We had never had to work together as a family the way we did last Sunday.
We decided to check out the brand new shopping mall, the ION at Orchard Road. While we were window shopping, Khloe was a bit cranky. Thinking that she may be hungry, I made milk for her and fed her sitting on a bench in the atrium, while Kenneth brought Karl to the toilet. While feeding her, she suddenly sat up and throw up all over me!
I was caught in shock and embarrassment as this has never happened to me before. I had to bear with the stare of curious on-lookers, try to pacific a wailing baby, and both of us covered in puke. Keith quickly gave Kenneth a call and Dad came running to help with lots of tissue paper.
For some strange reason, the toilets are located 2 floors up from the ground floor. Thank God for the wonderful toilet facilities at the ION. We went into a 'family' toilet meant for little kids. There, we cleaned up Khloe and as this was meant to be a short trip, we didn't bring any spare clothes for her. Luckily, we had brought along a little sweater for her, so she was fine in her diapers and sweater.
It was a bit harder to clean me up. I was at my wits end and did not know what to do. I thought of asking Kenneth to buy some clothes for me, only if we were not in such an upmarket mall where only the top brands are here. Suddenly, an idea struck!
I asked Keith to give me his clothes, which he obediently gave. And I asked Karl to give his clothes to Keith, which he obediently gave too. Now we are left with an almost naked Karl. We packed him into the pram and pulled won the cover so he cannot be seen from outside.
Bless these little boys for being so helpful. I was really pleased that we all work together as a family to resolve this little crisis. We quickly got everyone packed into our car and got home as soon as we can.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Singlish has no place at work
I am working on a mega project with many other races and nationalities. At the management level, the committee which I sit in consists of French, British, American and German. I am the only Singaporean in the committee.
It is a very bizarre thing for me, to work in my own country but face racial discrimination. Both from others, and also my own country men.
Another Singaporean working on the same project says it is colonial mindset.
I don't know what it is.
But whenever there is a difference of opinion, it seems the whiter your skin, the more value there is, and the more people are willing to listen. Perhaps I am too sensitive, perhaps Singaporeans are just not very good at expressing ourselves, explaining our points clearly and concisely, hence no one has the patience to figure out what we are actually saying.
And Singaporeans are very quick to dismiss Singaporeans, preferring instead to listen to what the "foreign talents" have to say, there is just so much to learn from them.
It is very important for us Singaporeans to be able to speak English that is internationally understood. Singlish has no place at work.
At the end of the workday, I really enjoy just staying at home with my children. At least, I know that I am loved unconditionally, 'regardless of race, language or religion'.
It is a very bizarre thing for me, to work in my own country but face racial discrimination. Both from others, and also my own country men.
Another Singaporean working on the same project says it is colonial mindset.
I don't know what it is.
But whenever there is a difference of opinion, it seems the whiter your skin, the more value there is, and the more people are willing to listen. Perhaps I am too sensitive, perhaps Singaporeans are just not very good at expressing ourselves, explaining our points clearly and concisely, hence no one has the patience to figure out what we are actually saying.
And Singaporeans are very quick to dismiss Singaporeans, preferring instead to listen to what the "foreign talents" have to say, there is just so much to learn from them.
It is very important for us Singaporeans to be able to speak English that is internationally understood. Singlish has no place at work.
At the end of the workday, I really enjoy just staying at home with my children. At least, I know that I am loved unconditionally, 'regardless of race, language or religion'.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
When the children were little....
When Keith was little, he was the most wonderful and cute baby we had ever seen. We showed a baby picture of Kenneth to Kelvin, and told him that was Keith. He believed us! That shows the resemblance of father and son. Being a first time mom trying her darnest to nurse her child, it took almost 2.5 years to wean Keith off.
When Karl was little, he was the most wonderful and cute baby we had every seen. Some said he looked like Grandma. Now an experienced mom, Mom managed enough milk to nurse Karl only on her milk for more than a year. Karl weaned himself off.
Now that Khloe is little, she is the most wonderful and cute baby we had ever seen. She looks like mommy, no doubt about that. She sleeps through the night when she was barely 6 months. She still looks for mom to nurse her before she sleeps, mom wants to wean her off soon.
We are so blessed. God blessed us with 3 very wonderful children.
When Karl was little, he was the most wonderful and cute baby we had every seen. Some said he looked like Grandma. Now an experienced mom, Mom managed enough milk to nurse Karl only on her milk for more than a year. Karl weaned himself off.
Now that Khloe is little, she is the most wonderful and cute baby we had ever seen. She looks like mommy, no doubt about that. She sleeps through the night when she was barely 6 months. She still looks for mom to nurse her before she sleeps, mom wants to wean her off soon.
We are so blessed. God blessed us with 3 very wonderful children.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Nuisance
The workers were working outside our gate the last few days.
One day, they buzzed the door bell and told all of us to move our cars outside because they were about to dig a trench outside of our gate and we would not be able to move our car if we do not take them out soon.
There were 3 cars we needed to move. Kenneth's car, my car and Papa's car.
It was such a nuisance having to walk outside of the gate to the car. Also, there was a excavator and so much work going on, I was afraid that they may unknowingly scratch my car.
About 3 days later, we were allowed to park in our house again. However, the big excavator was still there. And the rubble that they had dug up were blocking a third of the width of the gate. In backing my car out of the driveway, I was afraid that there may be a nail somewhere that may puncture my car.
I was thinking what a nuisance these workers were.
Until one day, while I was backing my car out of the driveway, and Keith was in my car with me. I was reversing my car very carefully and slowly.
Although I had not discussed my sentiments about these inconveniences with Keith, he commented, what are nuisance these works and these workers are.
At that moment, I explained to Keith about the works that the workers were doing, and that they are working in the hot sun, so their work must be hard. I also explained to Keith about how putting up with a little inconveniences for a few days means that we will have a better environment when the works are completed. In fact, I suggested to Keith that we should offer the workers some cold drinks to help them out in the heat.
After saying all these, I caught myself by surprise.
Was that the Holy Spirit? Was that God speaking through me?
I had never thought such thoughts before, and I can feel God's love for them bagladeshi / chinese workers.
The love of God just overwhelmed me!
One day, they buzzed the door bell and told all of us to move our cars outside because they were about to dig a trench outside of our gate and we would not be able to move our car if we do not take them out soon.
There were 3 cars we needed to move. Kenneth's car, my car and Papa's car.
It was such a nuisance having to walk outside of the gate to the car. Also, there was a excavator and so much work going on, I was afraid that they may unknowingly scratch my car.
About 3 days later, we were allowed to park in our house again. However, the big excavator was still there. And the rubble that they had dug up were blocking a third of the width of the gate. In backing my car out of the driveway, I was afraid that there may be a nail somewhere that may puncture my car.
I was thinking what a nuisance these workers were.
Until one day, while I was backing my car out of the driveway, and Keith was in my car with me. I was reversing my car very carefully and slowly.
