New beginnings

It's been a while old blog... I've seriously neglected writing in this blog for the past few months!

My fault... time just seems to tick by, the days blend into each other and before I know it two months have passed already.

KIDS:

Madison is almost 6! My dear sweet firstborn, the reason I started writing in this blog has passed the half decade mark...

I started seriously freaking out at the start of this year because she is finishing preschool and will start Primary one next year. I've heard so many horror stories of primary school in Singapore to be stressed. I hope she will be able to cope with the schoolwork, with the independence that is expected from a primary school kid-- having to buy her meals, being in a larger class, finding new friends and dealing with relationships with other kids.

I can't even begin to imagine what next year will be like: Madison will need to be in school by 0715h, Annika will still be in preschool which starts at 0900h and Liam should also be doing something at least three times a week somewhere ( which I haven't decided as yet ). Someone needs to send the kids to their destination every morning, and then pick them all up when they are done!

Other than that... I must say I am enjoying the age that Madison is at. She is finally past the eating/sleeping/ diapering problem stage, and is such a pleasure to be around. I can actually do things with her, like take her out for meals, go shopping etc. Not that we have alot of time to do that anyway.

Annika is also slowly getting there... she is still my stubborn little child, the 'difficult' one that drives my blood pressure up every morning ( it's slowly improving ). She's the feisty, rebellious and noisy one, but is also the most thoughtful one of the three( at the moment ) . I still have difficulty getting her to finish her breakfast quickly so that we can leave at a decent time in the morning.

She's also progressing well.. she finished her Baby graduate music classes just last weekend, and will start individual piano classes next week with Madison. Annika's also started tennis on Saturday mornings with Elizabeth and Madison. She really enjoys her tennis sessions, although I suspect the three of them spend more court time fooling around rather than hitting balls. Vicky and Annika also started gymnastics this year, at the same place as the 2 older girls.

Since I freaked out about primary school and Mandarin skills, I caved in and enrolled the 2 girls at Berries.

Actually Madison has been asking me to allow her to attend Berries. I think most of her classmates at Pat's go to Berries. I've been doubtful, but I figured it was worth a try. And I think it's not bad. Group classes must work. The kids don't mind going for the 1hour 45 minute sessions once a week, and they revise their work during the week.

Finally.. Liam.. my little baby, who is still a baby. He's 8 months already.. I cannot believe it's been 8 months since he was born. He's my little cutie pie, the cuddly one for now.

But the chubbiness is going away (sob). I know it's normal, but I was really hoping he could be as chubby and cute as Madison. I think I failed with Annika.. she was so skinny by 1 year old. I really cannot remember what I did right with Madison. Liam is getting so active and fidgety now, I think he must burn all his food calories everyday. He hasn't gained any weight for the past 2 months and that is freaking me out ( as usual ) .

We've started solids with him and to my dismay he doesn't really like it. Sigh. It must run in the genes. Must be Chris' side. Elizabeth and Vicky had no trouble taking solids.  I'm stubbornly trying everything I can.. Annabel Karmel recipes, different produce, new blender etc. I can't figure out if he needs more milk or more solids. Trouble with milk feeds is that he refuses solids after milk. I'm trying to give solids before milk for now to see if it helps.

WORK

We've finally renovated the Heal Balestier Clinic. Reason being IPSS is moving in to join us since their lease is up.

The renovations took just over 3 weeks to complete and it's finally ready. The new clinic has a brighter and lighter feel, and we've created more procedure rooms.

Obviously the clinic load took a hit during the renovations, so I'm anxiously waiting for the caseload to pick up again. Hopefully it won't take too long....

HOUSE

5 Martaban is coming up! I'm really excited for the increase in space that we will have. I'll miss being close to our neighbours and our carpark, but having more living space trumps that. The kids' stuff is EVERYWHERE in our little apartment and it really looks messy. And I'm really excited about a larger kitchen! We've got a kitchen specialist so hopefully they do a good job with creating my dream kitchen. ( or close to that ) ( actually more space is already quite good )

Because of the house and it's accompanying renovations our cash flow is super tight. I hate feeling like we ?might/probably be short of money( I don't dare do the math)  but I know it's temporary. The kids' school fees are EXHORBITANT, but looking at Madison I think it's probably worth it. I keep asking Chris if we should downgrade or switch to a cheaper preschool but he doesn't think it's worth it. So difficult to know what to do! So.. for the time being.. no holidays, no expensive meals out ( that is is arbitrary.. normal meals out with the kids and helpers start at $100 a pop )

I think I get stressed over all these things on a daily basis, but I'm also aware how quickly these things go by. How very soon Chris and I will be old and think back of the days when the kids were so little and life was so full and fast. I know I shouldn't wish for the days to go by quickly, because I will regret it later, but when life gets a little much and I'm rushing around trying to accomplish all these little errands it does get to me sometimes.

One step at a time..