Eskimo Boy Takes Tioman Island

Dear Aidan,

In the middle of May, we took a trip to Tioman Island with Aunty Li-Hsian and Uncle Srihari. We had booked this holiday a while back and we were extra excited about it for one reason: Papa and Mama would be snorkeling for the first time!

Yummy welcome drinks

What's snorkeling again? Well, it's pretty much just floating about the sea with your face in the water to admire the beautiful corals and underwater creatures found in crystal-clear, clean waters. You get a snorkeling mask, of course, the kind with a tube that sticks out so you can breathe.

We got a villa after some trouble booking two separate rooms called the 'Cliff Sarangs'. Just as well.

The villa is 2 floors with an upper and lower room and it has a little pool and daybed surrounded by trees. Aunty and Uncle were nice to give us the upper room which was larger.

The walk from the jetty to our room was very leafy and covered by the shade provided by the jungle canopy. When we arrived, you inspected the bathroom, jacuzzi as well as the balcony. Your first words, "I really like this room!" Meanwhile, Papa and Mama found Uncle and Aunty relaxing in the pool downstairs. They had arrived earlier.

The jetty-cum-Italian-restaurant

A leafy walk to our villa, the Penghulu's House

Lush! And you had your own Heavenly Bed too

The Sauna we used only once

Grand...pretty much sums up our home for 4 days

As it was our first day, we took things slow and easy. So we brought out some snacks and chit-chatted for a bit as the sun slowly made its way to the horizon. Some monkeys came out to snoop around for free bites so we had to hide the crisps and the candies.

The dip was refreshing...and freezy for you

Dinner was at the Italian eatery out on the pontoon. The breeze was great and it was really relaxing sipping on lemongrass drinks and dining on pastas, breads and pizzas.

Rock on, Lunch!

On the second day, we hung around the pool area again but Papa, Uncle and Aunty went snorkeling near the beach after lunch. You and I napped and then watched 'Puss in Boots' while waiting for them to return.

Bottoms up, guys!

When you woke up, you had a little fit because you wanted to go out to sea to see Papa but I didn't let you. I had to explain that you can't reach them unless you could swim.

Lazing about on a sunny morning

After calming down, we put together some puzzles and when they all came back, we sat by the pool, munched on peanuts and then watched a DVD called 'SeeFood' before heading out for dinner. Dinner this night was at the Thai restaurant. You were happy eating your rice and chicken fillet. And afterwards, you tried pineapple for the first time and liked it.

Mama's going to hang out with some fishes

Our last day began with a late breakfast. After that, we packed up, got our snorkeling gear and went out by boat to the dive spots on the way to Coral Island. At the first stop, our boat halted next to a white pontoon about 8 by 8 ft in size. The driver and hotel staff (James) assigned to accompany us on our trip were very lovely. James said he would watch out for you while we went into the water. And guess what, even though you're not exactly a water baby, you wanted to be on the pontoon and watch us gear up.

Best part? You didn't throw a fit or cry even though we all had to leave you on the pontoon for a good 45 minutes. I think James did a really good job making sure you didn't fall in but were entertained. You had a small bag of bread to feed the fish and that managed to keep you happy.

Hopefully, there are no sharks nibbling at our feet

We made another stop after that before heading off to Coral Island for our lunch picnic. The island was secluded but the beach was pristine white while the waters were crystal green emerald! Just like in the travel magazines! A few huge monitor lizards came out trying to get a free lunch halfway. Right when you were in the middle of a fit after being scolded for kicking sand too hard and splattering our lunch as a result. In the midst of tears, you manage to warn us by pointing at them, "Mama, I don't like the lizards!" Despite stomping and loud shoos, the reptiles were brazen enough that we moved our lunch back to the boat.

Our fun boat

 After devouring most of our Caesar salad and fried rice, you and Papa decided to play by the shore. I think you really enjoyed yourself on this trip even though essentially, there was nothing actually happening for you. Maybe the adventure of the advancing lizards was enough of drama.

Don't know about you guys but I think we're being watched by some fat lizards

Hey Mama, we're having a bath, join us!