Although I had not discussed my sentiments about these inconveniences with Keith, he commented, what are nuisance these works and these workers are.
At that moment, I explained to Keith about the works that the workers were doing, and that they are working in the hot sun, so their work must be hard. I also explained to Keith about how putting up with a little inconveniences for a few days means that we will have a better environment when the works are completed. In fact, I suggested to Keith that we should offer the workers some cold drinks to help them out in the heat.
After saying all these, I caught myself by surprise.
Was that the Holy Spirit? Was that God speaking through me?
I had never thought such thoughts before, and I can feel God's love for them bagladeshi / chinese workers.
The love of God just overwhelmed me!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Was I too sensitive?
At K2's Parent-Teacher day just before the June School Holidays, I noticed a little drawing done by him with some words below.
It said (in Chinese) : ......... "my mom loves my brother, I love my mom"
I was astounded!
I asked him, why didn't he write "my mom loves me, I love my mom"? Did he think that I did not love him? Have I neglected him? Am I a bad mother? Does he not know that I love him very much?
I could not sleep that night! I kept thinking about it the day after.
I have to think about what had gone wrong. How I can convey to K2 that I love him very very much. The only way would be to spend more time with him. But how? With very limited time that I have at home after work, I have to split my time between coaching K1 his school work, looking after Baby K3 - so where do I find the time to play Bakukan with K2? But I will have to work it out.
After asking him for a few days, he finally told me, he said he copied it from what the teacher wrote on the whiteboard.
Really?
Was I too sensitive?
It said (in Chinese) : ......... "my mom loves my brother, I love my mom"
I was astounded!
I asked him, why didn't he write "my mom loves me, I love my mom"? Did he think that I did not love him? Have I neglected him? Am I a bad mother? Does he not know that I love him very much?
I could not sleep that night! I kept thinking about it the day after.
I have to think about what had gone wrong. How I can convey to K2 that I love him very very much. The only way would be to spend more time with him. But how? With very limited time that I have at home after work, I have to split my time between coaching K1 his school work, looking after Baby K3 - so where do I find the time to play Bakukan with K2? But I will have to work it out.
After asking him for a few days, he finally told me, he said he copied it from what the teacher wrote on the whiteboard.
Really?
Was I too sensitive?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What would be my ideal car?
Now that the decision on 'to buy' or 'not to buy' was over, K and I set out to look for that ideal car for me.
The next decision we had to make was how much to spend on this second car - not forgetting that it is a 'want', not a 'need'. This decision is also somewhat linked to whether we should buy a used car or a new car? What car to buy and what colour?
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
We started out our car shopping at the CarMart at Eunos. We started looking at pre-owned cars but weren't sure what we were looking for.
Since K already had a sedan, I thought it might be useful to buy a MPV which can fit our whole family (including Grandparents) during the weekends (not that we go out together a lot), and give the children more space. With 3 kids (including a baby chair) and maid it tow, I felt we needed more space. Honda Stream (my cousin Teck has one and he swears by it!) seems to be a good option as it is a smallish MPV - easier for me to handle.
K was not really supportive of MPVs because I may be the only one driving an empty big car most of the time. He was more tuned towards a 2-seater car, like the Daihatsu Copen (600cc convertible hard top!) or the RX8 (1.3l, Rotary Engine).
We came across a May 08 RX8 with a low mileage of 11,000km at www.sgcarmart.com. We went to see it and I fell instantly in love with it. It had everything I wanted - good looks (cool red leather seats, dark silver colour body), low running costs (very low road tax since it is only a 1.3l car), well maintained (it looks brand new!) and best of all it seats 4 and although it looks like a 2-door car, it actually has 4 doors. The agent wanted S$78,880 for it. I wasn't sure if it was the car for me. I said I will think about it.
That evening, my 'ideal car' was sold.
The next day, we met with our friend Barry who knows a lot about cars. He once changed 18 cars in a year! He told me that he had many friends who sold their RX8 because the central pillar in the car gets very hot due to the Rotary Engine. The other complain was the high fuel consumption even for a low capacity car. Since I think Barry knows best, I stopped thinking about buying the RX8.
However, K was not convinced by Barry. He continue to look at the RX8 in the sgcarmar and urged me to call my JC friend who owns a RX8.
I am thankful that God blesses me with so many great friends. Not only did my JC friend drove his car to my office and took me out for lunch, he even let me test drive his car along the ECP. He had been driving the car for close to 2 years now and only has good things to say about it.
After that ride, I wavered.
That evening, I learned from the car agent that the man who 'bought' the RX8 could not get his loan approved. So we took a look at it again and I totally love it. Again this time, I said that I am very keen but I did not have my cheque book with me. I told the agent that I was keen to get the car. We settled on S$77k.
I was so happy.
But yet unsure.
Is the ergonomics of the car suitable for me? As you know, I am a little petite and I did sense some trouble reaching the accelerator even when I pushed my seat all the way to the front.
The next day, the car agent called to say that the man had asked for more time. And this time, he will try to get a loan from his company.
WHAT? Is this man desperate or what?
God, if this car is for me, please make sure that his loan with the company will not be approved.
Please God. I want that car. I am sure now God, I will not waver again.
I waited anxiously and patiently for the whole day. I looked at the picture in sgcarmart, and showed it to my colleague in the office. I imagine myself driving that car. Looks pretty cool, I thought.
And I did not hear from the car agent. K said I should call. I did not want to sound desperate. But I wanted to know :-( So I called.
Alas! The RX8 was not meant to be.
I was heartbroken.
I texted my brother and a few friends who knew.
I said that God does not want me to have this car. He must have something better in store for me!! And I said 'Amen' to that!
I cannot wait to see what it might be!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Iky!
No, 'lky' is not our Minister Mentor.
It spells 'i-k-y'!
As I was growing up, my mom used to educate us about the invisible germs.
When we come home from the outside, she forbade us from sitting on the sofa. Why mom? She said that when we take the bus, we bring back germs from the bus home. And if we sit on the sofa, those germs are then transferred to our sofa, which is a 'clean' zone where we relax after we bath.
I was flabbergasted!
Worried about germs we cannot see? Come on Mom, don't be such a wussy!
.........fast forward to year 2009......I am now a mother of 3 .............
I don't allow my children (or my husband for that matter) to go onto my bed if they don't change out of their clothes in which they go out with. Geez! Who knows? There could be germs from K2 sitting on the floor in the kindergarten, and that floor he sat on could have germs from the toilets brought about by shoes of the teachers who had just gone to pee.....and so it goes.
I am also iky about toilet flushes and toilet locks. I will not touch the public toilet locks and flushes. If I can, I will use a toilet paper as a 'shield' or 'protection' when I flush or lock the toilet door. I mean - these are the 2 most contaminated places in the toilet. Imagine someone just finish peeing (or doing other stuff) and then before washing their hands, they will need to flush and open the door to get out. Can you imagine the number of germs in these 2 places?
