Holiday Program




23 November 2011, I brought TD to the holiday program at JG, where we spent half a day at the Bird Park.

It was a five days, two hour each playgroup at Forum.

So, I spent the week bringing TD to playgroup in the morning; and then rushing off to work in the afternoon, and then being home by about 7pm for dinner.

I had a lot of fun and felt a lot of love spending so much time with TD together.

On the flipside though, I seemed to have burnt out a little haha..

When I return home after work these days, I stop playing flash cards with him....guess I just need some time to get back to routine haha

After work these days, I am pretty exhausted. After reading to him at bedtime, I will kinda glue myself to my computer, although doing brainless stuff.

When I first moved in, I will spend some time reading on my bed before bedtime. Now, even when I have time, I don't get down to chanting nor reading a book (which I should).... I just stone and surf the internet....kinda like a waste of time...hmm what is happening to me?

Hopefully, I will get some useful routine back ;)

Everybody Loves Coke

It's amazing how a can of coke can be highly desirable by a 19 months old. TD's development has been amazing to me.





Here are some of his funny conversations that are memorable to me.

Saturday Nov 19 2011, I woke up and decided that positivity starts from home. So I gave TD three to four big smiles while playing flash cards with him. On the fourth smile, TD smiled back at Mummy, and said "What's so funny?"

Tuesday Nov 22 2011, I was having breakfast with TD, and he wanted some of my fresh milk. I gave him a spoonful.

TD: Thank you.
Mummy: :)
TD: What must you say?
Mummy: surprised, and giggled back uncontrollably "You are WELCOME!"
TD: So loud
Mummy: ?

Its Playtime!

Theodore started an once-a-week, two hours playgroup at Julia Gabriel at 18 months. It is an accompanied playgroup with myself so far, and my mum for one lesson. TD is the youngest in class with most toddlers being older than 20 months. So to the rest of the class, TD is like a baby. TD clings onto me almost half the time, with the exception of playground time. This is the only time where I can disappear and TD does not really care. He can play with the teachers, while I chat with the other mummies not within his sight...



Today is Deepavali, a public holiday. Hubby is in Hong Kong for a few days, so I had the opportunity to spend an entire day with TD.

It is amazing how his speech has developed from singular words of 'fan', 'machine' etc to phrases and now sentences. His favourite daily sentences/ phrases these days are:

• Daddy makes coffee in the morning.


• Mummy uses the hair dryer.


• Barrier goes up...inside (trying to say that the barrier goes up so that the car can go inside the carpark)


• Wipers dry the window.


• Washing machine.. dirty clothes


• Metronome please


• Put Back

Seems like his favourite phrases are all to do with machineries or something mechnical. Rather focused and peculiar to me. Thats why I have been wondering if Montessori might be more suitable for him than a fixed curriculum. I do not have much knowledge in this area though...researching and trying to understand at this point...

Theodore is 18 months

My boy is 18 months old. I wish I can write more, but this is the third day of my move to my new home, so I have to admit I am really zonked out. Yet I don't want to lose track of the wonderful things my boy is going through...

Thats him, taking his own initiative to hug a big soft toy he saw along the way at Plaza Singapura.

TD is starting to string sentences together. He said "water, bubbles, water come out". He was trying to describe how the humidifier in his room works.

TD's first complete english sentence is "What is Daddy doing?" since I always say that to him.

Oh yes, if I say TD is 18 months, he would repeat it after me like a parrot..."18 months, 18 months".

Irwin is setting up the CCTV in the new house now. Tomorrow is the first day I return to work after the move. I hope everything will be A-ok at home, and have reminded Sumini to be diligent and to supervise TD, and not let him playy alone. For a working mum, she can only pray and hope that everything at home is ok...

A very Busy Birthday
Yes I am 32

This was the most busy birthday I had. Usually, I would try to take leave and not work on my birthday. This year, my birthday falls on a Saturday, and because of the new house...phew was I busy.

The only time where it felt like my birthday was the many messages I received on Facebook and Whatsapp. Finally, in the evening, Irwin, Theodore and myself managed to steal a little bit of time to relax at one of our favourite Italian restaurant - Bella Pasta. This was also the only time I could tell Irwin, tonight it is your turn to take care of the little toddler while I tuck in to my dinner at my own pace..thank you :)

So I am 32. I don't mind writing it down as time seems to flies so fast I seem to be forgetting my age.

