Food Discipline

*Picture from google*

No one is perfect and that includes myself and my little Isabelle. But I am thankful her discipline in many aspects are so far, satisfactory although not flawless. I am specially thankful for her discipline towards food. She is not choosy and overly particular. Of course she have her preferences. Well, who doesn't?

Since day 1 we started her on solids, her daily diet consists of a fair amount of vegetables. And till today, she is still obediently taking in all her greens with no struggle at all. Apart from that, she will never say NO to bananas and apples. One of her favourite is steamed apples and omelette.

We rarely offer her unhealthy snacks, namely icecream, chocolates etc. She doesn't crave for it nor does she begs for it. But once a blue moon, we will let her taste a bite or two and that's it.

A bonus to that... Isabelle also learn to clean up any crumbs for her tray or table. And occasionally we catches her wiping her trays and table too. Never too young to learn & start :)

As parents, it is not easy to feel contented specially when it comes to our children's achievements. But in this case, I am a contented Mummy because my child could have been one of the grumpy fussy little eaters , but she is not. And I have no reason to complain or to ask for more :)

The Child In Me

Many things I encounter daily reminds of my sweet & fun childhood days. Namely, cartoons :)

Was searching for some clips on youtube to show Isabelle this morning and suddenly I remembered this one particular classic Mickey Mouse cartoon. I remembered that I would watch it over and over again and still find it thrilling. And even today while watching it, I feel like a child again.

So, here it is. Mickey's Trailer.

Health, Home & Heaven

When the doctor told us the details of what Dad is experiencing; the mild stroke due to aging and Meniere's, it hit me hard. It hurts me knowing that the days left for us to spend together and for me to repay him my love are numbered. It felt that the last 30 over years, I have wasted each and every day of it and not doing enough in order not to regret.

Gradual memory loss and also possibly deafness being one of the cause of Meniere's. All these made me fearful, worried and completely helpless and loss.

I know this news impacts Dad himself hardest including Mom compared to all of us. I could feel that Dad is dissapointed about his health condition. Personally, I am still trying to digest the truth that Dad is in this stage at only 62 and I almost disbelief it. But we all have to learn to accept that we are made to aged and our life on earth is just a temporary assignment. This reminds me of what a friend whose father returned home to Lord recently, told me. When our parents pass the age of 50, we have to prepare ourselves emotionally that their health will somehow deteriorate and will one day leave us. But as a Christian, we know that the end of life on earth is not the end of everything but a beginning of eternal life in God's kingdom. And what is for sure that we will meet our loved ones again one day in heaven.

Despite all these, we are very thankful for many reasons; we found out early and there is space for Dad to recover and get medical attention to prolong his life healthily. I am thankful that I can be home for as long as I want to be with him and Mom because I am a sahm without having to apply for long leave and possible to face a very non-understanding employer . I am thankful that Isabelle has a role to play, to be Dad's sunshine to cheer him up and to keep him occupied. And I am thankful that we are not hopeless because we have God taking care of everything and our faith in Him is what matters.

'I am here on earth for just a little while' ~ Psalm 119:19

'The Lord has made everything for His purposes' ~ Proverbs 16:4

Dad's Date With The Docs

Dad is finally convinced to go for his check up. This time, it is with the gastroenterologist and neurologist. He will have to stay overnight at the hospital.

Am hopeful for a clean bill of health after his check up.

It has been quite a hectic day. Drove down to Ipoh this morning. Came home to pack our overnight bag to stay in a relative's place so that we can be near Papa. I will be driving down to Ipoh 2nd time for the day today. It is tiring but this is nothing compared to all the sacrifices my dear Papa has done for me and raising me to be who I am today.

New Toys

One of my parents close family friend gave Isabelle a pair of cute ducklings and baby chicks. The last time I ever seen or touch one was countless years ago. They remind me of my fun and unforgettably warm childhood. Lots of fond memories came back to mind just by looking at them. So I think it thrills me more than it does to Isabelle. Of course, she got all excited when they came on board.

