And in the blink of an eye, another month has sadly passed us by..
I don't know why, but I really quite like the month of June. It's a holiday month. When we were kids, we had the June schoolbreak.
Now, when June comes around, traffic is so much better ( no school rush for parents ), it's quieter in the mornings ( no silly beeping school buses at 0630h ! ) Everything just feels more relaxed. Chai also comes back from Melbourne during the break, so it's a nice change.
Today is already the last day of June. And I have passed 36 weeks. Oh gosh. Like it or not, in another 3 weeks or so Annika is coming. I don't think I am ready for it this time. So many things still not sorted out yet.
1. Where are we going to spend the first 'month'? For Madison, we stayed at my parents' place so that we would have easy access to care and help. This time round, would Madison have difficulty sleeping in the house? Would she keep waking up at night? Would it be too noisy-- the 3 dogs there do bark in the middle of the night. Ideally she should sleep in her room at our own place, but could I cope with the new baby and her?
2. How is she going to get to school once I deliver? Would I be fit enough to drag myself out and drive her to school? And then pick her up ? All the while co-ordinating the new baby's routine/eating/sleeping?
3. What about the clinic? I think at this stage it'll probably go without a doctor for a month or so, then I'll start up again on an adhoc basis.
4. New house.... it's actually going to take longer than we expected to clear the paperwork. We met up with Mandy, the banker from HSBC to sort out the bank loan, and then the lawyer to sign some papers on Monday. It'll still take another 10-12 weeks before everything is processed, so we can't get the keys to even start planning any renovations.
5. With the new baby and work, would it actually be easier to be based initially at Papillon? Considering that the current apartment ( although small ) is right next to the practice. But the way things are going, we probably would have to keep staying there for a few months after the baby arrives until the renovations are done. In that case, we can't rent Papillon out yet for awhile until everything is sorted out. Thank goodness the bank didn't want to lend us more money!! This way we should be able to afford both mortages.
6. I haven't even sorted out the new baby's lodgings! We can't decide if we need to buy another cot. There is a spare one at Novena house, but none at our place. I was thinking, Madison would probably outgrow her cot by next year at the latest, and we should probably just transport the spare cot over to our place if we decide to stay at home.
7. I have to pack my hospital bag and get the usual nursing stuff ready. Crap. Am so lazy this time around. Busy with work, actually...
But, one thing that I have learned from the first time round.... with babies, you really cannot plan too much in advance. Things kind of just happen, and they do sort themselves out eventually. The baby DOES grow up and we do get time back on our hands. Everything IS TEMPORARY. That's what I keep telling myself to stop me from going insane or having a panic attack at this stage!
Still.... I am dreading the sleeplessness most of all... that really takes a toll... from memory... have to survive the first 6 months...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
An exciting weekend
The weekend that just passed started out like any other weekend... breakfast together with Chris ( usually he's off to work before Madison gets up), then off to music class at United square for the 2 of them while I usually have patients to see or attend to.
Sometimes in the afternoon Chris and I go property hunting. Usually he's the one looking up the ads for interesting property to go and look at. This weekend was no different. Except that he saw an ad for a property that had just been completed and just received its temporary occupation permit (TOP). It was a property that we'd been kind of interested in, but thought that it was overpriced in the current property market.
Anyway, Chris called the agent up, and arranged for a viewing. The agent, Joshua, just happened to be the same one that took us to see another property previously, a few months ago. We didn't like what we saw then, so didn't hear from him since then.
The property we saw is called Montebleu. It's across the road from where we live at the moment, so it's still close to work and the grandparent's place. But, it's a small upgrade from district 12 to 11.
Joshua took us to look at a 4 bedroom suite on the 32nd floor first. It was quite large ( by Singapore apartment standards) at 1800 sq feet. The view was amazing. We could see Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer and even mountains in the distance that was probably Indonesia. The rooms were a little small, but the living area was decent. Madison had a field day running through the apartment.
Unfortunately, the asking price was exhorbitant. SGD 2.5million.
So we went downstairs to have a look around at the grounds, admire the poolside. Just as we were about to leave Joshua asked if we wanted to see the 3 bedroom apartment. We thought, why not.
The 3 bedroom apartment felt much smaller in comparison to the suite we'd just seen, but the layout was good. Made the 1100 sq feet feel bigger than it was. It had 3 bedroom, which is what we need, and a larger living area than what we have at the moment. It wasn't cheap per square foot, but the quantum was within our budget. Also within what the bank would lend us.
