Sick but still hyper child + not so amused mother + confined within 4 walls = bored child jumping all over near crazed mother

Sera's drippy, pink nose meant - no school, no gym class and no play dates. So these past three days, we have been tucked away at home and trust me, it's no easy feat trying to entertain or keep up with this girl. School has been an eye opener for her, making her realise that there is more excitement beyond these four walls. I suspect she misses school and all the fun it offers. Ha ha. This girl has no idea what's in store for her in the next say 20 years!

Upon seeing this slightly disturbing looking, hairless baby, Sera became all goo goo gaa gaa sweet and loving

She eagerly fed the baby with the plastic bottle, making 'chuk chuk' sucking sounds ... ahhh, so sweet


But to my horror, I discovered the baby doll abandoned under the seat, sadly twisted ... 'gulp'. So much for trying to instil some tenderness in Sera ... maybe it's a bit too early

This mama here is still over the moon that Sera's eating, so here's a photo of her eating her cheese sandwich for lunch

And ... little goldfishies to top it off

Yes ... even she has to work for food

A pink nose

This is a very bad photo, I admit. The sunlight is hitting the camera thus the hazy result but with children, I've learned that it's all about spontaneity, you can't get them to change their position or smile again. So anyway, this photograph is significant because ... 'drum roll please' ... Sera is eating again! After a 5-day food boycott, she decided she missed it. Last Friday evening, out of the blue, she pointed at our dinner and indicated she wanted to eat. So despite all the books and people telling us it's really OK that she's not eating, we are still very relieved and grateful that she is eating again. Phew! But we've also learned that with little Sera (and I'm sure with many other toddlers), the only consistent thing about her is her absolute right to be inconsistent.

Now back to the photo. Not sure if you see it but she has a 'pink nose'. Ha ha. That's what her teacher wrote on the daily communication slip yesterday - 'Sera has a pink nose!' And translated in 'not so cute' terms, it meant Sera got too close to another kid in class who was having a cold (and who should have kindly stayed home, in my opinion). But I've realised that I'm going to have to accept the fact that Sera is going to get sick more often now that she is going to school. 'Groan'.

Eating slump?

I'm having a bit of a meltdown here. It's been three days counting since Sera's food boycott.

I thought it was just the excitement of school thus the lack of appetite or enthusiasm about meal time. But today was no different. She didn't even finish half her breakfast cereal. Milk, her most favourite drink, keeps getting wasted and left unfinished. Forget about lunch. In fact, she slept through lunch today, so I tried to give her something for tea. I made a batch of blueberry muffins, only because I know she likes blueberries and they are thankfully, very healthy. I tweaked the recipe just so it was healthier. I was an emotional wreck just feeding it to her. I was nervously and anxiously waiting for her to spit it out or refuse another bite. She ate most of it. Phew!

I don't know what's up with Sera? She doesn't appear to be sick, still active like normal so my suspicion (after consulting with some books) is that she is acting up, being rebellious and controlling in a way she knows how. I mean, she can't just dislike ALL her favourite food overnight. It just doesn't make sense! I'm not at all angry with her. I'm just close to pulling my hair from stress (ok, I love my hair too much so maybe not to that extent but you get the idea, I'm just plain worried) because my little girl simply refuses to eat. But according to the books, it is so normal for toddlers to suddenly become difficult and fussy eaters. Nothing to panic about. Then there is like a list of five, ten, 100 things we can do to improve the situation. That's good and all, and maybe I'll try some of them out. Maybe ...

Oh for dinner, yup you guessed right. Blueberry muffin. That is, half of it.

Sera Ling, what's up your sleeve?

And to end this day ...

This was Sera, after the five minutes drive back from school. Flat out ...

She didn't want her lunch, all she wanted was to sleep. So sleep she did but when she woke up two hours later, she was surprisingly difficult. Not sure how long she cried, but it felt painfully long. She did, however, stop to drink some water and juice ... and then she continued with the crying. What was happening? Was that her way of 'getting back' at me for leaving her at school? Hmm, I do wonder. To add to my stress, she refused lunch ... and even dinner. She passed on green peas, her favourite. She usually loves to pop them in her mouth, one pea at a time. Apparently, not anymore.

Sigh ... I know I need to chill a bit. Today was a day of much change and impressions, thus the disorientation from both her and even, myself. And this is ONLY play school. Good grief! But I shall remain positive, tomorrow is another new day!

