Daddy will be back in a matter of hours... I must be so elated because I could not sleep well and woke up earlier than usual.

It has been 3 long weeks but thankfully, it is over. Cheryl, I tell you, children have this telepathic ability, she was literally chanting "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy..." for the whole of yesterday. Then I told her, "Yes, darling. You will see Daddy when you wake up tomorrow morning."

It was no laughing matter to go to the hospital in the night. We only got back at 1am.

Aunt Linda was very kind and sweet to offer to pick Cheryl and me up from Grandmummy's place. On the ride home, Cheryl fell asleep and I noticed that there was a persistent red spot on her cheek. I thought it was some harmless mosquito bite and promptly applied some oilment on her cheeks.

Then two hours later, when I wanted to turn in, something made me switched on the lights to check on Cheryl and I had a fright of my life. What seemed like an innocent mosquito bite had turned really nasty and swollen. When I touched her cheeks, it was very warm too. I called Grandmummy and tried to explain to her what I saw but she didn't really understand me so I took a picture on my phone and sent it to her. Aunt Juliana and Grandmummy told me to go to the hospital.

I was wondering how to get there... and I called Aunt Angie. After she received the picture, her message to me was "We are coming over to bring Cheryl to KK. Be there in 15 min". Time check: 11.20pm

Cheryl was drowsy from her sleep but she was not fussy until she saw the masked nurses and doctor. Then she cried like there was no tomorrow. But the strange thing was, even before I could give her any medication; be it orally or application, the "hives" subsided as quietly as it came. Doc could not confirm if it was even hives in the first place but he mentioned that it could be anything from food, to dust. Oh my gosh! It would be terrible to be allegic to dust because unless we live in a Clean Room, a dust-free environment is virtually impossible.

After that, Cheryl was alright and we came home shortly. I was thankful for the wonderful friends who really lent their hands. Thank you Uncle Vincent (and Aaron; who provided much entertainment along the ride with his endless questions) and Aunt Angie for rushing down to bring our Precious to the hospital. Time check: 1am. I seriously thought it would be much later because the A&E Department was packed with worried-looking parents, screaming babies; toddlers to even some foul-smelling ones too.

After her milk, Cheryl went back to bed. This morning before I went to work, I took a closer look at her and smiled to see her porcelain face again. I thought she might be scarred for life!

A little on the bright side: Daddy will be back soon; on Wednesday! Hurray!

On Saturday, we went to Orchard Road for a little shopping with Grandparents, Aunt Diana and Uncle Ben.

Cheryl was sleeping and we decided it was the best time to eat lunch. After lunch, we went to the Baby Fair at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. There was not much to buy but Cheryl woke up and she decided that she wanted to do a little shopping herself there so I brought her back in again.

As we were walking to the train station, Cheryl was impressed with the water fountain outside the shopping centre and I thought it would be a nice shot.

Cheryl was a little distracted because she saw her favourite balloons ...

This morning, after Cheryl had her shower, she looked out the window and showed Grandmummy that she wanted to be at the playground. So we brought her down and as usual, she was all smiles. Unfortunately, it started drizzling and we had to come back soon.

We had dinner with Aunt Colleen, Uncle Zixian, Bernie and Bernie's Grandma.

I was on the train back when I received a message from Aunt Angie. Then, we realised we were on the same train! What a coincidence! But Aunt Angie could not join us because Zinnia was at the pool and Baby Yeva was sleeping. Besides, Uncle Junming was busy at work still. I guess we will meet up when Daddy is home, which by the way, will be this Wednesday. We miss him dearly...

Bernie's Grandma was so sweet, she treated the little girls to kiddie rides. Cheryl was thrilled because I usually do not allow her on such rides.

See the smile on Cheryl's face? I reckoned Bernie must be thinking that Cheryl is such a deprived child...

We also went groceries shopping after that. Cheryl who usually dislikes being in the trolley asked to be in it because she had company. It was way past her bedtime but she didn't betray any sense of tiredness.

Camera spoilt!

Our camera looks ready to die any minute. I am hoping that it will last for as long as it can.

I wanted to bring it down for servicing but just to check the camera will cost me $60 and the camera is no longer under warranty. Really don't know if it is more worth it to buy a brand new one...

I am not feeling well today and Cheryl also fell ill. She has fever and threw up her milk several times. Our bed really smells and thank God for mattress protectors; my life (and my mattress')saver. Doc said she might be suffering from stomach flu and if that is the case, she cannot drink milk but Cheryl will only take milk and nothing else when she is ill.

At the clinic, she was fed some antibiotics and anti-vomit meds and that girl really exercised her lungs! Some parents there were filled with pity that I had to hold her down while the Doc's assistant fed her. What a traumatic experience!

Anyway, a little on the bright note, yesterday, while we were out shopping, Cheryl spotted sunglasses and she grapped one to try it on. You think she looks good in it?