Showing Theodore the Aeroplane

Sunday morning, TD woke up at 7am. After his milk, he didn't go back to sleep and we decided to bring TD to the airport to show him what an aeroplane is.

Irwin and I headed straight to McDonalds first to fill our stomach with pancakes, while TD had his banana + kiwi + cereal + yogurt. TD was very interested in the lift elevators. He stood there for a while and was saying 'up up up', 'down down down', 'coming up', 'going down'. At 17 months 3 weeks old, TD stood at the lift and said 'Bye Bye Auntie', 'Bye Bye Uncle' as the strangers took the lift.

We went to the departure viewing level, and again as the aeroplane drove off, he said 'Bye Bye aeroplane', and was telling one of the Aunties "aeroplane". Quite a social and talkative boy yea...

So there he is, running off by himself. Daddy & Mummy decided to sit where we were to observe what he would do...He is growing up real fine isn't he :)

Counting my Blessings

Connecting with nature always bring back some peace into urban life. The weekend of Pierce Reservoir and Each Coast beach has lifted my spirits and the sense of calmness. That morning, we were running late as I had to heat up TD's lunch which was still in its frozen state. We also received a parking fine as we could not find a parking lot. We were expecting to 'swallow down' McDonalds on the beach mat so that we could cater to TD's tight schedule of meals and naptime. When we arrived, my Dad said 'No, go behind McDonalds, I will buy you breakfast'.

Yippie, thats how the calmness all began.

Having a sea view, and my mummy feeding TD meant that I could take a little break from the morning rush of packing his clothes and toys, and getting his meals and milk powder ready.

Why I feel very blessed... I have a very supportive and wise family. I have a very kind husband. TD is growing and developing well. He is happy and healthy - what more do I ask for?

At a point where I count my happiness, I would also like to share a page I read today (I have more time to read ever since I start to schedule TD's zzz time between 8:30pm - 9:30pm. It has been a success! but less time between TD and me after work ;(

"...the other class of counterproductive emotions -which include feelings such as lust, hatred, enmity (feeling of hostility or ill will), jealousy, and belligerence (hostile/ warlike attitude) - should not be expressed; they become more and more frequent. Expressing them tends to make them stronger and more prevalent. It is better to reflect on the disadvantages of engaging in such emotions and try to dsisplace them with feelings of satisfaction and love. We should forcefully overcome negative emotions when they appear, but it would be even better to find ways to prevent them in the first place."

The Beach

17 months 1 week. TD explored the beach at East Coast. Gong Gong suggested bringing TD to the beach. We were all so excited about it. Por Por went to check out four malls to buy a beach toy the evening before, but no avail - yeah how come Orchard malls no longer carry beach tools? haha. Luckily Daddy went to Ikea in the evening to buy some scoops and cups as a subsititute. Yes thats how much we care haha.

Apparently Gong Gong woke up at 4am and was very excited about how TD would react to the sand and sea too.

Anyhow, TD LOVES the Beach!! He was a bit apprehensive about the sand at first but soon got over it very quickly. He scooped sand into the red bucket and then poured it out and said 'empty' - his favourite word these days (He would intentionally take anything out in order to get it empty and then make his point that it is empty!).

When he first saw the waves, he held on tight to Daddy's hand, but he soon let go, took a step, and then two and then three and was kicking in the water as Daddy held on under TD's arms. He had a good half an hour in the sea, despite sea water going into his mouth and eyes, he kept wanting to go back into the sea water. That was a really fun first beach adventure for the whole family!

Many things happened in the month of August, but I don't think I want to write about it, as I want to let it go and move on with my life. I learnt a lot from the incident, about myself, and about her. Last night, as TD went to bed at 7:30pm, that gave me some nice time to read How to Practise by Dalai Lama... "being constantly aware of what you are doing with your body and your speech" is important. In summary,

self-awareness to refrain from physical and verbal actions that cause harm to others- this prepares a person to move beyond the repeated round of birth, aging, sickness and death (samsara)

restrain the mind from falling into selfishness

focus on wisdom and compassion

abandon the ten nonvirtues:

- Physical: killing, stealing, sexual misconduct

- Verbal: lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, senseless chatter

- Mental: coventousness, harmful intent, wrong views

small acts of compassion grant meaning and purpose to our lives

In difficult personal circumstances, the best recourse is to be as honest and sincere as possible. By responding harshly or selfishly, you simply make things worse. This is especially apparent in painful family situations. When you experience a difficult period, do your best to avoid behaviour that will add burden later on.

