Jayden's first non-nappy poo

If you think the title is disgusting just chalk it down to just another milestone that me as a mum simply has to blog about..

We've started trying to potty train Jayden. So far it hasn't been successful, but on the bright side he knows now to sit on the potty and grunt like he's doing a poo and it is extremely cute to watch.

This morning I thought I would give it another go. He had just woken up his usual happy and cheery self, and I knew he would do a poo soon. So I changed him, made his milk and sat him down on the potty, with his milk (yes, I know he usually does a poo when drinking) so giving his milk seemed to be a good option, and settled down to wait. I even told him he would get a raisin if he did a poo, which seemed to take him even smilier and happier. It was a good sign.

I sat there with him for about 15 minutes and nothing happened. At this point I had to start getting ready, so Josh came in at this point and took over - such a great dad. After 5 minutes I hear a yell.. "JAYDEN WHAT DID U DO?!!! ARGHH"

At this point I'm thinking "Josh I know you like being clean and poo is messy, but aren't we supposed to compliment and cheer like we'vejust won a million bucks since it took soooo much time and effort for the little guy to poo, if not for positive reinforcement?"

So I rushed into the toilet, only to discover that Jayden had done a poo.. on the bathroom mat. It turns out Josh had left him alone for 2 minutes while he rushed out to get a toy, and in those precious 2 minutes, the deed was done. So we scooped the poop into the potty and told him it was where it belonged. I will spare you a picture as it looked disgusting.

It was hilarious. You cant really blame Jayden afterall.
So after changing Jayden I held him close, gave him a cuddle and told him he did an awesome job on his first non-nappy poo.

The Royal Adelaide Show 2012

Last Thursday we went to the Royal Adelaide Show with Rebecca and Joash. Last year I insisted on bringing Jayden but he was so little that he did not really get into it, but this year he really enjoyed himself. It was seriously so much fun to see him Ooh and Aah-ing over everything, and there was so much to see and do. For me going to the show with a kid is a totally different experience than going by yourself. For one you find yourself Ooh-ing along and even trying to take pictures with mascots (yes the ones we try to avoid when they come right up to you, wave and try to hug you).

 And yes I finally got around to borrowing my father-in-law's NIKON d3000 camera. Here are some untouched photographs. There was seriously so much to see and do. Bubbles, Giant Tractors, Sheep Shearing.. even Becca was enthralled.

On a separate note, I have finally downloaded Photoshop and have started playing around with the program. I am still a complete noob at this - do not know most features, and all I did was change the background a little on this one but I'm pretty excited... so here's one of Jayden smiling on cue (he smiles when you tell him to), courteousy of my father-in-law. It is too cute not to share.

Anticipation

Am trying to blog more regularly, so here goes..

I absolutely cannot wait for next week, to be mroe specific, next Tuesday night. Or the end-of-year holidays for that matter. But back to today's topic: Anticipation.  The excitement that builds up in you and renders you unable to think of anything else.

I have 2 tests on Monday and Tuesday in Anatomy and Physiology, both of which are hard and both of which I think I wont do very well in. To be honest I havent been working very hard at all this semester and I am dreading these assessments, but its going to be such a massive weekend come this time next week..

For starters, the husband is taking next Thursday and Friday off for a long weekend! We are going to the Royal Adelaide Show on Thursday with Jayden, Bec and Joash. I am so excited to be going to the show with Jayden, this time last year he was barely aware of anything, and I think he is going to really enjoy himself! I have even picked out his showbag - the Cars one (yes what else is it going to be aye!). Am even going to borrow Dad's camera (the nice DSL one) and start taking pictures!!

On Friday as my birthday present, Josh is taking me to IKEA to buy an organising system for our kitchen, and a few other knick knacks for our house that I want  need... am sooo excited and have already made an ikea shopping list (its such a nifty idea because everytime I get to IKEA i tend to get starry eyed, and forget what I need).. Sigh. Call me pathetic but everytime I close my eyes visions of my new shelves and organisation come, and excitement builds up just thinking about how nice my house is going to look...

But for now its back to study.

Reflections.

I was always very good at starting things. There's something about a 'Fresh' start. Makes you so motivated to get up and do things. Well, me anyway. But finishing them is a whole different story.

