More shots from the Zoo....

Givin' you some lovin' in between animals

So pandai oh the elephants. So bodo oh the people who fed them twisties n gummies.

Seconds after daddy took this shot, all the giraffes came right up to sniff us out.

These guys were too muscular for mummy's liking

Happy Happ Joy Joy

I think this was the colorful parrot that didn't say much

Reaching out to Mr. Pony

Concentration, concentration now begins, keep the rhythm...subject

Mari kita pergi ke zoo...

Bergembira disitu...

Guess what we did over the weekend? Yup you guessed it, we were at Zoo Negara. Mummy and daddy's last trip was over 2 years ago. We were there with Aunty Otta, Aunty Pu Nie and Shannona. Boy has the state of our national zoo deteriorated since then. One example, mummy and daddy were intently looking into a glass enclosure for the captive animal/reptile. We had no idea what we were looking for because the spider web infested label holder was hanging off its hinges and there was no label in sight. After a while we realized it was empty. We were staring at nothing other than crickets. There were several other lit up boxes with only crickets as inhabitants. It's in such a sad and rundown state but we still had a great time, you, daddy, Kak Mon, Kak Yeni and I.

You love animals. All animals. It's so amazing to see you react and respond to animals. The excitement in your face and actions, the sounds you make and how you lunge toward the object of desire. When you are excited over something you tend to let out a cheeky sort of laugh. This happens especially when you see your chiu chiu or when you want nennen and you see your bottle. By the way, daddy calls it cee-yu cee-yu, Kak Mon calls it cee-cee - all code language so you are not reminded of your lovey.

Anyway, back to the animals. We started off with the monkeys. I think we might have come at the wrong time because they were lazing around, picking out ticks from each other's heads. Not much movement and very little sound. So the monkeys derived little excitement from you. We continued walking and the next animals were the hip hippos. Perfect timing! They were in the midst of lunch. Show-offs they were. Posing for the camera with the hippo's trademark grin - a wide open mouth displaying a set of yellow teeth. However, it's not too attractive during lunch time when they have half-chewed grass in their mouths.

Mummy held her breath when taking this shot

A whole different level of chubbiness

Next we went to the kiddy corner which really didn't look all that kiddy-friendly. Most of the kandangs were empty and the ones that did have animals in them were in such terrible conditions. Surprisingly the little wabbits and guinea pigs looked in the pink of health. You spotted the pony from a mile away and when mummy brought you near, your legs were flying about everywhere; you couldn't wait to get near. Mr. Pony is chubby-wubby and stumpy-tumpy. Everytime mummy brought you near to touch him, you'd back away. Poor baby scared of the little pony.

Hello Mr. Pony

You would not go any nearer than this

There were kangaroos, and snakes, squirrels and alligators. We saw colorful birds. Bright pink flamingos too. Surprisingly you were not too impressed with the birds. You go a little crazy when you see the crows fly in the sky during our evening walks at Aunty Otta's. But the colorful parrots did nothing for you. You spent a while bonding with the chickens. Mummy was a little freaked by the porcupines. Somehow, I imagined them shooting their thorns at me.

Paahck paahck paahck

Oh dear

Flamingo watching

Thorn-shooting porcupines

Your favorite were the lions. Of course because you are such a pro at roaring like a lion. Finally, you got to see one of those things in real life be it from a electric gated and moted distance. The elephants were a hit with you too. Well, they're trained to perform. And some ignorant people were feeding them, no not peanuts but Twisties and Gummies! The elephant would reach out with its trunk and vacuum the goodies right off the people's hands. Then when the feeding stopped, these pandai elephants started showing little stunts, like kneeling and lifting a leg up in the air. Trying their best to get rewarded. Pretty cute if you ask me. You showed liking to the Sun Bears as well. Especially when they stood up on twos. Maybe they reminded you of Barney. That's what Kak Mon said when she saw the bears, Barney! Mummy wanted to tell her that Barney is a dinosaur and not a bear. But I didn't.

More pix on the way....

A Tooth Story

Days after your birthday bash, you were ill. Teething did cross my mind but I brushed it away quicky because there have been so many teething false alarms. One morning a week after your party mummy noticed something white on your bottom gums. I rubbed my finger on it and whaddya know, its rock hard, a tooth! Mummy is so excited. Finally, you will be able to chew your food! Late in the evening, after work, mummy and daddy bring you to Dr. Lam for the second time because your fever would not subside. While waiting for our turn, mummy notices 3 other white spots on your gums. After some wrestling with you to get your mouth open, and my finger in, mummy felt 3 other teeth. No way! 4 teeth all at the same time? No wonder you were so ill. Mummy shows you to daddy and he confirms that we have 4 alright.

The next morning, mummy checks your mouth again to see how those pearly whites are coming along. To my shock, your mouth was back to its pure gumminess. No more pearly whites. They seemed to have disappeared in shyness. I am a little worried. Is this normal? So after a day of being toothful, you go back to being toothless.