Under no circumstances should you lose hope. Hopelessness is a real cause of failure.

A Trip to the Supermarket


Sunday, we brought him to the supermarket with us. No choice as Irwin is working all weekends, and that was the only opportunity to spend time together as a family. TD used to hate sitting in the trolley when younger, but clearly at 16 months, the supermarket and the trolley excited him. He was talking and laughing loudly, and the staff smiled and laughed at him. I don't know, at times he is quiet and timid; at times confident and loud. I guess all toddlers have their moods - just like adults, depending on whether we sleep or eat adequately as well.

Theodore at 16 months

This is my current iphone screen saver. Isn't he a delight? I have to say, I find it quite useful as my wallpaper. When I find the day going tough, or overly busy, taking just a second look at this picture takes all troubles away.

Everything has been going well with Theodore, and I am thankful for it. Looking at the famine in Somalia really breaks my heart. I made a small donation - what else can I do? Hope the situation can get better...

Our Family



Our family had an one night holiday at Mandarin Orchard (courtesy of Dad's complimentary voucher). TD was absolutely delighted. Jumping on the bed, exploring his reflection in the mirrors, playing with the cupboard knobs, looking down at the cars, swimming at the pool (despite the shivering he wanted to go back to the pool again and again). It was not that easy having a holiday with a toddler. In fact, it becomes TD's holiday. We were the facilitators of his happiness index. Irwin and I had a lot of fun watching him enjoy his hoiday, so we decided that even though it is hard work, our future holidays would still be with TD included.

Back to reality, there was another blowout in the house. So, this time FIL decides that the carpets should come back (again). TD's skin is much better now, but he is still sensitive to heat, extreme usage of perfume, and if it is a rather dirty place (no offence, but he does not seem to take food court and coffee shops well even if it is a cool day...maybe its the oil/ dirt in the air?). Thus I am highly suspicious that TD's skin will react to the dander infected carpets. I am afraid that he would develop asthma if forced to be exposed to the allergen over time since he was previously proven to be allergic to those carpets. Thus I got worried, stressed and agitated.

I am unable to understand FIL's love for carpets. I am unable to understand why his grandson's health should not take priority. I am sure he might have his reasons, but at this point, I can't see it. So I kinda blew up. I guess I should have handled it better, but who would understand a working mum's stress? I need to know that the home environment is appropriate for TD since I cannot be by his side. Frankly taking care of his skin is quite tiring and it is stressful watching him scratch. In-laws would never understand. In fact, I have seen how they "look after" him, they just allow him to scratch (or maybe they didn't notice?).

Dalai Lama says "Cultivating an attitude of compassion and developing wisdom are slow processes. As you gradually internalize techniques for developing morality, concentration of mind, and wisdom, untamed states of mind become less and less frequent. You will need to practice this technique day by day, year by year. As you transfrom your mind, you will transform your surroundings. Others will see the benefits of your practice of tolerance and love, and will work at bringing these practices into their own lives."

Appreciating Life

I have been feeling busy and tired. TD caught stomach flu from his parents. Recovered with just probiotics, so I should feel happy. Then there are always family issues, pulling me back from getting back to my work momentum.

However, tonight, two issues touched my heart.

1) I just realised that my helper who is close to 40 was trying for a kid before she was asked persistently by MIL to come back to Singapore to help. After this contract, she will go back and continue her family planning as she currently has one daughter only. I felt touched. Imagine being at 40, she gave up her own family planning to come to foreign land to help out another family's baby. Based on her medical checkup, she is still able to have babies, so she will continue her plan when she returns.

2) I watched the Marine Parade GRC short rally between PAP and NSP (while pumping milk). Not sure why I got emotional and sobbed! Somehow I felt that whichever party wins, the fact is there are people who would step up to fight for values or justice they believe in. Their decisions can impact/ benefit millions of people (lets not talk about the unhappy minority - there will always be people unhappy whenever a policy has to be made - with this, neither does this indicate that I am a PAP supporter either).

I used to talk a lot about politics when younger. I questioned my Dad, Why this, Why that? Why is it like this? Then, one day while in the car, my Dad said, in Singapore, this is a country, if you don't like its politics, you leave the country. His point was, no point questioning it(maybe I was asking too much questions). With that, I stopped all politics inquisitiveness till now! Till I saw and read more about Nicole Seah.