Sera's first day at school

I'm at home now, it's 8.35am, and I'm alone. Sera's at school. Yes, the day has finally arrived ... Sera's first day at school. I miss her already. I am suddenly free, well for a few hours at least. Hmm, I think I'll pick her up early today, just for today ... maybe for this week?

Johan and I dropped her off at her school at 7.30am. Yes, even Johan wanted to be part of this momentuous day. Sera was very surprised to see Johan this morning ... "What, is it the weekend already?" Cool! She reached out for him, gave him a kiss and stayed in his arms, not wanting to let him go. A quick breakfast together, a dip in the bath tub, slipped into her clothes and off we went. Needless to say, the school was a little chaotic, it being the first day for the other kids plus their more excited parents. Hmm, I noticed many fathers were there too. Oh, how sweet.

Enter Sera's classroom. Crying children. Awww ... separation anxiety for a few kids. Sera steps in, completely forgets her parents, gives the crying kids a few seconds of her time and proceeds to explore her new surroundings. She'll be fine, I think. After handing over her tiny school bag and another big bag of the essential stuff to the teacher assistant, we kissed Sera and headed off. I forget to tell Johan not to say 'Goodbye' to her ... too late! We hear her crying and banging at the door. I hear Miss Caitlin (her teacher) talking and pulling her away from the door. She complains a little bit more and then silence. She'll be fine ... no panic.

What, it's only 8.50? This is crazy, I think I am the one suffering from separation anxiety!

Checking out her classroom

Think she'll be just fine ...

TV-less ... for nearly a day

It is still BAKING outside so over the weekend, the three of us spent most of the time hibernating indoors, thank goodness for airconditioning! And if we attempt to venture out, we only have to leave our airconditioned house, drive in our airconditioned Jeep and into the very uncomfortably airconditioned malls. Pretty depressing in my opinion, but that is simply how we can survive the summer heat. Just one of the necessary evils living here, in the middle of the desert.

Yesterday, out of the blue and while having breakfast, I voiced my concern to Johan about our TV consumption especially in the presence of Sera. What??? Ha ha, yes you see I read this article from a 'parenting' magazine (my first time ever) and this particular article advised against parents exposing their children to TV, video, computer until the age of 2 years old. GULP! That old? Sera was placed in front of the TV when she like 3 months old! Apparently, this so-called expert said that children below the age of 2 should be focusing on playing typical toys geared towards developing their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory learning ... the list goes on. Ok, but what if I placed all her toys in front of the TV. Killing two birds with one stone? "No!", screamed the voice in the article. Fine ...

So that was how the TV issue came about. Yes, I can sometimes get a bit nutty, over-analytical and even fall into the trap of worrying about the side effects of excessive media exposure for Sera. But In my defense, this 'suddenly overcome by guilt' and you can even call it, neurotic behaviour lasts but a day, the very most. Johan, usually, indulges without questioning me and yesterday was no different. "Fine ... NO TV in front of Sera!" Err ... ok, I thought. That was easy and actually, I didn't say NO TV, zilch?

Actually, the NO TV mandate given by Johan was kind of forgotten. We spent most of the day at home, snucked out for a quick lunch. We had a very normal and even mundane day together but sometimes, those kind of days are really good ... actually they're the best kind.

p.s. By the way, the silly NO TV thingy lasted like after dinner when I just flopped on the sofa and sheepishly declared that I was turning on the TV, in the presence of Sera. Johan looked at me, gave me a strange look and said to Sera, "Your mother .... !" Whatever did he mean???


Waiting for Sera to wake up

Breakfast ...

What ... no TV!

No TV ... sigh ...

Johan reading 'Rainbow Bob'

Finally, he reads 'Humpety Trumpety' to Sera

Every child's favourite game ...

We did go for a very brief dip in the pool that wasn't so clean (thus the serious face on Johan), well, the deep end was green with you know what. Sera was very happy (can you tell from this photo?) while it lasted but as of this morning, she doesn't seem to be feeling so well. Not so sure if the pool water is to be blamed ... ? Shucks!

Presenting Miss Dramatic

Sera, sitting on a chair, fiddling with the Rubiks Cube and reading at the same time. Hmm, quite the talent and so well behaved ...


"What ... you call that talent?"


"Wait ... I'll show you what's talent ..."

"Presenting Miss Smelly Feet ... "


"And look I can bite my toes ... hah, I bet this just knocked you over huh."

"Ok, show's over"

"I said it's OVER ... O-V-E-R!!!"

