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..
Friday, February 28, 2014
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
5 months
I just realized my little baby is almost 5 months!
He's seriously my little bear cub... and he makes me so happy!
Unfortunately he's sick at the moment.. gastro when he got back from Phuket, and now, he's on his 2nd cold.
But even when he's sick he such a champ. Poor fella had a terribly blocked and congested nose last night he couldn't sleep. So I decided to use the nasal spray on him and he took it like a champ. Didn't even cry when we sprayed and then dripped iliadin afterwards.
When he's well he's a social bird. Smiling, cooing and laughing with and at people. Where ever he goes he never fails to attract attention!
He loves being with his sisters, and in return they love to entertain him.
He can sit with support now, and likes to 'walk' ie take steps with someone holding him. I think he's starting to develop stranger anxiety as well.
And of course he loves to 'talk' .
Poor guy doesn't really get to have a schedule.. he's frequently tagging along his sisters' activities so he naps when he's really tired. At least bedtime is fairly fixed because the sisters go to bed at the same time everyday. I remember Madison had a strict schedule at this age and Annika was fairly routine too. Oh well... he seems to be doing ok though..
In another month or so I guess I'll have to start him on some solids. I think I'm less stressed about him eating solids compared to Annika. In retrospect I probably rushed Annika onto solids too quickly. I underestimated the importance of breastmilk when she was less than 1.
Here's hoping this round of colds go away quickly...
He's seriously my little bear cub... and he makes me so happy!
Unfortunately he's sick at the moment.. gastro when he got back from Phuket, and now, he's on his 2nd cold.
But even when he's sick he such a champ. Poor fella had a terribly blocked and congested nose last night he couldn't sleep. So I decided to use the nasal spray on him and he took it like a champ. Didn't even cry when we sprayed and then dripped iliadin afterwards.
When he's well he's a social bird. Smiling, cooing and laughing with and at people. Where ever he goes he never fails to attract attention!
He loves being with his sisters, and in return they love to entertain him.
He can sit with support now, and likes to 'walk' ie take steps with someone holding him. I think he's starting to develop stranger anxiety as well.
And of course he loves to 'talk' .
Poor guy doesn't really get to have a schedule.. he's frequently tagging along his sisters' activities so he naps when he's really tired. At least bedtime is fairly fixed because the sisters go to bed at the same time everyday. I remember Madison had a strict schedule at this age and Annika was fairly routine too. Oh well... he seems to be doing ok though..
In another month or so I guess I'll have to start him on some solids. I think I'm less stressed about him eating solids compared to Annika. In retrospect I probably rushed Annika onto solids too quickly. I underestimated the importance of breastmilk when she was less than 1.
Here's hoping this round of colds go away quickly...
Centara West Sands Phuket
We finally had a family holiday! This was the first trip abroad for Liam.
In all, the trip went better than expected.
We took a noon flight on Air asia on the way there, and a late afternoon flight back on Jetstar. Despite being budget airlines, the flights were surprisingly smooth and hassle free.
Madison and Annika had a really good time.. they were so excited and were able to participate throughout the trip. 3.5 years and above is a good time to go away on holiday!
Liam was the tricky one. He's almost 5 months now, less sleepy and becoming more aware of his surroundings. Of course he refused to breastfeed on the way up and down, and of course he wound up being the screaming baby as the plane took off. I think it was a combination of being super tired and overexcited. Thankfully once the plane was in the air, he suddenly fell asleep. The girls slept for most of the plane ride. Easy peasy.
When we got to Phuket, we had a pre-arranged hotel transfer so that took care of transport. (thank goodness, we had an entourage : 2 families who had 3 kids and 2-3 helpers EACH)
The resort was close to the airport so the transfer took 25minutes ( short by Phuket standards, other hotels take 1 to 1.5 hours to get to ) Of course this also meant we could hear the planes throughout the day and night, but when you have kids anyway you don't really notice it that much.
We chose this place primarily because it is located next to a waterpark. Plus we get free entry to the park. The resort had a fairly nice pool and was right next to the beach as well.
Since we were such a large group we booked the Penthouse suite which is basically like a serviced apartment with 4 bedrooms. The suite was a huge duplex and the kids were literally running up and down the stairs the entire time we were there. The rooms were large too with ensuites and it wasn't a problem fitting 2 extra mattresses for the kids.
Breakfast was included in the tariff and was a generous spread. The kids loved the automatic pancake machine and the juice dispensers. They had all their meals in the resort, either in room dining or at the watersplash park. Phuket is troublesome in the sense that getting to a restaurant outside means an extra 20-60minute taxi ride each way. I couldn't imagine trying to wrangle 3 kids there for every meal.