The point is, there are people out there who are willing to serve the country for the good of all. How about me? How am I contributing to the society, to the world? Perhaps I am contributing to TD more directly...but can I be more useful?

I guess at this age, I do not have much of an option, but can contribute more in terms of trying to grow and make my family happy; contribute to my family business and hope that I make the right decisions and policies that can benefit the employees (they work hard, and I hope that we can make lots of $$ to remunerate them; and that they have a reasonable working environment that they can enjoy working in); and add value to our clients.

There were some challenges at work today. I am glad that I handled it well. It comes with maturity (age!). At a higher management level, it is important to be calm, insightful and compassionate. This paragraph from the Dalai Lama book best explains it:

Trouble is bound to come, so cultivating the right attitude is crucial. Anger diminishes our power to distinguish right from wrong, and this ability is one of the highest human attributes. If this is lost, we are lost. Sometimes it is necessary to respond strongly, but this can be done without anger. Anger is not necessary. It has no value.

Tired, but loving my day!

Update on the whirlpool

Yes it has been a whirlpool for both Irwin and myself. Irwin was hit with food poisoning over the weekend. I was not sure then if I should bring him to the clinic but upon my Dad's advice we brought him to Gleneagles clinic, where he was put on a drip for an hour or two. Finally his paleness faded and some touch of vibrance resumed. My Dad drove from home to pick us up and stayed with us through at Gleneagles without any hesitation. What can I say? A big thank you.

After he fetched Irwin home, he dropped me at NTUC finest at Somerset as I still had to do marketing for TD and cook for him. That was when my first diarrhea hit. I was all nausea by the time I called for a cab home. When I reached home, I cooked and pureed for TD. Shortly after, I lost appetite and was very nausea too. This continued till the next Monday afternoon. I didn't want to move much as I felt very nausea. Thank goodness somehow my Dad called again and he said he wanted to bring me to the doctor.

I had stomach flu and the doctor advised that both of us stay away from TD, and wear a mask at home.

Apart from the physical whirlpool, I/ we suffered a mental meltdown on Friday evening. MIL was frustrated that we did not cover the food after dinner. Even after I explained that I was very tired from work and forgot, she said "You are always like that, this is very basic." On Saturday, she quoted me out of context and said that I responded to her "I know I know" when she suggested that TD should wear anklet bells at home.

Basically I told her I would ask Irwin and she said "It is not to look good, its functional you know." I replied "I know I know, I will ask Irwin". She basically portrayed me to be very rude to Irwin.

I am glad that Irwin asked me and Sumini what happened, and he found the story to be different from what MIL said..(including the maid story, but I am too tired to write now). Irwin asked MIL why is her story so different from mine and Sumini's. MIL explained it was probably different perspectives. Irwin reminded MIL that in Buddhism there is a lot of emphasis on Body, Speech and Mind, and we cannot be untruthful about facts even if there are different perspectives of who is right or wrong. FIL nodded in agreement. (Apparently MIL was very nice and positive towards Irwin that day)

The Dalai Lama book, How to practise the way to a meaningful life, 2002 says that Harmony cannot thrive in a climate of mistrust, cheating, bullying and mean-spirited competition. Success through intimidation and violence is temporary at best; its trifling gains only create new problems.

Ok, why do I want to write this down? Not that I want to bear grudges, but this indeed has been a rather key event that has happened. Indeed there has been no peace in the family for a while because of mistrust. They think we are overloading the maid, we think they should help out a bit?... how about when we were sick? How about helping when we are both sick? Anyway there are always different perspectives.

My once again wise Dad told me. TD would be very close to me for perhaps another 20 years. Why not concenrate on the joy of bringing him up? Indeed, it will be more worthwhile. With that, I look forward to embracing more joyful days ahead.

First Walk at the Botanic Gardens

Short of one day to one-year-old, Daddy and Mummy brought TD for a walk at Botanic Gardens. TD loves looking at the birds. In this picture, he was just staring curiously (& seriously) at the birds flying through the sky. He would point at the birds and say 'bird' 'bird'. We brought him back to Botanic for the second and third time. This time, he was not as keen to walk and wanted Mummy to carry him so maybe he can look at more things at a faster pace? Or maybe he was sleepy. Still, we know that he enjoyed being outdoors.