I'll fill up this bottle and Papa won't sense the difference

We returned home after that, warm and brown from sunshine and tired from snorkeling. We all napped and woke up to have a calming dip in our pool. And then before we knew it, it was our last dinner at Japamala Resort.

Uncle James managed to scoop you up

Papa and Mama were a bit sad to leave. The staff at Japamala had been so nice to us - Uncle James was sweet to you, too. And our slow, languid days just catching up with each other, resting and eating good food were really pleasant. More than that, this would be our last holiday before our December break as a family. But what stood out for us on this trip, among everything else, was just what a great sport you were the day we went snorkeling. Proud of you, Cheeks!

Our Japamala crew

Eskimo Boy Spotted in Phuket

Dear Aidan,

A week ago, we travelled to Cape Panwa, Phuket, with Uncle Jimmy (Papa's office partner), Aunty Jynet and Evan (Uncle Jimmy's son).

Mr. Dolphin wants to know when the plane is arriving

He'd booked a little beach-front villa for the 4D3N stay. You were very excited about the trip. And made sure I packed your pool gear as well as Mr. Dolphin. After a short 1h 40m plane ride (I guess the SilkAir plane's a lot faster than those FireFly ones), we arrived at the Phuket airport. Our taxi ride was an hour long as the Waterside Villa is up north. "Are we there yet?" became your mantra all the way through. Wonder where you picked that up from.

Waterside Resort in the sheen of Evening's light

We got to Waterside by 4 pm. The villa was amazingly spacious. The ground level was where the hall, kitchen, dining area, patio and the pool were. The bedrooms were on the second floor. As Uncle Jimmy and his family hadn't arrived yet, we decided to splash around first. After paddling about with the wake-board, we walked to the beach and decided to bury Papa under the sand. This activity did not last long as your level of patience is still pretty much hovering above the 0 mark. Ok, maybe 1, to be fair.

At around 6 pm, Uncle Jimmy arrived with loads of bread, milk, soft drinks, sausages, bacon, pasta and cup noodles to fill our pantry. He'd also brought Evan's pool-pump-guns - "Max Liquidators" as they were called. It was getting dark though, so we didn't get a chance to test them out in the pool.

Dinner on the first night wasn't so great. It was at a beachside open-air stall 50 metres away from our Villa. Your tummy wasn't doing well either. You pooped in your underwear and it was watery. The night ended after we watched 'Lilo & Stitch' on the DVD player.

You're not a speedboat are you, Mama?

Over the next 3 days, you surprised us by spending a lot of time in the pool. You tried kicking around with the wakeboard without any help. And even managed to jump into the pool in what we've come to call "The Canonball". Must be due to the "Impress Evan" factor. We found a cosy little road-side stall just up the slope from our Villa for our lunch needs and had yummy fried rice and iced fruit smoothies there. The little stall overlooked the Cape and made for a lovely place to chill out. The two sisters who ran the place thought you were a cute little guy and gave us mangoes for free. They thought you were a girl, though.

Looks like a great day for a dive in the pool!

The night before we left, we visited a night market. Mama stopped to buy hair clips and you insisted we all wore one each. That's one way to emasculate Papa. You enjoyed a stick of grilled pork balls and a cup of buttered corn. Our last stop was a convenience store to grab some ice-cream. You skidded right outside the store and fell, losing your ice-cream to the wet, mossy cement floor. But you were a brave little boy and didn't cry despite scraping your arm.

Not exactly haute couture...

The night ended with 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol'. Mama's not too sure it's a good idea for you to watch anything with guns involved. Especially since you've been showing your fascination with the hand-gun (hand forming a gun) after two policemen visited your playschool for Occupation Week. But we figured this would be a once-only incident for you. (Read: We all really wanted to watch a DVD that wasn't 'Lilo & Stitch'!)

You were sad when we had to leave the next day. But knowing you were now braver in the water, we were excited to console you with good news: Another trip to the sea-side was coming up soon, this time to Tioman Island with Uncle Srihari and Aunty Li-Hsian. And this time, Papa and Mama were going to snorkel for the first time in our lives!