The resort also had a kids club, which is essentially a large indoor playroom that also had a flatscreen TV and game consoles. There were also organised activities for the kids but we didn't try them out. The 4 kids were happy playing with the toys in the room .
In the evenings after we'd spent the day in the pool and sun, we'd leave the kids and helpers at the apartment, and take a cab out to dinner. Phuket is still quite reasonably priced for visitors coming from Singapore.
The only thing we didn't manage to do was to get our massage and go to cocktail hour at the lounge. As we had booked the penthouse suite we were entitled to free drinks every day from 5-7pm at the club lounge. Of course that falls smack in the middle of dinner time for the kids. By the time we sorted dinner out it was usually too late. Baby steps..
Overall... a good relaxing trip that everyone enjoyed.. looks like we might be headed for more regional travel!
In all, the trip went better than expected.
We took a noon flight on Air asia on the way there, and a late afternoon flight back on Jetstar. Despite being budget airlines, the flights were surprisingly smooth and hassle free.
Madison and Annika had a really good time.. they were so excited and were able to participate throughout the trip. 3.5 years and above is a good time to go away on holiday!
Liam was the tricky one. He's almost 5 months now, less sleepy and becoming more aware of his surroundings. Of course he refused to breastfeed on the way up and down, and of course he wound up being the screaming baby as the plane took off. I think it was a combination of being super tired and overexcited. Thankfully once the plane was in the air, he suddenly fell asleep. The girls slept for most of the plane ride. Easy peasy.
When we got to Phuket, we had a pre-arranged hotel transfer so that took care of transport. (thank goodness, we had an entourage : 2 families who had 3 kids and 2-3 helpers EACH)
The resort was close to the airport so the transfer took 25minutes ( short by Phuket standards, other hotels take 1 to 1.5 hours to get to ) Of course this also meant we could hear the planes throughout the day and night, but when you have kids anyway you don't really notice it that much.
We chose this place primarily because it is located next to a waterpark. Plus we get free entry to the park. The resort had a fairly nice pool and was right next to the beach as well.
Since we were such a large group we booked the Penthouse suite which is basically like a serviced apartment with 4 bedrooms. The suite was a huge duplex and the kids were literally running up and down the stairs the entire time we were there. The rooms were large too with ensuites and it wasn't a problem fitting 2 extra mattresses for the kids.
Breakfast was included in the tariff and was a generous spread. The kids loved the automatic pancake machine and the juice dispensers. They had all their meals in the resort, either in room dining or at the watersplash park. Phuket is troublesome in the sense that getting to a restaurant outside means an extra 20-60minute taxi ride each way. I couldn't imagine trying to wrangle 3 kids there for every meal.
The resort also had a kids club, which is essentially a large indoor playroom that also had a flatscreen TV and game consoles. There were also organised activities for the kids but we didn't try them out. The 4 kids were happy playing with the toys in the room .
In the evenings after we'd spent the day in the pool and sun, we'd leave the kids and helpers at the apartment, and take a cab out to dinner. Phuket is still quite reasonably priced for visitors coming from Singapore.
The only thing we didn't manage to do was to get our massage and go to cocktail hour at the lounge. As we had booked the penthouse suite we were entitled to free drinks every day from 5-7pm at the club lounge. Of course that falls smack in the middle of dinner time for the kids. By the time we sorted dinner out it was usually too late. Baby steps..
Overall... a good relaxing trip that everyone enjoyed.. looks like we might be headed for more regional travel!
Friday, November 1, 2013
October
I cannot believe October is over.
Our 2nd helper finally arrived on the 22nd of October, and to be honest I have mixed feelings.
She's been great really, and it's a load off my mind that when I go to work there's enough manpower to look after Liam and get the housework done. It's time I get more hours in at the clinic and I felt really bad that the poor boy was stuck on his bouncy chair while Warni rushed around trying to do the housework. Even though I kept telling her not to worry too much about the housework when I was working, somehow the message didn't seem to get through!
Funny thing though, is that sometimes having 2 doesn't mean things are done more efficiently or more quickly. Maybe it's also because Mylene is still new. And it's also a different stress, now that I have to manage 2 live-in staff. It's still a little treading on eggs trying to work out if they get along. I'm not quite sure.