So... we made an offer to the agent and he said he'd speak to the owner.
On Sunday, Chris found another advertisement for the apartment but at a lower price. He called the other agent up and this other guy said that if we wrote out the 1% deposit cheque he'd drive over and deliver it to the owner immediately to secure the purchase!
I didn't feel quite safe handing over close to $15K to some unknown agent, so we called Joshua up. He said he knew the owner quite well and had been dealing with him for the past 3 years and was unlikely to sell at the lower price.
Anyway... I felt like I needed to see the apartment again to confirm that it was what we really wanted. So we drove over to see the apartment again. Once we were there Joshua told us the owner was good to sell, albeit at the price that was originally offered.
SO we did the deed. Signed the option form and handed the cheque over to Joshua. The owner did not renege on his agreement and so we are the new owners of the apartment!
Now the scramble to put the money together for the deposit!!! ARGH....
Sometimes in the afternoon Chris and I go property hunting. Usually he's the one looking up the ads for interesting property to go and look at. This weekend was no different. Except that he saw an ad for a property that had just been completed and just received its temporary occupation permit (TOP). It was a property that we'd been kind of interested in, but thought that it was overpriced in the current property market.
Anyway, Chris called the agent up, and arranged for a viewing. The agent, Joshua, just happened to be the same one that took us to see another property previously, a few months ago. We didn't like what we saw then, so didn't hear from him since then.
The property we saw is called Montebleu. It's across the road from where we live at the moment, so it's still close to work and the grandparent's place. But, it's a small upgrade from district 12 to 11.
Joshua took us to look at a 4 bedroom suite on the 32nd floor first. It was quite large ( by Singapore apartment standards) at 1800 sq feet. The view was amazing. We could see Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer and even mountains in the distance that was probably Indonesia. The rooms were a little small, but the living area was decent. Madison had a field day running through the apartment.
Unfortunately, the asking price was exhorbitant. SGD 2.5million.
So we went downstairs to have a look around at the grounds, admire the poolside. Just as we were about to leave Joshua asked if we wanted to see the 3 bedroom apartment. We thought, why not.
The 3 bedroom apartment felt much smaller in comparison to the suite we'd just seen, but the layout was good. Made the 1100 sq feet feel bigger than it was. It had 3 bedroom, which is what we need, and a larger living area than what we have at the moment. It wasn't cheap per square foot, but the quantum was within our budget. Also within what the bank would lend us.
So... we made an offer to the agent and he said he'd speak to the owner.
On Sunday, Chris found another advertisement for the apartment but at a lower price. He called the other agent up and this other guy said that if we wrote out the 1% deposit cheque he'd drive over and deliver it to the owner immediately to secure the purchase!
I didn't feel quite safe handing over close to $15K to some unknown agent, so we called Joshua up. He said he knew the owner quite well and had been dealing with him for the past 3 years and was unlikely to sell at the lower price.
Anyway... I felt like I needed to see the apartment again to confirm that it was what we really wanted. So we drove over to see the apartment again. Once we were there Joshua told us the owner was good to sell, albeit at the price that was originally offered.
SO we did the deed. Signed the option form and handed the cheque over to Joshua. The owner did not renege on his agreement and so we are the new owners of the apartment!
Now the scramble to put the money together for the deposit!!! ARGH....
Friday, June 11, 2010
Potty training
Today is a little momentous....
Madison volunteered to sit in her little potty this morning without her diapers and after 10 minutes, actually peed in the pot!
I know some parents who have already successfully trained their little ones to go diaper free. But I confess... I have been somewhat laid back about actively training her to use the potty. We did try for a period of time when she was younger, but it didn't really work. So we kind of gave up till now...
My mother-in-law has been asking whether Madison is potty trained yet. I think perhaps people start to expect that kids are fully trained by the time they turn 2. But after reading around the topic, I think it is easiest to wait till she's ready-- maybe school will speed the process up too. Already at Chinese class they have a built in time slot for snack and toilet time. I think some of her classmate(s?) are already toilet trained.
As they say, no one goes to college in diapers! So I am hopeful...
Madison volunteered to sit in her little potty this morning without her diapers and after 10 minutes, actually peed in the pot!
I know some parents who have already successfully trained their little ones to go diaper free. But I confess... I have been somewhat laid back about actively training her to use the potty. We did try for a period of time when she was younger, but it didn't really work. So we kind of gave up till now...