3 years, 2 months: Master Chef, Junior Swimmer

Dear Aidan,

April comes with more showers. And they would come at irregular times, too. Mama likes hearing the sound of light rain dancing on the tarmac at night, or knocking on window panes to announce their presence. Mama's a rain sort of person. But kids don't like rain. Rain gets in the way of outdoor fun. Rain makes the slides and the climbing frame at the playground slippery. And that's not good because it means Mama would say "Be careful" a lot and try to intervene a lot, too.

Need...help...getting into this monstrosity

Something's not right here

It's okay, it's just my silly Mama, Jayden

Still, we managed to squeeze a few new activities into your days and weekends (usually before the sky bursts apart into torrents of rain). And due to the fact that you're less sleepy these days when you get home from play school, Mama has also had to think of new twists to the regular activities that you do engage in. Like, painting the branches and twigs you pick up along the walk to play school in the morning. 

Looks like Papa, talks like Papa, but it's really Papa Monster! Shoot, guys!

One weekend, Jayden spotted you fooling around in the pool with Papa and Mama and came to join us. You borrowed his goggles and he borrowed your floats. Then later, two brothers who knew him called us to join them in the bigger pool and Papa ended up being attacked by water guns all round.

Let's see, what abomination can I make today...

We also made chocolate chip cupcakes together one afternoon. You like pouring things from one container into another anyway. And mixing sauces together at restaurants. So Mama thought it'd be a good time to start you on some simple baking recipe. This time, you tried your hand at flour sifting, cracking eggs, measuring the sugar, butter, milk and flour, and stirring.

I'm happy to report for chocolate-chip-pouring duties

Mmm...

You were extremely excited to be in charge of pouring the chocolate chips into the batter. But the first batch ended up in your mouth.

Mama had to pry the bag from your hands. And even then, you tried t wrestle another handful into your little 'cave'. The cupcakes turned out nicely, though. And we had them for tea.









About 2 weeks ago, we flew back to visit Poh-Poh. It wasn't a long trip and we spent a lot of time together painting with your finger-paints and fooling around with your bicycle and the new tricycle Poh-Poh bought as a belated birthday present. For the painting sessions, you and Papa made yourselves some aprons using dustbin bags. Quite ingenious, really.

Bring her over, Papa - the car wash is open today

Papa also let you help him assemble the trike and you've been obsessed with washing it using the garden hose. One morning, on the way back from the playground, you couldn't resist pushing it down the steep alley we took home; it veered into the drain and almost broke. Of course, you got a lecture all the way home and once we arrived, sentenced to The Corner.

Your love for bursting spontaneously into song continued this month. One night, after dinner, you decided to sing gibberish using the Amazing Grace melody. Apart from the fact that you practically yelled the song out, you were rather expressive, employing sweeping hand gestures for the first time.

We got into reading three brand new books this month: Little Rabbit Lost, Only in My Dreams, and the Lion and the Mouse. The first is a delightful little story about a young rabbit who thinks he's all that once he turns 4 years old. He dashes off ahead of his family when they spend his birthday at a fun-fair, and ends up lost. Mama bought it because you're a little like Little Rabbit these days - so eager to grow up and not have to hold hands at the escalators or walk closely with us. The second book is about Julius the monkey and his dreams, while the third is gorgeously illustrated version of the age-old classic that comes with no narrative, allowing us to tell the story of a lion's fateful meeting with a mouse, according to what we see in each page.

Story-time is such a favourite time for you and for us. It's nice when you're paying close attention and are fully engaged in the story, asking about this and that, and pointing to details Papa and Mama miss out sometimes.

I can fly in my dreams

Aidanism #205:

1.20 pm:
Aidan: I'M GOING TO SHOOT YOU. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

1.45 pm:
Aidan: Don't look at me. I'm getting ANGRYYYYYYYYYY.

2.20 pm:
Aidan: The monsters are coming, Mama. They're going to spit fire on you. *Hawwwwwwwwwwww*

6.10pm:
Aidan: ROARRRRRR. Don't talk! I'm a lion and I'm angRYYYYYYYY.

10 pm (in bed):
Aidan: Mama, please hug me and kiss me. I'm injured. No, I'm dead. You have no more son.