Fortunately, a week or so later mummy spots two white caps at the center of your bottom gum. Daddy spots it too. This time we don't get all excited about it and keep silent until they broke out fully. Two days later, thank God the two decided to break through. They have been growing bigger ever since. So my dear little angel, for now you have two little caps to chew your mommom. Mummy got you a funky green and orange toothbrush to help you keep 'em clean. I know you don't quite have much to brush at this point but I read that its good to get you used to having a toothbrush in your mouth for when you actually do need a brush.

Chatterbox

Your vocabulary is astounding. Granted your words do not sound like actual adult words. But to you they sure count as real words with real meaning. We dumb adults just need to tune ourselves into babydom before being able to understand the complex language of baby. So when you open your mouth to chatter mummy gladly joins in the conversation and boy do our conversations go on and on and on. Mummy hopes in 20 years we will still be able to have our little girl talk like this. Nowadays you enjoy pointing at different objects around you and asking, "dis?" "Dis" is actually "this". And when you say this while pointing at something, you are asking mummy what that something is. So mummy is more than happy to explain and describe. One morning, (like every other morning) you greet mummy with the sweetest smile and you immediately look down at your disney print pyjamas. You point at Daisy Duck and say, "dis?". Mummy tells you it's Daisy Duck. Then you point at Minnie Mouse and ask, "dis?" "That's Minnie Mouse baby boo". You smile. This goes on with every other character on your pyjama.

Other random words that roll off your tongue:

dada - sounds like daddy but your usage can be confusing
rara - could be Shan's doll, Sara or grandma
neneh - your chiu chiu
mama - you have said this a couple of times but you don't really use it. Mummy's still waiting
papap - you tend to say this over and over again. Not too sure what you're referring to.

And all sorts of baby talk that mummy doesn't quite get at this point. You seem to be talking a whole lot more these days. Just random jabbering depending on your mood. There are times you scream out words on top of your lungs, other times you seem to talk to yourself in a silent whisper. It's so rewarding just watching you as you go about playing on your own, or watching the tele and having these small conversations with yourself. Mummy really wonders what goes through your head. Ahhh....the wonder of you.

A different kind of birthday surprise

Today is mummy's birthday! Happy Birthday Mummy! You give me a different kind of surprise. Just when we all thought you were on the road to full recovery, the fever decides to strike back. It started yesterday evening with a slight temperature. Improved after a dose of paracetemol but came back once the medication wore off. Mummy was very upset. You were in such an irritable, frustrated, exhausted condition. It didn't help that you were developing a flu. The night was restless for all three, mummy, daddy and baby. Your helpless cries, mummy hugging baby tight and you refusing to let go. Your temperature never really shot up thank God. But it was just there lingering, leaving you in discomfort. So this morning, mummy, daddy and baby are back at Dr. Lam's clinic. He refers to himself as uncle not doctor when he talks to you so mummy does the same. This time round you warmed up to him and he didn't have to cover his face with a piece of paper to avoid eye contact with you while talking to daddy. Doctor told mummy and daddy that you have somehow contracted another virus, acute coryza aka the common cold. He sent us off with more paracetemol, something for the cough and flu and saline solution drops for your blocked nose. The unexplainable and nearly unstoppable cries are because your nose is blocked and you are finding it difficult to breathe. Dr. Lam said the saline solution will help with this. Mummy sure hopes so. Well, I feel better now knowing whats causing your distress. Fingers crossed and a little prayer you will be well in 2-3 days.

xxx

mummy

Fever, purging, cough - the works

It started last Wednesday with a little diarrhea. Mummy left in the morning and you felt a little warm. Grandma and Aunty Otta were closely monitoring your condition. At about 4:00pm mummy gets a call from Aunty Otta. She said you have a high fever and she sounded worried. It is unlike Aunty Otta to panic so mummy figured you must be really warm. Mummy skipped her meeting and rushed back home. Mummy took you in her arms the moment she arrived home. You were so warm. Mon had already packed your bag so Aunty Otta grabbed mummy's car keys and we were in the car in no time. Drove into town. We arrived at the first pediatrician but it was closed. We drove around for about 45 minutes before we spotted another one which was closed too. By this time, you are so exhausted from the drive that you fall asleep in mummy's arms. Mummy is thankful for this. Finally, we give up. And out of desperation decide to visit any old GP.

Dr. Wee was very nice. She took your temperature, it was 38.8 degree C. By the time we arrived the clinic, your temperature had reduced. I could feel it. She checked inside your mouth and in your ears. This was no easy task, you kept struggling and fighting back, crying like in pain. You were sick and moody, poor thing. We left the clinic after giving you one dose of paracetemol. Dr. Wee also gave you something for the cough and diarrhea. I am so glad that the good doctor avoided antibiotics.

On the way home, you slept in the car. Not a peaceful sleep, you kept tossing and turning in my lap. Mummy knows what it's like having a fever and diarrhea. Just when you manage to overcome the discomfort and fall asleep, your tummy starts to churn and everything is purged. You wake up and cry from frustration and exhaustion. My heart aches.