I have also witnessed girls who don't wash their hands after they go to the toilet. Have their mom taught them nothing?
Just the other day, K1 proudly told me about something that he had just learnt from "horrible science" book that he's been reading. He said 'mom, do you know that when you flush the toilet, there are microscopic bits of poo and pee in the air? But don't worry, the book said that it will not do us any harm.'.
Thanks a lot, K1 - now I have something else to worry about, I will need to close the toilet seat cover before I flush, else there will be microscopic bits of pee on myself. But what if the gal in the next cubicle flushes? Will microscopic bits of her be floating towards me? Do I stop breathing?
What is happening to me?
I am growing into my mom!!
What a scary thought!!!!
It spells 'i-k-y'!
As I was growing up, my mom used to educate us about the invisible germs.
When we come home from the outside, she forbade us from sitting on the sofa. Why mom? She said that when we take the bus, we bring back germs from the bus home. And if we sit on the sofa, those germs are then transferred to our sofa, which is a 'clean' zone where we relax after we bath.
I was flabbergasted!
Worried about germs we cannot see? Come on Mom, don't be such a wussy!
.........fast forward to year 2009......I am now a mother of 3 .............
I don't allow my children (or my husband for that matter) to go onto my bed if they don't change out of their clothes in which they go out with. Geez! Who knows? There could be germs from K2 sitting on the floor in the kindergarten, and that floor he sat on could have germs from the toilets brought about by shoes of the teachers who had just gone to pee.....and so it goes.
I am also iky about toilet flushes and toilet locks. I will not touch the public toilet locks and flushes. If I can, I will use a toilet paper as a 'shield' or 'protection' when I flush or lock the toilet door. I mean - these are the 2 most contaminated places in the toilet. Imagine someone just finish peeing (or doing other stuff) and then before washing their hands, they will need to flush and open the door to get out. Can you imagine the number of germs in these 2 places?
I have also witnessed girls who don't wash their hands after they go to the toilet. Have their mom taught them nothing?
Just the other day, K1 proudly told me about something that he had just learnt from "horrible science" book that he's been reading. He said 'mom, do you know that when you flush the toilet, there are microscopic bits of poo and pee in the air? But don't worry, the book said that it will not do us any harm.'.
Thanks a lot, K1 - now I have something else to worry about, I will need to close the toilet seat cover before I flush, else there will be microscopic bits of pee on myself. But what if the gal in the next cubicle flushes? Will microscopic bits of her be floating towards me? Do I stop breathing?
What is happening to me?
I am growing into my mom!!
What a scary thought!!!!
Primary School Registration - An anticlimax (2006 Post)
I found this post in my previous blog
==========================================================
July 2006
There's been on-going discussions on registering our son for primary school since K1 turned 5 last year - right after his party at MacDonald's and right after he blew out the candles on his Star Wars birthday cake.
His well meaning grandmother - a recently retired teacher - had this to say:
'I think you should just send him to St Stephens or maybe Tao Nan. ACS is too far from our house. Do you know how early he needs to wake up? Do you know what time he gets home after school? Do you know what is the travelling distance? Do you know this is a long term commitment? Poor boy. Hmmm...I wonder if I can get my grandson into TaoNan if I do relief teaching there? By the way, here is K's ACS report card I took out from the safe - over to you.'
The well meaning mother's network - those who doesn't think primary school education can make or break their child - has this to say:
'Just send him to a school that is nearby. It is easier for the kid, it is less stressful for the parent. It doesn't matter, if the child is good, he will do well regardless of the school he goes to. Why need to travel so far? How is he going to get home when he has to stay back for CCA?'
The well meaning mother's network - those who think primary school education can make or break their child - has this to say:
'If you don't want to travel too far, Tao Nan is a good school. Oh ! you didn't join Hokkien Huey Kuan 2 years ago? I think the policy has changed - cannot already - too late if your boy is going to Primary School next year. Oh and you didn't volunteer either? Tsk! tsk! tsk!!! How about Maris Stella? I think they have Higher Chinese (Me : Huh? What's that?).'
One of K's colleague said this:
'I want my daughter to go to Rosyth. So I wanted to volunteer at the school. The school said - we have too many volunteers, can you do weekdays? I said - I have to work. The school said - Hmmm....How about lunch time. So, I have to drive to the school during lunch time for the next 2 years - for a chance to ballot (read : no guarantee) to get into the school.'
Oh God! What should we do? Please give me a sign!
One of the teachers at Kindergarten said:
'Your son is a all rounder, he can do very well, you should push him to reach his limits. ACS is a good school, don't worry about the travel distance.'
Another teacher at the Kindergarten said:
'Many of our students go to ACS, don't worry, travel distance no problem. Good choice!'
Are these signs, God?
I went to see the principal:
She was not around.
K's ACS mates said:
'Our sons are all in ACS - is yours going to St Stephens? '
I was totally confused - this is a decision that we are going to make that will affect my son for the rest of his life. Can K1 wake up to catch the school bus at 5.55am? Oh dear! He can't even wake up for his Chinese Tuition at 9.30am. Will K wake up to send his son to school as he promised he will do? What time will he reach home? Will he be hungry? So how WILL he get home if he has to stay back for CCA? St Stephens sounds like a perfectly good choice to me - it is less than 10 minutes walk from our house.
I needed to talk to K - what does he think?
K was crystal clear about what he wanted - his son to be an ACS boy just like him - what else?
12 July 2006
K checked the MOE Website - 108 vacancies left out of 270 spaces for ACS. K1 was born in the year of the dragon and also the Millenium Year - a popular year to have a child - Do we stand a chance?
13 July 2006
The day finally came - we are in Phase 2 A (2) - Those children whose father is an ex-boy.
I was full of ancticipation - I could not hide my excitement, my heart was pounding the whole morning and I could not help telling my colleagues, and I don't care if they wanted to know- 'I am on half day leave, I am registering my son for Primary School today.'
All advice taken into consideration, we headed towards ACS with our 2 boys - including the younger brother K2, who is 3.
Our I/Cs - checked. Birthcert - checked. K's ACS report card - checked. We are on our way.
I was so excited, this is going to be a new experience for my son, as much as it is for me. I didn't want to miss a minute of it - But K2, our younger boy, needed to pee as soon as our car was parked.
Being a typical Singaporean, and thinking that there would be a queue of parents fighting to register their son into the school, I urged K and K1 on, while I brought K2 to pee. And then we made our way - following the signs - up the lift - down the corridor - up the stairs - to the other side - up another lift - finally reached the school library - where registration was done. I saw them, already at the table filling out forms. Where are the other parents? Where is the queue?
'Can I have your I/C madam?' The lady asked politely.
'Of course', I said, still could not believe that there was no queue.
'Let me make a copy of this, altogether 60 cents, thank you, madam.'
What? I have to pay for this? Why don't they ask me to make copies? There was nothing mentioned on the MOE website.
