At Narita Lounge

All of us were tired, but Caden was the worst! Neither Paul nor I could handle him anymore.

He was whining all the time throughout our stay there, but he refused to be put to sleep.

At some point, the customer service representative approached me and told me politely to get out of the area to go to the small room which has a baby cot there.

Luckily soon afterwards, he agreed to be carried on my sling and sleep afterwards.

I can’t wait until we arrive in Singapore and have someone to help me taking care of Caden.

Disneyland Day 2

We had promised Caden that we would go back to Disneyland before we go back to Singapore.

So here we were today. We took a bus ride from Shinjuku Station to and from Disneyland. Caden sleep throughout both of the journey on my hands. *happy*

Oh my goshhhhhh…. We weren’t that lucky this time. Disneyland was so packed! We have to wait in queue for 1 hour to get into the famous train ride.

We wanted to bring Caden to see Mickey House which we had promised him a few times before, but the queue was unbelievable. There were a sign saying that “It’s about 75 minutes from here” and there were about 50 or more people after that sign. GOSH!

Luckily we could distract him into going to the Minnie’s House. We spent about 45 minutes queuing and another 45 minutes inside.

Caden’s ability to remember is getting longer. I used to be able to say something (like bringing him to the Zoo) and didn’t do it afterwards and he didn’t seem to remember about it.

But now, he REMEMBERS! I must really watch out on things that I say or else he would get hurt or disappointed afterwards.

Fugu Experience

We decided to try out Fugu or Blowfish. It’s a kind of fish that people can die from eating it if it is not prepared carefully. The chefs need to have a certified license to be able to cut the fish.

A friend of ours recommends this place. It was a bit far from our hotel and quite difficult to find, but we were not brave enough to try other place which we don’t know anything about.

After about 2 hours journey and searching the place, we found it.

We ordered many different styles of food using that fish, from plain raw, raw with some herbs on it, with soup, and grilled.

It was good, but I don’t think it was that great. I think it taste not much different from the regular sushi that we used to eat.

I made Caden drink the Fugu soup, just in case if something happen, he would be going together with us.

But it turned out all of us were just fine!!! ^_^

PS: Thanks Jennan and Ronnie for the recommendation.

Getting familiar with trains

Caden is very happy in Japan. He takes trains everyday which he seldom do when he is in Singapore.

He runs in the train, ask to see the ‘uncle drive’ = conductor, he scream for the door to be closed “Uncle, close the door please…” and so on.

Everyone is looking at us most of the time as Caden make quite a loud noise everywhere.

I don’t care though…as long as he is happy…

Wake up, daddy!!!

Taken on the morning where we have to get back to Tokyo.

Our Ryokan room was really small. It is a table for us to drink tea or eat at day time and it is converted into a bedroom at night.

The tatami bed was a bit too hard for us, but luckily we sleep just fine as we are very tired.

We had our own private open air bath in the room but didn’t even think to try it out as the weather outside is so cold (although the water can be adjusted to super hot) and I have Caden to take care off.

Paul went to the public bath a few times, though.

PS: Paul is always the last one to wake up among the three of us. ^_^

Last day at Ryokan

I am a little bit worried as Caden had diarrhea since this morning. Luckily I brought all Pediasure milk for him, just in case he refused to eat anything or he had diarrhea.

[Pediasure is ok for kids with diarrhea as it is lactose-free]

I am worried too for his skin, especially on his face, around the mouth area. It was so dry that I can feel the bumpy feeling when I touch some parts of his body.

I have been applying Vaseline Baby that I bought in US on his mouth area and body.

His legs and tummy area has been so dry and itchy that he kept scratching it while he sleeps. I woke up a few times in the middle of the night to apply him the moisturizer as I am afraid his vigorous scratching will make it bleed.

He ate really well!! But he only ate the soup and the rice. Well, at least he is eating, though.

Thomas Land!!!

Super fun!

It located inside Fuji-Q Highland Park in Kawaguchi (nearest station is Lake Kawaguchi).

I would really love to bring Caden here again in the future.

It was so hard to bring Caden home. He kept saying that he want to stay there and play with Thomas.

Even when we are back at the hotel, he still asked “Mommy, where is Thomas?” And this continues until we are back in Singapore!! I have to make up stories to answer to his questions. The hardest part is to tell him nicely that we are not going back to Thomas Land.

Caden’s nose bleeds a little when we were there but he didn’t care. He was pointing to where he wanted us to take him to.

There we basically try out all the attractions.

What I like best about this Thoams Land is that, all of its attractions are catered for very young children. There is none that Caden couldn’t ride.

He slept in the sling again right after we were out from the park.

Wakakusa No Yado

We stayed at a Ryokan to try out living like a traditional Japanese.

The hotel prepared breakfast and dinner for us. Each time, they prepared us about 8-10 traditional and delicious Japanese dishes. Caden liked their soy sauce steamed rice very much. We also had our own private dining room for dinner.

