18 mths and counting

Dear Amir,

Last week, we went for your 18th mth check up, and the last compulsory jab. Alhamdulillah, doc said you're progressing very well physically (weight 13.8kg, height 80cm) and has nothing to be worried about although you look heavy and rounded.. hehe. You also spot a big hairdo these days cos your hair now has a life of its own ever since we cut it short the other day. I think i'll just let it lose for a whilela till i decide if to cut it or not :P

This month, you showed a noticeable progress in your vocab and pronounciation. It happened overnite.. and some of these words are random words that you chose to pick up just because you like them i guess, cos we dont use them quite often. Some of the cuter ones are

Amir : Mmmmm-may

Alamak : amakk..
Aiyoyo : yoyo..
Ya Allah : aaa-woh
Susu : u-uh
air : ayie
takde : takdeeee
no more : emm-more
yeh : yeay
cho : tow
abe : bey (you decide 'abe' is easier compared to 'uncle wan')
playground : ayy-yaun
yeay yeay : waeyy
car : kha
lorry : loghi/loyi
monkey : ka-kih
dukung : ku-kong
wait : weee

You've also turned into a papa's boy lately. Since we wean you off our bed, Papa has been attending to your every needs and whine at nite (feeding, scratch your back, tuck you in, take off the blanket, find your puting etc) cos it'll take me forever to pick myself up from the bed. Sometimes, Papa end up sleeping on the floor by your side cos he just could be bothered to return to bed since you will call out for him 4-5 times a nite. This new routine made you two closer. So nowadays, whenever you are sleepy, you'll call for 'Baba/Papa' and pat your pillow asking him to sleep by your side. When he went away, you'll notice and call for him non stop. When he returns, you'll glow and shout 'Baba/Papa'! Last weekend, we were away for a break and you slept with Tok Ma but woke her up few times asking to go to 'Baba'.

I'm so blessed to have your Papa doing this for us especially when I really2 need my undisturbed sleep now. Sometimes i feel bad because i know he is one person who treasure his sleep veryvery much (we're the same kind you see). He never complained. Of course, the idealist in me would want him to do so much more especially in taking care of you :P. But i also realise that he has done a lot for both of us and is really doing all he can to take over more responsibility in preparation for little adik soon.

Speaking of adik, you have lately grew fonder of little babies. You are so into babies that you'll attempt to kiss, nuzzle or will simply coo at the baby when you see one. In fact you have now developed the cheekiness to immitate them. Asking me to swaddle you in blanket, and pat you to sleep while you immitate a baby crying. I guess I wont have any problem with sibling jealousy, at least not these early few months. Finger crossed. Oh yeah, that reminds me that you are capable of jealousy. You wont mind me carrying another kid/baby, you dont mind other kid taking away your toy but once you see me snuggling with Papa, or hugging Che' Su, or lying next to your uncles, you will retaliate and start to throw tantrums.

Oh well, I guess that's a good development in a way huh? Anyway, here's hoping that both you and Papa will adjust smoothly once adik arrives. I know you two have been making lots of progress towards that. And for that (and manymany more things), I love you both so veryvery much. Happy 18 mths Amir and thank you for the amazing 18mths journey of parenthood together sayang. ; )

The curious case of Benjamin Button - version Amir (i dare say the cuter one)

Us on CNY 2009

Dear Amir,

Last CNY, Tok, An and Mak Su came over for Pak Chik's engagement. As usual, when they are here, we camp ourself at Mak Long for a little gathering and catching up. Anyway, we've been visiting Mak Long a lot lately since we're preparing for two weddings this year (Pak Chik's and Pak Ngah's). So now you're a lot closer to your cousins. And they like it when you came over too.

The engagement was in Melaka on CNY itself. It took us almost 4 hours to reach Melaka from Puchong due to heavy traffic.. man.. penat gila. And at Pak Chik's fiance's house (Aunty Atikah), i almost broke my back having to sit on the floor with you and my bulging tummy on my lap. Nasib baik the 'discussion' didnt take long. You were not comfortable with the huge crowd so decided to cling to (/climb all over) me all the while. When it was makan time, you had your fair share, in fact when everyone was done, and i was washing my hand, you crawl to the rice bowl and helped yourself to more. Haha.. hilarious. And that was not it, you then insisted to have some grapes from the bakul hantaran. The journey back was another pain in the backlah. It took us 4 hours back too due to heavy rain. And on top of that you decided not to sleep and refuse the carseat with all your might. By the time we reach home, i was as good as a dead meat. Terus kong with a severe back pain.. lucky Papa was ever generous with his back massage, although he is also knackered by the unexpected long drive.