I used to have big aspirations. Big dreams. Be a singer. Be Famous. Successful career.
List goes on and on.

Now my dreams are still big, but boy have they changed. And all of them tie into the first one.

To be a loving mother, and wife tops the list. I dont want to be famous, I just want and need my kids and husband to know me.

To stay fit, healthy and in shape. To enjoy my life, to keep up with the kids, the dog and the husband. Yes, the dog rates a mention because when I take him for a walk I can't up when he decides to run off (which he does alot). Besides it never hurts to look good.

To keep a snapshot and record of life as I know it. Yes this is where this blog comes into play, when I have time to update it. I want to be able to be an awesome photographer so that when Jayden turns 22 and says "remember when we were growing up and I used to bathe in a pail" and I can actually pull that cute photograph of Jayden being naked and actually bathing in his pail to embarrass remind him. I have billions of cards, wedding invitations and things that need organising, and have started putting them into scrapbooks (well, will start after exams in December that is!!).

To always stay thankful and grateful to God, and be grounded in Him. I have so much to thank God for - family, friends, a wonderful life on this earth and there is nothing I can ever do to deserve this save His Grace.

So anyway, Jayden is now 20 months old and is on his way to becoming a toddler. How quickly do they grow up?!!!! Its the first day of Spring, beautiful weather and a new dogpark has just opened up near our place which we have been taking Charlie to. Will blog more about this and hopefully post photos up too. In the meantime its back to hitting the books as they call it.

Engine Trouble

And by that I do not mean our cars. Okay I admit in the past month we have had to replace both batteries in each car. I dont know, maybe they both decided to become friends and start losing everything together but let me tell you it was a blow. But thats over now so now Im going to concentrate on today's topic.
I will be the first to admit it.

This semester is not going well for me, mainly because I cannot find the motivation to start studying really hard once again. How do you say this.. when you've tasted the icing there's no way you're going to plow through the entire cake.. when you've experienced the fullness of 1 month of beautiful holidays, who wants to go back to the hard slog???

Because I am really, really behind my uni work, and its only week 1. Am starting to stress about it really hard.


Not to mention the fact that I am sick. Sick as a dog. Who knew the human nasal cavity and sinuses could produce so much mucosal?!! Not to mention I have red eye (conjuntivitis, thank you, Jayden) and a cough that makes my voice sound deeper than Josh's (well okay, maybe Joash's because Josh does not inherently have a deep voice at all). In short, having a man voice, bloodshot eyes and a persistant cough does not make you want to study at all.

I hope this passes soon.

In the meantime, here is a clip of a song, “Thank you’ by the Katinas. It just helps remind me that I have so much to be thankful for everyday, and especially not to forget God in all this.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJEPg7fKOtc

School holidays

Its been so long since I have blogged. Main reason is because of exams, everything had flown out of the window. But since then I have had an entire month off.

An entire month off to spend time with my son. My precious, very cute, loving and cheeky son. I love that he is cheeky and I love that he is mine. I love his sudden and passionate hugs before he runs off to play with something else. I love that cheeky grin that crosses his face everytime he thinks he's done something wrong and now its time to run away from Mum and Dad.

An entire month off to spend time with my husband.

Also my brother and sister-in-law as well as my mother flew down to spend some time with us.

All in all these holidays have been fantastic. I have never needed a break more than I have now.

Now that I've come up for air, its hard to voluntarily submerge myself back into the uni life.

Semester 2 starts next week, and already readings have been assigned.

If anything, last semester taught me that it is okay to spend more time with Jayden.

Heres to the next semester.. 4 more months of pure hard work...

I can hardly wait for the end of year holidays, where we get 4 MONTHS off.. whoo hoo..

My First Haircut... on Jayden.

In the words of my husband "No, you can't even blame it on him because he doesn't yet know how to hold a scissors, Deb".

I remember the time when my brother returned from the barber all upset because they didnt cut the hair on top of his head uniform to the rest growing around it (yes think short all around and long on top). I managed to convince him what a great prospective hairdresser I would be, and we ended up using a just a scissors (no comb at all!!) to 'correct' this seemingly unsightly haircut. The result was fantastic - at first. Did I mention that my brother is the tallest person in the family so no one noticed the patches until we went to church and all his other friends did. For the next few weeks he was known as 'patchy boy'. We can laugh about it now, but it was so not funny then. Especially to my brother.