The fever goes up and down for the next 2 days. Your purging worsens. Your bum bum is so sore. The skin is raw and pink. Everytime you purge, it stings and you cry in pain. Mummy has to wash your little toosh and this too stings. More crying. Mummy is crying too by now. You cling to mummy and refuse to let go.

By Friday evening there are no signs of improvement. Daddy and I bring you to Dr. Lam in Taman Megah. We wait over an hour for our turn to see the doctor. He tells us it is most probably a viral fever (not bacterial that requires antibiotics) and will go down in another 2 days. The diarrhea however should improve but should take 1-2 weeks to go back to normal. In the meantime, he tells us to change you milk to a non-lactose (soya based) milk. Which we already did as advised by Dr. Wee earlier. Apparently cow's milk is acidic and this causes the skin to burn.

For the next two days, your temperature is fine during the day but increases in the wee hours of the morning, around 3:00am. Mummy gives you water every 30-45 mins and when it seems too high, a dose of paracetemol as well. The fever subsides within an hour. Your sleep is not peaceful for a week. The purging and discomfort from having a fever wake you up an average of 6 times a night. Mummy loses sleep as well. Wednesday night, one week after the first loose stool, you sleep better. No more fever. Mummy is so grateful. Your bum bum too is healing. Pooping no longer causes you pain. Relief sets in.

Today you are back to your normal self. You lost 500gm after a week of diarrhea and restless nights. Not too bad considering. Your appetite has improved and I can see the cheeks fill in a little.

THE BIG DAY

Your homeade, handpainted birthday banner contributed by Mummy, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunty Meriel

Tiny polka-dot cuppies for the babies and bigger ones for the mummy's and daddy's, aunty's and uncle's. The scrumptious cuppies are from Hey Cupcakes

A yummylicious 3-tier polka-dot birthday cake & pails of fun for all your little friends. The divine cake is from Babycakes

Your Aunty Sumathi & Uncle Naveen

Mummy with Aunty Nadiya

Mummy & Aunty May sharing a joke

Mummy, Grandma, Aunty Pu Nie, Aunty Meriel and Aunty Otta

You and your Daddy

You grabbed a blue polka-dot off the cake and put the sweet stuff in your mouth

The Birthday Song

One with Mummy

More shots to come....

Check out that 1 year old expression. Soo happy to be One! On the morning of your birthday, Shan knocked gently on our door and rushed in to wish you happy birthday. Such a sweetie. Both of you here muka baru bangun.

Hey mummy, please pick me up. Pretty please....

Car Model

Learing to walk on your own already. Sigh.

Happy Birthday!

Little 1 year old with her mummy

Today you turn 1. And guess what we did? Daddy and mummy brought you to Doctor Chua for your 12 month check-up! Imagine that! We'll be busy next weekend with your party and mummy doesn't know when daddy will have to fly out next so your birthday it was!. Mummy dressed you all in white, you had you little shiny black shoes on and a black ribbon in your hair. So precious you looked. Doctor Chua gave you your MMR (Mumps, Measles & Rubela) jab and you burst out crying but stopped the moment daddy gave you a toy to play with. So cute.

According to Dr. Chua, you are reaching your milestones at a perfect rate. You are 75 cm tall and 8.9 kg heavy. Your stats are smack at the center of the scale for 12 month olds. So you are doing just fine. Mummy was worried you may be a little underweight but the doc confirmed you are perfect! There's nothing he can do about your toothlessness, those he says depend on your natural body clock and for some kids sprout as late as 16-18 months. Grandma says you look like a little baby still because of your gummy grin.

You walk a lot now. Not all on your own yet but with minimal assitance. You like to impress us with your standing though. Just yesterday, daddy and mummy were trying to get you to sleep on your own. So we lay down in bed and placed you in your playpen. We pretended to sleep in hopes you would eventually knock-out yourself. But instead of sleeping you stand at the edge of the pen with both your hands gripping the bar and you start talking to us trying your very best to get our attention. Mummy and daddy try hard to hold back their giggles. After a while you realize your jabbering was not getting you the attention you wanted so what do you do next? You take your cucu out of your mouth and throw it at us. At this point both mummy and daddy unable to hold back any longer burst into laughter. You are hilarous. Such a joker. Then, to keep our attention you amuse us further. With this cheeky, up-to-something look on your face, you dramatically let go of the edge of the pen with both your hands open and up in the air. You stand on your own for a few seconds and again dramatically fall down with a thump into the pen. Mummy and daddy are in laughter and you join in laughing hysterically. How impressive, mummy's little girl learning all these tricks so young. Of course because of our applause and laughter, you repeat this little stint over and over again until were all exhausted. Such a cutie la you!

xxx

mummy

Grandpa O Grandpa

A Poem For Grandpa

Grandpa o grandpa,

I see it in your eyes,

They light up when you see me,

I see it in your smile,

The pure affection for me,

I feel it in your touch,

Your gentle arms holding me,

I sense it from your heart,

The genuine love for me,

Grandpa o grandpa,

I love you.