The next day was a leisurely day for us with Tok, An, Mak Su and Pak Ngah joining for dinner. They left for Alor Setar the next morning, perhaps only returning for the wedding early May, which i might not be able to join given that i'm still in confinement then.. dunnolah, we'll see. By the way, i made the bunga2 and deco for dulang hantarans for the engagement. It was nothing fancy, simple, just the way i like it. As much as i enjoy these kinds stuff, I dont think i'd be able to help much for the wedding later though.

Anyway, after they left, we went to Tok Ma to melepaskan rindu since Tok Ma, Tok Pa and Che Su were away the entire weekend for my cousin's engagement in kota bharu. It was scorching hot although we were there quite early. So Uncle Cho treated you to a round of carwash fun. I'll let the pics do the talking..

By the way, Uncle Yeh is back! It took you a while to warm up but soon after you're jumping around playing ball with him..

Now that he is back, i think everything is more or less on track for tok Ma and the family to plan..Yes, we're talking about more weddings in the pipeline..insyaAllah..

I dunnolah wat got into your unclessss, semua mcm berebut nak kawin this year : )

17 months and counting

Dear Amir

I know this is long overdue but I could not bare thinking that i'm going to miss another note about your monthly milestone. So i'm going to be practical about this and just jot them as simply as I could

Can

• pronounce 'kakak'perfectly
• throw rubbish into the wastebasket when asked to
• pick up the remote control/handphone/newspaper when asked to
• sleep on your own when given your fav pillow, a bottle of warm milk and Pooh
• go down the slide without much assistance
• get along with your cousins & second cousins - mostly older than you
• feed on your own using utensils - this with some help la

With Abg Harris & Abg Rahim

Fruits for supper

Know

• the way to Tok Ma/our house from the traffic light in between the two housing areas
• which car belongs to who (Papa, Tok Pa, Uncle Cho, Uncle Wan, Tok Ma..)
• to point to your diapers and say 'Ak!' when you're done with your big business
• it's mealtime when i lay the table and you'll start shouting for your Papa to come and eat
• to wipe your hands and mouth dry after washing them
• how to 'pray'.. kind of

Like

• sharing your food with our cat,Boy
• babies and immitating them crying
• food, all sort, anytime, anywhere
• clinging on to us and buat malu2 kucing around strangers
• shouting your lungs out when you're in goodmood
• watching videos of yourself on my handphone

"Baby cry macam mana Mir??"

Hate

• to brush your teeth
• when Tok Ma / me talks on the phone and ignore you
• birthday song and the huha during bday celebration (still!)

Hiding away from all the chaos (and the song)

I hope that'll serve as a good enough reminder of how you are at 17 months. Oh by the way, you've grown to a solid 13.5kg now. Yes, even your stroller is screeching now. You've also grown your first two molar teeth and added a couple more incissor. Hairwise, we're eagerly waiting for your infamous jambul to sprout again. But i kinda like this 'Romeo Beckham' look (not Mawi ye..please..)

End of this month, we'll be going for your last scheduled jab. It feels like you're graduating to become a proper toddler now, despite the fact that you are already wearing size 3t now.

Oh well.. as long as your healthy n happy. Happy 17th mth little abang!

15th months and counting

Dear Amir,

There's so much I want to update but the lack of photo collection these days kinda put it off a little. Aaanyway, I wont hold it any longer and here goes, you in your 15th month.

• Ever since Raya, you have started to gain weight abruptly, now standing at almost 12kg, a kg heavier than your weight during Raya. You normally take 7 bottles of 7oz milk per day now, and that means you're back to nite feeds which can be once or twice a nite. But that's Papa's job so i dont really mind.. heh! Foodwise, everything also can and everything also we give! Especially when you're with Tok Ma. spoilt spoilt spoilt.