My mother-in-law has been asking whether Madison is potty trained yet. I think perhaps people start to expect that kids are fully trained by the time they turn 2. But after reading around the topic, I think it is easiest to wait till she's ready-- maybe school will speed the process up too. Already at Chinese class they have a built in time slot for snack and toilet time. I think some of her classmate(s?) are already toilet trained.
As they say, no one goes to college in diapers! So I am hopeful...
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Guilty....
It's so hard being a parent!
Today I decided to drop by the house at 1130, just prior to Madison's lunch time. I thought it would be nice to spend some time with her, maybe cook her lunch and then go back to work. All was fine until the time came for lunch.
Elizabeth came up to join us for lunch, and soon she was merrily eating her meal.
Madison, on the other hand, was half hearted eating hers, trying to spit every mouthful out. Sigh. That really drives me bonkers. As time drew on, my patience wore thinner and thinner... and then she started whining and standing in her seat. Finally the straw broke when she started spitting the food out. Initially I kinda warned her about capital punishment... like a threat... but she kept doing it so I did the deed. Spanked her on the hand. Once. She started to cry. So then I took her out of her seat and ended the meal. I got to her level and told her that I didn't like her spitting her food out.
To be honest, I was furious at that point, and I was still angry when I took her to the bathroom to clean up. Ok.. so I used a little more force than I should probably have while washing her hands and face... but I didn't spank or hit her anymore. I guess she could tell from the tone of my voice that I was angry.
Finally when she was all clean and tidy we had both calmed down. I don't know if she'll remember what I'd said.. and I felt sad that I had lost my temper. Although after reading the book on positive discipline I consciously remember to control myself now. I hugged and kissed her just before I had to go back to the clinic.
How do people do it? Become saints and effective parents...?? To be calm and in control at all times? That's the reason why I couldn't be a stay -at -home mom. I'd probably go insane. That's not wrong, is it?
Today I decided to drop by the house at 1130, just prior to Madison's lunch time. I thought it would be nice to spend some time with her, maybe cook her lunch and then go back to work. All was fine until the time came for lunch.
Elizabeth came up to join us for lunch, and soon she was merrily eating her meal.
Madison, on the other hand, was half hearted eating hers, trying to spit every mouthful out. Sigh. That really drives me bonkers. As time drew on, my patience wore thinner and thinner... and then she started whining and standing in her seat. Finally the straw broke when she started spitting the food out. Initially I kinda warned her about capital punishment... like a threat... but she kept doing it so I did the deed. Spanked her on the hand. Once. She started to cry. So then I took her out of her seat and ended the meal. I got to her level and told her that I didn't like her spitting her food out.
To be honest, I was furious at that point, and I was still angry when I took her to the bathroom to clean up. Ok.. so I used a little more force than I should probably have while washing her hands and face... but I didn't spank or hit her anymore. I guess she could tell from the tone of my voice that I was angry.
Finally when she was all clean and tidy we had both calmed down. I don't know if she'll remember what I'd said.. and I felt sad that I had lost my temper. Although after reading the book on positive discipline I consciously remember to control myself now. I hugged and kissed her just before I had to go back to the clinic.
How do people do it? Become saints and effective parents...?? To be calm and in control at all times? That's the reason why I couldn't be a stay -at -home mom. I'd probably go insane. That's not wrong, is it?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Family reunion
Chai came back from Melbourne just yesterday...
It's good to have him back, even though he's only here for less than a month. Time flies... in another year he'll be done with medical school! He's not quite sure yet what kind of doctor he wants to be, and for awhile I think he was sorely tempted to do radiology as a career, but now he seems to be having second thoughts. He wants to do something procedural... my bet is either ENT or plastics. The only trouble will be getting into the speciality.
Madison was really pleased to have her uncle around. Another person to give in to her whims... she spent a good part of the evening yesterday watching youtube with him. A priviledge she doesn't really get with me unless I am trying to get her to drink her nightly cup of milk.
Another thing that bothers me at the moment. Just 2 days ago, I think Madison had a mild bout of food poisoning from dinner that wasn't well cooked, so suffered from loose stools and a tummy ache for about a day.That night, I gave her some lactael forte with ice cream. Since then, the diarrhoea seems to have stopped but she still complains of abdominal pain in the evenings. Once she asked for ice cream after a bout of 'pain'. Subsequently she was just in tears. I'm not sure what's going on. Chris thinks she's making it up. But do 2 year olds make this sort of thing up? She was in tears again this morning. But then, maybe she's a little constipated?