Cheryl has also developed a thing for kiddy rides. She would demand to be put in every single one she spotted and when other children wanted to get on, I would carry her off to make way for them. Cheryl would then ratter off as if to complain that she was there first. Her brows would be kneaded together and she would be gesturing. If only we could fully understand what she was saying...

Cheryl woke up early... around 6.30am and it was like she was expecting it to be an exciting day. Oh, how right she was!

I gave Grandparents a call and found out they had gone to MacRitchie Reservoir with Grand Uncle Chee and Aunt June so we decided to join them there. Once we were there, we waited for them at the car park. There was someone selling shoes there and Cheryl, who always has a thing for shoes, decided she wanted to try out a pair or two. The guy laughed and said Ronald McDonald can take a break now. Of course, we added that she was doing advertisement for Nike!

Then we started on our walk. It was a long walk but a very educational one because we saw an Oriental Whip Snake. Grand Uncle Chee initially thought he saw something that looked like a snake and it was only after a while that we realised it was a real snake. We also saw people learning how to kayak. There were so many activities going on there!

We also found out why Tampines is pronounced "Tampinis" and not "Tam-pines". Apparently, lots of Tampinis trees were found in that area before it was developed into the town that it is today.

Cheryl also saw a squirrel and some wild mushrooms. She could recognise ferns and would point to them when we asked her where the ferns were. We also encountered monkeys on the trail and Grand Aunt June, fearing that the monkey would come after Cheryl for her milk, decided to keep her bottle of milk and pass the monkeys first before giving her the rest of her bottle.

It was by, and large a very educational trip, not just for her but for us too! Totally enjoyable! Nothing beats the fresh air and refreshing walk.

Daddy called up in the afternoon while we were talking a nap; we were so exhausted from the walk and needless to say, I was thrilled! He updated me on how he was doing and asked about our little girl. Daddy misses Cheryl so much! Daddy, Cheryl misses you too... and so do I.

I received a call sometime last week. It was from some Image Consultant Company and apparently, I have won a complimentary makeover session. So I decided to give it a try as I have never done a makeover.

I was repeated told to bring my own clothes but I thought if I would to do that, then what makeover would it be? I would just look normal so I went down empty-handed.

They complimented me on my babyish looks and expressed their surprise when they learnt that I am no longer in my 20s and to top it all up; that I have a baby.

But still they gave me a "wild" look!

I took a while before I could get use to this and it was so tiring posing for the shots. I think I should just stick to my day job.

This is the natural look and you know what? I think I prefer this picture; it's more ME.

You decide...

Oh, when I returned home, Cheryl has her own makeover... I saw her at the void deck. Her hair was up in pony tails but they were so lop-sided, at any one time, only 1 pony tail could be seen. I was so tempted to take a picture of her but then decided that it won't be fair to her.

Cheryl mastering the fork

Today I happened to leave work earlier than usual so I had time to buy new shoes. My shoes were giving way and I was none the wiser. Only found out that I desperately needed new shoes at 4 pm so I decided to go get them today.

Then I also decided that to get Cheryl her own fork because she has been trying to use ours; which is too big for her mouth.

This is the 3rd time she is using the fork and already she is quite an expert. Just now, during dinner, I saw her feed herself with her spoon.

Before we know it, I think she will be learning how to use the chopsticks. She is obviously very proud of her achievement too, just like I am proud of her! I tried to take pictures of her using the fork but I was not quick enough so I decided the video will do the talking instead.

Both Cheryl and I miss Daddy so much.

Last Sunday, we went to Grandparents' and had a good time shopping at Ikea. Daddy called to inform me that he has reached his destination safely. The moment I heard his voice, I was filled with emotions; the last time he was away for a considerable period of time was when he went to England for his studies. That was more than 3 years ago.

On our way back, Cheryl fell asleep but she woke up 2 hours later crying and calling for Daddy. I comforted her and reminded her that Daddy is away; that we saw him off at the airport. Then she turned around to hug Daddy's bolster tightly.

I texted Daddy to tell him his little girl missed him and he was sweet to say, "2 more weeks. Time will fly and he will be home before we know it."

Yesterday, Daddy called and it was great to hear his voice. He said it was hailing and that the temperature would drop to -1. Wow! That is cold!! It got me worried because he's always had a sensitive nose and he said that the weather is so cold and dry that at times, he did not even realise that his nose was dripping. I am praying everyday that he will be able to sustain and not fall ill.

Alright, countdown to Daddy's return: 2 weeks. Argh... 2 weeks!?! I still say, it's too long.

I took this picture just before we got ready to go to the Airport. Cheryl has a new hat and Daddy improvised and made his own hat out of Cheryl's pants. Trust him to do this! Do you see the resemblence? Cheryl is looking more like her Daddy as she grows older... cept for the button nose which she got from me.

We were at the Airport with Daddy. Although it was already 11.30pm, Cheryl was running around and very energetic because she had slept earlier.

She was very excited and approached just about every child in sight to play and run around with them. Uncle Joel, Aunt Linda and friends saw Daddy off too. Cheryl, the ever-so-shy one was playing hide and seek with Uncle Joel.