• You like to immitate ppl these days. You will try to say selective words that we utter and you will try to immitate sounds of the weirdest thing. Your favourite now is to immitate papa snoring when you wake up next to him every morning. Tok Ma said, over at her house, when you're doing something wrong and were told off, you'll do a low humming sound complete with a frown, immitating how Tok Pa normally scare/scold you. But of course, you wont do it when Tok Pa is around..tau takut! The other day, while walking about in Subang Parade, an old chinese man walk pass and wave to you. He had his hands crossed behind him and was slightly slouching forward. You looked at him, smiled then walked away with your hands crossed at the back, body slouched forward, exactly like him. It was hilarious and made me blush. Haha

• Socially, I would expect you to become more apprehensive towards strangers now that you understand more. But noooo... you became more friendlylah these days, much to my worry, with all the horror happenings with little kids and strangers. Paranoid mom, i know. You get along well with kids at the playground. You dont mind sharing your toys. You like to smile and wave at strangers when we're out. You've also got along very well with 'kakak' and didnt fuss much when left alone to play with her while i do something else.

• But of course, you've got your days and on those days that you decide to wake up a fussy boy you will do your best to make our life difficult. Especially insisting us to carry you everywhere.. Tok Ma usually fall victim to this cos she just hate to run around after you so she will just obey. You've also learned to try to delay your bedtime. You will normally jump around on the bed, take out all your toys and mess the room, provoke us to play chase etc. But of course it backfired cos it made you extra tired and made putting you to bed, when you decide to, normally just a little later anyway, a much easier job. Hah!

• For some reason, we purposely started you off on Barney recently. But those blaring nursery rhymes and jovial kids dancing around is just not for youlah (yet.. i think). Instead you enjoy dancing to random music especially from tv commercials. And as narcisistic as it may sound, the only thing that you will sit still to watch is video clips of you on my handphone.. i bet my friends will tell me that you're trully a Mama's boy. Hey, wateva it is, there's no harm in loving yourself that much huh kid?

There's a whole lot of other development that i've noticed these days. One thing for sure, you're getting more active and noticeably smarter that it amazed me sometimes. I know it could be standard development milestone for toddlers your age but that doesnt stop me from feeling kembang and full of pride.

Anyway, a couple of nites ago, you were trying to climb on me as I was lying down. Something that is very normal (me - forever on my sedentary lazybum back, and you - forever trying to climb over stuff) So i thought i try to tell you about little adik. I rub my tummy and said "Baby sleeping, pity baby. Abang sayang baby". Then you start to gently stroke my tummy and plant a kiss there. I melt inside. You were such a darling and as i told you more about little adik, you listened attentively as if you understand. Then you lay your head on my tummy and nearly doze off there. Little adik also reacted by giving a little kick. Yes, I can feel little adik kick now, i think starting from last weekend. Quite fast this time around. Anyway, now, every nite, you will stroke my tummy and kiss it everytime i say "Sayang baby". One of my happiest moments these days..

Amir, you know it's getting harder for me to not think of what will be when adik arrives. But sometimes, all these development you showed gave me some confidence that things will just be alright and that you will be just a great brother as how you've been a great baby/toddler till now.

Wateva it is, we'll deal with it a day at a time huh? But for now, happy 15th months dear and mama loves you veryvery much!

My 15 mths old rockstar putting up a show for his obviously very amused mom!

(Guitar courtesy of Uncle Cho, thanks Cho!)

It's 14 months la..

Dear Amir,

When we were out last few days, a mom with a little girl who was sitted next to our table during berbuka asked me how old you are. I confidently answered "15 mths". She then glance to her little cute girl and said that she is a month younger. Then we were sharing random info about you and her. Then the father came and the lady related our conversation to him. "Oh.. he's a June baby then. She's born on 2oth July." he told me. I realised then that I was a dufus and has just forgotten how old my son was.. it's 14lah Mama.. Amir's 14 mths. Around the same time i realised that I owe you this entry.

So 14 months now eh boy?

14 is always my favourite number and this 14th month has been wonderful so far. You're beginning to find your appetite back (after the series of fever). Your fav food is satay, cheese crackers and karipap - you definitely take after your Papa's palate. Yesterday, you were introduced to a good bowl of laksa utara.. and i think you really enjoyed it judging from the slurp and the 'aaaahhh ..' that follows after every mouhtful. You also prefer to self feed now, especially when given a chance to use the spoon.. not that you get any food in pun. Sometimes, when i feel like it, i just let you have fun with it. In fact bottle feeding has reached another comfort level now that you're willing to hold your own bottle and cleverly hand me the bottle sometimes with the cap once you're done. Even in the wee hours of the morning. Even when you're in the stroller.

