8 Months: Some thoughts

Hadn't been blogging for some time. Not really in the mood recently. Of course there are a few random events i'll like to record and thus summarising briefly here.

1. Birthday Party. I used to belong to the school of thought where birthday parties for the little one is an absolute waste of money and time. I mean, how much would a one year old or even 4-year old remember? Therefore such flamboyant events are only meant to satisfy the pride of 'hao lian' parents. I seriously question the merits of an extravaganza event and in simple terms, it just means spoiling the child and setting wrong expectations.

Because of this, i never thought of planning a first year birthday bash for Andre even though i see the mummies in the forum busy ordering party supplies and designing the perfect birthday cakes (Mind you, a 3D fondant 2-tiered cake can easily cost up to $350).

Until recently, i guess somewhat i got pulled into the bandwagon. After all, one year old is still a milestone to be remembered. Exactly, one year ago, i was heavily pregnant, huffing and puffing in a delivery suite, anticipating the arrival of our angel. Our lives has changed since. The lives of our love ones has changed. Drastically. No more personal time, no more couple time. Everything we do, Andre will be our first consideration. Not complaining though, cos kiddo has brought out the better parts of ourselves despite the challenges and we are grateful for him.

Oh yes, so back to the question of a celebration, i've decided there is indeed a valid reason to call for a party. A Thank You one. To all our love ones who has so unconditionally supported us, prayed for us so that we could walk so far. Think of all the karaoke sessions nai nai has missed. Gong gong rushing home for work so that he could feed Andre (at one point, Andre will only eat when gong gong feed him). All the well meant advice from the experienced mummies. All the cousins playing with Andre contributing his development needs etc etc. The list is too extensive.

And so, i've decided to book a chalet at NTUC. Daddy's company could get them $15 a night rate if they manage to ballot. The whole department decided to ballot for us to give us a higher chance. If any of you kind folks are reading this blog, i'll like to sincerely thank you for supporting our cause.

It will be a low profile gathering, just our immediate family and close friends. I'll order a slightly better buffet to treat everyone and the plan is to pen individual thank you notes from the thoughts of Andre for everyone's love and support. I have a few ideas in mind, i'll unroll it as i execute. But so far, cool isn't it... After the lunch event, the whole family can probably relax at downtown east, Andre's cousins will be thrilled for sure.

Of cos, now with less than 3 months to go. We're looking at Sep 18, 19 or Sep 25, 26. Sep 26 is Andre's chinese birthday. If it's Sep 18 and 19, i could probably gate crash as well, as i celebrate my 30th birthday. Well, i have 30 times more 'thank yous' that need to be said. Hmmm... okie, to be considered.

It is sure tempting to turn the affair into an Andre-centred event. But i must constantly remind myself the original agenda. Party supplies, yes. Cake, yes. But definitely, no magician, no balloon twisters, no bouncy castle. (Someone did it in my condo once and whoa... it must have set the parents back by a few K. Well, what's the point?)

2. Nai nai is sick. Nai nai had a lung operation last sunday. Daddy has gone back last night for a surprise visit. I hope it can cheer our mother up a little. I wouldn't say what, but daddy is really worried for his mummy. Its a rush trip and daddy will be back on Tuesday early morning. Let's pray that Nai nai has since recovered from the operation and no further follow up is required.

3. Andre's down with the cold bug. Just as daddy left for the airport, Andre is back with a cold again. I HATE THE COLD BUG. Cos it makes him sneeze, nose block, drippy nose, phelgm, sore throat and cough. And its the 2nd time this month. So please.... SHOO! BUG! SHOO! Andre wants to go out to play and swim.

4. Trip to the USA. Mummy's boss is leaving for another assignment so mummy hopes to be able to catch up with him and get some last minute support for her work. Looking at Jul 19 to Jul 27. It'll be the first time i be away from Andre for so long. I hope i won't miss him too much.

5. Maid. There were many initial teething issues. I was inexperienced and we happened to have a helper who likes to push her limits. But after a session with the agent, we have layed down some ground rules, settled some of Aunty J-ann's home worries, i hope we can now move on peacefully. It's been a month, and i can't deny how much help Aunty has helped our family. Feeding Andre every meal (our picky eater is now eating 3 times a day with 800ml of milk). Our house is spotlessly clean and neat (yeah, when i close one eye), we get freshly ironed clothes, and someone to look after baby when we need a mind break. So, may everything stay status quo.

Hmm ... did i mention a summary earlier on? I think i can rattle on forever... It's like a thesis. So for the rest of the agenda in my mind... we'll catch up on that again. Phew..

6. CCTV at home.
7. FM success.
8. Reading
9. Daddy's promotion