Last night to celebrate Chai's return we had shabu-shabu for dinner. Thin slices of meat that we cooked to order on the table in a simmering pot of stock. Tonight we're going to try and make roast pork belly. From a recipe that was published in the Straits Times just over the weekend.
I'm still worried about what to do with the clinic when Annika is born. At least for the first month. I am hoping a friend will come on board to help out during that time, but it's touch and go. He doesn't seem very keen... sigh. Should I just leave it for a month? Pa thinks " just close it for 4 months (!!!!) and restart at the end of maternity " OMG. I don't think the business will survive that!!! Maybe a month? Then take it easy after that for another few months before going back in full time?
One thing for sure... with kids it's really hard to predict. You really take it as it comes, because you never know what life will throw at you at that point.
It's good to have him back, even though he's only here for less than a month. Time flies... in another year he'll be done with medical school! He's not quite sure yet what kind of doctor he wants to be, and for awhile I think he was sorely tempted to do radiology as a career, but now he seems to be having second thoughts. He wants to do something procedural... my bet is either ENT or plastics. The only trouble will be getting into the speciality.
Madison was really pleased to have her uncle around. Another person to give in to her whims... she spent a good part of the evening yesterday watching youtube with him. A priviledge she doesn't really get with me unless I am trying to get her to drink her nightly cup of milk.
Another thing that bothers me at the moment. Just 2 days ago, I think Madison had a mild bout of food poisoning from dinner that wasn't well cooked, so suffered from loose stools and a tummy ache for about a day.That night, I gave her some lactael forte with ice cream. Since then, the diarrhoea seems to have stopped but she still complains of abdominal pain in the evenings. Once she asked for ice cream after a bout of 'pain'. Subsequently she was just in tears. I'm not sure what's going on. Chris thinks she's making it up. But do 2 year olds make this sort of thing up? She was in tears again this morning. But then, maybe she's a little constipated?
Last night to celebrate Chai's return we had shabu-shabu for dinner. Thin slices of meat that we cooked to order on the table in a simmering pot of stock. Tonight we're going to try and make roast pork belly. From a recipe that was published in the Straits Times just over the weekend.
I'm still worried about what to do with the clinic when Annika is born. At least for the first month. I am hoping a friend will come on board to help out during that time, but it's touch and go. He doesn't seem very keen... sigh. Should I just leave it for a month? Pa thinks " just close it for 4 months (!!!!) and restart at the end of maternity " OMG. I don't think the business will survive that!!! Maybe a month? Then take it easy after that for another few months before going back in full time?
One thing for sure... with kids it's really hard to predict. You really take it as it comes, because you never know what life will throw at you at that point.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Difficult decisions
Not me.. .thankfully, this time...
Geok has been offered a new job, after going through countless interviews and applications. She's not a doctor, so I suppose the selection process is somewhat more challenging than what we have to go through.
After waiting for it for so long, she's finally acheived what she wanted.
But now, she has difficulty making the decision to quit. Why?
Her current job of over 6 years is fairly family friendly at this stage. She is senior enough to be able to work from home and be able to do part time stints. Although the workload is increasing since Elizabeth was born, she still gets to come home at a fairly decent time, and usually gets Fridays off. Not much travelling either, since she is able to reject the travel. Her boss seems fairly understanding.
With a new job, travelling is supposed to take up 30% of the worktime. And of course there is the accompanying uncertainty of work hours, ability to do part time etc.
If she didn't have a child, these concerns wouldn't have been a major factor in deciding whether or not to accept the job. But now, with a child under 2, she is understandably concerned about missing out on Elizabeth's development.
As for me... well... my job at the moment allows me enough time with Madison, although it is less than what it was 2 years ago, it's ok. Madison is older now, and starting to attend school, so other people can keep an eye out for her while she plays.
Of course there are days when I wonder what I'd be if I didn't have a child, we'd have more money and I might have been doing something else. Like a speciality. Or maybe not. But then, money isn't everything, and money cannot buy back time.
Anyhow... number 2 is coming along soon, and I have a feeling I'm going to be stressed for time all over again. At least for 1 year. Sigh...
Geok has been offered a new job, after going through countless interviews and applications. She's not a doctor, so I suppose the selection process is somewhat more challenging than what we have to go through.