You have also mastered a new word.. "Nok" which is really Nak (I want) in Kelantanese slang. I'm very pleased that you took after the slang.. and it made it extra cute when you insist on things, mostly food. "Nok..mamamamaa...nok!" Hahah.. i'm getting ambitious and hope the next word will be "tokse" which is tak nak (I dont want). But really, i didnt make a concious effort to teach you the slang anyway.. which shows that your parroting skill is kicking in.

You comprehend a lot of things too now. You understand what to do when we ask you to 'sit', 'sleep', 'salam', 'put back' and 'close'. We thought you to salam recently since Hari Raya is around the corner, half hoping that this new trick will earn you big angpow.. haha..opportunist betul. Just a few rounds of demo was all you need. But when you do salam, it will be sometimes followed by a quick retract of the hand and you clapping away in pride (as though you've achieved something - i think your friend Yazid went through this once too!). Sometimes it is accompanied by a kiss, either a sloppy one complete with the sound effect orr you'll draw the person's hand and rub it against your cheek. Cuteness!

Despite all these happy development, we're also beginning to see the onset of the terrible twos behaviours. The tantrums, the shrieking.. the never ending energy to do almost everything at odd hours of the day. Especially now that you wake up during sahur, sometimes.. and refuses to sleep after that. But so far you havent been avoiding my cuddles yet.. and for that I'm so happy. In fact you love cuddling so much, even more. Perhaps you understand that soon you will have to share me with a more needy dependant baby. Most nites now, you'll doze off my arm as your bolster.. ( a good one that is.. one of the benefits of having a 'fleshy' mom..haha) It breaks my heart that I have to wean you off our bed around this time too.. in preparation for the next bed invader. But the progress been great though, so I guess I have to tough it up and cherish the fact that you're cooperating.

Tok Ma said you're learning so fast now that when we didnt go over to her house during weekends, she'll find you doing new stuff by Monday. Haha.. It's been fun watching you grow day by day. I hope I will remember to still indulge and enjoy this when adik arrives. Sometimes when i think about it i feel overwhelmed that we're gonna have another child soon cos having you alone is already so much fun! I cant wait to see you grow as an elder bro soon. I bet you'll be a dotting one. Whatever it is, you'll always be my baby.. i love you and nothing in the world can ever change that. Happy 14th mth Amir!

13 mths old 'abang'

Dear Amir,

Earlier this week you turned 13 months.
Last month saw a lot of things happening.. that i forgot to post about your 12 mths milestone altogether! Alhamdulillah, this month things has started to settle down a bit.

You are now a proud owner of 2 upper and 2 lower teeth. Finally! They showed up around your 1st birthday and I can see a few more trying to make appearance soon. I think these 4 teeth cutting is one of the main reason that you resisted food most of last month. And I guess cos you were mostly sick anyway. But last week, things changed dramatically. You ate like a champ..perhaps getting used to the new 'tools' that you just got. Your menu has also expanded overnight since you eat what we eat. You'll bang the dining table to demand food and will smack your lips in the cutest way when you see food on the table. And with every feed, you'll clap happily with a satisfactory smile.

You are quite eager to talk.. or at least am very vocal now. Besides mama and papa, the only thing you can say now is 'bard' (bird), 'bah' (boy), 'baaa' (bye) 'arrkk' (allahuakhbar) 'aoowww' (hello) haha. Others mostly will be uhhh and aaahhh.. which is quite challenging to comprehend. Anyway, you can also comprehend a lot of things now. You will come to me and lay on my arms when i say 'Sleep mama' at your bedtime, you'll tug your clothes when i open the bathroom door and say 'Mandi', say 'Allahuakhbar' and you'll throw your hand in air and sujud while trying hard to balance yourself.. (cute!). 'Sayang mama' will see you coming near me and press your forehead against mine (you have your own way of expressing love huh?). And when you think you've achieved something (like putting two blocks together, ate a mouthfull of food, climb down your toybike by yourself) you'll clap your hand and sit and bang the floor with full excitement.

You received a lot of toys for your birthday. And promptly enough, you have learned to play with them and not just bite of throw them around. One of the toys that you got was this Pooh bear which is about your size. You love him to pieces and will hug him whenever he's in sight. He's the same height when both of you are seated. When we play with Pooh, i usually use the babytalk tone. This is where you learn to use high pitch voice when talking to something cute.. like a doll or a cat or fish in tank. So cute and smart at the same time.