Homecoming

Our flight back home was actually quite ok despite Sera and I being squashed into a window seat, beside a hefty guy who was sin the end quite sweet because he didn't mind or actually notice (he slept most of the flight only to wake, though I'm not sure why, to not so delectable meals) Sera poking or pinching him. Early into the flight, I had looked in vain for an empty seat, thinking I could plead with that lone passenger to swap seats with me but alas the flight was packed full. Nonetheless, we (the airline attendants and the passengers that were awake) managed to keep Sera occupied for the 4 out of 7.5 hours that she didn't sleep.

And our arrival would have been 'oh so sweet' if my dear husband was actually there to welcome us. Tsk, tsk! So with no money on me or credits on my phone, our 'run into each other arms' homecoming
was sadly squashed and delayed for an hour. No worries, he did get an earful from me ... but of course. However, the father-daughter reunion was a 'melt your heart' kind of moment. Upon seeing Johan, Sera's face litted up and she ran into his arms and burrowed her face into the crook of his shoulders. Awww ... even I was very stunned at her spontaneity. She was literally plastered on him for a good 20 minutes, not wanting to leave him or his sight. Here are some photos for evidence!

A blurred photo but you can't mistake the two of them gazing at each other ...


Cradled in his arms, stroking his hands ...

Not letting him go ...

Time to go back home

A big thank you to one and all, especially my dearest mama, for making our stay in Singapore an enjoyable one. Sera and I had a good time despite several hiccups along the way. I'm so sorry for not meeting up with some of you (Kim, we must meet up when I'm down at year end!) or not spending enough time with everyone. TIME ... I need more time!

I didn't get a chance to post the photos from our successful zoo trip (even the slight drizzle didn't deter us) with Evan, Chloe, Simon and Sue-Lyn, so here are some of the photos. We had a great time. Sera did for sure. She soaked up everything, didn't want to miss a thing. She and Chloe were determined to stay awake throughout the zoo visit thus forgoing their afternoon nap. Thanks Sue for accompanying us, always nice to have a personal guide.

So till sometime in November ... goodbye!

This photo was taken earlier in the trip, the one and only time Sera went for a swim. Not sure what my aunties and cousins were doing but looks like you guys were having fun

Our zoo 'kakis'

Grandma was in charge of pushing Sera around in her stroller but actually Sera insisted on walking most of the time

Sera and the not so attractive pot-bellied pig

Sera didn't get too excited when she was watching the sea lions in the show, but these cast iron ones somehow got her attention. She was talking and gently stroking them ... ???

Checking out the orang utans hanging out high above


A very tired (and considering the stroller) but contented friend of the zoo

And finally a bursting with happiness Sera, thanking grandma for all the love and attention she received

Slowing down before we leave

I really had a few things planned for Sera to do while here in Singapore. Fun things, like going to the pool (well, that is striked off the list for a while till her skin improves), going to the beach, going to the zoo, bird park ... well, if all goes well, we will successful go to the zoo tomorrow morning with some friends.

But she's been a good sport all these weeks, finding amusement in all the activities that have kept us occupied - meeting with contractors, shopping for furniture, a car breakdown among other things. So yesterday, I kind of told myself that it'll be the last day of shopping for the apartment. Really. So here are some photos of Sera helping me choose furniture.

Sera was more than happy to test out the chairs. Ok, I wasn't thinking of getting this one at all. She was attracted to this chair so we helped her into it

And the fuschia one ...

And the 'papasan chair' ... can you guess which one we settled for?

Sera goofing around with grandma's sunnies ... they're big!

But nothing can beat mama's sunnies!

When it rains, it pours!

Can you tell Sera is fed up? There's a story behind this photo, so if you can bear it, read on ...

It was going to be a relaxing day for both Sera and myself. The plan was to drop her off at auntie Iris' place for a few hours of babysitting, while I have tea with Lena. I mean, it was that simple. What could possibly go wrong? EVERYTHING!

A downpour started just before we stepped out of the house. No problem, I could surely juggle Sera, he baby-bag, my handbag, and the umbrella. A bit of a struggle trying to strap Sera into her car seat while at the same time, holding the umbrella, but I succeeded with only getting a little soaked. Since I was like two hours early till Sera's drop off time, I decided to run a few errands and most importantly, I wanted to get some fever medication for Sera. She was much better today but it was a 'just in case' stock up. I drove to Siglap (near auntie Iris' place) but there was a long line of cars waiting to enter the car park. I wasn't going to park outdoors and attempt a juggling act again. So, I drove to Parkway Parade. The usual 10 minutes drive took a painful 30 minutes due to the heavy rain. But since Sera was fast asleep at the back, I didn't mind at all.