After waiting for it for so long, she's finally acheived what she wanted.
But now, she has difficulty making the decision to quit. Why?
Her current job of over 6 years is fairly family friendly at this stage. She is senior enough to be able to work from home and be able to do part time stints. Although the workload is increasing since Elizabeth was born, she still gets to come home at a fairly decent time, and usually gets Fridays off. Not much travelling either, since she is able to reject the travel. Her boss seems fairly understanding.
With a new job, travelling is supposed to take up 30% of the worktime. And of course there is the accompanying uncertainty of work hours, ability to do part time etc.
If she didn't have a child, these concerns wouldn't have been a major factor in deciding whether or not to accept the job. But now, with a child under 2, she is understandably concerned about missing out on Elizabeth's development.
As for me... well... my job at the moment allows me enough time with Madison, although it is less than what it was 2 years ago, it's ok. Madison is older now, and starting to attend school, so other people can keep an eye out for her while she plays.
Of course there are days when I wonder what I'd be if I didn't have a child, we'd have more money and I might have been doing something else. Like a speciality. Or maybe not. But then, money isn't everything, and money cannot buy back time.
Anyhow... number 2 is coming along soon, and I have a feeling I'm going to be stressed for time all over again. At least for 1 year. Sigh...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
32 weeks and counting...
32 weeks feels BIG.
I am pretty sure that I am bigger this time around compared to the time when I was pregnant with Madison. Already my belly button has everted.
This baby seems more active than Madison was too. Or maybe as a 2nd time mother- to- be I am more aware of the movements?
On one hand I am quite ready to have my body back, but on the other, it's going to be tough times again for awhile once she is out... that's from experience! I know it's temporary but still.... 1 year is pretty long!
I don't even know for sure how I'm going to run the clinic during the maternity period. I doubt I'll be getting even 2 months of leave. We can't really afford to hire locums to run the medical part. The dental practice will continue though.
Sigh. Things will sort themselves out ... eventually...
I've finally prepared some brochures for the clinic, to promote the aesthetic services that we offer. Took me awhile, with my paltry computing skills! Probably not do serious marketing yet... like brochure distribution to the residences around us. Maybe next year.
Oh... I can't believe it. Madison actually bit Elizabeth on her arm yesterday. I was mortified. The helpers told me when I got to the apartment late in the afternoon, after it'd happen. Elizabeth was alright, she didn't even cry when it happened.
Her arm was alright, looked like she'd had a lovebite. I put some antibiotic ointment on it for what it was worth. And then had to make the terrible confession to her parents. Thank goodness they were cool about it...
Madison had school again today.. and she was actually pretty cool about it for a change. I am so happy about that. Pity Elizabeth is too young to attend with her this year.
Well... fingers crossed about the clinic... I really hope it'll work and be successful.. although I do realize that for it to be successful we do have to actively plan and work...
I am pretty sure that I am bigger this time around compared to the time when I was pregnant with Madison. Already my belly button has everted.
This baby seems more active than Madison was too. Or maybe as a 2nd time mother- to- be I am more aware of the movements?
On one hand I am quite ready to have my body back, but on the other, it's going to be tough times again for awhile once she is out... that's from experience! I know it's temporary but still.... 1 year is pretty long!
I don't even know for sure how I'm going to run the clinic during the maternity period. I doubt I'll be getting even 2 months of leave. We can't really afford to hire locums to run the medical part. The dental practice will continue though.
Sigh. Things will sort themselves out ... eventually...
I've finally prepared some brochures for the clinic, to promote the aesthetic services that we offer. Took me awhile, with my paltry computing skills! Probably not do serious marketing yet... like brochure distribution to the residences around us. Maybe next year.
Oh... I can't believe it. Madison actually bit Elizabeth on her arm yesterday. I was mortified. The helpers told me when I got to the apartment late in the afternoon, after it'd happen. Elizabeth was alright, she didn't even cry when it happened.
Her arm was alright, looked like she'd had a lovebite. I put some antibiotic ointment on it for what it was worth. And then had to make the terrible confession to her parents. Thank goodness they were cool about it...
Madison had school again today.. and she was actually pretty cool about it for a change. I am so happy about that. Pity Elizabeth is too young to attend with her this year.
Well... fingers crossed about the clinic... I really hope it'll work and be successful.. although I do realize that for it to be successful we do have to actively plan and work...
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