You're also getting more active now. You love climbing up and down small tables, the stairs, your toycar/bike, me.. etc. You love playing chase with balls, small cars etc. Basically staying put to play is a thing in the past now. One thing that i find cute yet quite disturbing is the fact that you love playing with my handbag. Putting in over our shoulder and walking about.. sometimes waving around. Sigh... i'll try not to take it too seriously. You're just a toddler exploring and immitating things huh?

Yesterday we went for your 12th mth check up.. which was yeah, a month late. You weigh 10.5kg now and is a few cm taller than ur last check up(I cant remember exactly!). You caused quite a scene cos you couldnt stop walking and babbling, giggling by yourself. Loving ALL the attention huh??

Anyway, we saw 'little adik' yesterday. I saw the heartbeat! Poor thing Papa couldnt concentrate cos you were around too.

So 'little abang', we shall see what awaits us in coming month and beyond huh. I think it's going to be exciting..insyaAllah

Love you loads dear..

11 months of joys

Dear Amir,

You turned 11 months last Monday..

11 months old! Wow..

Reaching the 1 yr old mark now, you have developed many many new stuff and in fact has established a distinguish personality of your own.

A week ago, you started to walk on your own, just like that. We tried to hold your hands to encourage you to walk before but you were never keen of it and prefer to sit when we did that. But somehow, last week, a chirping bird managed to entice you enough to stand and walk, totally on your own! Ever since that incident, you have braved yourself to practice this new skill everyday. You dont like us to cheer you on though, and prefer to do 'your thing' when you think no one is looking or when you're too engrossed with something, like munching on biscuits. The eat-walking syndrome..:)

This month, you have also mastered the art of climbing up stairs. Currently,you are still figuring out how to go down the stairs, something i think you will learn quickly enough given the opportunity. But sorry dear, I'm still coming to term with all these surprises you present to me, so i think we delay this one firstla ha?

You are also able to point to places/things you want now. And boy, you really know how to throw tantrum when your demands are not met. Yesterday, you were licking my hp so i took it away.. this was followed by you screaming, feet stomping, rolling on the floor, and the finale - sulking at the far corner of the room. I'm impressed! You also know how to fake a cry when you need our attention - squint eyes, pout lips and make some whiny sound.. but it works! You got our attention alright.. cos it's too cute to ignore! And if i were to raise my voice, you will cry teresak2 complete with air mata and all. Drama dah start..

One of the places you like to point to is the sky.. whenever you hear a bird chirping or an aeroplane flying by. On weekends, at home, you'll point towards the playground across the road when you hear kids playing there. Whenever i pick up my handbag and shut off the aircond in the morning, you will wave goodbye. When i carry you and step out the front door, you will wave goodbye. In Tok Ma's house, when i'm done puttin on your pyjama in the evening and i pick you up, you'll wave goodbye to other ppl around you. When you see a hphone lying around, you'll pick it up and put it close to your ears. You even know how to point the remote control to the aircond/tv and switch it on (i trust this is by luck!). It's amazing how you learn from all these routines. You will also raise both your hands when you hear "Allahuakhbar" and know how to do the 'zikir' motion ie rock your body back and forth when you hear us recite the zikir.

You have also developed your preferance for adult food. These days, we let you have what we're having. Porridge is still a no-go, so we tried feeding you bread soaked in milk/soup, soft rice, tofu - you love them. Babyfood is almost like a thing in the past.. or something that you will only take when you're really2 hungry. I dont really mind though cos your milk intake has been good despite all the adult food. So hopefully, we get to balance it right, giving you opportunity to explore while ensuring you take enough nutrients. The thing is choice is a bit limited with a toothless 11mth old baby kan?

Personalitywise, it's a known fact that you love to flirt with young ladies. whenever you see one unfamiliar person (girl) that you fancy, you will start to do the shy-boy act, complete with jeling2 and a cheeky smile. But when you're around ppl that you know, you become this noisy, playful, totally uninhibited boy -poking at us and 'running' away hoping that we'll chase u, babbling in our face when we're asleep, smiling in satisfaction when we are woken up, blowing bubbles, screaming, immitating.. so full of life!

Amir, the joy you brought to us is simply insane! This overwhelming feeling - it's almost physical i tell you. Every nite, when we gaze at your sleeping face, it never fail to remind us to thank God for such a wonderful gift and praise Him for such a perfect person..

We love you so much dear, words just cant describe..

Amir at 10

Dear Amir,

You turned 10 months today. 2 more months, and you're one!