But overall I think it's the right move... Weekends are much less stressful because Chris and I can actually leave the 3 kids at home and go out for a meal/shopping and spend some time together. Prior to Mylene arriving the weekends were always revolving around the kids' activities and most times it was a 'divide and conquer' mentality. Going out as a family for meals usually meant Chris and I took turns eating.. not relaxing at all.
Liam is now 4 months old and he's at a really nice stage! He's such a happy child and so social. Much more than I remember with either girls. He coos and babbles ALOT, and recently decided he likes socializing more than eating or sleeping. I think he also recognises me and that makes me really happy! I think it really takes 3 to appreciate the baby stage more... and he makes me so happy.
Annika is finally starting to understand a little more, although she has her temper tantrums she can settle with timeouts. She's actually quite motivated to learn, probably as a result of having 2 older girls to learn from. I think she's also accepted her brother, and although she's occasionally jealous that I spend time with him, she understands if I explain it to her. And then bribe her with something.. not neccessarily with a material object.. sometimes something as simple as promising to spend time with her alone.
Madison is already a 'tween'. She's started to negotiate over everything, but in general is still easy going and a really great help now. She has empathy and offers to help me carry things when she sees I have a thousand things to lug from the car to the apartment. She's improving at piano and is really quite motivated as well. I was having trouble with her being unmotivated at tennis, but after sitting her down and talking to her about it she's much better.
And finally.. we are about to take our first holiday with the baby. And it's only because the girls had their annual flu shot and Chris told them they needed it if they wanted to travel. So Madison got it into her head that we were going away... and now we are.. just a short getaway to Phuket with another family. Let's see how that goes... the kids are so excited..
Our 2nd helper finally arrived on the 22nd of October, and to be honest I have mixed feelings.
She's been great really, and it's a load off my mind that when I go to work there's enough manpower to look after Liam and get the housework done. It's time I get more hours in at the clinic and I felt really bad that the poor boy was stuck on his bouncy chair while Warni rushed around trying to do the housework. Even though I kept telling her not to worry too much about the housework when I was working, somehow the message didn't seem to get through!
Funny thing though, is that sometimes having 2 doesn't mean things are done more efficiently or more quickly. Maybe it's also because Mylene is still new. And it's also a different stress, now that I have to manage 2 live-in staff. It's still a little treading on eggs trying to work out if they get along. I'm not quite sure.
But overall I think it's the right move... Weekends are much less stressful because Chris and I can actually leave the 3 kids at home and go out for a meal/shopping and spend some time together. Prior to Mylene arriving the weekends were always revolving around the kids' activities and most times it was a 'divide and conquer' mentality. Going out as a family for meals usually meant Chris and I took turns eating.. not relaxing at all.
Liam is now 4 months old and he's at a really nice stage! He's such a happy child and so social. Much more than I remember with either girls. He coos and babbles ALOT, and recently decided he likes socializing more than eating or sleeping. I think he also recognises me and that makes me really happy! I think it really takes 3 to appreciate the baby stage more... and he makes me so happy.
Annika is finally starting to understand a little more, although she has her temper tantrums she can settle with timeouts. She's actually quite motivated to learn, probably as a result of having 2 older girls to learn from. I think she's also accepted her brother, and although she's occasionally jealous that I spend time with him, she understands if I explain it to her. And then bribe her with something.. not neccessarily with a material object.. sometimes something as simple as promising to spend time with her alone.
Madison is already a 'tween'. She's started to negotiate over everything, but in general is still easy going and a really great help now. She has empathy and offers to help me carry things when she sees I have a thousand things to lug from the car to the apartment. She's improving at piano and is really quite motivated as well. I was having trouble with her being unmotivated at tennis, but after sitting her down and talking to her about it she's much better.
And finally.. we are about to take our first holiday with the baby. And it's only because the girls had their annual flu shot and Chris told them they needed it if they wanted to travel. So Madison got it into her head that we were going away... and now we are.. just a short getaway to Phuket with another family. Let's see how that goes... the kids are so excited..
Monday, September 30, 2013
Patience
I discovered something this weekend. It was like an epiphany.
Before I had kids, I didn't really think about having any.
So after we had Madison, I thought, hey, it would be really selfish not to give her a companion, once you have a kid you are seriously committed to at least 2.
So we had Annika, and we spaced them 2 years apart. Which is quite common, I have come to realize.
And then I felt like we should have 1 more ( at least??). Crazy! From not wanting any to thinking about 3 or more!!
And before Liam was born we were coping great with 2. So great that I had no trouble having other people's kids around, babysitting them while they played with my 2. Could even make meals for other people's kids, take them out together on excursions!
So I thought, how bad can it be with 3 or 4? After adjusting to 2, 3 must be a piece of cake!
