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...