I've started to bug Papa about your bday celebration plan.. big-small? family-friends? cook-buy? our hse-tokpa's? So over-excited kan? Menu? Doorgift? Thought nak join with your akikah cos we havent paid the deed yet, but then again maybe that has to combine with our hse-warming later.. whichever lah.. we know we owe a lot of ppl makan2 at our (not so) new home.

Aaaanyway, today, as a 'bday' feast, Tok Ma let you have a little taste of air sirap daun pandan..and u love it.. so much so that when u're offered the plain water, you simply push it away. For your 'bday dinner', I let you have some lasagna while tokma fed you some mash potato and corn. At the rate we're feeding you, it's no wonder you have not developed the interest for the plain tasting porridge still

At 10 mths, i think everything is progressing well with you. In fact, with the current fever season, I'm somehow reminded how lucky we are that you have not been suffering from much illnesses ever since you're born. Alhamdullillah. This month, Tok Ma said if you were to follow my footsteps, you'll be able to walk around next mth. In fact, tok ma said i learn to talk around this age too. Similarly, your babbling has improved tremendously that sometimes it does resemble real words.. then again, maybe i'm just perasan lebih. There's one thing that we are waiting for anxiously though.. your first tooth. Nope, no sign yet. Been drooling and biting our fingers for ages but the precious one has yet to arrive. Your paed said it's ok.. like everything else, it'll progress on its own.

So wat are we up to this month? A walking Amir? Or your first tooth cutting through?

Wateva it is, we love you all the same, rongak or otherwise.

Happy Birthday sayang!

Sugar n spice and everything nice..

Dear Amir,

Contrary to the fact that Mama has 11 solid days of holidays during the CNY break, I didnt managed to squeeze a post of the happenings in between. I was busy holidaying. And no, I dont even celebrate CNY. Nonetheless, happy new year to those who celebrate and hope this Rat year bring lotsa good fortune for all.

Ok, so how what happenedlah?

First off, on Saturday before the CNY, we went to Melaka for my school reunion - it was our 10th anniversary and it was relatively the biggest do ever. I had fun, you had fun, in fact even Papa had fun! The coolness is I got to meet some of my ol, ol frens, juniors, teachers.. who mostly are still the same people as they were 10 years ago, except that some have spouses/baby in tow and gained or lose few kilos ("few" is definitely an understatement for some). The downside is the fact that the school is so run down that it got me feeling very emotional, who would have thought..heh! Anyway, we didnt managed to stay long and we left just before they started to hit the field. Missed the games, missed the dinner, missed the performances. All is not lost though cos we didnt miss the group photo session. Even you joined in, the only baby who managed to steal a spot in the shot.. hehe.. overexposed betul. No pics here tho cos i didnt bring the camera along, but Aunty Hetz got plenty good ones. Anyway, we're going to have another reunion just for our batch soon so you'll get to enjoy being passed from one aunty/uncle to another. Major attention seeker

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On Sunday morning, we made our way to Pangkor for the much anticipated vacation courtesy of Tok Pa. Tok Pa, Tok Ma, Uncle Yeh n Cho, Aunty Zetty, Gja and Farah were the gang for the trip.

Ferryride with the lot

The arrival of trouble in paradise

Happynya everybodee.. checking in

The first day we arrived, the whole gang went for few rounds of complimentary archery session. You were sound asleep in your stroller while we were at it. Right after archery I managed to to steal a quick time for time alone with Papa, sitting on a huge swing under a tree by the beach. How romantic! Naaaaah, not really, it was more childlike than romantic... i know i'm pathetic, but i really2 love that brief moment. It was refreshing.

Soon, we head to the pool for your first dip in the pool. First dip in the pool went grrreat, not at first, but it was great. I think we were all too excited about it that it was too overwhelming for your. So as soon as you hit the water and 'the crowd' surrounded you and cheer hard, you started wailing like it was a torturous thing. Kesian. So I pick you up again, snuggle a bit, let your feet play with the water, cleared away the excited 'fan club' and gave a second try. This time, you liked it and the rest is history.

My poor baby creating a scene at the poolside

Totally different self soon after

Loving it!

Tired, cold and HUNGRY. Alfresco dining by the beach

The rest of the trip was us at the pool/beach, pigging in the hotel room, rounds of hilarious monopoly and foosball sessions. You on the other hand have a ball of time being the center of attention of every single adult on the trip..and there were 9 of us!