Fastforward to present. The thing I realise about impromptu haircuts is that it all starts innocently enough. All I wanted to do then was help my brother. Genuinely from the heart. Jayden's hair was getting longer and touching his neck, so all I wanted to do was to trim the ends. Really. So I stripped him naked, got him into the tub and started snipping away. This is a snippet of the conversation between Josh and I.

After the back part was done:
Me: "Hey look it doesnt look too bad doesnt it?!! "
Josh: **long pause** then "oh yeah its okay."
Me: "I think ill trim the top too okay? I mean how hard can it be?" (Famous last words)
Josh: **even longer pause** "Erm Deb it is a rash decision, do we really want to do this now??"
Me: "If not now, then when? Oh yeah it'll be fine i think, hair is just hair it will grow back"
Josh: "Um... okayy... i guess..."

Looking back at this i think every fibre in my poor long suffering husband was wanting to scream at me "NO NO NONONOOONONO WHAT ARE U THINKING WOMAN GET BACK IN THE KITCHEN (lol)!!!" but Josh being the nice/gentlemanly(ha ha) person he is, held back.

I then take one biggg snip off the top of Jayden's hair
Me: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! WHAT HAVE I DONE AW MAN!!"
Josh: "DEB oh NO!!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!"

My son now looks like a vagabond (a socially not accepted person). The line of hair outlining his forehead is now ragged and zig-zagged. Hair is everywhere in the tub, clinging to his body and getting into his eyes. He is not a happy camper. Me? I am holding the scissors and freaking out. Not in a good place at all. Josh is staring at his once formerly perfect son's hair and shaking his head.

The rest of the haircut pretty much went like this. Suffice to say at the end of it I was a wreck, Jayden was crying and Josh, well HE was fine. Afterall, it wasnt HIS hair that I butchered. Neither did HE do any butchering. I think he was able to see the funny side of it first. I was unable to look at Jayden's hair for the next few days without surpressing the urge to burst into tears.

Okay enough talk, here's the hair. You may think it doenst look too bad but, it does to me.

We (and by we i mean Josh) finally shaved it all off. He didnt do a half-bad job either. Hence here is my cute little botak headed son for you:


Not saying that I will never attempt this again, I will at some point, but it will be when I have finally gotten over the trauma of giving a bad haircut.

Negotiations in bathtime

As most of you probably know by now, the Bath is one of Jayden's favourite places to be. Every night without fail there is a massive struggle to get him out of the tub, which usually involves me bending down, trying to grab and wrap him in a thick towel all around so he doesnt catch a cold, all this while having to fight the thrashing, squirming, wriggling about not to mention the loud, loud screams and cries. Ah the cries. Did i mention my face/eardrums are about level with his in this struggle? Dont even get me started on avoiding the flailing punches he tries to throw at me (See my previous post). Aww cute?? Not.

Its taken me sometime, but I've finally figured the key to not breaking my back and him not catching hypothermia is... wait for it... for him to come willingly out himself!!! (pretty genius I know). So from last week I've come up with a multitude of bribes for him.

"Jayden!!! Do you want to see Aunty Becca's room and mess it up??" YAAAYYY!!"

"Jayden!! Time to get out!! Quick lets go watch the Wiggles on youtube!!"

"Jayden!! Don't you want to turn the lights on for mummy??"
(He's worked out that flipping the switch brings light and its the best thing since sliced bread, so this bribe is tops).

Each of these will result in him cocking his head, smiling and reaching his hands toward me.

Until last night.
Even after going through all 3 bribes (and many more), he cocked his head, took one look at his bath and then...

shook his head.

Suddenly it occurred to me.

He is 1 and half years. What the heck am i doing negotiating with a 1 year old?"

So I just picked him up and resigned myself to my fate.
SIGH. Back to the drawing board.

On another note, here's a quick update of Uni.
I have made it through first half of the term and we currently have holidays up till next week. Am happy with how I am going studywise, but am seeking to definately do better. Thank you to all of yous for all your prayers love and support!

