So here we are. In Singapore. Ok, it's just a 4-hours drive from KL and the weather's the same. But hey! We've officially embarked on our new adventure.
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| We're sitting by the pool because I need to rest, ok, Mama? |
We found a condominium in Serangoon, in a city called Kovan. And it has the largest swimming pool ever. There's a baby pool with a fountain in a corner. Then the next one, which has a giant water slide and water carousel in it, is a little deeper. The one after that's even deeper. And, of course, the last is the deepest. This one's the adult pool that has a gymnasium looking out onto it. Kovan Melody, as our condo is called is right next to the MRT station and directly opposite the road is the Heartland Mall which is adjacent to a wet market and some electrical and home supply shops, clinics, coffee shops and bakeries. This means, getting stuff will be so easy here.
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| Everyone's here, Mama |
You have your own room, too. It's next to Papa's and Mama's and this time round, we've found a big-boy's bed for you. That's right. No more cots! Mama's made sure you're surrounded by your sleep friends. From Dusty to Pedro to Binky.
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| My school uniform includes Chew-Chew |
This month, we also found you a play school. We decided that it'd be wise to start you early in socialising. Schoolhouse by the Garden is on Philips Avenue, about a 15-minute walk away from Kovan Melody. It's a small school that offers Playgroup, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Kindergarten. What we like about it is how it operates out of a house. A bungalow, to be precise. There's a swing, slide and some ride-on cars and tricycles on the front yard. And there's a sand box and play pool at the back. There's even Tootise, the turtle, who 'guards' the front gate in her cage.
Essentially, Schoolhouse is a daycare centre and most kids go there for the full day. But it's half-day for you, honey, because Mama isn't going back to work yet. Plus, I like the idea of being able to spend time with you when you're not at school. I guess Mama has separation issues :) Sooner or later, however, Mama will have to return to work in some form or other. It won't be a permanent job because it'd be difficult for me to see you much and, you know, be there for you. It's just something I'll do to contribute to the family's finances so that Papa won't be so burdened.
You're developing a love for singing. The ABC Song and Negarakku are your favourites. But you've also picked up the title song for a programme on Disney Junior called Pororo, which is about a penguin and his friends.
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| Ready to rock the market |
And because you're also interested in pushing and dragging things - generally using your mass motor skills - we bought you a little pushcart from Ikea and a ride-on motorbike from Toys 'r' Us. Some days, you'd follow Mama to the market or supermarket with your pushcart but you never allow Mama to use it for storage. "Too heavy, Mama!" you'd say. Even when it's a bag of bean sprouts!
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| Take me to your leader... |
I must say, also, that you're developing a sense of humour; there have been many times when we've caught you pulling a silly stunt or two. Like putting food covers over your head. Or walking around in just your diaper and singing at the top of your voice even as you swing puzzle frames around your wrists.
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| This part is so...boring, Papa |
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| I'm building a condominium house for you, Mama |
Mama and Papa have been helping you brush your teeth since you turned 1 but recently, you've begun to run from the sight of it. Thankfully though, you usually manage to trap yourself in the corner of your bedroom, much to our advantage.
Bedtime is usually wind-down time for you but these days, you do enjoy a quiet few minutes pulling your truck along the carpet or building blocks before we read a bedtime story and settle down to sleep.
Meanwhile, your hive attacks have all but ceased. And it's wonderful to not have to see you itch and squirm. We've been instructed to keep you on Aerius (but on a lower dosage) for another week or two. Just in case. Just to be sure.
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| Looks like me, Mama |
This month, Mama brought out a delightful little book by Tae-Joon Lee, entitled Waiting for Mama. It's a simple story about a little boy waiting in the cold weather for his mother to return home at the streetcar stop. As the story unveils, it's not clear if she turns up. The last page seems to indicate that she does but the beauty of this story is that it's left to the reader. You, however, like to interpret that she does reunite with the little boy. And Mama agrees, too :)
Mama is missing Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh a lot. Somehow, home is always home. And no where else is the same even though I love our small trio of a family here. As you get older, we'll explain more and more regarding the other reasons we've left Malaysia. For now, Mama will simply say that life can be great anywhere; it's what we make of it. But these days, we pick places with you and your future foremost in mind.
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| Yes, I'm ready for dessert...oops, I mean dinner |