Since Isabelle is too young to handle such delicate creature, all we allow her to do was to pat them on the heads while we held them in our palms and watch us feed them.

They are oh so so so adorable. I wish they don't grow up too fast and lost their cuteness too soon :)

Time For A Good Break

Doctor gave Papa greenlight to go home but with a condition. Rest, rest and more rest.

Resting and doing nothing is something difficult for an active man like my Dad. He is always up to something and somehow have something to do. Anything from his business to church matters, his fishes in the aquarium and some repair works at home. He is always a restless family man.

Today marks the 2nd day of his rest day at home after being discharged from hospital. I am so happy I finally had the chance to make something for him and Mom this morning, fresh blended carrot-green apple-pineapple juice! After the glass of goodness, we went out for breakfast and also to run some errands.

I am glad that Papa is recovering and also finally gave in to his condition and rest obediently at home. Isabelle is such a blessing because she plays a big role in keeping grandpa occupied at home, leaving him little space to feel bored.

God, Please Spare My Dear Papa

Today was a every 'eventful' Sunday.

After Sunday school ended, we adjourned to sanctuary with intention to join DS and Mom. But the sight of both of them standing outside the entrance was unforgettable. DS with red teary eyes and Mom on the phone. My heart skipped a beat. Mom, still on the phone, turned to me and said "Papa fainted in the church" and anxiously returned to her phone conversation. I was left to figure out what happened and my imagination went crazy while I waited for Mom to finish with the conversation.

Many thoughts, feelings and images went through my head. I fear loosing my dear Papa, I will never see him again, that I will hate and not forgive myself for not loving him enough, for being angry at God for taking my Papa home so soon, for not doing enough for him and most of all, for not being there for him when he needed us most. Even when typing this down, I can't stop my tears, even though I know now that he is alright.

It may not sound serious to some but we know what that means. Dad has history of fainting when he feels nausea and throw up. Doctors has diagnosed that it is highly possible due to vertigo but can't be sure till he goes for a complete medical check up to eliminate other possible reasons. I could remember clearly that in my younger years, I have witnessed him fainting and the memories terrifies me that I might lose my Dad. What scares us was no doctors could tell why it happened. Vertigo was what I believe, the doctor's good guess.

Today's 'event' was a little different because all of us specially Mom was not with him when this happened. But we thank God that we have many good friends and family members were around when he felt something was wrong.

My brother and cousin took care of everything while we pack and got ready to leave town. After 3 hours ride in the car which used to feel not too far for us seemed endless today, we reached the hospital at 5pm and I am so so relieved to see that he is fine. It is good that the doctor kept him in the hospital for observation so that he HAS to be in bed and get all the rest he needed.

He was delighted to see us (specially Isabelle) and his face literally lit up despite still feeling low and lousy. Mom said that Isabelle is his medicine. :)

Picture sourced from google

Running his own business. Helping with my late Grandpa's estate stuff. Being overly active with church matters as the committee member and always going the extra mile to help others. At 62, we feel that he is working too hard and all the above is way too heavy for him. We have tried numerous ways to tell him that he should consider slowing down. He was stubborn and thinks that if we can afford to do it and doing it for God, why not. We think that this incident could be God's signal to him to take things easy and taking care of his own health IS taking care of God's temple and THAT is doing something important for God!

The doctor is going to examine him again tomorrow if it was really vertigo that caused him dizzy. If it is not, we will be sending him for a more thorough check up and we are truly hoping that it is not something serious.

If you read this, please pray for my dear Papa. Thank you thank you thank you. Would really appreciate your thoughtful prayer.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6

Cooking ~ Marmite Ribs

The bottle of Marmite we bought for Isabelle have been left untouched for months. It is too good to let it just sit and wait for its expiry date. So today, I scooped out big spoons of it to make Marmite pork ribs. Marmite is just so so versatile!