Backfiring

When Jayden was about 6-7 months old and getting more mobile, he started becoming more prone to accidents, like, (sometimes) falling of the bed (i am such a good mum). One time after leaving him on the bed Josh and I both walked out of a room, only to come back in 2 minutes later to find him sitting on the floor, playing with the electrical wiring all happy and cooing. He was happy but he had obviously rolled off the bed onto the floor seeing as how he couldnt walk or have very good motor control at that time. Point is, unlike that nice occasion that ended in smiles most of the time it would end in tears.

So, being the most awesome mum I am (ha ha right), in an attempt to make him stop crying and smiling, I would play what I call (in my head), the 'beating' game. I would lead him to the object / site of where he had fallen or struck himself, hit it once or twice and say "Bad___ (whatever the object is, say the bed).. "Bad Bed!! U made Jayden cry!!" This would never fail to stop him from crying and start him laughing at me. I would think "Wow win win, I am such an awesome mother how good am i see how much I made him laugh despite his pain what a brave little man" and give myself a pat on the back.

Now, 9 months down the track, I am only beginning to discover what a colossally BAD, BAD idea that was. B.A.D. Not only does it promote violence, it also gives him a reason to hit.. yes you've guessed it.. me. I can only look back and think of how foolish/stupid/naive I was and the heck was I thinking!!!!

Now that Jayden is a little older, he's worked out that he cant actually do everything he wants, and the people that stop him from doing so are the formerly nice people known as Mum and Dad. I think that in his mind he equates us to the bad objects that Mummy hit for making him angry before, so that gives him a license to hit and lash out at us, especially Mummy for when he doesnt get his way (Daddy he still regards with something close to respect or maybe its fear when Josh raises his voice).

For transgressions like "no honey you cant play with the power outlet you may get electrocuted and Mummy and Daddy are going to, in turn, get killed by your nice grandparents so please stop that" or "No honey you cannot go outside yet it is 7degrees not to mention 6.30am" or even "STOP hitting/pushing/sitting on Charlie/Milo Jayden that is NOT cool" will earn a little smack. From his tiny little hand. Which in turn makes me feel a tinge of panic because now I think that im raising a wild man. It also makes me feel (just a tiny bit, okay, ALOT) of pride through my frustration because I also see a (soon to be)independent, stubborn and strong little man struggling to assert himself. Exactly like his mother.

Guess they were right when they say your character/flaws/strengths magnifies ten times in your children.

15 months and 9 days

Dear Jayden,
Today you are 15 months and 9 days old. Weird date to be writing this, but Mummy has been so busy with uni study papers and deadlines that she hasnt had the opportunity.
It is so hard to believe 15 months ago you were just born. This time last year Mummy was staying home with you, caring for you every hour of every minute of every day (well, except for nights because Daddy is so awesome). I will come right out and say that I really miss this time with you now. I have put together some thoughts, that hopefully will be able to express how I feel being your mother. Thank you for being you, our lives wouldnt be complete without you around.

I love how you have grown. I love (and sometimes hate) how you are now able to express emotions and thoughts. From crying in general just because to crying when things dont go your way.

I love how when we ask you "Where's Miley (the cat) Jayden?" and you always run to our wardrobe, point to Milo and say "There". In fact, "There" is one of your first words.

I love how you love bathtime. I especially love your refusal to get out of the bath, and then proceed to run away from me, screaming with happy laughter when Im trying to dress you. Yes, think wet slippery naked all over the house even in winter when its like 8 degrees in the house (Potential Occupational health and safety issue).


I love how you give me cuddles and run all around the place. I even love how the first thing you do when we get home from anywhere is run through the house looking for "Aunty Becca" and try to crashknock her door (even though my mummy-ego takes a beating then its still cute).


I love your cheeky smile whenever Daddy asks you to say "Da-Da" and how you always, always say "MA-MA" instead and burst out into fits of laughter, even though we know well that you are fully capable of saying it.


In short, you are amazing.