Ok nevermind about the 60 cents - 'when will I know if my son will get in' - I asked another man at the counter.
'Please check our website. There will be a list and your son's name will be on the list with his birthcert number.'
'Really? I have never seen this before? Are you sure?'
'Er...maybe you can check with the lady over there.'
'Hi there, how will I know if my son will get in?'
She pat me gently on my shoulders, smiled and said sympathetically 'Don't worry, should be no problem.'
As we walked out of the library, I felt a sense of sadness overwhelming me. The same kind of disappointment that one would feel after a 3 months holiday to Europe - and now it is time to get back to work. It is what you would call - an anticlimax. I asked K 'You mean That's It?' The whole registration exercise took no more than 5 minutes. K said - 'Isn't that good? Let's go eat Waffle & ice cream.' I wasn't sure, I was in a daze.
Over the next few days, we diligently checked MOE's website http://www.moe.gov.sg/esp/schadm/p1/availablevacancies.htm
And finally, on 20 July 2006, we received a letter from ACS - we're in :-) Praise the Lord.
Congratulations, K1.
I told my son - this is as much as Daddy & Mommy can do for you - the rest is up to you.
And then I thought - Hmmm, we may have just secured a place in ACS for my future grandson.
==========================================================
July 2006
There's been on-going discussions on registering our son for primary school since K1 turned 5 last year - right after his party at MacDonald's and right after he blew out the candles on his Star Wars birthday cake.
His well meaning grandmother - a recently retired teacher - had this to say:
'I think you should just send him to St Stephens or maybe Tao Nan. ACS is too far from our house. Do you know how early he needs to wake up? Do you know what time he gets home after school? Do you know what is the travelling distance? Do you know this is a long term commitment? Poor boy. Hmmm...I wonder if I can get my grandson into TaoNan if I do relief teaching there? By the way, here is K's ACS report card I took out from the safe - over to you.'
The well meaning mother's network - those who doesn't think primary school education can make or break their child - has this to say:
'Just send him to a school that is nearby. It is easier for the kid, it is less stressful for the parent. It doesn't matter, if the child is good, he will do well regardless of the school he goes to. Why need to travel so far? How is he going to get home when he has to stay back for CCA?'
The well meaning mother's network - those who think primary school education can make or break their child - has this to say:
'If you don't want to travel too far, Tao Nan is a good school. Oh ! you didn't join Hokkien Huey Kuan 2 years ago? I think the policy has changed - cannot already - too late if your boy is going to Primary School next year. Oh and you didn't volunteer either? Tsk! tsk! tsk!!! How about Maris Stella? I think they have Higher Chinese (Me : Huh? What's that?).'
One of K's colleague said this:
'I want my daughter to go to Rosyth. So I wanted to volunteer at the school. The school said - we have too many volunteers, can you do weekdays? I said - I have to work. The school said - Hmmm....How about lunch time. So, I have to drive to the school during lunch time for the next 2 years - for a chance to ballot (read : no guarantee) to get into the school.'
Oh God! What should we do? Please give me a sign!
One of the teachers at Kindergarten said:
'Your son is a all rounder, he can do very well, you should push him to reach his limits. ACS is a good school, don't worry about the travel distance.'
Another teacher at the Kindergarten said:
'Many of our students go to ACS, don't worry, travel distance no problem. Good choice!'
Are these signs, God?
I went to see the principal:
She was not around.
K's ACS mates said:
'Our sons are all in ACS - is yours going to St Stephens? '
I was totally confused - this is a decision that we are going to make that will affect my son for the rest of his life. Can K1 wake up to catch the school bus at 5.55am? Oh dear! He can't even wake up for his Chinese Tuition at 9.30am. Will K wake up to send his son to school as he promised he will do? What time will he reach home? Will he be hungry? So how WILL he get home if he has to stay back for CCA? St Stephens sounds like a perfectly good choice to me - it is less than 10 minutes walk from our house.
I needed to talk to K - what does he think?
K was crystal clear about what he wanted - his son to be an ACS boy just like him - what else?
12 July 2006
K checked the MOE Website - 108 vacancies left out of 270 spaces for ACS. K1 was born in the year of the dragon and also the Millenium Year - a popular year to have a child - Do we stand a chance?
13 July 2006
The day finally came - we are in Phase 2 A (2) - Those children whose father is an ex-boy.
I was full of ancticipation - I could not hide my excitement, my heart was pounding the whole morning and I could not help telling my colleagues, and I don't care if they wanted to know- 'I am on half day leave, I am registering my son for Primary School today.'
All advice taken into consideration, we headed towards ACS with our 2 boys - including the younger brother K2, who is 3.
Our I/Cs - checked. Birthcert - checked. K's ACS report card - checked. We are on our way.
I was so excited, this is going to be a new experience for my son, as much as it is for me. I didn't want to miss a minute of it - But K2, our younger boy, needed to pee as soon as our car was parked.
Being a typical Singaporean, and thinking that there would be a queue of parents fighting to register their son into the school, I urged K and K1 on, while I brought K2 to pee. And then we made our way - following the signs - up the lift - down the corridor - up the stairs - to the other side - up another lift - finally reached the school library - where registration was done. I saw them, already at the table filling out forms. Where are the other parents? Where is the queue?
'Can I have your I/C madam?' The lady asked politely.
'Of course', I said, still could not believe that there was no queue.
'Let me make a copy of this, altogether 60 cents, thank you, madam.'
What? I have to pay for this? Why don't they ask me to make copies? There was nothing mentioned on the MOE website.
Ok nevermind about the 60 cents - 'when will I know if my son will get in' - I asked another man at the counter.
'Please check our website. There will be a list and your son's name will be on the list with his birthcert number.'
'Really? I have never seen this before? Are you sure?'
'Er...maybe you can check with the lady over there.'
'Hi there, how will I know if my son will get in?'
She pat me gently on my shoulders, smiled and said sympathetically 'Don't worry, should be no problem.'
As we walked out of the library, I felt a sense of sadness overwhelming me. The same kind of disappointment that one would feel after a 3 months holiday to Europe - and now it is time to get back to work. It is what you would call - an anticlimax. I asked K 'You mean That's It?' The whole registration exercise took no more than 5 minutes. K said - 'Isn't that good? Let's go eat Waffle & ice cream.' I wasn't sure, I was in a daze.
Over the next few days, we diligently checked MOE's website http://www.moe.gov.sg/esp/schadm/p1/availablevacancies.htm
And finally, on 20 July 2006, we received a letter from ACS - we're in :-) Praise the Lord.
Congratulations, K1.
I told my son - this is as much as Daddy & Mommy can do for you - the rest is up to you.
And then I thought - Hmmm, we may have just secured a place in ACS for my future grandson.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Want vs Need
I am thinking of buying a car.
Actually I have been thinking of buying a car for years. But I could not find the right reason for it. A few years ago, I had no money but that did not stop me from wanting to have my own car. Now that I have some spare cash, I am wondering if I should do it.