What an idiot I was. 3 is like out of control. It feels like a constant choice between baby or the older 2. I feel guilty leaving the baby and I feel guilty leaving the older 2. And they all need so much attention! I know all this is temporary, but wow! At the moment when the kids are not at school or at my sister's place its nonstop.
So now, I feel like I have no more juice in me for other people's kids. No more patience. No more love. That's it.. my own 3 have taken every bit out of me and any other time I get I want it for myself! Not to mention work.. that's another avenue of frustration.
Liam is doing great and he's such a joy. People are right when they say number 3 is usually the easiest to care for, the easiest in terms of personality. I think its also partly because the parents are experienced by the time number 3 comes around. I'm enjoying his babyness so much right now. He's terribly cute and such a talker already. Ever since he turned 3 months, his personality is showing up. He's also wanting to sleep and eat much less than before, especially when he hears his sisters or other people around.
I can't imagine how people have 4 or more kids... they seriously outnumber you and there isn't time for them all. The stakes are higher with each subsequent kid. There are MORE older ones that need your time. Time that you cannot afford to give to the baby anymore.
So I guess 3 will be our magic number!
Before I had kids, I didn't really think about having any.
So after we had Madison, I thought, hey, it would be really selfish not to give her a companion, once you have a kid you are seriously committed to at least 2.
So we had Annika, and we spaced them 2 years apart. Which is quite common, I have come to realize.
And then I felt like we should have 1 more ( at least??). Crazy! From not wanting any to thinking about 3 or more!!
And before Liam was born we were coping great with 2. So great that I had no trouble having other people's kids around, babysitting them while they played with my 2. Could even make meals for other people's kids, take them out together on excursions!
So I thought, how bad can it be with 3 or 4? After adjusting to 2, 3 must be a piece of cake!
What an idiot I was. 3 is like out of control. It feels like a constant choice between baby or the older 2. I feel guilty leaving the baby and I feel guilty leaving the older 2. And they all need so much attention! I know all this is temporary, but wow! At the moment when the kids are not at school or at my sister's place its nonstop.
So now, I feel like I have no more juice in me for other people's kids. No more patience. No more love. That's it.. my own 3 have taken every bit out of me and any other time I get I want it for myself! Not to mention work.. that's another avenue of frustration.
Liam is doing great and he's such a joy. People are right when they say number 3 is usually the easiest to care for, the easiest in terms of personality. I think its also partly because the parents are experienced by the time number 3 comes around. I'm enjoying his babyness so much right now. He's terribly cute and such a talker already. Ever since he turned 3 months, his personality is showing up. He's also wanting to sleep and eat much less than before, especially when he hears his sisters or other people around.
I can't imagine how people have 4 or more kids... they seriously outnumber you and there isn't time for them all. The stakes are higher with each subsequent kid. There are MORE older ones that need your time. Time that you cannot afford to give to the baby anymore.
So I guess 3 will be our magic number!
Friday, September 27, 2013
3 months
How is it that another month has passed?
I think with each subsequent child time has sped up.
Liam is now officially passed 3 months, so I can breathe a little and not be AS paranoid that his siblings/ cousins will give him some bug that will land him in hospital.
And of course as soon as he hit 3 months he caught his first cold. The poor kid... runny nose in the day and then a stuffy blocked nose at night.
Life is starting to settle since Liam was born. Annika and Madison are quite loving towards their brother and I'm happy they don't seem to be overly jealous of him. Annika does clamour for my attention more than Madison but she's easily distracted.
Work has been a good distraction and it's tempting to do more. The good thing with retrospect and experience is that this time I know I'm going to take it slow and spend the time with the kids. The clinic can wait and hopefully the work will come back once we are ready. I think it helps from the business end that Chris is also helping so I feel the pressure less.
Novena house is finally progressing well, and the end is in sight. The walls have started to appear and the roof is apparently up. We are hoping for a completed house by year's end.
As for us, the final permit finally came through last week .Of course this doesn't mean much because we are still waiting for the structural engineer's permit before work can start. I hope this isn't the start of our nightmare.
The end of the year is approaching fast. Wish I was headed for a snowy ski holiday somewhere but I doubt we're going to be able to take any until Liam is older and the house is ready. Chris and I always toy with a trip away without the kids, but he doubts I'd be able to do it!
I think with each subsequent child time has sped up.
Liam is now officially passed 3 months, so I can breathe a little and not be AS paranoid that his siblings/ cousins will give him some bug that will land him in hospital.