The stress only started when I was in the multi-storey car park. There wasn't a single vacant lot. Unbelievable! NOTHING stops Singaporeans going to the mall, come hail or high water. I gave up trying to find a vacant lot so I was inching my way to the exit when my car (this is the replacement car we are using till the original rental car is fixed) stalled while I was driving down a slope to the next level. This was NOT happening ... and Sera was waking up! Panic, yup, I sure did. Please, please let there be a vacant lot so that I can just slowly slide my car in. Pleaseeeee .... ok, I know I'm coming across as being a tad dramatic but I was with Sera who basically DOES NOT LIKE to be strapped into the car seat, UNLESS she is sleepy or the journey is less than 10 minutes. She was waking up so that meant she was wide awake and wanting out of the car seat. And everybody knows this little girl who has been blessed with a pair of big and clear lungs can SCREAM.

The amazing thing is there was a vacant lot just as I came off the slope. Miracle! The relief I felt then was indescribable. Once in the lot, I tried to start the car and after three attempts, the car started. Hmm, I wasn't convinced that it was going to hold up so I took Sera out, stroller and all and decided to do what I was supposed to in the first place, which was to get her fever medicine. While I braved the the bursting crowd in the mall, mama and kor kor stopped by to check the car out. Hmm, not sure what they were planning or could do, but they test drove it around the car park. The verdict was that 'Yes, there was an unfamiliar, loose and rattling sound but it was ok to drive to my next destination.' Okay ....

Anyway, Lena came over to meet us at Parkway and we drove off. I don't know, I think I was having one of my unrealistically optimistic moments when I knowingly decided to drive off in the terribly sick car. Logically, I should have just left the car in the car park and arranged for it to be towed away by the rental company. Anyway, I guess we all know what happened next. Yup, the car stalled, not once but three more times in a distance of about 400 metres ... and at very 'sure to annoy other motorists' strategic spots - in the middle of a round about, before a bus-stop and after the bus stop.

P-A-N-I-C!!!!!!!!!!!

Shall I fast forward this story a bit?

So we didn't have much choice but to park the car by the road side, on double yellow lines. We unloaded the car, switched the hazard lights on and crossed the road to a neighbourhood church, where we took refuge for a few minutes. How nice ... and even welcoming! So that photo above was taken at the church. Sera was entertaining herself while Lena and I decided our next course of action, which was to simply call a cab (it was still raining), load it up with our gazillion things and head to auntie Iris' place. Once there, we left Sera knowing she'll be in good hands and we walked to a nearby cafe (huddled under an umbrella ... yes, it was STILL raining) to FINALLY have lunch or was it tea?

Hmmm ... in hindsight, this incident would have been totally stressful in major proportions if Sera had been all whiny and complaining but she wasn't, not once. She was wonderfully easy and on her best-est behaviour ever. For sure, you'd want her around if ever your car breaks down.

Staying in

Today, even mother nature is insisting that we just stay home and relax. It's raining, very heavily. The kind of rain where you'll still get soaked even with a big umbrella. Anyway, it's just as well because little Sera is sick, with fever.

Since we've arrived in Singapore, she's been a real trooper, joining us as we criss-crossed the island to run errands for the apartment. But I think yesterday was the final straw. In the morning, she accompanied me as I supervised a group of electricians, plumbers and air-conditioning service men as they carried our works in our apartment. She's usually very good at entertaining herself and yesterday was no different. She played with the empty cardboxes and styrofoam fillers, curiously observed the guys while they worked, and only ran to me when the power drill went off. She only started to complain at the last minutes, because she was getting tired standing around for nearly 3 hours. And of course, it didn't help that our rented car gave way just when we were ready to set off for lunch. So the next hour was a flurry of waiting for the tow truck, flagging a cab while lugging a irritable baby, a car seat and a gazillion other things, and finally waiting cluelessly at the car garage for what felt like eternity.

No wonder Sera fell sick.

Gulp. And now, I really feel like a terrible mother.

Sera is resting now, snuggled in the comfort of her bed, not in her car-seat or a shopping cart. I pray she'll recover soon and be her usual Duracell Bunny self. I miss my active little sprite ...