*This recipe works for chicken and also prawns

Ingredients:

1. Pork ribs

Marinate:

1. Pepper

2. Good pinch of salt

3. 1 tbsp Shao Xing wine

4. 1 tsp of Marmite,

5. 1 tbsp of corn flour

6. 1/2 tsp of bicarbonate soda

Sauce:

1. 1 tsp minced garlic

2. 1 tsp sugar/honey

3. 1 tbsp marmite

4. 1/2 tsp soy sauce

5. 1/2 tsp tomato sauce *optional

6. Some water

7. Mixture of 1/2 tsp cornflour & water for thickening

Garnishing:

1. Spring Onions

Method:

1. Heat up oil and fry marinated pork ribs till they turn golden. Set aside.

2. Leave about 1 tbsp of oil in the pan. Saute garlic.

3. Once garlic is soft, add in sugar and let it dissolve.

4. Add in the rest of the sauce & water. Simmer.

5. Add in cornflour mixture.

6. Pour in the fried ribs and to coat the ribs with sauce.

7. Dish up and garnish with spring onions.

Friends....Gift from God

Received this forwarded email from a friend this morning. Find it very meaningful and would be a lovely article to share and to keep. Enjoy!

FRIENDS IN MY CIRCLE
	When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.
	One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' Another , 'Let's fight together,' Another , 'Let's walk away together.'
	One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings.
	But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself . Those are your best friends.
	It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several.. One from 7th grade, One from high school, Several from the college years, A couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters.
So whether they've been a friend for 20 minutes or 20+ years, Pass this on to the friends that God has placed in your life To make a difference and because they have made your difference in your life.

How Deep Is Their Love

*picture sourced from google*

When they say you DO NOT know how deep and unconditional parents' love is until you become one yourself, it is so true and is surely not a myth. And it is even more true that you'd want to take care of every little thing for your child and to protect them in anyway you can.

I tell myself every single day, that I am very blessed to both my parents around to love me. And I always ask God to give them many more years so that I can repay their love as much as I can.

During the recent long weekend, they were in town. I feel so ashamed that at almost mid 30s and a mother, I still wake up in the morning with breakfast ready on the table for me almost everytime they came for a visit. I should be the one to do this for them although I know they are happy to pamper us in all sorts of ways. I have to admit I am not a morning person but I know this should not be a reason.

Apart from this, they have done and are still doing a lot for us till this day, which melts my heart and at the same time raise the guilt in me. If I were asked, what does love and parenthood look like, I would say, them. Every time I try to imagine God's love, their love comes to mind. And each time I ask myself what type of parents am I going to be and how deep am I going to love my child, I think of my parents' love for me.

My vow to myself is the next trip they are here, I will ensure that I will rise early and do my little tiny small part for my dear parents even though I know they do not ask for anything in return. This is how great their love is.

Thank you Pa and Ma, for your non-expiring love and for loving me so unconditionally, unselfishly & so selflessly. Your love has inspired me to be a wonderful parent to my child as how you have been to me. Thank you.

"Colossians 3:20-24 ESV Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Our Nailstory

Since the day she was born, I clip her nails only during her nap time. I am a very timid & lack of courage careful mother. I was afraid I would accidentally clip her skin and hurt her.

Confinement nanny giving Isabelle the long waited nailwork when she was about 2 weeks old

But today marks another milestone for me and Isabelle! I finally gathered my courage and did it when she was wide awake. I sat her down on my lap and told her gently “Mummy is going to clip your nails and you are going to help Mummy by siting still. And we will be alright”.

In less than 2 minutes, we were done and I am so happy not only because I fought my fear but also Isabelle is such a good and understanding little princess. And I am so proud of her.

Cooking ~ Soft Beancurd Cubes with Spicy Minced Pork

My version of Mah Poh Beancurd

I have a block of soft beancurd in the fridge and I did not want to do the usual steamed beancurd with toppings. So I decided to make this.