The youngest dude sun bathing that day

This was you throughout our time at the beach - love the sun, dont u?

Sleepy beachboy

The mengada boy enjoying the attention - with Aunty Gja

All in all, it was an AWESOME trip. The good thing is you were equally enjoying every moment of it and didnt come out tan/burn after all the exposure to the sun. I dont know when we'll get to enjoy such (free) trip again. But looking at how much you enjoyed these kinda holidays, we'll try to make it as regular as possible (great excuse!). Tok Ma said you took after us very well, really know how to have fun, but she thinks it's too early for u to learn these things. Read : spoil brat alert.

Leaving Pangkor a happier and darker family

"I dont want to go home Mama"

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Your fren Yazid turned 1 recently. Aunty Hetz threw him a bday do on CNY. It was your 2nd bday party (I dont intend to keep a count after this). As usual, great and abudant food and great company. What more can I say? I also managed to meet some mummy bloggers, but somehow rasa malu to chat with them. Nonetheless, i found that they are cool people whom I can easily identify with, and the babies, oh so cute in person! It got me thinking, i think i should socialize with other mummies more. It's amazing how I can learn from other mothers simply by comparing stories. Afterall, I need to get you some playmates too since you havent been exposed to mixing with your peers. Anyway, at the bday party, I also learnt that you really hate the "Birthday Song" cos this time it's the third time you cry after we sang it. Which was very different from Yazid who just couldnt stop grinning when we sang him the song. Oh well, he's the bday boy afterall, Happy Bday Yazid! and congrats to the mom too. : )

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While in Pangkor, we received a couple of good news. Aunty Zetty got accepted to MRSM, Uncle Wan passed all his recent papers, so he'll be graduating soon. When we came back the next day, Uncle Yeh pulak received his results, he too passed his papers hence will be returning to Australia for just a few more before he is finished. So Tok Ma and Tok Pa decided on an impromtu kenduri doa selamat for all the good results and the good things that God has granted us lately. It was a small do, but as usual the food (nasi dagang, nasi kerabu, ayam percik, sate) was glorious. We had very2 close family and neighbours over. That nite, due to popular demand, you don a 'cheetah' suit bought by Tok Ma, complete with a cape and tail. Aunty Gja's nephew, Zinerra instantly called you a 'cat'! Sadly, we didnt capture any photo of you, guess the good food took too much of our attention.

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Too much of good things and I'm tired of writing. Today is Valentines Day. Your Papa and me does not celebrate Valentines Day cos it is too much a commercialized thing. Anyhow for those who celebrate, Happy Vday to all of you.

My little Valentines

Hari Raya AidilAdha 2007

Dear Amir,

This year we celebrated raya haji in shah alam. All my siblings were around to celebrate raya together so we took the opportunity to take family pic. It was definitely a family affair, especially since Tok Su Loh and Tok Long's clan also joined us at Tok Pa's house to enjoy Tok Ma's infamous homemade nasi dagang.

The first family photo featuring the 3rd generation - you.

You were curiously looking at us, wondering what's happening..

Centre of attention

You took a liking to Tok Ayoh Loh, after having vomitted all over him

After feasting at Tok Ma's house, we went over to my friend, Aunty Hetz's house. It's been a while since we had such small and laid back do, so we had great time catching up and gossipping.. hehe. Aunty Hetz treated us to nasi minyak and nasi dagang, the Tganu version this time. I enjoyed it thoroughly especially when you were behaving rather well. I also brought over some cupcakes, just to share my newfound enjoyment in baking. It wasnt perfect but i think it's a good way to indulge in baking without overindulging in the end products. Most importantly your Papa is happy that i am really using the oven afterall.

The products of my therapeutic new hobby

Lastly, we went to Aunty Suzy's house in Bangi and again we had tons of food there.. imagine nasi minyak, lontong, soto and nasi dagang (again!). Needless to say, by the time we arrived home, we were so stuffed and tired...and that was our Raya.

A wedding and two malls

Dear Amir,

It's Monday and Mama is jaded.. heh, wat else is new?

So much for weekend-full of stuff..

On Saturday, we went on a short road trip to Port Dickson to attend a wedding of a relative. It was a convoy of 4 cars which includes your Tok, An, Tok Nek, granduncle and grandauntie, uncles and aunties and your three restless cousins :) It was scorching hot Saturday, not a good day to attend a wedding in PD. Nonetheless, you pulled a happy face and was delighted at every ohh and ahh ppl were making at u. Excited sgt! We noticed that you took a strong liking to Pakcik, probably because he looks a lot like Papa - the much leaner and clean shaven version..haha

After the wedding, your tired and whiney cousins forced the whole convoy to go to the beach at freaking 2.30pm. Mama chose the antisocial route and stayed in the airconditioned car with you cos you were already soundly asleep by then, plus I hate to expose you to the harsh sun and UV. From afar I saw how happy your cousins, especially Abg Aiman, were. Mak Long told me to be prepared for such days in the future :P (the whiney part, not the happy part)

Returning from PD, everyone followed us back to our house. This was the first time our house accomodated that many (hungry) people at once. It was chaotic. Good type of chaos though especially for you cos you were thoroughly entertained by all of them. Your cousins are beginning to find you entertaining too. They covered you with kisses and laughed out loud when they hear you giggle in response. Abg Amirul, who's barely 2 yrs old also played peek-a-boo with you and boy, you were really into it. It was heart-melting scenelah.

Tok Njang and family stayed over and left for Cameron Highland very early in the morning on Sunday. So Sunday was a bright and early day for us. We later went to Bangsar cos Mama got an alumni committee meeting to attend. While waiting, you took a stroll around Bangsar Village and Bangsar Park with Papa. Bangsar was no place for us lah Amir.. everything on sale seems...'out of reach' though Mama almost bought you the cute little denim jeans and Papa was itching on the cute little pyjama sets. You were behaving well through out, making no fuss, sitting happily in your stroller untill Mama and Papa decided to have a quiet time reading our mags in Starbucks - that was when you decided to buat perangai and refused to sit and start blowing bubbles all over my shirt.

Hmm... looking forward to next weekend.. :P

Uncle Cho and the elevator

Dear Amir,

Yesterday, your Uncle Cho was admitted to SJMC for a minor operation on his knee. Apparently he tore his tendon due to futsal.

Since Tok Ma doesn’t have a back up plan for you (new bibik, long story), she has to drag u along to SJMC for the whole process. Papa and I joined you later at the hospital. I was a bit worried about you because a hospital is never a good place for a baby, especially one who has just recovered from demam and all.

Anyway, you greeted us happily once you saw us. Tok Ma said you haven’t stopped ‘talking’ ever since you reached the hospital. We were guessing that it was because of the several elevator rides that you took. Elevator ride, boy, u really hate it don’t you. We noticed it in Ikano when you took your first ride at hardly 2 mths old. I remembered you were clenching me tight and start smirking when the elevator started moving. Yesterday was a different story though, when we went in the elevator, you started ‘talking’ loudly to everyone around. I think it’s your way of telling that you’re not pleased but in a control-macho way.
It was partly funny and partly embarrassing..hehe (especially when Tok Pa decided to join in, talking in YOUR language.

The procedure took 1.5 hours so we stayed to wait till Uncle Cho is out. He’s doing ok now. Maybe unable to walk about for a few days, and then have to go for physio. So he’ll be in Shah Alam for quite some time. This is a good thing for you cos at the moment, Uncle Cho is your favouritest person in the house. He just needs to be in front of you to make u smile.

Today, Tok Ma is bringing u back to SJMC to discharge Uncle Cho.. such an important little guylah you.. everything, everywhere have to bring along.

Get well soon Uncle Cho!

Weekend fun

Dear Amir,

You're getting better now..alhamdulillah..it's great to see your smiles again!

Mama is now on study break. My exam, my second last paper for CIMA will be on this coming Wed. I guess I should listen to Tok Pa when he told me to finish up the course before the juniorss arrive, else it would just be another unfinished business. Well, here you are and here I am trying to prove him wrong..haha..

By the way, last weekend was great fun. We just spent time lazing around the house, entertaining your every demand, while catching up with some house chores. Oh, your papa cooked bfast for me on Saturday.. that's very rare, so it's worth a mention.. :)

And he bathe you for the first time too.. talk about a domesticated weekend for him huh?Pics are worth a thousand words, so here goes..

Good morning sunshine... bright and early!

Your over-excited mom and you just before 'THE' bath

Papa's first try - your longest bath ever! Luckily you had your favourite 'snack' with you.

And then on to the proper meal - Papa's finger for breakfast, yum!

Fun time!

A cheeky boy attempting at distracting me away from the books.. he doesnt have to try very hard huh? How can I resist such jelingan manja.