Love,
Daddy and Mummy

Guide to Surviving Uni

After officially surviving my second week at Uni, I have put together a list of essentials for surviving university. Going to uni is like having your plane crash and trekking back to civilisation. After the initial shock (ie the crash) a plan is needed to survive those long hours walking.

So for all those budding university students or people who wish to take the drop... here it is.. Deb's Ultimate Guide.

DEB'S GUIDE TO UNI SURVIVAL
1. Backpacks
The cardinal rule. You need good equipment for long distances trekking. At uni you move around constantly, up to classes, walk up the stairs, walk to the city.. all this time lugging around your books, stationery, files, papers... need I say more? I have always wondered how some people can go around with a sling on bag on one side. Isnt that annoying? Your balance is thrown off, the way you walk is affected and so is your spinal alignment. So unless you want to end up walking lopsided and with one shoulder permanently placed higher than the other, I recommend you get a good durable, backpack.

2. Water and Food
Ah, the survival kit. Having a waterbottle and a container of food with me has been my saving grace for these past 2 weeks. Once I forgot my water, and was inherently thirsty the entire day. Saves me money too - now I dont have to spend on food. Maybe pack some healthy snacks, or if your like me, a combination of both to last you throughout the entire time your are in Uni. Being Asian, I would advise you to overpack your food, because it almost always never lasts throughout the day, especially after munchies. Some fruit, a museli bar, cheese and crackers, sandwich.. you get the picture.

3. Get to know the place
Get to know your uni. Know where your lectures and tutorials are, but most importantly know where the staff tea room is.
This one technically you aren't supposed to do - but if you are a budget conscious cheapskate like me you will. This saves you at least $4 a day in coffee. A cup Coffee is so expensive yet it is a necessity. If you bring your own teabags, its free!! Lets face it - you need caffiene in your system. My first week after studying till 1am and doing the laundry at 2am, my eyes would not keep open despite every other cell of my body was busy internally screaming WAKE UP WAKKE UP, it did not help I was sitting in the front, and nodding off, had to buy a cup (rookie fail).Lesson learnt: Go Teabags!

4. Pens and Stationery
A man without his tools is nothing. You need good writing aparatuses. I have always been very particular about the pens and paper I use and it has paid off. I personally prefer black pilot ball pens - the click on and off type - no need to look for caps (i always lose them). Notebooks are good, but the paper gsm has to be thick (knowing that at 2am out of sheer frustration you can poke numerous holes into your paper, and then turn that into a game by pretending that sheet of paper is the incompetent lecturer/tutor's face as that is the reason why you still dont understand the material) - and after a poking frenzy, sitback and discover that you've pretty much ruined the entire material you have been working on for the past 2 hours and need to start again) - true story). So make sure you have a good thick quality paper to do your notes on.

5. Having a good bunch of friends
This is essential to surviving on so many levels. No man is an island. Extra tip: Make friends that know what they are doing and that are smarter than you. This way you are fool-proof against not knowing where the lecture rooms are, or when an assignment is due. Better yet, do group projects with them. That way they can carry you.. I mean you can work together collabratively toward achieving your one common goal.


6. Know your way around the library
The library is the place where I spend most of my time when I am not in lectures. Such a good place to do work, go online, facebook, blogging... Set a challenge for yourself. Know where it is and what it contains. A good way to get to know the library is to look for a book. Any random book. Just type it into the catalogue and away you go. For the first week I did not realise the library had 3 levels - I thought it existed in this tiny hole and corner. Not until I looked for a book. It has indeed opened my eyes to the many other computers, books, journals, study cubicles.. it seriously felt like I was living under rock when I discovered this. A whole new world. Seriously.


4. Making friends with the librarian
Once again a good way to do this is to look for a book. Or lose your student ID card in the library. Librarians are a wealth of information when it comes to library procedures and where things are located. I had to go back 3 times to ask where the same book was to the same librarian, and by the end of it I can safely say I have made friends with him. Whether he likes me or considers me his friend, I cannot safely say. I can however, say that he knows me now by sight. And by name as he recorded my information when I lost my card. I got it back by the way so Im taking it as a sign he likes me.