Ingredients

1. Minced pork (about 4 tsp) Marinate with salt, pepper and Shao Xing wine

2. Minced garlic

3. Sliced red chili *optional

4. Spring Onions *separate the whites and the greens

5. Cubed soft beancurd

6. Oil for sauteeing

Sauce

1. 1 tsp oyster sauce

2. 1 tbsp black bean

3. 1 tbsp fermented bean paste (tau chiu)

4. A dash of sesame oil

5. A dash of sugar and pepper

6. Mixture of 1/4 tsp of cornflour and some water for thickening & glossiness

Method

1. Saute the garlic and chili till fragrant

2. Add in black bean and fermented bean paste. Saute till fragrant

3. Add in white parts of the spring onion. Mix well

4. Add in minced pork and fry till the minced pork turns slightly golden

5. Add in sauce and water enough to simmer

6. Add in beancurd and gently stir to keep the delicate beancurd's in its cube shapes

7. Simmer for about 5 mins

8. Add in the cornflour mixture and let it cook for another 30 seconds

9. Dish up and garnish with green parts of the spring onion

Result

DH said it is good enough to defeat a restaurant version and he loves the gravy, perfect to go with steamed rice! That is a big star for me!!

To Do & Shopping List for Parents-to-be

It is always so wonderful to know that someone we know is pregnant (or finally pregnant after years and years of trying). The news taste sweeter than honey. And of course, it reminds me of my experience. Unforgettable, amazing and beyond description.

Recently, a few friends found out that they will be expecting their child soon. And the first time moms (or dads) asked me all sorts of questions when we meet, on or offline. Some of it, never even crossed my mind when I was pregnant. But, I understand how overwhelming it could be for them and how little tiny issues would make them go searching hi & lo for answers. Not forgetting, lots of doubts and feeling lost at the same time. Been there, done that.

One of the common question was what to buy and what are the things they need to prepare for in advance. I have compiled the list below, for my own reference (who knows maybe God wants us to have another bundle of joy) and also for my dear friends' reference.

Here is my own preparation and shopping list:

*The items is subjected to individual's need and requirements.

What To Do When You Find/Suspect Yourself Pregnant:

1. Get pregnancy home test kit

2. If result is positive, get yourself checked by a ob-gyn.

3. If result is confirmed positive, celebrate!

4. If you will need help during the first month of the arrival of the baby, appoint a confinement lady/someone who can take care of you and the baby. In my case, we appointed a confinement lady right away when we found out the news.

5. Rest, Relax and Enjoy the pregnancy

6. For IT savvy mom, sign up and join a network or website know more or to keep track of your pregnancy. I used Baby Centre. This is a popular website for parenting related issues. Till today, I still receive updates for toddlers.

How To Prepare Yourself Emotionally & Physically

1. Many elderly will offer endless opinions and advices and usually believe they are right. Some makes sense while some don't. Just keep the sensible ones. To avoid offending the elderly, just listen, nod your head and smile. Makes everyone happy.

2. Appoint a good and reliable ob-gyn. It helps to have one who is always ready and patient to answer your questions. You will have lots of question marks floating in your mind. Don't let it bother you. Do more reading and ask your ob-gyn.

3. Some believe that pregnant mothers should just sit at home and do nothing. It is a myth. Moderate exercise does more good than harm (of course, with the doctor's green light).

4. Everything you do or eat, moderation is the key.

5. Do not worry about morning sickness, it will come to an end. If you are lucky, you might not have it at all. I had it and it lasted till the end of 1st semester. It gradually disappeared.

Shopping List

For Mommy - Prenatal

1. Comfortable inner wears

2. Comfortable shoes

3. A decent haircut about a month before due date to last you through the first month

4. Clothes ~ No need to rush off and revamp your whole wardrobe immediately. I only bought total of not more than 10 maternity blouses, 5 dresses & 5 pair of pants. That lasted me throughout my whole pregnancy. Some of my very loving & generous friends gave me some of theirs and they were still in very very excellent condition and made me look pretty.