I recall talking to my girlfriend about 2 years back. She had just bought a Nissan Latio - her advice was to "Go for it! Life is short!".
Still I could not make up my mind.
Afterall, my office is one bus-stop OR 8-minutes walk from my home.
Do I need a car? Is it a need or a want? :-)
Does God answers need or does He answer my wants too?
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
I guess He answers my wants too. Hooray!!!
I am going to buy a
Actually I have been thinking of buying a car for years. But I could not find the right reason for it. A few years ago, I had no money but that did not stop me from wanting to have my own car. Now that I have some spare cash, I am wondering if I should do it.
I recall talking to my girlfriend about 2 years back. She had just bought a Nissan Latio - her advice was to "Go for it! Life is short!".
Still I could not make up my mind.
Afterall, my office is one bus-stop OR 8-minutes walk from my home.
Do I need a car? Is it a need or a want? :-)
Does God answers need or does He answer my wants too?
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
I guess He answers my wants too. Hooray!!!
I am going to buy a
Tickle me!
I love to tickle my children when they were young (like below 6).
When I am changing them, and about to take off their T-shirt, I would ask them to raise their arms and I would raise my own arms to show them what I wanted them to do. And then I would tickle their arm pits.
The kids love it.
When K1 was younger, he would raise his arms and I would tickle him. And he would protest, I would say sorry but I will tickle again. This could repeat for a few times until I decided to stop. And then I will say : ok I promise not to tickle you. And then I will really stop, because I said "promise" - and I wanted to build that 'trust' when I say 'promise'.
With K2, he would raise his arms and I would tickle him. And he would protest, I would say sorry but I will tickle again. About the second or third time after I said, put up your hands, and I raise my hands to show him what to do, the little bugger actually tickled me back! It left me laughing so hard because I really didn't expect that!
I am now into tickling little K3.
Wonder if she will be ............
a straightforward guy like her big brother?
or a more streetsmart one like her second brother?
When I am changing them, and about to take off their T-shirt, I would ask them to raise their arms and I would raise my own arms to show them what I wanted them to do. And then I would tickle their arm pits.
The kids love it.
When K1 was younger, he would raise his arms and I would tickle him. And he would protest, I would say sorry but I will tickle again. This could repeat for a few times until I decided to stop. And then I will say : ok I promise not to tickle you. And then I will really stop, because I said "promise" - and I wanted to build that 'trust' when I say 'promise'.
With K2, he would raise his arms and I would tickle him. And he would protest, I would say sorry but I will tickle again. About the second or third time after I said, put up your hands, and I raise my hands to show him what to do, the little bugger actually tickled me back! It left me laughing so hard because I really didn't expect that!
I am now into tickling little K3.
Wonder if she will be ............
a straightforward guy like her big brother?
or a more streetsmart one like her second brother?
A vulgar word.
To me, Examination is a vulgar word.
I hate examinations. I did my Masters almost 10 years after my first degree. While I was studying, I asked myself, why o why? Why do you do this to yourself? Why do you need more exams?
I was in school since 3 years old. I was born in Jan and my mom always thought that I had 'wasted' 1 year, because if I had been born 1 month earlier, I would have been in school 1 year early. So she sent me off to school as long as the kindergarten would allow it so as not to 'waste time'.
I dislike the Singapore education system in my time (has it changed?). When I was in school, I was made to memorize formulas, periodic table etc... Why? In real life, whoever memorizes the periodic table? Sure, you will know the few common ones like calcium, sodium, potassium etc... but why do you have to know all the elements in the periodic table and its periodic number? In real life, people just have a chart with them all the time. They are not going to risks getting it wrong.
I am really bad with memorizing stuff.
In secondary school, we had a thick book of Chinese Idioms that is orange in colour. Every week, we had to memorize 20 idioms. We had to know how to write it, how it came about, what is the meaning and to be able to form a sentence with it. It was horrible!
I am left school for almost 20 years now. Guess what? I still get dreams occasionally of exams!! I am sitting outside the exam hall, holding my notes and trying to memorize some formula. And then it was time to get into the school hall, I walked to my seat and could not remember a thing - either that or I had forgotten to study. When I woke up and realise that this is all just a dream, I was so thankful!
My son is now in P3.
When he sits for his exam, it is almost like I am sitting for exam - even though I don't think I am as KS as many other parents in Singapore (the most I would do is to take leave the day before the exam to revise his work with him) - but the feeling is horrible. It is more horrible than actually taking the exam myself.
How do I teach someone NOT to be careless? Not to miss answering questions. To know that exams are not about who finishes the exam paper first ! How to not stare into the air when you are doing work.
The email from church came timely. The message from Kenneth Hagin last week was so apt. He quoted the bible : cast ALL your cares on to the Lord and He will take care of it.
Lord - take care of K1's exam. I am casting my cares onto you.
I hate examinations. I did my Masters almost 10 years after my first degree. While I was studying, I asked myself, why o why? Why do you do this to yourself? Why do you need more exams?
I was in school since 3 years old. I was born in Jan and my mom always thought that I had 'wasted' 1 year, because if I had been born 1 month earlier, I would have been in school 1 year early. So she sent me off to school as long as the kindergarten would allow it so as not to 'waste time'.
I dislike the Singapore education system in my time (has it changed?). When I was in school, I was made to memorize formulas, periodic table etc... Why? In real life, whoever memorizes the periodic table? Sure, you will know the few common ones like calcium, sodium, potassium etc... but why do you have to know all the elements in the periodic table and its periodic number? In real life, people just have a chart with them all the time. They are not going to risks getting it wrong.
I am really bad with memorizing stuff.
In secondary school, we had a thick book of Chinese Idioms that is orange in colour. Every week, we had to memorize 20 idioms. We had to know how to write it, how it came about, what is the meaning and to be able to form a sentence with it. It was horrible!
I am left school for almost 20 years now. Guess what? I still get dreams occasionally of exams!! I am sitting outside the exam hall, holding my notes and trying to memorize some formula. And then it was time to get into the school hall, I walked to my seat and could not remember a thing - either that or I had forgotten to study. When I woke up and realise that this is all just a dream, I was so thankful!
My son is now in P3.
When he sits for his exam, it is almost like I am sitting for exam - even though I don't think I am as KS as many other parents in Singapore (the most I would do is to take leave the day before the exam to revise his work with him) - but the feeling is horrible. It is more horrible than actually taking the exam myself.
How do I teach someone NOT to be careless? Not to miss answering questions. To know that exams are not about who finishes the exam paper first ! How to not stare into the air when you are doing work.
The email from church came timely. The message from Kenneth Hagin last week was so apt. He quoted the bible : cast ALL your cares on to the Lord and He will take care of it.
Lord - take care of K1's exam. I am casting my cares onto you.
Depository of Useless Information
K is very different from me.
He loves to read. He reads widely from history, geography, arts, gaming, cars, watches (favourite!) and whatnots.