5. Turning up to all lectures, tutorials and workshops
A study showed that students that turn up for their lectures had higher grades than those that did not. So turn up. Even if you think you know the material. Or if you think they are a waste of time. They are not. At the very least you can sit there with your friends (#5) and eat your food (#2). The lecturer will be very happy to see you there as well, and who knows may even give you a good mark. If all else fails just saying that 'you've been to the lecture' gives you credibility with your parents, so thats a good thing right?

6. Be Prepared
I cannot stress this enough!!!! Prepare the night before for all your lectures and for your Day At Uni (all except the food component that is, that one you do in the morning before you leave). Read notes before the lectures, and attempt the questions before the workshop, tutorial and practicals. Buy your bus tickets before going on the bus. Even the tiny details like printing your timetable out matter. Set your alarm. If you have kids, pack their bags the night before so in the mornings just one diaper and clothing change, breakfast and you can go!! If not you are liable to turn into a screaming banshee in the mornings when everyone wakes up late.

So thats my list so far, please let me know if you would like to add anything else to it.. I would love to hear your ideas!

I have a confession to make. I confess that I started this year off thinking and expecting how perfect this year would be.

I would finally get to go to Uni and do my dream course (Physiotherapy). Of course, I would have to also be a High Distinction Achieving student. Jayden would be a little older and would finally start sleeping through the night. I would finally be a superb cook and housekeeper who somehow have superpowers that allowed me to do all housework in a day and done well to meet my perfectionist standards as well as whip up delicious, healthy nutricious meals in the kitchen, and still have time for the gym. Ah, the Gym. I would exercise everyday and of course FINALLY end up with Jessica Alba's body. I would be a seemingly perfect smokin' hot (okay as hot as can be once all pregnancy considered) woman, wife and mother whom all would envy, one that would wrestle with the dog and sleep with the cat at her feet. We would take family trips and outings on the weekend and spend quality time with Jayden, and teach him to grow up as the angelic child who never throws tantrums. God forbid if he cries in anger.

In all my life would be perfect. I would be the perfect wife, mother, cook, housekeeper, student.... list goes on.

Anyway, today marks the second week of Uni. Only one of these things has happened - Jayden has finally started sleeping more or less, through the night!!

As for the others, I must confess I am a looongg way off from being perfect. And finding time for everything. After having consecutive nightmares of failing the entire first semester, as well as having recurring dreams about Human Anatomy Terminology and the Pelvis (I kid you not, this has been happening all last week), I have fallen very, VERY much behind on readings.

A full load of four university courses, as I have discovered, is not to be taken lightly. Even with trying my best, I still find that I am constantly behind. This in turn has made me behind in every other aspect of life - ie, the housework, Jayden time, the bookkeeping and Enjo Business..

I have found this past week that there is too little time in a day. This has resulted in me sleeping at 1-2am on most nights, doing the cleaning/folding clothes at 2am in the morning is an experience you should all try.. and I do not see this lightening up. At all. In fact it is bound to get more stressful as the semester wears on.

I confess, I STILL want to have the all aforementioned things in my life - who doesnt?!! Any ideas on how you all do it?? Please let me know but for now, its back to the Pelvis, knee, bones... skeletal structure...

Housework

I was never one for housework. When I was growing up we had maids to clean up after us, so I never really learnt how to mop the floor, or wash the dishes.

Enter Australia. Enter Josh, my Australian-Born-Chinese husband who was brought up doing chores, learning how to cook. He is very capable. When we first got married it was him doing everything. Tidying the yard, picking up Charlie's poos, Vacuuming, cooking, cleaning.. mainly because my tolerance for dirt was much lower than his, he always got around to doing it first because he "couldnt stand or take it anymore, Deb" (ha) But when I stopped work to have Jayden, it was agreed that I would take over the domestic duties. I have been doing that for the past year or so.

Recently it seems living with Josh has rubbed off on me - my tolerance for dirt, grime, cobwebs, dust, dog poo, kitty litter and everything unclean in general has taken a cliff dive. I actually made a list of chores and wrote it down in my day planner to schedule time to do them.

What can I say after a day of mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming?? My house is clean.
And I am happy.

Enrolment Day..

This would have been just another ordinary seemingly uneventful day except that I had to go to UniSA and enrol to get my uni timetable. It seemed (and is still) pretty surreal. I mean, after two and half years of hard work (working full time, studying part time, sitting for 2 exams when I was 6 months pregnant).. all for getting into this extremely competitive course.

