Frequent Traveller Jr.

Sometimes I am bit jealous....baby can travel to so many places at such young age while mummy only get to see the other side of world much later. Daddy said the same but we agreed to take him along whenever possible, it is heart-pain to leave him behind, plus we don't have babysitter. We enjoyed all the trip though there were few minor catastrophes. One particular incident was Gabriel crying non-stop at the last hour of flight back from Johannesburg, the young passenger sat next to us shoot dagger at us, very hostile! As a new parent we care and were panic to calm our baby. But for now, we don't care, baby come first!

List below are places that junior set foot in...

Malaysia - Gabriel was a little star in KL, huge fun with everyone!!
Singapore - home sweet home...another shinning star...good fun too!!
Johannesburg - fantastic trip, better than we can imagine with a 7 months old
Korea - not baby friendly but heaven for shopaholic mummies
Prague - beautiful and romantic, our 14 months old enjoyed running at the bridge
Slovenia - not much to see but what you can see and eat last for life
China - family visit to Xiamen and Shantau, invaluable experiences!
Hong Kong - just a nite for dinner, Gabriel had his 1st taste of lamb at the Jap res.
Phuket - good spot for family, great time at Marriott, we will go back!!

...not much travelling in early 2007, nearest trip coming this Saturday to Barcelona. Another trip to Haikou in December and seeing family in KL and Spore,can't wait!!
Cannes trip in October yet to confirm, finger cross!!!

Kudos to this young traveller!!.....or rather, to the parent!!!

Fretful Mummy

Today is a bit strange. Everything went as usual until dinner time. Gabriel threw a sudden 1st degree tantrum - rejecting food, crying and screaming for cuddle. He looks sick and weak. Suddenly I recall he fell from highchair this morning. Fear and guilt washed over me instantly - horrible thought of internal head injury flash clear & loud in my head. Daddy managed to cuddle him to sleep....I told Daren about my fear and he said it can't be. I was not assured so I keep checking to make sure he is alive....Yes he is breathing hard - good boy!

This is the silly mummy who always think the worst when things goes wrong. Gabriel is just tired - after a 40min swim and a 50min play in the park. It is funny to find my over-zealous son to sleep at 7pm (for the 1st time). We feel strange but relieve to have a peaceful nite. Believe it or not, we are already missing him....



No idea what would happen tonite. We are betting he would get up at 1am, catch up his dinner, then back to sleep. Honey we love you, big kiss.....muak!!!

....this is Gabriel new hair style,took him to the salon today - tough job!!

Root Searching

I have just compiled all my pictures taken last year, and intend to display them on slide. I made a special clip on our trip to Shantau, titled Root Searching. This was the family annual holiday for 2006, taking the whole Chia's crew to visit the family root in Shantau - the Chia's 'kampung'!

It was a very fulfilling trip - we got to see the places our ancestors lived, taste the local food and most importantly, meeting up with the extended family, this include Ah Ma's brother. It was kinda of a family reunion!! Credit to our Chia uncles & aunties who done the retracing to make this trip real.

We travelled from Xiamen to Shantau, 2 hours coach journey. Thankfully Gabriel was not difficult on road, and we had lot of help on hand. I must also say thanks for the car seat specially arranged for him. Everything went well, and we had load of fun!!

The 'Youth Forum' was introduced in this family retreat, where the young are given chance to share their thought, opinion and idea. This is another good bonding especially for the elders to understand the need of the youngs. Smart move!

I look forward to the next family gathering - distance make heart fonder!!

Family Visit

My family visited me in May, for 3 weeks. And my mum stayed until August. It was great having them, my house was crowded with noises and mess, laughters and fun. It was amusing watching Gabriel and Fiona playing together, and they fight too. But also scared me and Daren the challenge having 2 toddlers under one roof...no joke!! Miss them...I wonder when they will visit me again. I made my mum promise to come next year(even she is not keen),at least I have a potential visit to look forward to. Lot of fun pictures - sure these last for decades.

...Gabriel - mummy is very happy to see you in Wah Ma's warm cuddle and care for the last 3 months. You had a wonderful time with her. Sometime you bullied Wah Ma, making her goes round the merry to meet your demands, but you never forget to kiss her whenever you kiss daddy and mummy, that was very very sweet!! When you grow up you can see from the picture and video, sure you have big laugh!!

new kids on the blog!

Hey I finally did it - my first blog! It has been long overdue!!

Truly inspired by how much we can do in Blogging. I hope to do more on this and transcribe my experiences here - as a keepsake for family! Lot of work to do as I don't know (yet) where and how to start. Need to sort out the picture first!

This blog is dedicated to my son, Gabriel, and hubby, Daren. I am a very lucky women-blissfully gifted with these 2 men. Thanks to honey Gabriel, you gave mummy the taste of bitter & sweet; and for sweetheart hubby, you given me all that a women can ask for. I know our romance will continue to flourish.

Life is very fulfilling when a new life entrusted entirely at your hand. There is no time for oneself with the incessant stream of demands from baby & family. All I need is to sit back, rest and dream.