Aidanism #206:

Aidan: Mama, look, it's a jet plane!
Mama: Oh yup, that's a fighter jet.
Aidan: It defeats monsters.
Mama: Well, they help defend Singapore from enemies. You know, the mean guys who attack us.
Aidan: The pilots come down and get into a taxi to go to our house so they can defeat the mean people.
Mama: Well, I suppose that's a good idea. If they shoot from the plane at the mean people in the houses, they might kill both good and mean people.
Aidan: Yeah! And we are the good people!

3 and a Bit: A Late Reunion & HFMD

Dear Aidan,

Late February, we made a quick trip back to Kuala Lumpur when we heard that Kung-Kung's youngest brother (Uncle Mun) in London was coming to visit Poh-Poh with his wife and daughter. His trip was initially meant for Kung-Kung; it's just that he couldn't fight that long.

(L-R): Uncle Mun, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Felix, Tai Pak

Uncle Khin was up too. And what a reunion it was. A Saturday evening of Kung-Kung's brothers and sister gathering at our home, chatting about the latest health products and, yes, the all-time favourite topic of Malaysian politics.

You've got your hand on my funny rib bone, Uncle Terence! 

Dinner was at Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh's favourite tai-chow restaurant, Hoo Yee. As usual, Poh-Poh ordered too much: Steamed seabass in light soya sauce, the 4-Heavenly Emperors dish in belachan sauce (a dish comprising 4 different vegetables like long beans, 4-angled beans, petai and aubergines), a stir-fried kai-lan, garlic and soya sauce fried grass prawns, sweet and sour spareribs, a roast duck and a braised tofu with minced pork. Mama had to skip some food to avoid indigestion!

You were quite sociable this time round. Going round the tables either checking on what Rais was doing, chatting to Aunty Michelle (Uncle Mun's daughter), or showing your toy cars and dinosaurs to the aunties.

This one's called Tip-Top, he's a triceratops...obviously

Then we got back to our home for fruits and more frivolous chats. Rais, your cousin (twice removed), who's Uncle Kenneth's son (Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Terence's are brothers, and sons of Uncle Felix and Aunty Katy who's Kung-Kung's younger sister). It gets complicated huh? But don't worry, it's all one big family. Anyway, you enjoyed playing with him, showing him your toys and sharing. That was big of you. You even gave him a hug before bedtime, too.

Hey Rais, game for a race around the house like crazy kids?

White rice is always yummy. Ok, the fish and bitter-gourd weren't bad, too

While we were in KL, we also had lunch with Uncle Khin and Poh-Poh at a banana leaf rice restaurant near Bangsar Village. The waiter was really nice - he gave you a child-size banana leaf after providing the rest of us with the adult version. Must say that you quite enjoyed your fried fish and the crispy bittergourd. Maybe because the bittergourd was crunchy with no traces of bitterness after the deep-drying.

Your new fascination in KL recently is - no thanks to Papa who encourages you - helping Papa reverse Mama's or Kung-Kung's car. You'd climb onto Papa's lap and he'd actually control the brakes while guiding you to turn right/left or straighten up. Sometimes he's had to put a hand in to correct you when you're over-turning. Not that you like it but hey, we don't want to have to call the tow-truck to lift those cars out of the drain, young man!

Don't mind me, the grape thinks it's a toe

I'm ready to do the mini marathon, Mama

Back in Singapore, you've been up to some silly antics. Like putting your grapes between your toes. Or turning our living room into an obstacle course using the cushions and pillows from all our bedrooms. Speaking of grapes, the other day, 45 minutes after our fruit session, Mama and you went to the bathroom to brush your teeth. Once you opened up, two uneaten grapes fell out and dropped into the basin. You must've kept each one in the pocket of your cheeks like a squirrel.

We're also stepping up on some DIY chores. Like throwing rubbish into the bin (instead of passing it to Mama). Wiping your hands and mouth with tissue (instead of asking Mama to help sometimes). And mopping up your pee during the accidents. You're a 'big boy already', right? ;-) You're pretty good clearing up your toys after you're done, though. Soon, you'll be able to drive Mama around, too.

(Humming) Are you sleeping...are you sleeping, brother John?