At one year, TD can now say 'bird', his favourite 'bear' due to the book "Little Polar Bear", 'four', 'pray', tries to mimick the word 'button'; 'day' whenever I sing the song 'the wheels on the bus..all day long'. When I pray together with him, and chant the Vajarsattva, ..it ends "..hum phet" and he repeats phet in the most cheeky manner, as he now knows the timing. When I chant Sakyamuni, "om muni muni sakyamuni yi soha", he goes mana mana...but he knows how to point at the correct Sakyamuni poster.

Isn't it precious? From only crying when hungry to now trying to express himself.

I have the time to write today as I had high fever for the past two nights. 38.6! Not sure why I have the fever suddenly although I suspect it is a clogged duct. Anyway, the worst part about being sick, is not the sickness itself, but the fact that I stay away from TD in order not to spread anything to him (just in case). To console myself, at least I know that my body is producing antibodies and it will go into his ebm...Get well soon, so that you can play and take care of your Toddler!

Theodore Turned One on 21 March 2011

After going through 12 months of baby-hood, Theodore is now a toddler. Not only has he graduated from the babyhood status, so has his mummy, as she now needs to gain more new knowledge on dealing with a toodler - be it the diet, or the behavioural.

Looking back, Theodore has been a very reasonable baby. He never really did throw tantrums. If we tell him not to touch certain things, most of the time he gets it. His biggest issue for me is his skin problem. With the bacteria-infected carpets and strong perfume out of the house, it has been under control, i.e. no flare ups. For very hot days however, and if the helper didn't turn on the fan or ventilate the room, he can still get red creases on his arms and legs.

All in all, it is under control. As a toddler now, we bring him swimming, and I try to bring him to an outdoor venue on Sunday evening. The outdoor exposure has a little bit of impact on his skin.

Exploration and fun are more important than having tofu skin, so we are getting used to his red creases.

We just came back from Botanic. Teddy was pointing to the dogs. So much so that this Caucasian man actually pulled his dog over to TD and TD patted it. As we parked at home, we saw a beautiful double rainbow, and we took a family photo. Moments like these create a peaceful mind and heart, and they take the tiredness away (temporarily).

Back to the Pool

Teddy got back to swimming at about 11 months. We initially went for a trial when he was seven months, but because Daddy wanted to change to a Sunday schedule, we were on the waitlist for weeks, or months. He is wearing the swim wear from Auntie YM who bought it from New Zealand. Teddy is very serious when he goes swimming. He likes to observe other kids, and hardly let out a smile (haha) except for when we play this Humpty Dumpty song, and he goes free fall.

Teddy really loves water. At times, he will protest and cry bitterly when we take him out of the bath. At last week's class, March 13, 2011, David the coach put his head underwater for the first time, and voila he held his breath underwater. He will pull at his ears of course due to the water. There was no choking and no crying. Good job! Daddy and mummy didn't have the opportunity back then to learn swimming and play with water at 11 months!

On a more solemn note..

March 11 2011, Fukushima, Japan and its nuclear plant were badly damaged by Richter 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. At this point there are about 180 personnel working round the clock to cool the plant. Irwin and I have been glued closely to the news, and for myself looking at Facebook, and am glad to know that my friends in Tokyo are okay, although they are coping with shortage of water. I think it is time that countries on nuclear rethink their energy strategy and source. The consequences can be deadly. On the same note, I also rethink the way I use energy, and was more conscious about leaving lights on when I am not in the room.

Tomorrow we are celebrationg Teddy's one year of age at Japanese Assocation, Singapore (JAS). Due to the event in Japan, I called the lady boss of the Donguri Restaurant to check if the celebration there is still ok. She said on the first day the Japanese were a bit more solemn, but from the second day onwards, things have resumed at JAS. I also asked if the 80 helium balloons were okay. She said fine.

For the food, I have cancelled the meguro and unagi last minute, as these come directly from Japan. Singapore's food regulatory body AVA does sample check, and so far its safe from radiation. As there are breastfeeding mums (including myself) at the party, I decided not to take any risk, so there will only be salmon which comes from Norway.

Worked from home today, and took Teddy down to walk around the poolside. He was having a lot of fun kicking while standing up in the pool. The bubble sound made from his kicks made him giggle loudly. The helper there was laughing at him too. He wanted to go into the baby pool but mummy didnt prepare his swim wear as it was meant to be a short walk AROUND the pool only. My point is, my life priority has changed. When I work late, I feel so guilty. Even though I know he will be in 'good hands' with Sumini..well fed.. but I have no wish that my boy grows up mainly with the helper... hence the choice is very clear to me...its my boy now over a career...