I love to read too. But I prefer books that are to the point and explain concepts simply - eg comic books.
I was impressed by K's general knowledge when we were dating. It was his wide spectrum of knowledge that was attractive to me.
After being married for almost 11 years now, K continues his reading, and he jokingly calls himself a DUI - a Depository of Useless Information. His knowledge is really handy when I want to know something very quickly - He is like my personal wikipedia.
Our son, K1, is coming to 9 this year. He started reading in K2 (or was it K1?) and hasn't stopped reading since. He is just like his dad. They both love reading while in the toilet - which is irritating to the rest of us wanting to use the toilet (not that there are no other toilets at home, but we like to use the one attached to our bedroom).
We were watching Wolverine at the movies last weekend. K1 was sitting next to me. About half an hour into the show, K1 whispered to me : mom, do you think this is his real memory or a planted one? I said : what? K1 repeated his question. I said : what do you mean planted one? K1 said : they captured Wolverine, erased his memory and planted a new one. I said : really? how do you know (the movie wasn't even talking about this).
K1, kinda in a smart aleck way said : I am a knower of such things.
Like father, like son.
DUI and dui.
He loves to read. He reads widely from history, geography, arts, gaming, cars, watches (favourite!) and whatnots.
I love to read too. But I prefer books that are to the point and explain concepts simply - eg comic books.
I was impressed by K's general knowledge when we were dating. It was his wide spectrum of knowledge that was attractive to me.
After being married for almost 11 years now, K continues his reading, and he jokingly calls himself a DUI - a Depository of Useless Information. His knowledge is really handy when I want to know something very quickly - He is like my personal wikipedia.
Our son, K1, is coming to 9 this year. He started reading in K2 (or was it K1?) and hasn't stopped reading since. He is just like his dad. They both love reading while in the toilet - which is irritating to the rest of us wanting to use the toilet (not that there are no other toilets at home, but we like to use the one attached to our bedroom).
We were watching Wolverine at the movies last weekend. K1 was sitting next to me. About half an hour into the show, K1 whispered to me : mom, do you think this is his real memory or a planted one? I said : what? K1 repeated his question. I said : what do you mean planted one? K1 said : they captured Wolverine, erased his memory and planted a new one. I said : really? how do you know (the movie wasn't even talking about this).
K1, kinda in a smart aleck way said : I am a knower of such things.
Like father, like son.
DUI and dui.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Scam!
Let me state for the record that those who have met my Mom-In-Grace (MIG) will not fail to exclaim how young she looks for a MIG. Yes, my MIG is well-groomed, educated, worked all her life as a teacher and a very sharp woman.
So we were all surprised when she told us what happened to her on Friday.
A scam which all of us heard of before. She received a call at home on Friday. The caller, a lady, claimed to be someone from the High Court. She told my MIG that the police had raided the home of a loanshark and among the records kept the loan shark, was my MIG's name and telephone number. She claimed that my MIG had let the loanshark use her bank account for illegal transaction and therefore she has committed a crime. A CID officer will be coming to arrest my MIG that evening. My MIG, who is a law abiding citizen, was freaked out. Then the lady asked my MIG to help with the investigation. She asked my MIG to use her mobile phone to call her in order for them to be in contact at all times. She told my MIL that she has now programmed her mobile phone, so that by dialling 123, my MIG will be able to reach her. She told my MIG that she was not to speak to anyone about this because this case is still under investigation. I am not sure what else was said, but they spent more than an hour on the phone with my MIG trying to verify what she said and whether she was who she said she was. My guess is that during this time, she had probably 'hypnotised' her, otherwise, I have no explanation of what happened next.
Following her instruction, my MIG left the house, went to the bank to draw out almost all her money. She told my MIG to take note of which teller (whether a man or a lady) was attending to her because the CID officer will be checking with the bank officer later. She was told to keep most of the withdrawal at home but only bring S$10k with her to Lucky Plaza. She even told my MIG to ask receipt from the taxi driver because it can be 'claimed' back for helping with the investigation. After getting to Luck Plaza, she told my MIG to transmit S$10k at "Gem" - I think this is a money changer - to a man and a bank account in KL. The girl at Gem said she can only accept S$2k, so my MIG asked for instruction (by dialing 123 on her phone). She expressed surprise because she's never had trouble transmitting S$10k before and instructed my MIG to go to the next one at Western Union to transmit the balance of S$8k. The lady at Western Union asked my MIG why she was transmitting so much money and my MIG even made up stories, as instructed by the lady on the phone, just so the money will be accepted.
She then went home in a daze.
At this time, around 4pm, my Father-in-Grace (FIG) had just come home from work. When my MIG was talking on the phone with the lady, he got suspicious and asked her about it. She shouted at my FIG that she was under investigation and she cannot reveal anything and cannot discuss with him. My FIG said that it is a scam and she has been cheated. She refused to listen and even when out of the house to speak to the lady. My MIG told my FIG not to interfere and that CID will be home to arrest her very soon. After some shouting, she finally came to her senses that it could possibly be a scam. Immediately, she called up Gem and Western Union to stop the remittance. Western Union agreed instantly, whereas Gem was reluctant at first. After getting her money back, they went to report the case to the police at Cantonment Police Station. The police confirmed that this is a scam before my MIG fully believe that it is a scam. During this time, the lady called my MIG's mobile phone non stop continuously, even at the police station. She was not even afraid to speak to the police - maybe she did not believe that my MIG had really gone to the police station.
We were so glad that she got her money back at the last minute and we all believe that it must have been God's protection for us.
The bible is right, we cannot live a life of prevention, we can only rely on God and live a life of protection.
Amen.
So we were all surprised when she told us what happened to her on Friday.
A scam which all of us heard of before. She received a call at home on Friday. The caller, a lady, claimed to be someone from the High Court. She told my MIG that the police had raided the home of a loanshark and among the records kept the loan shark, was my MIG's name and telephone number. She claimed that my MIG had let the loanshark use her bank account for illegal transaction and therefore she has committed a crime. A CID officer will be coming to arrest my MIG that evening. My MIG, who is a law abiding citizen, was freaked out. Then the lady asked my MIG to help with the investigation. She asked my MIG to use her mobile phone to call her in order for them to be in contact at all times. She told my MIL that she has now programmed her mobile phone, so that by dialling 123, my MIG will be able to reach her. She told my MIG that she was not to speak to anyone about this because this case is still under investigation. I am not sure what else was said, but they spent more than an hour on the phone with my MIG trying to verify what she said and whether she was who she said she was. My guess is that during this time, she had probably 'hypnotised' her, otherwise, I have no explanation of what happened next.
