Some photo make you smile then get teary eyed.
Friday 14 November 2014
Monday 10 November 2014
He who moved me
Every Sunday since the little man turned one, Papa would be putting him to sleep, making Sunday nights official time-off for Mama. In the first few months, this was met with a huge resistance from the little man as he wailed as Mama bade him goodbye. Eventually, the wailing became manageable and some nights, with coaxing, he would actually be saying "bye bye" to Mama after a reluctant goodnight kiss.
Yesterday Mama was having a whale of a time with the little man, which then eased off to reading his favourite night time story (for the time being it's Sleeping Beauty, and don't ask me why) while he was enjoying his last bottle. When he was done, Mama said my good-bye and leaned over to give him a kiss. The little man turned over and had the saddest look on his face that made Mama flinched a little. Yet the little man didn't kick up a fuss for Mama to stay. Instead, he teared up a bit and then said his byes in the midst of wiping his eyes clean, all done while holding on to his emotions.
And this so totally made my heart melted
Yesterday Mama was having a whale of a time with the little man, which then eased off to reading his favourite night time story (for the time being it's Sleeping Beauty, and don't ask me why) while he was enjoying his last bottle. When he was done, Mama said my good-bye and leaned over to give him a kiss. The little man turned over and had the saddest look on his face that made Mama flinched a little. Yet the little man didn't kick up a fuss for Mama to stay. Instead, he teared up a bit and then said his byes in the midst of wiping his eyes clean, all done while holding on to his emotions.
And this so totally made my heart melted
Wednesday 29 October 2014
No more thumb sucking and Mama finally found some sleep
No, the blog is not dead.
Mama was incredibly busy at work over the last month and losing sleep because of numerous things going in all directions wildly in my brain, made worst by nightly wakes at the weirdest time to make sure the little man was not having the meal of his life feasting on his yummy thumb. For 2 weeks it became the most uncalled for routine
3.00. - Mama looked at the bb monitor and found the little man savoring on his right thumb. Mama pressed on the microphone function and went "No sucking. Remove your thumb", half asleep.
3.05 - Mama watched on and see no reaction by the boy then went "No sucking! Remove your thumb!"
3.06 - Watch on for another minute then go "NO SUCKING!!! THUMB OUT". "NO SUCKING!!!"
And then, the poor boy got awaken (and the Papa too). And so everyone in the house got interrupted sleep.
Thankfully, things got better this week as Papa found a solution to put a stop to the little man's unconscious nightly thumb sucking habit. Not something that tasted awful smeared on his thumb, but in the form of a pouch sewn around the wrist of his pj and... EUREKA! The magic pouch that puts everyone to sound sleep.
This is the little man and Mama, photo bombed by our four-legged buddy.
Mama was incredibly busy at work over the last month and losing sleep because of numerous things going in all directions wildly in my brain, made worst by nightly wakes at the weirdest time to make sure the little man was not having the meal of his life feasting on his yummy thumb. For 2 weeks it became the most uncalled for routine
3.00. - Mama looked at the bb monitor and found the little man savoring on his right thumb. Mama pressed on the microphone function and went "No sucking. Remove your thumb", half asleep.
3.05 - Mama watched on and see no reaction by the boy then went "No sucking! Remove your thumb!"
3.06 - Watch on for another minute then go "NO SUCKING!!! THUMB OUT". "NO SUCKING!!!"
And then, the poor boy got awaken (and the Papa too). And so everyone in the house got interrupted sleep.
Thankfully, things got better this week as Papa found a solution to put a stop to the little man's unconscious nightly thumb sucking habit. Not something that tasted awful smeared on his thumb, but in the form of a pouch sewn around the wrist of his pj and... EUREKA! The magic pouch that puts everyone to sound sleep.
This is the little man and Mama, photo bombed by our four-legged buddy.
Monday 8 September 2014
Hola Chang'E!
7th year away from home on this very special day which reminds me fondly of the moments we had as a family/ extended family. The paper lanterns, the candles, the trips up to the B.B. Hill and Little Guilin, the obsession with 2 yolks (then later 4 yolks) mooncakes (the original, the Teochew, the snow skin, the ice-cream).
You never know how powerful memories are until you start reminiscing.
You never know how powerful memories are until you start reminiscing.
Monday 1 September 2014
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Lobster? What lobster?