Sera having her morning bottle with a makeshift cardboard mattress, while the Ikea guys were busy assembling the pieces

Her eyes are a dead give-away that she's unwell, but playing with her over-sized crocs cheered her up a little

She ripped off this fever patch right after I took the photo. Aside from receiving kisses on her face, she has an aversion for anything else on her face

Eczema, it is

Remember Sera's peanut butter allergy that was not? Well, since that last incident or rather post, her skin rash on her back turned into a patchy white pigmentation that doctors (a total of three) have diagnosed as eczema, and then the immediate prescription of a steroid cream which we have refused to use. Yes, Johan and I can be pretty particular about some things and this is one of them. Instead we have been applying a very moisturising emolient on her skin. It seemed to have worked, just that the white pigmentation has stubbornly refused to tan like the rest of her body. Hmm, strange?

Anyway, since Sera and I have been in Singapore. The hot topic has been her skin problem. Sigh. A different diagnosis from this side of the world. Ha ha. Roughly translated, my family and even a Chinese physician, it has been diagnosed as 'white spots'. Basically, it is a kind of fungal infection caused by sweat on the skin. Even I was convinced it was 'white spots' and watched with much hope as my mom rubbed blue ginger onto Sera's back. This went on for a few days until the Chinese physician said that it wouldn't work and prescribed some herbal concoction for her to drink. Apparently, the herbal brew was meant to detoxify her little body. But alas, Sera refused to drink the herbal brew despite the sugar added. I think other than the slightly bitter taste, the smell was a major turn off. So anyway, just a few days ago, we were back to square one - no proper treatment and actually, still unsure what was the problem???

This morning, we had a little emergency with a nappy rash that went terribly wrong.So off to the doctor's. The paediatrician prescribed an antibiotic cream for her nappy rash and then she noticed the rash on her skin.

Doctor:"She has ECZEMA." (Oh no, here we go AGAIN!)

Me:"So, it's not white spots?" (I had to counter ALL speculations)

Doctor:"No, it's not a fungal infection."

Me:"Ok, but I don't want to use any steroid cream."

Doctor:"No I won't advise steroid cream but a good moisturiser." (Great, another super-duper moisturiser)

Me:"Oh cool ... "

Doctor:"Does she go into the pool a lot." (Err ... this crazy mama takes her to the pool everyday!)

Me:"Yah ... quite often."

Doctor:"Avoid the pool, and she can dip for only 15 minutes."

Gulp. You call that swimming? Sera would think I was teasing her by dipping her and taking her out. Of course, I kept my mouth shout. But I was finally at peace to this nagging skin problem of hers. I mean, I actually believed and accepted this doctor's diagnosis only because she seem to have read my mind and answered the doubts I had.

So now, I have added yet another so-called wonder moisturising cream to the exisiting collection. I hope this one will work. But to more important matters. No swimming for Sera? That is seriously a tragedy because that is one of her great loves. I can't possibly take that away from her! After the doctor's visit, I quickly messaged Johan to discuss this pressing issue. No problem. It has been decided and agreed. We'll be heading to the non-chlorinated but salty beaches when we're back home!

This afternoon, we attended Izzac's first birthday party

Sera was more than eager to help Izzac open his presents ...

She took over the 'whole operation' and Izzac decided to leave her to her own devices

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Today my sunny little island is 42 years old. For the vast majority of the islanders, it is a public holiday, which also means to just stay indoors and avoid the crowds. But do I even listen to my wise inner voice? Nah, not at all. In fact, we went to possibly, one of the most crowded places - Ikea. But in my defense, I'm here in Singapore to decorate our new apartment so I have an excuse. For the rest of the Singaporeans I met at Ikea, hmmm ... I suspect they were there for the free parking, super value hotdog meals and free Ikea babysiting service. Ha ha.

Despite the unbelieveable crush of people at Ikea, the three of us (mama, myself and Sera) managed to manouvre the crowd without a hitch. The service received was commendable. No long lines at check-out, and though we had to wait a good thirty minutes for delivery arrangements to be made, we very easily grabbed one of the super value meals and ate it while in line. I must say, Ikea has thought of everything ... even I'm impressed! And what better way to celebrate National Day with probably a good proportion of the nation rubbing shoulders at Ikea, buying the same furniture and chowing down the same food. Now, that is what I call homogeneous!

The little Ikea friends were treated to cool Singapore flag tattoos

Sera was looking very patriotic, donning the nation's colours

At the check out, with our potential furniture nicely packed in boxes. No worries baby, you don't have to assemble a single piece. It's all been arranged