Following her instruction, my MIG left the house, went to the bank to draw out almost all her money. She told my MIG to take note of which teller (whether a man or a lady) was attending to her because the CID officer will be checking with the bank officer later. She was told to keep most of the withdrawal at home but only bring S$10k with her to Lucky Plaza. She even told my MIG to ask receipt from the taxi driver because it can be 'claimed' back for helping with the investigation. After getting to Luck Plaza, she told my MIG to transmit S$10k at "Gem" - I think this is a money changer - to a man and a bank account in KL. The girl at Gem said she can only accept S$2k, so my MIG asked for instruction (by dialing 123 on her phone). She expressed surprise because she's never had trouble transmitting S$10k before and instructed my MIG to go to the next one at Western Union to transmit the balance of S$8k. The lady at Western Union asked my MIG why she was transmitting so much money and my MIG even made up stories, as instructed by the lady on the phone, just so the money will be accepted.
She then went home in a daze.
At this time, around 4pm, my Father-in-Grace (FIG) had just come home from work. When my MIG was talking on the phone with the lady, he got suspicious and asked her about it. She shouted at my FIG that she was under investigation and she cannot reveal anything and cannot discuss with him. My FIG said that it is a scam and she has been cheated. She refused to listen and even when out of the house to speak to the lady. My MIG told my FIG not to interfere and that CID will be home to arrest her very soon. After some shouting, she finally came to her senses that it could possibly be a scam. Immediately, she called up Gem and Western Union to stop the remittance. Western Union agreed instantly, whereas Gem was reluctant at first. After getting her money back, they went to report the case to the police at Cantonment Police Station. The police confirmed that this is a scam before my MIG fully believe that it is a scam. During this time, the lady called my MIG's mobile phone non stop continuously, even at the police station. She was not even afraid to speak to the police - maybe she did not believe that my MIG had really gone to the police station.
We were so glad that she got her money back at the last minute and we all believe that it must have been God's protection for us.
The bible is right, we cannot live a life of prevention, we can only rely on God and live a life of protection.
Amen.
Mom's new teeth
Sometime in Mar 09, Mom told me that some of her teeth on the upper side are shaky. She told me that she was going to remove all her teeth on the upper side and put in new dentures. I wasn't sure if that was a good idea but guess she knows best.
On one of the days when I went home to visit her (we don't have a regular visiting schedule to mom's unlike many other Singaporeans), she has already had all her teeth on the upper side removed. She was so conscious of how she might look that she kept covering her mouth when talking to me. I felt like such a lousy daughter. I wasn't even there for her when she got her teeth (I think 5 of them) removed. She told me later that it had to be done in 2 different sessions and after the first one, one side of her face swell up so badly that she could not eat. I felt awful.
But I did nothing, except to call her more regularly to see if she was ok.
On my next visit, I think it was early Apr 09, she said that she was worried that her dentures won't be done on time for her trip to Genting on 27 Apr 09. I comforted her by saying that I am sure it will turn out alright and that I will pray for her. But again, I did nothing much.
I did not wonder if she would feel ashame to go to the market to buy food without her teeth. I did not wonder if she had food to eat. I did not wonder if she was eating well.
Some days later, I did wonder, so I bought some cod fish and digestive biscuits - some of the 'soft' food that I thought people without teeth will be able to eat.
Again, my concern for my mother ended there.
Since she 'grounded' herself at home, I did not try to go home more often to keep her company. I did not do marketing for her so that she did not have to do it.
I am glad to tell you that she has now gotten her new dentures and it fits her well. We went out for a nice meal to celebrate and she showed off her new dentures by eating peanuts. That must have felt good :-)
After this incident, I realise that no matter how much you love your children and how much they love you, the children can never out-love their mother's love for them.
Similarly, we cannot love God more than His love for us.
I have got to make more effort and time to love my mother. Afterall, I only have one parent left to love.
Let me think about ways which I could love my mother:
a. spend more time with her
b. bring grandchildren to see her more often
c. give her more money
d. give her more money
e. give her more money
I can't think of anythings else :-(
Love and expect nothing in return.
First, there was K1
The year was 2000.
I was pleased to find out that I was expecting a boy.
Since I was young, I have heard stories from my mother, about how she was expected to produce an heir for the Family. Therefore, she had to endure 3 caesarian operation and she was finally blessed with a son the third time around. I was her second daughter, I wonder if I was a disappointment?
So I was pleased to know that I was expecting a boy as my first child. That would mean that I will not be under pressure to produce heir.
Please don't misunderstand. Nobody gave me any pressure. Not my parents, nor my parents-in-grace. Nor my husband.
But I did have acquaintances and friends, who found out that I was expecting a boy, and they went "this is so great, your mother-in-law must be very happy". I bet she was, but I don't think she was overly concerned over whether it would be a boy or a girl.
I was diagnosed with pregnancy induced high blood pressure when I was pregnant with K1. This meant that there is a higher possibility of pre-emclampsia, a condition in which the baby could suddenly detach itself from the womb and dies. The EDD was 5 Aug 2000. Dr Seng Kwang Meng (sadly passed away early last year) instructed us to be admitted to Gleneagle hospital on 27 July 2000 at 5pm. Nobody wanted to take any risks.
K did not return home from work that night until past 7pm. He was not concerned since I was not yet in labour. We even took our dinner at ANA hotel (now demolished) before going to the hospital, since I thought that there will be lots of food I may not be able to take after giving birth.
At the hospital, the nurses strapped 2 straps around my tummy. One was to monitor the baby's movement. The other was to monitor the baby's heartbeat. After she had found the right position on my tummy to place the sensors, she asked me not to move as the monitoring needs to be done for 30 minutes. I dared not move. She returned shortly and found that the baby had moved and she had to reposition the sensors again. This process repeated itself a few times until I was really tired. She commented that we have a very active baby, which we know now is not true.
She also inserted some medicine to induce birth and told me to go to sleep. I remember feeling bad that K had to sleep uncomfortably on the narrow sofa bed. I made space and we both slept on the bed, before long, he was snoring away.
We were awoken at 6 am to be prepared for delivery. I was taken to the delivery suite and given an epidural. Shortly after, I lost sensation of my lower body. K and I watched TV while waiting for something to happen. At this time, I saw my mother-in-grace coming into the deliver suite to see how we were doing. She was quickly asked to leave by the nurse as only Spouse is allowed. As the nurses had told me that it may be another 8-10 hours before delivery, I asked K to drive my mother-in-grace home. And it was at this time when K left that Dr Seng came to check on me. He said that it has been too long and I was not dilated at all. In the interest of the baby, he suggested that I should have a caesarian - this was found to be a good decision as K1 was found to have the ambilical cord around his neck. I tried to contact K but to no avail as his mobile phone was on silent mode and he did not know I was trying to reach him. I had to sign an indemnity form by myself before being wheeled into the operating room.
I remember being very afraid. I was afraid that I will not wake up to see my baby.
The anaethesian told me to breath normally and count to 3 while he held something over my nose. I pushed him away 2 times saying that I was cold and they brought me blankets. I asked him what will happen if I don't wake up. He assured me that he will watch me closely and make sure that does not happen. Finally at the third time, I counted ....one...t....and I was out.