One of the OMG moments at the school today was the teacher relating to us about the morning routine that took place few days ago. Utt was going through the basket of sea creatures and naming them as the teacher initiated a conversation. At lobster, Miss Aer asked: "Have you seen a lobster?" Utt quickly said "Yes". "Where have you seen it?" ask the teacher. The boy, being unpretentious and completely honest replied "RESTAURANT"
OMG.
OMG.
Thursday 12 June 2014
To #2
On some days it felt like everything has normalised and the hectic schedule in the past week has made things gotten a bit better. The occasional quiet moments remain torturous and when the mind stops being occupied by work, by the toddler who is becoming more irresistible each and every day and by everything going in life, the feeling of loss is overwhelming. So to my #2 who eventually decided not to come to us: I would have tried everything I could, if I had the chance to. Just want to let you know that Papa and Mama had been very excited by the thought of you joining our small cosy family and you little baby, you will be missed.
Monday 26 May 2014
Typhon Haiyan 6 months After
Translated version in Diakonia's Swedish blog! http://diakoniablogg.se/2014/05/filippinerna/
Travelling into Tacloban city, the shocking aerial view encapsulated the extent of physical devastation post Typhon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda). As we approached the airport terminal building by foot, Minnie Anne Calub Emergency Programme Manager of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) ecstatically said: “There, finally a roof now!” Tacloban's Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport the main gateway from Manila and Cebu to the Eastern Visayas Region in central Philippines was effectively destroyed by Typhon Haiyan. Six months on, the airport terminal building is fitted with a new roof while the interior of the terminal remains bare.
Fighting through the chaos after receiving my luggage from the staffs who were seen toiling around to get the airport running, we finally got onto a van that drove us into Tacloban city. The lack of suitable housing was evident as rows and rows of tents pitched in close proximity remain the main shelter option for the community. It is impossible for anyone to miss the dilapidated houses and buildings along the road, many apparently beyond repair and abandoned by their previous occupants. Children were seen playing in hazardous conditions amidst rubble. In Barangay 89 one of the hardest-hit coastal districts in Tacloban City where its entire community remains housed in tents and makeshift huts, I was overwhelmed by the desperate frustration as concerns over leaking tents and the lack of information regarding relocation sites from the government were repeatedly voiced by the community. On the day that we arrived, it felt no less than 35 degree Celsius. The sweltering heat and humidity would have turned the tents into boiler rooms. I cannot help but wonder how long more do they have to endure with these living conditions? It was heartening to hear how the community has found glimpses of hope amidst the hardships through ACT Alliance member Christian Aid (CA) activities carried out in the Barangay. With local partner Urban Poor Associates (UPA), CA organises women for urban gardening to improve self-sufficiency while mothers helped monitor feeds to ensure that sufficient nutrients were provided to the children. As a community member stoically put it, these activities distract us away from the pain and sufferings.
The “no-dwelling zone” policy implemented by the government post-disaster which prohibits the construction of structures within 40 meters from the shoreline in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan has complicated the recovery process as residents of some coastal neighbourhoods who have rebuilt their homes are now technically illegal squatters, possibly facing eviction. Non-governmental organisations are now confronting the government on the legal or scientific basis of this policy and questioning if the policy was to clear coastal areas to pave the way for private developers. After Typhoon Haiyan, what emerged as a poignant issue that need to be urgently addressed in the rebuilding process is ensuring that land tenure and property rights of vulnerable groups are not impacted negatively. It is often the poorest people who are targeted for relocation. These people do not formally own land and have little option but to live close to the coast given their dependency on the proximity to the sea for livelihood.
In Barangay Salvacion and Barangay Fererras, Act Alliance member NCCP showcased the comprehensive design of their shelter project that had benefited 197 households. Located within 50-100 meters from the original dwellings, the beneficiaries worry less about the effect on livelihood as the relocation gave them access to their fisher boats. Noticeably, NCCP had shifted from building permanent shelters to progressive shelters to tackle with the tricky land tenure issues when constructing permanent housing. NCCP has also tapped into its local networks and work closely with the Mayor office to secure tenure for the relocated families. However, it will take at least another 3 months for the shelters to be completed. Claudia B. Gacod one of the beneficiaries of the shelter project expressed that the most pressing need for her family is to leave the tent immediately, warning: "What will happen to us if there is another storm?" It is also in Barangay Salvacion where three Act Alliance members (CA, NCCP and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)) converged and displayed coordination and illustrated how the work of each member has complemented one another. When interviewed, Cherry G. Legue the Advisor for Salvacion Women Association happily shared that women in the Barangay who always have been homemakers can now get income from planting seedlings in the newly constructed nursery, a community initiative financed by NCCP. “Do you feel more empowered?” I asked. Cherry quickly answered “We don’t think about that now. We are just happy that we can save money to finance our children’s education”.