5. Breast pump (I opted for Spectra)

6. Prenatal care book (I read Your Pregnancy Week By Week by Dr Lesley Regan)

For Mom - Post natal

1. Nursing bra pads

2. Loose and comfortable sleep wear

3. I wore sarong for the first 2 weeks. Never thought I would but it was comfortable.

4. Some comfortable and nice looking clothes to wear when you have guests over.

5. Maternity pads

6. Post natal care book (I read Asian Parenting Today by Parent Craft Education Practioners Jennifer Hor, Ho Ai Ling & Jocelyn Oo). I like this book because I can relate to most of the contents and practise because it is written for Asian parents.

Shopping List

For Baby

1. Stroller

2. Baby car seat

3. Baby crib, blanket, mattress, bedsheet, pillows & pillow cases *my Mom made us the sheets and cases.

4. Baby Carrier *We end up not buying this because we did not even need it

5. Sling Carrier *I started using this much later after Isabelle came. I regretted not using this earlier as I posted here

6. Cloth napkins *If I know about cloth diaper earlier, I would have opted for it.

7. Nappy Liners *1 box is enough

8. Newborn sized disposable diapers *2 packets (maximum) will be sufficient. Drypers and Huggies should be good enough because newborns will wet and soil the diapers very very regularly and there is no need to get the expensive ones.

9. Babywipes *Tollyjoy & Pigeon is good because it is unscented and contains no alcohol.

10. Bepanthen cream *Both baby(for diaper area) and mommy(for cracked nipples from breastfeeding) can use this.

11. Baby bath *We used Mustella. But any good brand would do. Try to use non-fragrance version

12. Milk bottles *3 newborn bottles should be enough to just standby. If you are breastfeeding, you would not need too many bottles. Otherwise, you can always get extra.

13. Napkin fasteners

14. Napkin detergents *We used Nappikleen but we found a safer & organic product from Natural Origins.

15. Steriliser *Ours was from Avent. Or you can opt for the traditional method via boiling the bottles and other baby's utensils in boiling water. If so, get a big pot.

16. Tub to bath baby *Or if your sink is huge and with hot water connection, then you can use that.

17. Antislip mats for the tubs

18. Changing mat/pad

19. Towels

Newborn Clothes

1. Newborn short sleeved rompers - 4 pieces

2. Short sleeved shirts - 4 pieces

3. Long pants - 6 pieces

4. Long sleeved shirts - 6 pieces

5. Newborn Rompers (long) - 2 pieces

6. Mittens & Socks - 6 pieces

7. Hat - 1 piece

8. Handkerchiefs - 12 pieces

*Reasonable number of clothes for your newborn. They will outgrow the clothes very quickly.

Your Hospital Bag

For Mommy

1. 1 set of clothes to wear during discharge day to go home

2. 2 set of clothes to wear during your stay (if the hospital does not provide)

3. A few pieces of maternity pads (hospital usually provides, but just in case)

4. Toiletries & some cosmetics (for vain moms like me)

5. A pair of sandals to wear in your ward/room.

6. A book/magazine or any form of entertainment gadget

For Baby

1. 1 set of clothes to wear during discharge day to go home (hospital will provide everything that your baby needs during the stay)

2. Baby's hat

3. A pair of mitten and socks

4. Few piece of disposable diapers in case you need to change him/her on your way home

5. 1 milk bottle (for water or to make milk for him/her on your way home, just incase. If your baby is on formula, the hospital will let you bring back 2 cans or so of the formula your baby is on).

6. A small blanket

If your husband is accompanying you during the stay, don't forget to pack for him too.

Okay, that is all I can recall. Not sure if I miss out anything.

Wishing all the new parents, all the best and enjoy this beautiful journey. You will miss this moments, I reassure you. God bless you, your partner and your little one in the tummy.

Updates on Isabelle's Vocabulary

I have not updated Isabelle’s vocabulary progress since the last post. But I thought I should do so before I lost track of it. Here it is for my own record.