Then, two days before Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Brian were due for a visit, you caught the Hand-Foot-Mouth-Disease bug from school. Or maybe it was Theo because we were at his parent's home for dinner the Saturday before and Aunty Kea-Nai had called up Monday, telling me about Theo's fever.

I feel a song coming up...

...and that just calls for a dance of sorts

...and a HUH!

...then a TWIST to the side for effect...

...finish with a nice ghetto boy pose! Everyone, please clap now!

It didn't take long for the mild fever to come. 24 hours later, the ulcers popped up. Mama got it from you, too. Except, Mama had a lot more ulcers and right smack in the back of the throat, too. Fortunately for you, the infection was not severe. No rash and plus, you could still eat okay.

Crankiness aside, you were pretty sporting seeing as we had to be quarantined at home for at least 7 days. You got creative and put on a performance for everyone. Meanwhile, Grandpa and Grandma were quite nice about it too. They didn't mind being at home or just having walks around the neighbourhood to check out the Heartland Mall or market. By Day 5, your ulcers had all but gone. Well, they sort of became imaginary ones. The sort that would pop up if Mama gave you vegetables, and disappear for cookies or french fries.

Meanwhile, 9 pm is beginning to look like the best time for you to revise your school work. Or, basically, learn. Before that, there's 45 minutes at the playground, dinner, fruits and some telly time. And before that, it's already your nap. Mama's also tried having our learning sessions right after your nap but you're usually a little grumpy and out of sorts.

New books for me to delay bedtime with!

Book wise, there have been new additions following your birthday! Papa bought some cute ones involving monkeys and gorillas: Willy Dreams and Gorilla. He also got you Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak) but after 2 reads, you felt they were a bit scary. Mama can't wait for the day you learn to read, honey! I think I'd faint, really. If I do, though, you'll know. Because it'd be in this blog.

Aidanism #198:


Papa: Aidan, I know you're belted but please sit down. We're in a moving taxi.
Aidan: I have to kneel on Mama coz I pooed.
Papa: No, Papa cleaned you up at Church just now, remember?
Aidan: (sits down after thinking a little)
Aidan: (laughs and laughs) Silly Aidan. I thought I still had poo-poo in my bum.


Aidanism #199:


Aidan: Mama, Jesus is a pretty powerful Jesus.
Me: Yes, he's the son of God. So he's pretty powerful.
Aidan: They put him on the cross to die!
Me: Yes, he did it for us though.
Aidan: He's in Heaven now just like Kung-Kung because he's nice.


Aidanism #200:


Aidan: Papa, today you don't have to walk me into the school. I will walk in by myself.
Papa: Ok, so I'll wait outside the green gate (outer gate)?
Aidan: NO! You wait outside the black gate (door to the house i.e school).
Papa: Why not the green gate?!
Aidan: Coz you'll get kidnapped!


Aidanism #201:


After coming home from an outing, Papa closes the grille door. Then the Home Security Officer pipes in:
Aidan: Papa! Please close the wooden door also coz the mosquitoes and monsters will come in. And we need some privacy too.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Eskimo Boy

Dear Aidan,

Yay, everyone's here for my birthday, Mama!

And your birthday party happened! Honestly, I don't know how I did it. I love beautiful things, designs and colours. But I can be a right mess sometimes. Plus what do I know about organising a children's party? I didn't want to disappoint you especially on the 'friends' front. I wanted at least 10 of your friends to be there. In the end only 6 turned up on the 18th. Justin, your supposed good friend from your half-day class, didn't RSVP at all. It also rained periodically. And the party planner started setting up quite late too. But you know what?

You had a blast!

Can I keep 'em, Papa?

Your condo bestie, Jayden arrived first with Aunty Sheila. Then Jadyn and her baby brother, Jonathan, and her parents trickled in. Followed by Vardhavan, Kakak Annie and his mummy; Lana and her daddy, Uncle Ian; Tharun and his mummy; and Theo and Aunty Kea-Nai. Aunty Glenda as well as Uncle Michel (Theo's daddy) came later with Theo's visiting uncle from Vietnam.