Spending hours on car rides travelling between Leyte and Eastern Samar, a daunting sight is the fields of toppled and uprooted coconut trees, or what is left of their skinny trunks less the bushy tops. It has been estimated that in Eastern Visayas alone, some 33 million coconut trees were either damaged or destroyed. Around 80% of the people of Eastern Samar rely on the coconut industry and now it is wiped out. In Barangay Liwayway, CA’s local partner Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) has organised the community to work on environmental security and livelihoods, a result of which a communal farm which uses organic fertiliser was set up. The activities have enabled the community to begin the process of intercropping, crop-diversification and livelihood/poultry raising activities. This will help to secure livelihoods while the wait for the newly planted coconut trees to become productive continues.
After visiting a number of the worst-hit areas in a span of a week, Filipino’s remarkable resilience is striking. Andrew Martin of UNOCHA remarked that the country has surmounted challenges and the speed of recovery is almost unprecedented given the scale of destruction. One cannot help but wonder if this is a good sign as we are reminded in our meetings that despite shelter and livelihood needs of affected population remain unmet, international support has already begin to wean as more acute humanitarian situations have arisen in other parts of the world. Visible recovery has taken place, but who can arrive at the speed of recuperation for the human psyche? I vividly recall the words of the lady who spoke in tears when asked about the community’s disaster preparedness in the face of future disasters “My heart will not take it anymore. If it hits again, take me away”.
Travelling into Tacloban city, the shocking aerial view encapsulated the extent of physical devastation post Typhon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda). As we approached the airport terminal building by foot, Minnie Anne Calub Emergency Programme Manager of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) ecstatically said: “There, finally a roof now!” Tacloban's Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport the main gateway from Manila and Cebu to the Eastern Visayas Region in central Philippines was effectively destroyed by Typhon Haiyan. Six months on, the airport terminal building is fitted with a new roof while the interior of the terminal remains bare.
Fighting through the chaos after receiving my luggage from the staffs who were seen toiling around to get the airport running, we finally got onto a van that drove us into Tacloban city. The lack of suitable housing was evident as rows and rows of tents pitched in close proximity remain the main shelter option for the community. It is impossible for anyone to miss the dilapidated houses and buildings along the road, many apparently beyond repair and abandoned by their previous occupants. Children were seen playing in hazardous conditions amidst rubble. In Barangay 89 one of the hardest-hit coastal districts in Tacloban City where its entire community remains housed in tents and makeshift huts, I was overwhelmed by the desperate frustration as concerns over leaking tents and the lack of information regarding relocation sites from the government were repeatedly voiced by the community. On the day that we arrived, it felt no less than 35 degree Celsius. The sweltering heat and humidity would have turned the tents into boiler rooms. I cannot help but wonder how long more do they have to endure with these living conditions? It was heartening to hear how the community has found glimpses of hope amidst the hardships through ACT Alliance member Christian Aid (CA) activities carried out in the Barangay. With local partner Urban Poor Associates (UPA), CA organises women for urban gardening to improve self-sufficiency while mothers helped monitor feeds to ensure that sufficient nutrients were provided to the children. As a community member stoically put it, these activities distract us away from the pain and sufferings.
The “no-dwelling zone” policy implemented by the government post-disaster which prohibits the construction of structures within 40 meters from the shoreline in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan has complicated the recovery process as residents of some coastal neighbourhoods who have rebuilt their homes are now technically illegal squatters, possibly facing eviction. Non-governmental organisations are now confronting the government on the legal or scientific basis of this policy and questioning if the policy was to clear coastal areas to pave the way for private developers. After Typhoon Haiyan, what emerged as a poignant issue that need to be urgently addressed in the rebuilding process is ensuring that land tenure and property rights of vulnerable groups are not impacted negatively. It is often the poorest people who are targeted for relocation. These people do not formally own land and have little option but to live close to the coast given their dependency on the proximity to the sea for livelihood.