She was in her pjs as I thought it would be more convenient; she could take her milk in the car on the way home and go right back to bed but our little girl had other plans. See her sitting on the floor? Well, that was what she did; running around and suddenly stopping to plop herself down on the floor. At times, she was even lying down.

She also sat in the trolley and waited with Daddy while he checked in his 24kg luggage. I guess Cheryl wanted to go with her Daddy.

We reached home at 1.30am and after cleaning her up and changing her into new and clean pjs, Cheryl went back to bed. Daddy texted me at 2am to say that he was onboard the plane and would be taking off soon. I couldn't sleep till it was close to 3. :( I already miss him...

Yesterday, I returned from work earlier so that I could bring Cheryl out. We were meeting Daddy and his friends for the fireworks display. We were in high spirits and Daddy was rushing to finish his work as he would be away for a long 3 weeks. Yes, we will miss him dearly when he is not around.
Side track: Daddy came home after Cheryl's bedtime and she woke up when Daddy turned on the lights in the room. Daddy promptly carried her but she turned her face away and ignored him as if to "punish" him for missing her before she went to bed.

Okay, back to the fireworks... We were there early and already there were lots of people. Many took their seats on the floor and we were sure they were there by 6pm although the display would not start till 9.

We had our dinner at Walton and we supposedly had a gallery where we would have the best view. Well, the gallery was filled with people so we decided the best place was to go down to the bay. By then it was 8.30pm and there was hardly any walking space left on the pavement. Thankfully we found a spot and sat ourselves down.

It was then we experienced a first-hand encounter of the Ugly Singaporeans. Yes, Ugly with a Captial U. The people who were in front were standing while the people at the back, had the decency to sit so that people who were even farther back could enjoy the fireworks. It was only after much calls out to the crowd in front that they sat but only for a miserable 5 minutes because once the first shot of firework lit up the night skies, the people in front stood up again, much to our dismay. We could not see and although we cried out to them to sit down, they did not bother. Daddy then said, "Forget it! If we don't stand, we are going to miss everything."

was needless to say, hyper disappointed and infuriated! It would have been perfect otherwise, because it is not an everyday affair where we have fireworks display. With so many heads, I could not even take pictures of the display. Not even 1 decent picture!! What I have, however, are pictures of these inconsiderate people standing in the front and blocking everyone's view.

Cheryl was scared of the loud explosion but she was mesmerized by the bright colours and the golden glitters. Like I said, it would otherwise be perfect.

These pictures were taken before dinner at 7pm.

This is the shot of the Ugly people.... Unbelievable!

Today is Singapore's 41st birthday!

Cheryl woke up to see both of us sleeping with her. Then she promptly laid beside me and slept till 8am. That was very nice because she usually wakes up at 7am and refuses to go back to sleep.

In the late afternoon, Daddy brought us to Pasir Ris Park and there was a huge crowd there. I guess everyone else thought it would be perfect to spend time at the park. Cheryl was all excited when she saw the many children running around but somehow, she clinged on to Daddy like a koala bear, refusing to let her feet touch the ground.

I managed to get some shots of her on a slide.

Initially, she was terrified and you can clearly tell that from her grip on Daddy's shirt but after a while, she was more at ease.

Then we put her in a maze. She just stood there for a long time until Daddy came to lead her by her hand. But she must be wondering what a strange place this is.

Then we went home to watch the Parade on television. On Friday, we will be going to catch some live fireworks at the Esplanade.

Last night, just before we put Cheryl to bed, both Daddy and I thought Cheryl felt slightly warm and true enough, sometime around 12.30 am, she was burning up. I gave her medicine and her milk and coaxed her to bed.

Her fever subsided but it returned with a vengence. She is sleeping now and she would only sleep on our bed. Poor girl. Daddy said she is ill far too often. I agree. A fever without any rhyme or reason... Doctors ain't really helpful too because after all the tests, they will just say it's viral infection and we will bring home more Dhamol or Ibuprofen.

I can only comfort myself... Can't really remember but I was told that babies do get smarter after every fever. Why? I don't know.

Daddy is crazy about this game, so am I and when we have the opportunity, I will be hogging Daddy's PDA. Nightly, we will play this game together...well, Daddy plays and I will be the co-player, or the co-watcher.

But Daddy is so advanced and often, I am left behind.

here is a game for those of you who are equally obessessed!

Btw, I have added a mini Sodoku link and you can play it everytime you drop by. The best part, it is updated daily.

Who would have thought ... a few numbers and that's all it takes to drive people (not all, but enough) to estacy! This, coming from a person who is not mathematically inclined, my Math teachers would have been proud of me.

If this was real monies, they could really come in handy! Hee

My blog is worth $6,774.48.
How much is your blog worth?

It's not much but just before I click the "submit" button, I was expecting a "$0" so you can say I was pleasantly surprised. But you know what?

camera = $500
toys = $200
food = $300
memories = Priceless