We all given a Yukata but had to pay for renting Caden’s at 500 Yen/day. I was very happy that they have a Yukata for as young as Caden’s.

Inside 'Thomas The Train'

Ready with his ‘Thomas The Train’ jacket, watch, toys and socks, we board the train.

Caden was so captivated by the vibrant colors of the painting of Thomas and his friends on the outside and inside of the train.

There were fat controller on the door where the real conductor is, there were Gordon, Percy, Lady, Spencer, Toby, James, etc painted on the whole sides of the train. There was also Harold flying on the ceiling of the train.

It was so great! I even feel so excited to see all of them at the same time.

The train itself took half an hour longer than the regular, non - ‘Thomas The Train’ Train as this one stop a lot more. But half an hour is not that hard to kill when we are inside Thomas The Train. ^_^

I packed Thomas and his friends coloring sheets that I printed online back in Singapore, and I also brought him magnetic Thomas and his friends to play with. There were also some of his small toys along.

With daddy, both of them were busy doing all of the Thomas and friends activities that I had prepared.

The thing that I don’t like about winter is that, it gets so cold outside but when we are inside a building or train, it gets so warm that we have to open the jacket.

In Caden’s case, as he couldn’t stop moving, I had to open all his 3 layered clothes and changed to a short sleeve tees just to make him feel comfortable.

Waiting to Board 'Thomas The Train' Train

I gave up on letting Caden to sleep by himself in his stroller. In the end, I carried him sleeping (he is 15kg now) from Shinjuku – Otsuki Station (about 1 hour journey) and another half an hour at Otsuki Station.

Wooww…He is heavy now!!! I still remember when he was so tiny that I can carry him for the whole day without feeling heavy at all.

He woke up, I changed his diaper, He played with ii Ali, ate a lot of French Fries together while waiting for ‘Thomas The Train’ Train to arrive.

We still have another 1 ½ hour journey to arrive at Kawaguchiko Station.

Full after eating Ramen

Yes..!! Fuih... He ate! ^_^

Day 2

We had a good night sleep last night. Caden didn’t wake up for his regular midnight milk. He was too tired.

He woke up just in time for all of us to wake up for our breakfast and soon we have to depart from the hotel to go to the other hotel at Kawaguchiko/Mt. Fuji area by train.

We will be going by ‘Thomas the Train’ train today. I have been looking forward for this. I searched and googled a lot to find out more about it; once I called a travel agent in Japan to ask where to buy the tickets, but end up with no result as they couldn’t speak English.

I know Caden would be really happy today!

Disneyland!!!

It was super cold and super windy + lack of sleep!! But Caden didn’t seem to care at all.

To our surprise, the park was not crowded at all. We were happy!

Caden was so happy! He especially likes Toon-Town. It’s a small part of the park which catered for kids his age.
I was so tired but looking at how happy and excited he was, I quickly forgot about it.

Sadly, we arrived too late. Soon after we arrived, the sun goes down and the weather gets cooler and windier.

Opa and Oma couldn’t stand of the coldness anymore and all of us were so tired, too. So after only less than 2 hours, we decided to take a taxi and go back to the hotel.

I promised Caden that we will be back here again before we go back home.

Okubo Station

It was cold and very windy! Luckily I purposely brought the rain cover so that Caden will feel warmer inside.

We have to change 3 trains to get to Disneyland from Okubo Station (the nearest station from the hotel). It was a little tiring as all of us didn’t get enough sleep the night before.

But we were so lucky to have a friend guide us through; the train lines were so many and so confusing!!

I told Caden a few times to sleep in the stroller so he will be ready for Disneyland, but he refused. I felt that he was so overwhelming with the whole new train experience that he is seldom experience at home.

Fully Awake...

... and SOOO ready for my Disneyland trip!
We were waiting for a call from Oma and Opa...
Hope they are going to call soon!

In the Taxi to the Hotel

After only 5 hours of sleep in the plane, Caden slept in my hands soon afterwards and woke up only when we arrived at the hotel.

At Narita Airport

The Beginning of our Journey

It was 8.30pm, time for us to go to the airport. I had successfully put Caden to sleep later and only to wake him up at 6pm from his nap. Therefore, he was still fully awake at 8.30pm.

But soon, I realize that I made a mistake. At 11pm, he still refused to sleep but looked a little grouchy.

In the end, he slept at around 12pm and woke up again at around 6am. He straight away looked for his aunt who was half way sleeping and woke her up to play.

Caden was so proud that he wore the same type of shoes (boots) with his aunt.

I am glad overall he was doing really well for the whole 7 hours journey in the plane.

Family Christmas Lunch '08

Although we knew that the food won’t be that great, we decided to have our Christmas lunch at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, because it is very close to home and the most important is, we don’t have to pass Orchard Road to get through it.

