excitement, joy and anxiety. I'm thankful morning sickness wasn't a friend of our pregnancy! Haa.

Will he be enstrangled by the umbilical cord? Have 10 fingers and toes? Cleft lips? Normal ears? Healthy? Look like daddy or mummy? Tall? Short? Smart? These were just some of the questions I had in my mind.

Now that Colin is out, our once peaceful world has been conquered by baby cries, milk, pee, shit and interrupted nights. Really thankful our nights aren't exactly sleepless because Colin nurses quite routinely at 12am, 3am and 6am since week 2. So we get some sleep if Colin sleeps immediately after his feeds. Hope it stays that way :D Of course, on some nights he just wanna be cuddled or sleeping with us.

Our cute little sticky cheeky boy!

Pee-ed

Colin decided to wet our comforter while mum was changing diaper for him. =D

He wet my pillow when he was 4 day old. Giggles.