Theo is trying to deconstruct the meaning of the giant Panda

What's wrong, Lana? Can I help?

The caterers then dropped off trays of fried noodles, sambal prawns, lemon fish, honey chicken, samosas, stir-fried vegetables as well as your birthday cake - yup, 'the lion king one'.

The weather was a little drizzly from time to time but the Kung Fu Panda mascot got all the kids' attention. Ok, Jayden freaked out and sat on Aunty Sheil's lap as long as the Bear hung about. But you, Lana and Theo took turns to dance with him.

The game-master played some Freeze games too. You were so funny; when the music stopped, you couldn't stay still. You couldn't stay quiet either, "Uncle, Uncle! Can I have more sweets for my friends?"

Hey, Aunty Lisa, we're gonna fly away with these!

Later, when the drizzle stopped, all you kids just lay on your tummies and dipped your fingers into the swimming pool. Uncle Michel and Theo's Uncle did a good job keeping an eye on you guys.

Aidan: Can I push you in, Uncle Michel?
Uncle Michel: You're joking, right?

It's time to test the water for a swim later

Uncle Michel babysits a trio of cuties

Lunch was a bit of a mess as none of you really get the concept of a sitting down for a meal. Only Mama, Aunty Kea-Nai and Aunty Glenda sat around and chatted. Then, Jadyn, Lana and you decided to jump into the pool with your daddies to paddle around a bit before the rain started again.

Thanks for lending me your arm-floats, Lana

Right, have a piece of lion on me, guys!

You were pleased as peas when we all sang the birthday song to you. And after having some, the sugar high kicked in and Vardhavan, Theo, Lana and you just started running around the table with balloons
in your hands.

We're on the magic carpet, Mama, Papa!

After everyone had taken their doggy bags (we had left-overs), and goodbyes and hugs were exchanged, Jayden and you went crazy with the picnic mat Mama had brought along. You even managed to con Papa into tugging you two around with it. We cleaned up the place. And then returned home with heaps of colourful orange, yellow and green balloons. You were nice enough to drop a big bunch at Jayden's house, too.

Wow, another one!

And another! I'm stumped!

It's even got a fluffy lion for a zip. Thanks teachers!

Thanks Aunty Su Yin and Uncle Neil for my car wash centre!

My remote control buggy knows some pretty neat tricks!

At night, we opened your presents together. You were so excited and happy with all your gifts. Even your teachers from school had gotten together to buy you a cute little zoo-themed knapsack!

Thanks for a great time, Po!

Now that you're officially three years old, you're brandishing the phrase - "I'm a big boy now" - quite  bit, ha ha. One day, out of playfulness, you put on Papa's yellow high-tops and posed your 'big, tough boy' look for us. It was hilarious.

Yep, am a big, BIG boy now. Don't mess!

The following weekend, we took you to buy a proper pair of new shoes. You know, the kind that fits. It's officially your second pair of proper, 'expensive' shoes: Converse! Mama's sure though that you'll continue to pick your Bata slippers for the fun-est part of life - running around like crazy.

Mama, why aren't you smiling?

Books we got you in line with your school's term theme of Occupation: Iggy Peck the Architect, Walter the Baker, and A Sick Day for Amos McGee (the Zookeeper!). Your favourite seems to be Walter the Baker but we can only guess it's because you like to eat bread!

It's Occupation Week!

Aidanism #159:

At the foot of Jesus' statue in Church:
Me: Honey, what are you going to pray about?
Aidan: Dear Jesus, please protect us from monsters. Thank you. Amen.

A few minutes later, at the foot of Mary's statue in Church:
Me: So what are you going to ask Mary then?
Aidan: Dear Mary, please ask Jesus to protect us from monsters. Thank you. Amen!

Aidanism #160:

Me: Ok, Aidan. What's your prayer tonight?
Aidan: Dear Jesus, please help Mama be good. Thank you! Amen!


Aidanism #161:


Aidan: Mama, Mama, when I'm a big, big boy, I can ride a bigger bicycle.
Mama: Yeah, coz right now, your legs won't be able to reach the pedals of a big one.
Aidan: Mama, Mama, right now I'm a short, big boy.