Someone was shaking me quite hard, 'Mdm C, Mdm C, your husband is here to see you.'. K had requested to see me while I was still in the recovery room at the operating theatre. He had seen K1 being taken out of the delivery suite to be cleaned at the Nursery. He told me that when he first saw K1 - he was moved to tears. I vaguely recall seeing K and then I dosed off again.
The next time I woke up, I was back in my room and I saw my mother. My throat was dry and it hurts. It was because they had inserted a tube through my throat to help me breath while I was under GA. When I tried to cough, my caesarian wound hurts. I could not sit up. Immediatly, I asked to see my baby. When they brought him to me, K1 was the most perfect and beautiful baby I had ever seen. But it felt strange at first, as if the baby was not mine. It was one day later when it started to dawn on me that I am now a mother, and this baby is my child. As I held him close and nurse him, I felt that I was complete as a woman.
I was pleased to find out that I was expecting a boy.
Since I was young, I have heard stories from my mother, about how she was expected to produce an heir for the Family. Therefore, she had to endure 3 caesarian operation and she was finally blessed with a son the third time around. I was her second daughter, I wonder if I was a disappointment?
So I was pleased to know that I was expecting a boy as my first child. That would mean that I will not be under pressure to produce heir.
Please don't misunderstand. Nobody gave me any pressure. Not my parents, nor my parents-in-grace. Nor my husband.
But I did have acquaintances and friends, who found out that I was expecting a boy, and they went "this is so great, your mother-in-law must be very happy". I bet she was, but I don't think she was overly concerned over whether it would be a boy or a girl.
I was diagnosed with pregnancy induced high blood pressure when I was pregnant with K1. This meant that there is a higher possibility of pre-emclampsia, a condition in which the baby could suddenly detach itself from the womb and dies. The EDD was 5 Aug 2000. Dr Seng Kwang Meng (sadly passed away early last year) instructed us to be admitted to Gleneagle hospital on 27 July 2000 at 5pm. Nobody wanted to take any risks.
K did not return home from work that night until past 7pm. He was not concerned since I was not yet in labour. We even took our dinner at ANA hotel (now demolished) before going to the hospital, since I thought that there will be lots of food I may not be able to take after giving birth.
At the hospital, the nurses strapped 2 straps around my tummy. One was to monitor the baby's movement. The other was to monitor the baby's heartbeat. After she had found the right position on my tummy to place the sensors, she asked me not to move as the monitoring needs to be done for 30 minutes. I dared not move. She returned shortly and found that the baby had moved and she had to reposition the sensors again. This process repeated itself a few times until I was really tired. She commented that we have a very active baby, which we know now is not true.
She also inserted some medicine to induce birth and told me to go to sleep. I remember feeling bad that K had to sleep uncomfortably on the narrow sofa bed. I made space and we both slept on the bed, before long, he was snoring away.
We were awoken at 6 am to be prepared for delivery. I was taken to the delivery suite and given an epidural. Shortly after, I lost sensation of my lower body. K and I watched TV while waiting for something to happen. At this time, I saw my mother-in-grace coming into the deliver suite to see how we were doing. She was quickly asked to leave by the nurse as only Spouse is allowed. As the nurses had told me that it may be another 8-10 hours before delivery, I asked K to drive my mother-in-grace home. And it was at this time when K left that Dr Seng came to check on me. He said that it has been too long and I was not dilated at all. In the interest of the baby, he suggested that I should have a caesarian - this was found to be a good decision as K1 was found to have the ambilical cord around his neck. I tried to contact K but to no avail as his mobile phone was on silent mode and he did not know I was trying to reach him. I had to sign an indemnity form by myself before being wheeled into the operating room.
I remember being very afraid. I was afraid that I will not wake up to see my baby.
The anaethesian told me to breath normally and count to 3 while he held something over my nose. I pushed him away 2 times saying that I was cold and they brought me blankets. I asked him what will happen if I don't wake up. He assured me that he will watch me closely and make sure that does not happen. Finally at the third time, I counted ....one...t....and I was out.
Someone was shaking me quite hard, 'Mdm C, Mdm C, your husband is here to see you.'. K had requested to see me while I was still in the recovery room at the operating theatre. He had seen K1 being taken out of the delivery suite to be cleaned at the Nursery. He told me that when he first saw K1 - he was moved to tears. I vaguely recall seeing K and then I dosed off again.
The next time I woke up, I was back in my room and I saw my mother. My throat was dry and it hurts. It was because they had inserted a tube through my throat to help me breath while I was under GA. When I tried to cough, my caesarian wound hurts. I could not sit up. Immediatly, I asked to see my baby. When they brought him to me, K1 was the most perfect and beautiful baby I had ever seen. But it felt strange at first, as if the baby was not mine. It was one day later when it started to dawn on me that I am now a mother, and this baby is my child. As I held him close and nurse him, I felt that I was complete as a woman.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Blessed to be a mother
We did not like children.
When we got married, we thought a dog would be a much better idea.
We find children messy, dirty and noisy. We've heard that they suck your life out of you and are demanding little brats. They are expensive to keep and grow up to be ingrates (this we heard from our parents). Worst, have you heard what pregnancy will do to your looks?
So we did not want to have children.
When I first conceived in 1999 accidentally, and lost the baby 5 weeks later, I was devastated regardless. Miscarriages? I have heard about these things that happen to others, but it is not supposed to happen to me. After that first incident, it was so that there were 2 others, one before each child was born.
What does God say about miscarriages?
Matthew 18:14
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
So I know that my miscarriages are not doings of God. And I know from Proverbs 6:31 that
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substanceSo I now that also, that my 3 living children, are blessed with sevenfold blessings over other children.
of his house.
We are now blessed with 3 healthy, happy children. What the world say about children, we realised, is completely untrue. I am very happy to be a mother, and cannot imagine a world without mine. So what does the bible say about children? (see http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/)
Children Are A GiftAnd see here, what the bible says about child birth:
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.(Psalms 127:3-5)
John 16:21
When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
The bible is so true.
Being a mother also makes you think more about your relationship with your own mother, and for me, my mother-in-grace as well. I lived for about 20 years with my mother and for about 11 years with my mother-in-grace.
I was curious to know about what the bible says about motherhood, so I googled and found these verses at http://www.mothersdayworld.com/mothers-day-quotes/bible-verses-on-mother.html. Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I would like to dedidate these verses to my mother, and my mother-in-grace. Without whom none of my angel babies will exist.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MOTHER
Mother is adored in each part of the universe. Even the Lord give due respect to the mother. The great epic 'Bible' also throws light on the place of mother in the
life of a human being. What 'Bible' says about mother is...
Gen 3:20
Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
Exo 20:12"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long
in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Lev 19:3 "Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
Deu 5:16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with
you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Prov 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Isa 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
Ezek 16:44"Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: "Like mother, like daughter."So, I am happy, and feel so blessed, to be a proud mother of 3.
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