In Barangay Salvacion and Barangay Fererras, Act Alliance member NCCP showcased the comprehensive design of their shelter project that had benefited 197 households. Located within 50-100 meters from the original dwellings, the beneficiaries worry less about the effect on livelihood as the relocation gave them access to their fisher boats. Noticeably, NCCP had shifted from building permanent shelters to progressive shelters to tackle with the tricky land tenure issues when constructing permanent housing. NCCP has also tapped into its local networks and work closely with the Mayor office to secure tenure for the relocated families. However, it will take at least another 3 months for the shelters to be completed. Claudia B. Gacod one of the beneficiaries of the shelter project expressed that the most pressing need for her family is to leave the tent immediately, warning: "What will happen to us if there is another storm?" It is also in Barangay Salvacion where three Act Alliance members (CA, NCCP and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)) converged and displayed coordination and illustrated how the work of each member has complemented one another. When interviewed, Cherry G. Legue the Advisor for Salvacion Women Association happily shared that women in the Barangay who always have been homemakers can now get income from planting seedlings in the newly constructed nursery, a community initiative financed by NCCP. “Do you feel more empowered?” I asked. Cherry quickly answered “We don’t think about that now. We are just happy that we can save money to finance our children’s education”.
Spending hours on car rides travelling between Leyte and Eastern Samar, a daunting sight is the fields of toppled and uprooted coconut trees, or what is left of their skinny trunks less the bushy tops. It has been estimated that in Eastern Visayas alone, some 33 million coconut trees were either damaged or destroyed. Around 80% of the people of Eastern Samar rely on the coconut industry and now it is wiped out. In Barangay Liwayway, CA’s local partner Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) has organised the community to work on environmental security and livelihoods, a result of which a communal farm which uses organic fertiliser was set up. The activities have enabled the community to begin the process of intercropping, crop-diversification and livelihood/poultry raising activities. This will help to secure livelihoods while the wait for the newly planted coconut trees to become productive continues.
After visiting a number of the worst-hit areas in a span of a week, Filipino’s remarkable resilience is striking. Andrew Martin of UNOCHA remarked that the country has surmounted challenges and the speed of recovery is almost unprecedented given the scale of destruction. One cannot help but wonder if this is a good sign as we are reminded in our meetings that despite shelter and livelihood needs of affected population remain unmet, international support has already begin to wean as more acute humanitarian situations have arisen in other parts of the world. Visible recovery has taken place, but who can arrive at the speed of recuperation for the human psyche? I vividly recall the words of the lady who spoke in tears when asked about the community’s disaster preparedness in the face of future disasters “My heart will not take it anymore. If it hits again, take me away”.
Wednesday 14 May 2014
Our boy at 20-month
Over the past week of Mama's absence, Papa has taken such good care of the little chap and has managed to instill discipline in the little rascal (who has ways with Mama). In a span of mere 8 days, he also started chaining up words and can now better express himself. He now gives commands to Mama, e.g. over brekkie this morning, the little boy was saying "Mama eat" while pointing at his half-eaten biscuit, hoping that Mama will pick up his leftovers. He also started filling in the blanks (Mama went "1,2,3,4,5,6,..." and the little boy shouted "SEVEN!").
Mama sent the boy to school for his first official school day today and is absolutely delighted to find him participating in class activities, not having big fuss that Mama sneaked away in the morning while he was playing with the rest of the children. Keeping my fingers crossed that he will love the going to school routine and enjoy his time with the rest of the children.
Mama sent the boy to school for his first official school day today and is absolutely delighted to find him participating in class activities, not having big fuss that Mama sneaked away in the morning while he was playing with the rest of the children. Keeping my fingers crossed that he will love the going to school routine and enjoy his time with the rest of the children.
Tuesday 29 April 2014
Utt at school
Little man attended first day at school yesterday, though with Mama in the classroom all 3 hours. Today, he went by 4 hours without Mama and without a tear. He was all cool when Mama brought him to the school playground and went venturing on his own with the TA by his side. When it was time for class, the TA led him to the fence where all the cute little bags were hung. The little man pointed to his, carried it on his back, then was led to class across from the garden. Turning to look at Mama twice, he called out "Mama" then went ahead with the TA leading him class compound.