10 reasons to Practise to a Meaningful Life

It's that time of the year again, Lunar New Year celebration on Feb 3, 2011. This year we invited our Guru to our Reunion Dinner. I watched a DVD during the weekend on the Oracle of Dalai Lama. Somehow it gave me inspiration to want to practise more.

1. Anger and Egoism - I have witnessed how these are mischievous troublemakers.

2. If we can develop a warm heart ourselves, we can also transform others.

3. You may be rich, powerful, and well-educated, but without these healthy feelings of kindness and compassion there may be no peace within yourself, no peace within your family - even your children suffer (How to Practise, Dalai Lama) - this is so true!!

4. To achieve a friendly attitude, a warm heart, respect for the rights of others, and concern for their welfare you must train the mind.

5. Be constantly aware of what you are doing with your body and speech! I wish I didn't raise my voice...

6. Refrain from physical and verbal actions that cause harm.

7. Restrain the mind from falling into selfishness, i.e. refrain from self-cherishing.

8. Refrain from physical nonvirtues - killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.

9. Refrain from verbal nonvirtues - lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, and senseless chatter. Guilty.

10. Refrain from mental nonvirtues - covetousness, harmful intent and wrong views.

Trying to get Irwin and myself back into the chanting routine. It does require discipline. We hope do bring Theodore into our prayer session when he is a bit older since burning candles and joss are not good for a baby's lungs and respiratory system. We hope TD will also have the opportunity to embrace Buddhism!

Fancy Being a Mother?

On Saturday, Theodore attended Kaelyn's three year old birthday party (oops but thats not Kaelyn in the photo). After being a parent, Theodore and us have been invited to four birthday parties so far.

Kids parties these days are awesome. It consists of play activities, organised games, gifts, goodie-bags, decorations, banners, balloons, and fanciful cakes. In 2.5 months time Theodore will be having his one year old party.

But this isn't about his party...its about life as a mother! I guess every mother will know how having a kid really transforms one's life (to the point I no longer recognise myself and my style).

It is not in a negative sense. There is joy - the joy of being invited to kids' parties....lol. The joy of compiling my kid's photo album as I watch him grow so fast. Now, Teddy has reached a stage where he starts to laugh and giggle and he will come towards me and hug me every five minutes while playing.

Now that I am back at work - I heard that he is very well behaved during the day, but starts to be 'manja' whenever I am home. He will whine a little for my attention, and wants me to carry him.

I try to spend as much time as possible with TD out of work. Never mind that my Nine West high heels are collecting spider web in my shoe cabinet - never mind that I don't have time to cut my hair - never mind that I no longer do a weekly face or body scrub - never mind that I no longer do a weekly foot massage - TD slept on top of me after milk just now for 45 minutes before I brought him back to his cot - its moments like this that makes the crazy motherhood all worth it!

My 2011

Happy New Year. It comes every year doesn't it? Hah, this year we had Sukiyaki at Wai Gong and Wai Po's house.

Irwin brought some sake over, while Mummy bought some really nice beef and kurobuta. I brought Teddy over...haha, this in itself is quite an effort. I get quite tired when I bring Teddy out, but a lot of satisfaction.

Teddy is really adorable. Quite frankly, he is the centre of attraction for family gatherings. I can't quite imagine time without Teddy (but maybe more quality time to myself haha).

2011. Today Irwin and I went to Great World to do our (or rather Teddy's) groceries. I was rather amazed at the egg range. There is organic, there's kampung free range, and there's Omega plus or Vitamin E plus... After contemplation, we decided to go for organic eggs so that we can limit pesticides residues at this age. Thereafter, I grabbed the same weekly groceries, fish, pork, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato. Looking at our trolley versus the others, I felt we had a really healthy selection haha... but thats because its baby food.

When I came home from the supermarket, I pumped milk, and then went on to puree parsnips + Sweet Potato. Frankly, parsnips has a rather interesting/ weird smell to me. I hope Teddy likes it, but I would rather he be exposed to as many different flavours than to overprotect his tastebuds. So far, he has been an easy and sensible eater. I gave him blended broccoli + cauliflower, and he ate them quite quickly... of course if there was a sweet touch, for example if I blended in apple, he would take half the time, for example 15 mins to finish the meal.

So there you go, this post is supposed to be about 2011, and I think the above says it all. My thoughts are all about Teddy...and I guess it will stay this way... ;)