Orchard Road this Christmas is as crowded as usual. I wonder when newspapers and other media have been telling us about bad recession, lay-off, and economic down-turn, it doesn’t seem to effect that much for quite a lot of people.

We have been trying to avoid Orchard Road as much as possible this past few weeks. And when we really want to go there, we rather walk than take a car as it will take much longer time to arrive.

Tonight we are going on vacation to Japan. Can’t wait for it!

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

Being a big brother

Caden: "Sasya, DO NOT put your hands inside your mouth!!!"

.

I am always surprised by Caden’s love to Sasya. He pats Sasya all the time (and I am proud to say that most of the time is a gentle one).

He is a good big brother for Sasya. I hope when he has his own brother or sister, he would treat him as good as he treat Sasya.

Christmas Lunch

Santa and his two Reindeers

To the Little Gym with the little ones

Ii Ani and family came yesterday so Caden and I brought Sasya to the Little Gym today. She enjoyed it! Didn’t cried at all.

Sending Daddy to the Airport

Daddy has been very busy these days. This week he only home for 1 day. He came yesterday morning and fly again today afternoon.

Have a safe flight, daddy and please come home soon!

Hair-Cut

The last time Caden’s cut his hair was just before his second birthday, about three months ago. Although I didn’t think that it is long yet, I see that his hair is a bit messy now.

Since we woke up early from his nap, I went earlier to United Square to cut his hair, before his music class.

Amazingly, Caden was able to sit through the whole process, all by himself, while watching a Barney show.

This would be the first time he had done that.

He used to be screaming and wriggling around so much, doesn’t matter if he was being carried or not, or weather if there was an interesting show or not.

This time, although he wriggled a little here and there and wanted us stop the whole process once in a while, his eyes were somehow hooked onto the TV.

Afterward, he looks so neat and so grown up. I am liking it! ^_^

Happy 18th Birthday ii Ali...

...may you grown to be a mature young woman who loves God and your family.
.
PS: Oh yes...we put the candles in thw wrong order!

@ 6.30am...

…wearing my green pajamas and cap, I went to the market with mommy, my nanny and my maid.

Orchard Road at Night

Orchard Road is so pretty.

I have been telling myself that I want to bring Caden to see all the pretty lights when he woke up late from his nap.

And he did today! He woke up at 5pm. So we can go out until 8.30pm today.

It was raining at about 6.30pm. I thought we won’t be able to make it but then it stopped.

Oma dropped us at Orchard Road and we are supposed to walk back home while enjoying the scenery.

But in less than 15 minutes, Caden was pleading to go back home. I suspect it’s because he is seldom go out when the sky is dark, therefore he wasn’t feeling very comfortable.

In the end, we went home by taxi.

Caden's Baptism and Mommy's Birthday

Today is a big day for us. It’s Caden’s baptism and mommy’s birthday at the same time.

The whole baptism ceremony was great. Caden was doing really well. He was being quiet and didn’t give any tantrums or any actions that we didn’t want it to happen.

[Although after the whole ceremony I had to take him out for a walk or else he disturb the people in the church]

He was waiting patiently until his name was called and he was also keeping quite when a small amount of water was poured unto his head.

Then off we went to Shangri-La Hotel to have brunch at Shang Palace and to celebrate mommy’s birthday, too.

I have to proudly say that Caden can blow candles really well now. He couldn’t even do it at his own 2 years old birthday party back in September, but he surely can do it now!

Diarrhea

We brought Caden to our favorite Ramen restaurant yesterday and last night he got diarrhea – 5 times.

The worst part was to wash him up in the middle of the night, where he was still so sleepy.

He still very active and didn’t seem to be bothered by the diarrhea --- I am glad.

But I hope he will recover very soon and I hope it will not messing up the whole BIG event tomorrow.

[It’s going to be Caden’s baptism and my birthday at the same time. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time.]

Goggles

Not sure why Caden seems to like his goggles (which he hates it and refused to wear at the swimming pool) everywhere.

He asked us to put it on at home while he was playing with Lego and Play-Dough. He wants to wear it in the car and while we are going to class. Luckily he let us take it off when the class start.

Baking Cookies

We watched the Sesame Street show last weekend at Marina Square. I also bought Caden a plate, a cup and a Sesame Street spoon there and two Sesame Street book at Kinokuniya.

I just found out that Elmo like to bake cookies and there is this big blue creature (Elmo’s friend) called Cookie Monster.

I thought baking a cookie with Caden would be fun, especially since it has been raining all the time nowadays.

Caden was very interested at the beginning, but when it came to the moulding part, he was just sitting back and looking at me molding the dough. He was not in the mood to make his hands dirty.

I asked Caden if he wants big cookies or smaller ones, he said, “big”. So then I baked some big cookies for him.

We also did some cookie decorating afterwards.

Bambini Playclub @ Kallang

Though I was a little disappointed at how small the place is, the kids had fun and the mommies had a great time with each other, too.