The 8-9pm long day and nights.. the mugging, weekend mugging and more mugging.. not to mention the opportunity costs and monetary sacrifices - all worth it in my humble opinion.

I am officially now enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at UniSA. Its something I've wanted to do for a very long time.

Did I mention today was the first time I had taken a bus since 2007?? Lets just say I will never again take my trusty car forgranted.

So worth it.
Here marks the start of a long, difficult journey.. I will update (as long as I dont die on the way to the exam hall)..

Enjo Enjo Enjo.. a cleaning we will go

With not much money to spend, I have started spending majority of my days at home with Jayden. When Jayden started childcare once a week, I now occupy myself with the obsession of a clean, healthy living environment. Yes, cleaning! Domestication!

I firstly wrote up a list of chores and classified them according to the frequency I would schedule them, ie, daily, fortnightly, monthly etc. Then I wrote out in my diary the days I would do the particular chore. Once a fortnight I give my house a big clean - the works - Bathroom, toilet, laundry, bedrooms, lounge. Dusting, sweeping, mopping you name it, by the end of that day my house is sparkling clean. That day is today. I have just spent about 4 hours straight cleaning my house.

I am so glad we decided to invest in ENJO cleaning products. Last year when considering our options, we decided that I would start a business of some sort.. but when it came down to it I wanted to endorse something that I believed in.. went to a friend's ENJO demonstration and was instantly hooked..

Now not only do I sell ENJO, I am a very satisfied user. It seriously takes me half the time to clean. Surfaces truly stay cleaner for longer, without the use of any chemicals! I also feel better that my carbon footprint has reduced - The ENJO mop is a godsend. Enjo is an investment for us that has truly paid off. The products last for ages - between 3 and 7 years, so this set will last me till after uni, meaning I dont have to buy more cleaning products for the next 4 years as well..

Now, to pick up the poos in the yard, cook dinner, grocery shop, drop off the recyclables and pick Jayden up from childcare.. this list just goes on.. and uni is starting next week argh..

Photo-taking

Since I fell pregnant I have had a desire or wish to take beautiful photos. Photos to remember our life together; for recording snapshots of Jayden and (our future kids). In fact, it has been a goal. More than just "oh here's a camera lets take a photo just for the sake of it", but rather a well placed, well thought shot.

But it is an expensive goal. My dad is a superb photographer - taking photos has been his hobby for as long as I can remember. Now I wish I had listened more often when he tried to explain and teach me how to take good photos. I wish I actually tried harder when I was growing up.. now im going to have to start from scratch.

I was (and am) never one for photos. But I do wish to try now.
Guess two things are needed: A good camera, and a photography class... now to try and fit these in with taking care of Jayden, Study, going to uni classes, doing housework, and part-time work..

Jayden's 1st Birthday Party!!

Jayden turned 1 on December 22nd, while we were still in Singapore. So we had a party to celebrate last saturday at the park reserve next to our place. Weather was perfect, and so were the company and barbeque. Yes we even made the cake!!



Happy Birthday Jayden! I hope you have had a good year with Mummy and Daddy, and here's to many more!! I know I can speak for both Josh and myself when we say that this past year has been one of our greatest so far, and its because you are in our lives. Though we have had our share of moments, there has definately been more ups than downs, and we are throughly enjoying the parenting experience. Not saying we have all the answers, but we love you.

Special thanks goes to Aaron for the lovely sem pictures. They look amazing.

The happy boy







With Uncle Joash and Aunty Eunice





Will you look at the camera !!


Here we go!


Upon reflection it is so hard to believe how much pain I was in this time last year, not to mention how big I was (and felt) with the post pregnancy weight!! In the space of 1 year we have gained significant lasting friendships through our Mother's Group, and they were nice enough to come!



Oh yes our thoughts are with our families in Singapore too - wish you were here guys!!

TV at night

Its the end of an era.
Josh has been bugging me to get rid of my television set. Even I am inclined to agree. Its 10 years old, and the way technology is going, this TV set has to be a dinosaur. But everytime I try I just cant bring myself to take it out of its rightful position in my room, let alone dump it in the trash or by the roadside.