And of course as soon as he hit 3 months he caught his first cold. The poor kid... runny nose in the day and then a stuffy blocked nose at night.
Life is starting to settle since Liam was born. Annika and Madison are quite loving towards their brother and I'm happy they don't seem to be overly jealous of him. Annika does clamour for my attention more than Madison but she's easily distracted.
Work has been a good distraction and it's tempting to do more. The good thing with retrospect and experience is that this time I know I'm going to take it slow and spend the time with the kids. The clinic can wait and hopefully the work will come back once we are ready. I think it helps from the business end that Chris is also helping so I feel the pressure less.
Novena house is finally progressing well, and the end is in sight. The walls have started to appear and the roof is apparently up. We are hoping for a completed house by year's end.
As for us, the final permit finally came through last week .Of course this doesn't mean much because we are still waiting for the structural engineer's permit before work can start. I hope this isn't the start of our nightmare.
The end of the year is approaching fast. Wish I was headed for a snowy ski holiday somewhere but I doubt we're going to be able to take any until Liam is older and the house is ready. Chris and I always toy with a trip away without the kids, but he doubts I'd be able to do it!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Busy days
It's been too long since the last entry!
Time really flies. Liam is now 2 months old and doing ok at home.
I am finally back at work and settling back in. I've decided to start slow this time and am currently only doing 3 half days a week. Work is busier than ever at the moment, but I imagine it'll settle down.
The kids are also getting the hang of having another sibling. Annika was probably affected the most, and she was throwing tantrums, being whiny and fighting with Madison ALOT. Or maybe that's just normal sibling behaviour anyway..
The grandma is also going back to Melbourne after a 6 week stay with us. It has been relatively good, with its ups and downs. We definitely need a new place because things are seriously overflowing at our little apartment. My bedroom has been taken over by Liam's stuff already. It's starting to be reminicent of the last few months at Papillon, when Chris and I were relegated to the living room!
The Novena timor house is finally coming along... the skeleton of the house is almost complete, and it seriously looks like a massive structure in the neighbourhood! There will be more space for everyone once it's done.
Geok's helper Siti is going home for good this Sunday. She decided not to renew her contract and go home to her family instead. Unfortunately the replacement has been delayed so she's going to be sans a helper for the next few weeks. Fortunately for her since my parents are staying with her she's not going to suffer much.
I've also caved in and applied to get a 2nd helper. It's mainly for logistics and for the longer term when we have a house, 3 kids and I have to go back to full time work. Imagine when Madison goes to SCGS (primary school) , Annika goes to Pat's ( Kindergarten) and Liam goes to ?Bibinogs/ ?something else pre-Pat's!!! 3 kids in 3 locations! I would seriously go bananas being a chauffeur. That'll happen in approximately 1.5 years time.
The final peg is our new house... we're still awaiting the final permits but the contractor has been chosen and given the green light to get started!
Time really flies. Liam is now 2 months old and doing ok at home.
I am finally back at work and settling back in. I've decided to start slow this time and am currently only doing 3 half days a week. Work is busier than ever at the moment, but I imagine it'll settle down.
The kids are also getting the hang of having another sibling. Annika was probably affected the most, and she was throwing tantrums, being whiny and fighting with Madison ALOT. Or maybe that's just normal sibling behaviour anyway..
The grandma is also going back to Melbourne after a 6 week stay with us. It has been relatively good, with its ups and downs. We definitely need a new place because things are seriously overflowing at our little apartment. My bedroom has been taken over by Liam's stuff already. It's starting to be reminicent of the last few months at Papillon, when Chris and I were relegated to the living room!
The Novena timor house is finally coming along... the skeleton of the house is almost complete, and it seriously looks like a massive structure in the neighbourhood! There will be more space for everyone once it's done.
Geok's helper Siti is going home for good this Sunday. She decided not to renew her contract and go home to her family instead. Unfortunately the replacement has been delayed so she's going to be sans a helper for the next few weeks. Fortunately for her since my parents are staying with her she's not going to suffer much.
I've also caved in and applied to get a 2nd helper. It's mainly for logistics and for the longer term when we have a house, 3 kids and I have to go back to full time work. Imagine when Madison goes to SCGS (primary school) , Annika goes to Pat's ( Kindergarten) and Liam goes to ?Bibinogs/ ?something else pre-Pat's!!! 3 kids in 3 locations! I would seriously go bananas being a chauffeur. That'll happen in approximately 1.5 years time.
The final peg is our new house... we're still awaiting the final permits but the contractor has been chosen and given the green light to get started!
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