General Words/People/Animals etc

Ah Ma ~Mom & Dad has been waiting anxiously to hear this

Ah Kong

Air-pher ~Apple

Hey-py ~Happie (Name of our pet dog at parents’ home)

Gur-Gur ~Sugar (Name of our pet dog at parents’ home)

Ciis ~Cheese

Bed-Bed ~Bird

Car ~Car

Duck ~Duck & Dark

Bed ~Bread

Bi-curd ~Biscuit

Eshka ~Mickey Mouse (as in the slogan of the cartoon “Meeska, Mooska”

Too-ters ~Toodles (also from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)

Tortoise ~Tortoise

Beh Beh ~ Bear

Phay ~ Pain

Tick tock tick tock ~ Clock

Ko Kay ~ Okay

Hey Yo ~ Hello

Shoes ~Shoes

Shtar ~Star

Mum ~Moon

Bo ~Ball

Oh Oh ~ When she see something funny/different and when we/she drop something with a hand covering her mouth

Book ~Book

Ah-cooo ~Sneeze ~ AH CHIU

AH TER ~Water

HAW HAW ~ Hot

Body Parts (Can name and point)

Hand ~Hand

Nosh ~Nose

Eyes ~Eyes

Taayt ~Teeth

Body Parts (Can point ONLY)

Lips

Hair

Tongue

Legs

Stomach

Buttocks

Instructions, Signs & Gestures

Picking up toys

Picking up rubbish to throw into dustbin

Placing her clothes into the laundry basket

Understands STOP and obeys

Pray - Clasping 2 hands together

Hallelujah - Raising up 2 hands

Dance - When she see dancing motions on the tv or anywhere else

Walk

Run

Throw

Blow - She mimics the action of blowing her food when it is hot

Wash Hands – Mimics the action of washing hands

Not climbing up chairs, tables & anywhere she is not supposed to at our command

Putting on her shoes

SHHHHH – To be silent

Baking ~ Banana Oatmeal Muffinish Cake

Made this yesterday. It is not exactly muffin nor is it cake but somewhere in between.

Here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

Dry Ingredients:

1. 2 cups flour

2. 1 cup brown sugar

3. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

4. 1/2 tsp baking soda

5. 1/4 tsp salt

6. Some choc chips (preferred quantity) *optional

7. Raisins (preferred quantity) *optional

8. 3 tsp oatmeal

Wet Ingredients:

1. 2 eggs (lightly beaten)

2. 100 ml milk/water

3. 135gm melted butter/oil

4. 1 tsp vanilla

5. 1/4 cup of plain yoghurt

6. Mashed Banana (about 2 or 3 medium size)

METHOD

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a big bowl and make a well in the middle for the wet ingredients.

2. Add all the wet ingredients into the lightly beaten eggs in another separate bowl. Mix well.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix with spatula and take note NOT to overmix the batter. It should not take more than 12 stirs according to my record. Just mix till the dry ingredients are moistened.

*consistency of batter should be pourable, slightly lumpy and not too thick. Mix at your own judgement.

4. Do add in the mashed bananas half way mixing the batter.

5. Pour the batter into preferred casings. This time I used aluminium loaf casings.

6. Bake it at 200 degrees for 10 minutes then lower temperature to 150 degress and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until it is well done.

Note : * Preheat oven for 15 mins at 220 degrees but different type of oven may need different settings and baking time.

*This batter made 2 loafs and 6 medium muffin cups.

Result

DS and DH took one loaf each to office. DS has commented that her colleagues said it is yummy and fragrant. Ahem... one of them even requested for the recipe *blushing*.

Am waiting for DH's colleagues response. Fingers crossed.

In My Daughter's Eyes

Beautiful picture of a mother and daughter from google

I love Martina McBride's divine voice and I love this song of hers even more. Now that I have a daughter, this song brings a deeper meaning to me.

"In my daughter's eyes I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I wanna be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light and the

world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me gives me

strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand

around my finger

Oh it puts a smile in my heart

Everything becomes a little clearer

I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart

has had enough

It's giving more when you feel like giving up

I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future

A reflection of who I am and what will be

Though she'll grow and someday leave

Maybe raise a family

When I'm gone I hope you see how happy

she made me

For I'll be there

In my daughter's eyes"

In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride