WAHSEH!

Brrr...

2009-11-23T11:34:00.002+08:00

It's so cold. Probably the coldest for this time of the year. It isn't so bad today when the sun is shining brightly. I woke up and stood by the window to bask a bit in the warmth.

We are counting down the days. In 2 weeks we fly back to Kuala Lumpur and then after a few days there, we will head to Brisbane and a nice hot summer. I'd probably complain about the heat then but for now it is nice to think about it. My sister and family and my mom are joining us in Brisbane. It is going to be a fun filled time and we get to spend our first Christmas in our home there. It is kinda special since we get to celebrate with family.

I haven't been blogging much on a personal level. There are more posting on Makanning because my life seem to be centered around home and cooking. There also isn't much time to contemplate life with a very active toddler in the house.

Micah keeps us busy. It is tough and yet enjoyable. We do love that time of the day when he's just gone to bed - David and I can then have a quiet moment to share with each other the funny things he has done.

Whatever leisure time we have also revolves around him. It shouldn't be a surprise. We only go out when he has classes at Gymboree. He loves going there and we enjoy it too - that's because it is a really clean environment where he can play with all the toys in the open area, learn some things at class and then tumble around in the play area. We enjoy it because we can actually leave him unattended to wander by himself. The teachers and helpers there are a bonus too - they are like child minders and some of there are quite attached to Micah.

Ningbo seems to be developing a lot in the retail sense. Not only have we discovered Uniqlo, Zara and H&M have just moved into town! It is nice to window shop at these places and sometimes pick up a few bargain items. On the food front, donuts seems to have exploded into the scene. Donut and coffee shops seem to have sprouted all over the city and the Chinese are crazy for it! I just wished it was Krispy Kreme.

Eating out is a nightmare with Micah. David just commented that he understands why parents with toddlers hardly eat out. I don't mind it so much but then again, it's probably because David handles him more of the time. We scarf down our food as quickly as we can and don't quite enjoy it.

At times we are so harassed because of Micah's fussing that we tend to forget things. We left his stroller behind and drove off! His very hardy Maclaren. I know there is news about it's recall in the United States because a few kids got their fingers amputated in its hinges but we know it isn't a design fault. We miss it so much especially since we now have to make do with one we bought in Ningbo. There isn't anything wrong with it - it has all the functions of the Maclaren and it reclines which is one step better than the one we lost. And you can't argue with its affordability. BUT in terms of quality it can't live up to the Maclaren. This isn't a paid advertisement for the brand - I just had to let this out because I haven't been so bugged about losing something in a long time.

Now my time's up for writing this - Micah is screaming for his walk and it is such a nice day to be out - I shouldn't waste it being inside :)

Tag

2009-09-17T17:29:00.002+08:00

I came up with a rule - for safety reasons. When we are out in public with Micah it is easy to assume that David is watching him while he is thinking the exact opposite. A split second is all it takes for a kid to wander off or to be snatched away. I am not paranoid just taking precautions.

Yesterday while we were at the airport waiting to board our flight to Gold Coast, David decided to let Micah get off his stroller - he thought to let him walk around a bit before being imprisoned in his seat the whole flight. David got him out and proceeds to check his email assuming that I would watch him. I decided that it was time we had a rule as to who is responsible to watch Micah in situations like this.

Tag was the best way - and I got tagged while I explaining the rule to David! He slapped me on my arm without even looking up from his blackberry! Men!

Touch Down and Fly Off

2009-09-15T21:25:00.003+08:00

I am suddenly revived after a short, forced nap - that is I fell asleep putting Micah to bed! Now I have a little time to update my posts.

I am back in Kuala Lumpur where there are no walls to climb (ie the Great Firewall of China) to blog but find that I have little time to do it. These short few days are filled with to do lists to check off and things to sort out before our flight tomorrow. KL stopovers are run on a tight schedule.

It is really possible to be efficient because my family makes such allowances - credit goes to my sister for making our trips possible. I can't thank her enough. Her home is our home, away from homes.

This trip we celebrated my nephew's belated birthday - planned that way so that we could be a part of it. It was nice to catch up and I definitely felt more relaxed after that tea party, thanks to a few sits on their new massage chair! (Massage: check!)

The packing is almost done - just a few more errands tomorrow morning and we are good to go tomorrow evening. We are headed for Brisbane for a month.

A Slow Death

2009-08-15T23:35:00.005+08:00

I think my blog is dying a slow death. This is tonic to keep it alive for another month!

Life as a stay at home mother is not very exciting :) It has it's moments - like making Micah wear a shower cap for fun (and taking a photo of it) or hearing him speak his first words or experiencing a special moment - when Kanga kissed Roo on the Heffalump Movie, Micah turned to give me a kiss :). Otherwise, life goes on.

Blurry photo - not easy to snap a shot quickly with Micah!

We were traveling again last month. Back to Kuala Lumpur for a short break - and made shorter because we had to fit in a trip to Singapore. Singapore was business for David and my little holiday. It was where I caught up with some old school friends and my cousin. David took care of Micah a lot in Singapore while I met up with people and went shopping. It was quality 'ME' time and it worked wonders for me after being stuck at home so much in Ningbo.

I got sick during that trip - a bad cold which turned into a cough. Micah caught it from me - he fared much better than me as he was still his usual active self. (It just sounds scary to hear him breathe at night!) I on the other hand felt quite sick on the last 2 days in KL before flying. With the flu scare going around, we were worried. We were only less panicky because we didn't have fever - a blessing. Still we went to the doctors for meds.

All is well now although Micah's runny nose took a while to get better. I just pray that that was my yearly cold and now I'm done for the year :)

Life is all rosy now - made rosier because we are due to go to Brisbane in a few weeks time. Ah! To live in our own home again is something I am looking forward to. I've got some ideas to add personal touches to the house which at the moment is bland and almost colorless - everything is such a neutral tone. I need colors!

I haven't gotten round to shipping our things from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane. We have only clothes, books, personal effects and some decorative items or keepsakes and they don't fill up a container to make it worthwhile to ship. Actually I am just eager to get my books. I do miss them. I read my books over and over and I haven't read any of them in a while. Sometimes you just need to read that great book once again. I confess that I reread the Mallory Towers series just a few years ago! The complete set was given to me by an aunt - I think they are at least 40 odd years old now. I've even kept the first Enid Blyton book I received as a Christmas gift! Mr. Pink Whistle Interferes. I seriously think the pages still have that new book smell that I love. Hopefully Micah will like reading.

And I am looking forward to finishing a book I couldn't from my last trip there in April. The agony!

In the meantime we are planning our trips next year - taking full opportunity of the latest Air Asia sale. We've contributed a lot to their turnover! But really - their convenient routes and cost of tickets have saved us time and lots of money and we are just so happy that they've started international flights.

Hopefully I will find more time and an easier way to blog about our trips from China!

A Bet I Made

2009-07-09T10:51:00.001+08:00

I had a maths tutor when I was 14. Dad didn't believe in tutoring so Mom had to send me for classes on the sly. Basically told him a lie - that my cousin was tutoring me in maths.

He was my life saver. He was also the nicest guy. I owe my good result to him.

We had a lot of debates about life during class and one of those discussions was about a woman and her career. He was of the opinion that a woman can't have it all - a career and a family. It was an either or thing. And I disagreed - very loudly too!

I made a bet with him that when I am 40, I'd look him up and show him that I have it all. The big four - 0 is looming closer and I don't have it all.

But then, the most important question is - Do I need it all?

Call it what you want - a mid life crisis, a bored housewife or even the fear of old age - I don't think I am the only person plagued with this question.

Then there is this chauvinisitic family friend of David's. This ex-mililtary man was lamenting the fact that his daughter wants to study medicine. He was doing the maths and bemoaning the cost of it all. And he expressed the futility of paying for her education because he seems to think that she will eventually give it all up to become a housewife!

I do know of someone with a medical career who gave it up to help with her husband's dental practice and to take care of their 3 growing boys. Should her education be counted as waste?

In fact, should mine be counted as wasted? My uncle seemed to think so. Even my mom thought so. And I say, 'To Each Its Own'.

I have 2 years to revive my career if I want to win this bet. At this moment, I really don't.

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What Does the Future Hold?

2009-06-27T14:55:00.001+08:00

Micah is going to be 14 mths in a few days time. Two whole months should be enough for me to get over that, 'Wow! I can't believe that Micah is 1 year old' feeling. But if I am amazed at all now, it is with his development. After he goes to bed and all is quiet, we have time to reflect and to compare notes on what new things he has done.

What is in fact normal development for a toddler is something amazing to us - parents who've been here and done this would understand. If I am a scrapbooker, I'd be busy trying to paste all these moments into a book but I am not. I know relying on my memory is no use - I've already forgotten what I ate for lunch. So I guess blogging will help me recall.

Still it is difficult to capture his baby smell, his gestures and expressions with a camera and we are never quick enough with the video.

Today he tried to say 'press'. It didn't sound at all like press but I understood him. There was the 'Phh' sound while pointing his hands towards a button he wanted to press. David and I take turns letting him press the buttons on the fridge to change the temperature, the buttons on the hob to turn on the exhaust and the buttons on the security phone or intercom. Any buttons that makes a beep is fine - don't even bother trying to trick him.

He sure knows how to communicate by asking to be carried so that he can reach for things. If he wants to play the keyboard, he climbs onto my lap and leans towards the object and make some noises. When I guess right out loud, he will nod and smile shyly. Today when I was busy looking at some clothes at a store and David was just watching him, he decided to be pally with the sales assistant. He really wanted to touch the mannequins' head so he reached out both hands to the girl (who was absolutely delighted) asking to be carried and then reached for the head!

And he is an exhibitionist - loves an audience. Our friends indulged him at lunch today - carried him so that he could reach for the switches. On and off, on and off and he turns around to gauge the reaction from the crowd. We shouldn't have encouraged him with our laughs and smiles - he thinks it's fun now!

His new object of desire is the fan. He loves anything that spins so David took him for a walk to the supermarket and since it's summer, there are loads of fans for sale. He was in funland! His mouth opened to voice out a 'wah' and he couldn't decide which he wanted to touch first! On his way back home, he had his 2nd experience with a dog. The first happened in Melbourne but I think he was too young to react. This time he was fascinated - touching the dog without fear.

As I am writing all this down, I am suddenly struck by a thought. I guess this is what being a mother is all about.

You see...while I was in China or traveling around with David before Micah was born, I was jobless and directionless. I spent my time moaning and groaning (cooking in between and watching lots of TV series) that I didn't have a life. I had to keep reassuring myself that this is exactly the place God wants me to be. I needed to know His purpose for me. In retrospect (I only ever realize things in retro which is why when God is answering a prayer, I am always clueless) the time away from all things I was familiar was good and is still good for me, and us. It really gives us perspective on a lot of things in our lives. I have to say that I cherish those times but I won't say that I've stopped moaning or groaning since we are still cut off from all things familiar!

You see....again....I am guilty of always chasing after that elusive thing called 'a life' but not appreciating that it is happening - right here, right now. I said at all those melancholic times that once I had a child, I'd have purpose. Then Micah happened and I am still complaining - not about Micah, don't get me wrong. I still feel as if something is missing, like I am supposed to be elsewhere!

Slowly but surely I am realizing that the place I am in now, the situation, the circumstance are all exactly where God wants me to be. First He trained me to be patient and then now He is training me to be a mother and that is all I need to concentrate on instead of trying to think that I am supposed to have a life other than being a mother to Micah. (sounds sarcastic? - I don't mean it that way).

I think I was confused as to the role I was playing. First I wanted to be a career woman but then I got married. So I became a wife who still strived at being a career woman but I secretly wanted to be a mother. Then when it took a while to get pregnant, I had to deal with that. When I couldn't deal with it, I decided to quit working and take some time off - become a lady of leisure or so it seems but that wasn't working out either - too much guilty feelings because I wasn't doing anything with my life. And then I had an excuse to be a real lady of leisure when David wanted to work in China - a great excuse to not work. That didn't work out well too - David will attest to that! And finally when Micah came along, I suddenly became a mother. I should be fulfilled but here I am thinking, on some days, that I really want to go back to work!

As I grapple with this new role and adjust to it (still doing adjustments even after a year!) while experiencing Micah, that thought struck me earlier as I was journaling Micah's antics. THIS is what being a mother is all about and it is MY role for a long time to come.

When I recall at day's end all the little things that Micah has done, I feel a tightening in my chest, an overflowing feeling of love. And before I go to bed tonight, I will look in on him one more time, touch his face and take in the picture of him in peaceful slumber and I shall be reminded that this is the place where I am supposed to be and I am content.

Personality and Character

2009-06-23T11:13:00.002+08:00

It is obvious that Micah has a cheerful personality. Smiling comes easy to him and he rarely cries. We find him to be sociable, not afraid to approach strangers and touch them or even ask for food. These are some of the traits we've observed.

He has had opportunities to interact with other babies and toddlers, some his age and we've noticed that he is quick in wanting to join their play but still not quite sure how to do it. He approaches other kids and try to follow what they are doing - sometimes trying to snatch their toys but he gets bored easily and moves on to other things. He tends to be independent - exploring on his own, oblivious to us.

Today was his first play class at Gymboree. He liked it when Cherry & Maggie (the teachers) bring out Gymbo (the Gymboree mascot toy) and tambourine. His attention is quickly focused on any new item that is introduced. But he tends to want to approach them up close instead of sitting with me and following the class. And he likes music - always ready to clap and dance.

We also observe that he grunts when displeased. He started grunting when he was a lot younger, probably as young as 9mths but it is becoming more apparent now. Today he did it when they took away the toy box (he cried too!) and he grunted when another toddler tried to take his toy. He has been showing his displeasure quite loudly.

Maggie says he is quite adept at finding out how to play with some of the toys - knowing which button to press, which dial to spin and what knob to turn. I puffed up with a bit of motherly pride but was soon deflated when he started fussing and whining towards the end of the class. He was happy again when they started blowing bubbles. Got up to chase them but was frightened when we flapped the parachute up and down and over the kids. So he does get scared after all!

I know I am amazed at what is normal development in a child but I still find every new action or reaction in Micah nothing short of genius.

Now that we've taken note of his personality, we have to start developing his character which we feel is most important. Such virtues like integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty and loyalty. We not only need to educate him.

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals…We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate…

– Martin Luther King Jr, The Purpose of Education

Witopia

2009-06-22T14:47:00.002+08:00

It works! Worth paying for the service especially since we spend a lot of our time in China. The support was great in trying to help me and they were fast with their response. I am a happy customer.

Sigh...and a Big Sigh!

2009-06-21T11:25:00.002+08:00

Blogging is tough in China! It takes forever to load by proxy. I should've listened to all the advice about getting my own domain and hosting. Might just do it soon...

Micah's New Tricycle

2009-06-02T12:07:00.001+08:00

IMG_0027
Originally uploaded by Tracy Tan

A cool tricycle to have.

Features include sunshade, a base to stand on if I don't want to cycle,
a Bugs Bunny horn (sounds more like a rubber ducky squeek)
a stand at the back in case a friend needs a ride,
a handle for someone else to do the pushing (and steering) if I don't want to cycle
and a little basket up front for me to put some toys.
Aah! What more can I ask for.

I can even choose to push!

3 Countries, 3 Lifestyles

2009-05-07T10:14:00.003+08:00

Yup! That's sums it up for us. We shuttle between Malaysia, China and Australia and we live 3 different lifestyles.

In Malaysia, it is a life of luxury! We stay with my sister and hardly ever have to lift a finger. Irma, her trusty helper is a gem in my eyes for not only can she cook some mean dishes for dinner, she's also really good with Micah. We don't need to do housework save for doing our own laundry and even then, Irma helps out sometimes. I get to spend more time with my sister and her family (although I fear that we inconvenience her) and as well as my mom. I am glad my family gets to see Micah growing and developing.

In China, David gets busy - going to work and I am a full time homemaker. Life there is simple. We stay home more and watch a lot of movies and TV series. My days are filled with cooking, caring for Micah and surfing or blogging. We have some friends there - local and foreign and we try to meet up once a week. We travel to Shanghai often to shop for things as well as for some specialty groceries. Our next trip to China will be for a longer period than normal and we hope to take that opportunity to travel within.

In Australia, our life is beginning. On our previous visits, we have stayed with the Lipscombes. This trip we moved into our new home. It is 3 weeks today and we feel very settled. We are discovering new friendships, neighborhoods and a new way to live. The outdoor beckons and we are constantly out in the sunshine and enjoying God's nature. Brisbane is almost always sunny even when it is getting colder. The days may be shorter as winter draws near but we still enjoy an early sun rise.

It is also here, that we have to work harder at housework! David has been spending his mornings working on the garden. Left unattended for a few months before we moved in, he had some back breaking hours, mowing, trimming the hedge and clearing the grass clippings. I was busy either with Micah or the general cleaning and chores around the house.

For obvious reasons, we eat differently depending on where we are at the moment but it is in Australia that I am able to spread my cooking wings because of the availability of ingredients. As we will eventually settle here, I am more willing to invest in all the things needed to cook and to bake. I can't wait until I get all my kitchen stuff over from Malaysia. For now I make do with what I have.

Our time in Brisbane is coming up. A brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur to stock up and then we will be back in Ningbo and the cycle continues while Micah keeps on growing.

Snapshots of life in Brisbane:-

A drive to a National Park and a picnic.

Micah is loving the swing and the outdoors.

It's not quite cold enough for the fireplace

but I wanted to test ours out.

It's an electric fireplace and the flames are just for show :)

David working hard

A brinjal we found in the garden!

We cooked it in a curry :)

Too bad we've had to clear all vegetation

as we won't be around to tend to it.

We are going to miss our home in Brisbane but we are looking forward to some Malaysian food and some pampering in Kuala Lumpur. It's back to the grind in China!

Antics of a One Year Old

2009-04-29T18:50:00.004+08:00

One

2009-04-29T09:30:00.005+08:00

Micah is 1.

We celebrate this milestone today with thanksgiving in our hearts.

Micah's 1st Birthday

2009-04-19T08:43:00.004+08:00

We celebrated Micah's 1st Birthday in Kuala Lumpur with my family. We were way early since his birthday is only at the end of this month but we felt that we wanted my family to share with us Micah's coming of age. He is no longer '0' years old as Harry puts it.

This milestone is celebrated with many praises to God, without whom all this is not possible. We praise Him for He knows what's best for us - I believe that everything happens in His timing and Micah is a testimony of that.

Mickey Mouse was our choice for his cake since it is a character

he recognizes, thanks to my sister who keeps singing to him

M-I-C-K-E-Y......and for the Mickey soft toy she bought for him

from Hong Kong Disneyland.

There was too much cake leftover because there was a minimum order of 2kg

and some may say that the cake was a bit expensive but I think it was all worth it.

We chose a chocolate orange cake which turned out to be delicious

especially eaten with butter icing! The icing was just so sweet but goes well with cake.

My nephews, Ryan and Sean had the honor of eating Mickey's head!

They were on a sugar high after that.

Micah was a bit overwhelmed by the attention and commotion

of protecting cake from little hands, lighting candle, singing song and

trying to take a family photo. He was fussing and terribly sleepy too!

He did manage to 'cut' his cake but sadly was not allowed any of it!

Home@Brisbane

2009-04-18T18:55:00.002+08:00

We are finally home. We need to thank God for his many blessings and remember my family for all the small things that make it possible for us to live as we do. A special mention to Ling and family - without them, Brisbane wouldn't be home.

We ask for God to dwell with us in our new house and for his continual love.

April Update

2009-04-10T23:04:00.003+08:00

Sunset at Pangkor Island Beach Resort.

Nobody reminds you that to appreciate such a beautiful scene,

you'd have to feed the mozzies as well!

I squeezed in a beach holiday since I am back in Kuala Lumpur. The cold and wet weeks in Ningbo spurred me to insist that we spend a few days in the sun. The best part is sharing that holiday with my friend Lisa, her husband John and their son, Joshua (my Godson) who are visiting from the UK.

Micah enjoyed himself tremendously in the pool. I think it was the company of other boisterous kids as well as splashing around in a big bathtub of nice warm water! We lazed by the pool, he played water and we ate too much. Before the trip, I had visions of soaking in the pool by the bar sipping pina coladas - that was before reality sets in and I realize that we've got Micah to look after :)

I did enjoy a cocktail one evening - a rather potent long island tea which I managed a few sips! What little I had made me fuzzy. David remained sober for Micah!

It was nice to getaway and enjoy quality time with Lisa and family. We don't see them enough - once or twice a year is way too little for us to fully appreciate Joshua. He is so adorable! He went around announcing that Micah was his baby sister - told his mom that he wanted a sister just like baby Micah! He's got the cutest frown which he practices in front of the mirror in the morning - calls it his angry face. I wished I caught that face with my camera.

I think the trip was worth all the stress of packing, unpacking and traveling which I dread most now. My few weeks here has not been very eventful because David wasn't around for 2 of it. I was busy with Micah and spending most days at home.

We are off to Brisbane this Sunday.

Back in Ningbo

2009-03-06T15:04:00.004+08:00

I seem to post on a monthly basis! Nothing much happens in our daily lives nowadays except that we are now back in Ningbo. It's been 2 miserable and wet weeks! I haven't been out at all except for 2 occasions because it is constantly raining or drizzling and it is rather cold to be out with Micah.

I think I am beginning to suffer from cabin fever! Let's hope our day trip to Shanghai tomorrow will lift my spirits. Retail therapy to the rescue? :)

The first week back was extremely tiring. Both David and I have lost weight. It's just down to the 2 of us caring for Micah and though we are enjoying our time together as a family, it is sometimes back breaking, literally. Micah is taking to the cold very well - he seems not at all bothered with the ice cold tiled floors and you don't see him refraining from crawling about. He's explored the apartment thoroughly and has now moved to opening cupboards and drawers to see what's behind those closed doors.

He is constantly on the move when not asleep or strapped into his stroller to watch TV. I know I am a terrible mother with no choice but to let the TV entertain him while I get some chores done or get some rest - it really can't be helped. I do spend time playing with him but he seems more interested in all other things except his toys! I read to him a lot and he likes that but he never has the patience to reach to the end of the story! I also thinks he is more attracted to visual entertainment - playing podcasts for him just doesn't cut it!

Changing him is a wrestling match nowadays. David and I have a few tricks up our sleeves - either we give him a toy to distract him (which doesn't work now), give him food (I know he might choke but he seems to have very good control of his throat) or when all else fails, just pin him down with our knees, feet or thighs! I felt a little proud when a friend commented that when we changed him, he lets us do it willingly - that was at 5mths! No one warned me that they start to move!

Still I should have no complains as he eats well. Too well sometimes - it scares me when I consider the amount he eats. Half a banana for breakfast with rice cereal, a whole apple eaten throughout the day (cut into bite size pieces and steamed), 2 rice bowls' full of porridge or pasta for lunch and dinner, and either biscuits, or toast with cream cheese for a snack! He's grown all of one tooth which is showing very clearly now. I wonder how he will eat when he gets more teeth!

His routine is quite consistent. Waking up at about 7am, he has his breakfast. David does the morning shift because he is an early riser. I get to sleep in! He has his bath after he 'moves his bowels' and then it is play time. By 9am, he is calmer and watching some TV. I am also up and about and David prepares to go to work. We know it is time for morning nap when he wants his milk - he lets us know by signing.

When he is asleep, it's rush hour for me! Rushing to get his food for the day prepared and also our food for dinner. If I am lucky, he sleeps longer and I get some computer time. Lunch is at 12 noon. I let him crawl all over the place so that he gets his 'exercise' and by 2pm, he will start yawning. His afternoon nap time gives me another breather.

Afternoons are the most tiring - when he wakes from his nap, it is playtime until dinner. There are some days that he refuses to nap and those are trying days.

Dinner is at 6pm. By the time Micah finishes, David would have come home and then he bathes Micah. While he does that, I would either be cooking or warming something which I've cooked earlier for dinner. Bedtime is 7pm and now that Micah is trained, he goes to bed without fuss. Once he's had his bottle, he turns to his side, suck his thumb and goes to sleep!

Finally we have time to ourselves. A peaceful dinner and then chill out watching a movie or some TV series.

I have to say that I've discovered a whole new person in my husband. He has done more than half of his share of chores, taking care of Micah as well as work to bring home the bacon! I could easily leave Micah in his care for a day and/or night and be worry free. I am thankful and blessed.

A Concise Update

2009-02-05T16:36:00.006+08:00

Micah could crawl at about 6 months. At 9 months, he can now stand very well, sidle alongside the bed or any ledge he can hold on to, call Mama (although we are very doubtful if he really means me, or it is just his way of crying for help), feed himself whole blueberries and teething biscuits - all without teeth. He is a joy to be with as he is a happy, cheerful baby.

I haven't blogged consistently since he started flipping over and now crawling about. It is hard to concentrate or pull my thoughts together when there are endless chores to be done. It also doesn't help that we are on the move so much.

Micah is the type of baby that is curious at what's behind cupboards and what's inside drawers - you'll find him right next to you the moment you open a cupboard door. He learned to open drawers today and we are wondering when he will get his fingers nipped. I bet it is soon.

He knows not to make a fuss when he bumps his head - that's because Papa and Mama just pretend not to notice and no one makes a big deal. It is funny to watch how he looks at us first, to see our reaction and when there is none, he carries on.

He is aware that we are hovering and waiting to say, 'No!', so he is mindful of us especially when he knows that putting the doorstop into his mouth, licking the floor, playing with wires and touching the waste bin are forbidden.

He surprised us a few days ago by signing 'milk'. I've been signing to him since he was born and I guess it works. We've tested it out and know for certain that he really means what he signs. We are working on the other words. I think he understands, 'bath time' - his eyes light up when I sign the word. He loves having a bath.

We can't believe that he will be turning 1 year old in 3 months time! We hope to celebrate in Kuala Lumpur with family and again in Brisbane with friends. I want to throw him a party with cake and balloons.

What's In Store for 2009

2008-12-31T11:15:00.003+08:00

I guess it's all about Micah - there shouldn't be any doubt about that!

2008 is significant because Micah was born. The rest of the year was spent caring for him. Of course we did a fair share of traveling and shuttling between Kuala Lumpur and China. And finally Australia.

We will continue to shuttle in 2009 and that is the only certainty we know for now! Our nomadic lifestyle means that we don't have any fixed plans - except when there are cheap flights to any of the 3 cities we shuttle to. For instance we have booked tickets to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast in September 2009 - it was free! So that is the only event marked off on our 2009 calendar.

Opps! There is also Micah's 1 year old birthday to look forward to. We plan to celebrate that in Kuala Lumpur and hopefully with a big party of family and friends.

Micah at 8mths and enjoying having his ears cleaned!

Blessed Christmas

2008-12-25T09:41:00.003+08:00

It is Micah's first Christmas but sadly we are celebrating without David. The saving grace is that we are with 'family' in Brisbane. We are experiencing our first Lipscombe Christmas with Ling, Mike and Harry.

Harry went to bed very early yesterday - all excited that his last sleep will bring Father Christmas and presents the next morning. He helped Mike prepare cookies, port and some carrots and left them by the fireplace. Carrots are for the reindeers!

This morning he rushed out to find emply plates and an empty wine glass and loads of presents under the tree. I thought he told me that he could only open his presents after breakfast but when I came out after my shower and after bathing Micah, I found the living room in a mess. Wrapping paper and opened boxes strewn all over and Harry with a beaming smile over his presents.

Micah wasn't forgotten! He received a shape sorter, an activity toolbox, a rattle cum teether and a bath book. Even I got a present! Ling sneaked in some shopping and got me a set of yoga attire - we can now do Wii Fit together :)

I was feeling a little down on Christmas eve night because I wasn't in church which is our tradition plus the fact that David was miles away but I am all smiles today. It could have been the bubbly we had for breakfast - but I think it is the fact that I am with my family here in Brisbane.

There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to be with people close to us. As I rejoice this joyous day, I also remember the sacrifice Jesus made later in His life so that we may in turn have life if we believe in Him.

Blessed Christmas to all.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-21T19:51:00.005+08:00

'Awesome' is how Harry described the Christmas lights of the 3rd Prize Winner. This is Australia's largest Christmas lights competition and it is in its 22nd year running.

We actually stumbled upon the house while house hunting. It was during the day and with anticipation we took a drive there that same night only to be disappointed by the unlit display. Tonight we went a lot earlier and discovered a wonderland. There were lots of people there and we could walk the path created and admire the whole scene up close. Harry was really excited - I was the same!.

It was very impressive! And this is not the only winner. Check out the others. Harry's parting remark as we walked to the car was, 'they must have worked very hard!' They sure did.

Here are some of the pictures I took. Not very good photos because I'd need a panoramic lens to take in the whole house.

The next door neighbour had a simple but most impressive nativity scene. It is almost life sized.

Christmas to me is special. As much as I enjoy the lights, festivities, presents and gatherings , the real meaning of Christmas is one of sacrifice. A day to remind us that God sent his only son, born on Christmas day, to redeem us from our sins.

To you, I wish, a Blessed Christmas.

House Hunting

2008-12-19T08:34:00.002+08:00

I am in Brisbane and it is hot! A slightly nicer feel to the heat than in Malaysia because it is not so humid but the sun is scorching and we have to slather on the sunscreen everyday.

I am enjoying my time here with my friend, Ling and her family and I feel at home at their place. This is one of my many homes, at least for now until we find and buy our house. It has been a month of discoveries for me - learning the ropes in a new country. All the traveling has stopped for a while and we are settling into a routine here. Life is simple - I am busy taking care of Micah and babysitting Harry in the meantime. I spend most of my time preparing, cooking and feeding Micah. And when he is awake, entertaining him! He is crawling now and quite quickly too which means I always have to rescue him from trouble. He also puts things in his mouth so I am ever watchful.

David has gone back to China for work and is leaving me the responsibility to find a suitable house to purchase. Finding a house in Australia is difficult. In Malaysia, you'd find rows and rows of the same house design - the difference is in the finishing inside which the owners have put in or have renovated but otherwise you can expect the same layout. This also means that the price is more or less the same. And you'd expect to pay roughly the same price per square foot in a particular area. Everything is about land size and built up area. In Australia, values are totally different and the house designs vary so much together with the land area that it is difficult to gauge the price. A lot of the houses have pools too. The thought of having our own pool sounded good - I can swim everyday! Swimming is my preferred type of exercise and I really want Micah to be at home in water. Unfortunately, pool maintenance is a big headache. We are not sure if we are up to that undertaking. As it is, we'd have to do all the housework plus gardening - very unlike in Malaysia where it is common to employ gardeners and have a housemaid.

So there are a lot of things to consider and it has become a chore to view houses! My head is spinning trying to balance affordability and a suitable house for our needs. We did find the perfect house and in fact, made an offer in writing. After a day and a half, the agent calls and tells us that the owner decided not to sell! It was most disappointing.

So it's back to work - and it is hard work! It is my 9-5 job here :) besides being Micah's maid, nanny and mother!

A Challenging Time

2008-11-24T19:35:00.007+08:00

The first 6 months flew by and it seemed like only yesterday we brought Micah back from the hospital. He is 8.5kgs now and will turn 7 months end of this week. We have been traveling a little too much in the past 2 months and I haven't been settled enough to update my posts. We've been to so many places, so many events happened in Micah's development and with it brought so many challenges.

I had been praising Micah for being an easy baby. I think I spoke too soon! It was pretty simple to care for Micah because as they say, babies only eat, sleep and poo. He did all that without much fuss and is generally very even tempered.

Everything changed the moment he tasted food! Pureed it may be, it was still something different for him and he is really enjoying his mushy meals. So he learned to demand for it! And for many other things as well. He is developing pretty fast.

On his mental facilities, I would think that he is extremely alert now and observant. He has started to cry for attention and knows how to push us around. We are trying very hard not to fall into his little wailing traps. The attention seeking is far and few in between but if unchecked we'd end up being at his beck and call. He still falls asleep by himself (it could be that we have been out so much that he is tired out by 6pm and thus goes to bed by 7pm) but we notice that the crying happens when he is in his stroller - he knows that when he cries hysterically, we'd pick him up.

It is quite a change to see his reaction, when before it was almost non existent. Now, when he knows he is going to be fed, he makes smaking sounds and kicks his feet in anticipation.Try dragging your feet a little and you get an impatient cry!

As for feeding, I think I am doing almost everything I am not supposed to do with Micah! He is eating bottled baby food because it was virtually impossible to prepare and puree his food for him on the go. I know some mothers will cringe when they read this! And as for introducing foods slowly so that we know if he has allergies....that has gone down the drain - I've let Micah eat 2 different things all on the same day and even fed him some muffin!

At this moment, I am posting while carrots are steaming in the wok on the stove. I am renewing my efforts to provide some home cooked and pureed food for Micah. I have to work extra hard to feed him well because he doesn't seem to want his milk all that much. Easy on our pockets but not as convenient!

I am now in Brisbane. We flew from Kuala Lumpur last Monday and arrived on a Tuesday. Then we flew to Melbourne to attend David's sister's wedding and came back to Brisbane early Sunday morning. It was a tiring week. And I am seriously sick of flying and packing suitcases.

We will make one last trip for the year - driving down to Sydney soon and then Micah and I can stay put in Brisbane for a while. I can't wait...

Recovering

2008-11-06T14:38:00.003+08:00

It has taken me 2 weeks to recover from our 2 weeks of traveling around in China! I think the recovery is longer because I've had to take care of Micah alone as David is still in China. It is, however, a blessing to be able to stay with my sister and enjoy all the comforts of home and being with family.

I haven't really felt like blogging these past 2 weeks. Call it writer's block or it could be that I have so much to tell and I really don't know where to start. But as I start writing this post, I am reminded that blogging helps me organize my thoughts and focus again. I really find blogging, theraupeutic!

We are almost always enroute to some other place and this year, especially so. But we are slowly making progress with our plans to settle down in Australia. The recent drop in the Australian dollar has somewhat helped and hopefully with what's happening economically in Australia, properties will be more affordable. Coupled with the increase in the First Home Owner's grant and slashed interest rates, we are most likely to buy our home in Queensland soon. Our fingers are crossed.

We have another week to enjoy Kuala Lumpur and then we fly to Australia. Firstly to attend a wedding and then to clock in time to satisfy our PR requirements. We are spending most of our time with Ling, Mike and Harry in Brisbane (they traveled with us in China recently). Harry is my godson. We made it formal during our trip. Harry wasn't too pleased to call me Godma because he is so used to calling me Aunty Tracy! He relented after he found out that I will be babysitting him throughout end of year holidays which means he doesn't have to attend vacation school! He was giving me theory lessons for a shooting game we are to play on the Nintendo Wii and quizzing me throughout our trip - I think I've forgotten most of it already.

I am so looking forward to spending a few months in Australia especially since it is at a time when Micah is starting to be weaned. I should be able to get fresh produce in Australia plus a range of trusted baby foodstuff - I don't have to worry about melamine! I wonder how we'd feed Micah when we go back to China next year or even ourselves, for that matter. We'd probably end up spending double or even triple on imported foodstuff. Sigh...

Another week or more to go! Anyways, here is Micah at 6 months.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

2008-10-29T10:28:00.000+08:00

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