Flashback 10 years ago to 2002. I normally do not like to talk about the past, especially the bad times, but for this I will make an exception.

I just turned 16, and had just arrived in Australia as an international student, living in a hostel by myself. It was initially very lonely as I did not know many people (okay, anyone other than my rellies). Nights were almost unbearable because even though I tried I could not sleep, my mind would keep churning away...
In my 2nd or 3rd week living at the hostel I befriended this guy living downstairs, cant even remember his name. What is significant is that he had 2 television sets in his small dorm room. Yes, they took up nearly his whole desk. 2 TVS!!! He told me that the reason he had them was to occupy his mind while he slept so he wouldnt think too much and also abit of background noise while he went about his ways never hurt anyone. He was looking to get rid of one as he had no need for it any longer. Without hesitation I bought the 2nd TV off him for $100 and never looked back since!!

Bliss! No more thinking, I could just tune out to any programs, be it good or bad, especially at 2am! This same TV set has been with me since then. Throughout my 10 years in Australia.

I admit this has left a lasting impact on me, before I married Josh I always needed to have a TV in my bedroom because of the noise. When I was housemates with Joy even she commented on what a TV addict I was, because the TV was almost always on. The truth was that half the time I wasnt watching, just having the TV for comfort. The only drawbacks were the electricity bill and also im sure I could have gotten better results if I didnt have the TV at night, but I didnt care!!

Its only recently that I realised that I have no real need for the TV at night anymore - Josh is there for comfort and I can listen to his snoring if I really cant sleep. Besides, we do have a monitor that we hook up to the laptop to watch DVDs and TV if we really want (and do).

So this morning I unplugged it. Suffice to say its left a gaping hole in the room (check out the dust gathered!!)


The TV will be given to Josh to do what he wishes with it (ie, dump it). I guess its the end of an era. In a way it is fitting, because here I am ready to start a new university course as a full time student, once again.
I still cannot bring myself to do it.

Budget budget!!

As we are embarking on life as a poor, university student for at least the next 4 years, and mainly surviving on one income, it is inevitable that we begin a budget and undertake heavy scrutinizing of our finances (not that we weren't doing that before, mind you).

Hence, this year I have decided to write down all our daily expenses (inclusive of petrol, food, telephone and internet bills, entertainment.. you get the idea!)

This year is going to be fun. And I truly mean it. Looking for ways to save money, and provide for our family, and, call me corny, but the best part is we'll be in it together.

I keep thinking in the back of my mind that ..After I graduate we will be okay, and the life skills learnt in this lean period will serve for better stewardship over our finances when we have more.. but anyway, back to the present.

Jayden needed a haircut. His hair was simply too long. Thank God we have a family hairdresser, Josh's mum. She is really good at cutting Josh's and Joash's hair, so she offered to cut Jayden's too. What a lady!!!!!

Just before the cut..


With Grandma after..

With the Great-Grandparents

My last post was in October. Since then we have visited Singapore once again, this time with Josh. It was an awesome experience seeing and spending time with my family, and also seeing my brother get married to the wonderful Tiffany Seow.. Now that I have a kid of my own I treasure family time, especially because I know they are far and few between. What with Jeremy and Tiffany in Sydney, Rebecca, myself and Josh in Adelaide, and Mum, Dad, Samantha, Mama and Kongkong in Singapore.. it is hard to get all 11 of us in one country let alone spend quality time together...



This photo is taken with my grandparents (Kong-kong and Mama), outside Jacks Place, 3-4 hours before we departed back to Adelaide. We will miss you very muchly Mama and Kong-kong. Thanks for everything. I can honestly say that my grandparents are the worlds best. They have sacrificed so much for us grandchildren, and they love us so much. Each time we go back to Singapore they are always there with their love and support. It was them that financially supported Jeremy, Rebecca and I through our studies in Australia. It was them that never fail to ring or skype us and ask us if everything is going okay, or if we need money. They do so much for us and I know nothing I can do or say will be able to repay them. They are so loving toward Jayden as well.




Thanks Mama and Kongkong for everything. Hopefully we will see you soon!!