At that moment, tears just welled up.
At that moment, tears just welled up.
Thursday 24 April 2014
Love from the little one
Little man was giving Mama lots of hugs and kisses while Mama was having dinner yesterday. He placed his arms around my neck, drew me close and then gave me a mega kiss on the cheek, then turned over and gave more on the lips then back to the cheek.
In moments like this, you feel that all the toddler tantrums are nothing.
In moments like this, you feel that all the toddler tantrums are nothing.
Tuesday 25 March 2014
Vocab galore
Little man at 18.5 months is like a sponge. Aside from the usual farm animals, he is also differentiating and identifying whale and shark, toad and frog. This morning, he amazed Mama by saying "Newt" and "Yak" and also started counting from 1 to 5 while walking down the stairs.
One of the most unthinkable word he's saying now (and often) is "dirt". While lying on yi-yi's bean bag beside Mama, he tried picking above Mama's eye, saying "dirt". Mama corrected him and he has now added "mole" to his vocab list.
Way to go, kiddy!
One of the most unthinkable word he's saying now (and often) is "dirt". While lying on yi-yi's bean bag beside Mama, he tried picking above Mama's eye, saying "dirt". Mama corrected him and he has now added "mole" to his vocab list.
Way to go, kiddy!
Tuesday 11 March 2014
The little big boy at 18 months
Dear Utt
Isn't it amazing that it has been 1.5 years?
Thanks for showing us how to be better beings. And thanks for the love and attention. It sure feels good to be in the center of your small little world. Mama can't wait to show you more of it.
Lots of love and kisses
Mama
Friday 28 February 2014
Adding to the word bank
Papa was reading Peter Pan to the boy this morning. The boy decided to pick two new words.
"Mermaid" and "Hook"
Seriously? Mermaid?...
Hmm...
"Mermaid" and "Hook"
Seriously? Mermaid?...
Hmm...
Sunday 16 February 2014
Toilet training #1
Utt has been saying pee and poo for weeks now but he hasn't been able to say it before going (it usually happens right before the job). Then comes the bumbo toilet seat. The first few times he asked to come down right after I placed him on the seat. Mama knows learning by seeing works best for the boy and so Mama went before him and said "Bye" in an enthusiastic manner to the feaces *erm* then went ahead to flush with a dance.
And it works.
Today the boy asked to sit on the bumbo in the morning during diaper change and peed when Mama went "pee pee pee"
Trainer pants next. :)
Saturday 15 February 2014
Dilemmas of parenthood
The nanny hasn't been here for 4 days now and we are doing alright. Papa managed to attend to his errands with Utt in tow on Day 2, a first for the pair and spent most of the day together while Mama was away at work.
Vday went by with plans that fell through since the nanny was away taking care of her own bub. Change of arrangements means a change of plans, nothing new with having a toddler. We went for meals as a family with Utt being an angel both during lunch and dinner, which was an incredible vday gift from the boy.
This morning Utt busied himself with the shape sorter, chasing Homer around with the walker, enactment of household chores done by the nanny, simply rolling around the sand bag, etc. And then I recall Ida mentioning the independent play stage that comes at a certain age and seems to be nearing for Utt.
I hugged him this morning and said I love him and wish he would never grow. Papa assured that I wouldn't like to be cleaning ass till Utt turns 40.
Tuesday 28 January 2014
Taint
Those tiny eyes of his.
He watches and interprets, mimicking acts that translate into simple reflection of the big guys' mannerisms. The empty sheet before them, so white and pure as it was. The big guys watch on with awareness. The awkward consciousness compels them to be better persons, stronger than before.
For what they are is what he will be.
He watches and interprets, mimicking acts that translate into simple reflection of the big guys' mannerisms. The empty sheet before them, so white and pure as it was. The big guys watch on with awareness. The awkward consciousness compels them to be better persons, stronger than before.
For what they are is what he will be.
Friday 10 January 2014
Dividing Mama's love
Dear Utt
A lot of times Mama look at you and wonder if I can love the next baby the same, and if Mama's love will be limitless and I am able to provide you with the same attention and care when the next arrives.
Thanks for the joys in 2013 and I am sure there are many more cherishable moments to come.
Love,
Mama
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