Off to Sydney

We are off to Sydney today for a 15 days holiday! It's been a very, very, very long time since Kel & I have been on a holiday together. Can you imagine, our last trip was in 2004 & it was not even to somewhere far! We just went to Ipoh to visit Kel's friend who had moved there for business.

What makes this holiday even more special is coz Daryl is coming with us for the very 1st time. Finally, there's a chop on his new passport. :p

Our flight - SQ 221 will be departing from Terminal 3. Thus, we check in early so that we can explore the new terminal. Another reason is coz we had requested for a wheelchair for Kel's mum who had difficulty walking. Thus, we need to be there early as we would be the 1st to board the aircraft.

The new terminal is huge... We had a great time exploring it, especially the duty free shops. :p Kel bought liquor, cigarettes, cigars & a new cologne while I bought a new perfume.





















































I took the above 2 pics of Daryl in front of a water feature while Kel is still shopping in the duty free shops. Now I know how much attraction the duty free shops have on Kel. *faint*

Soon, it was time to board the aircraft. When we reached the boarding gate, to our horror, we saw that a lot of passengers had already boarded the aircraft. This means that we would have to wait till all the passangers had boarded before we could do so as Kel's mum had to be wheeled to her seat. Boy, we were very fed up with the error that SIA had made. Luckily, the air stewardress told us that we could board 1st while she take care of Kel's mum. When all the other passengers had boarded, she would then wheeled Kel's mum in.

When we were all settled in, we took some pics for remembrance as we are taking the A380 aircraft for the very 1st time! Our seats nos. are 38D, E, F & G.



































Me & Daryl





















The 10.6 inch personal widescreen LCD - the largest in economy class with 1,000 entertainment options. We had a lot of fun exploring the various options. It features 100 movies, including the latest blockbusters, more than 180 TV shows, 700 over CDs, over 20 radio channnels & action packed 3D games.

At 8.35pm, the aircraft took to the skies & departed Singapore. Daryl fell asleep soon after the aircraft ascended as he didn't take his afternoon nap. However, he didn't sleep well as I think that he's not used to the humming sound of the aircraft engine. Thus, he kept waking up.



































Me & a grouchy & sleepy Daryl





















Kel & his mum



































Daryl & Kel enjoying their inflight entertainment





















Daryl's snack. It was his 2nd meal of the flight. He had a great time eating this as he didn't get to get his 1st meal which was supposed 2 be his dinner. He had fallen asleep when they served his meal. Thus, Kel & I polished it off. :p

















































A full & satisfied Daryl with Kel watching their shows again

The flight was supposed to land at Sydney at 5.55am. However, the flight was delayed till 6.45am as the aircraft had to circle around Sydney's airport for a while as there were too many planes landing at Sydney's airport. We were incredulous as this is the 1st time that we had heard of this. That was not the end of our woes...

2nd, as Daryl didn't sleep well on the flight, he wanted to be carried instead of walking by himself when we disembarked from the aircraft. When we suggested to him that he sits in Kel's mum's lap, he refused. In addition, as Sydney is 2 hours ahead of Singapore, it means that it's only about 5am in Singapore time. At this time, he's usually snuggled in his bed. Therefore, he's super duper grouchy.

3rd, I kena the flu when I was in the aircraft. It could be that the aircraft was too cold for me or I had somehow kena the virus on board. As I didn't sleep during the flight, I guessed that my resistance is lowered. The result... I kept sneezing when we landed. Judging by my past history, it's going to be a while for me to recover. What a way to start our vacation...

4th, the airport is way too small for the no. of passengers who are using it. Thus, there was a very long queue of passengers who are queuing up to clear customs. A long queue which moves very slowly + a super grouchy & restless toddler who didn't have enough sleep = an explosive situation. Kel lost his patience with Daryl & gave him a smack. I had to soothe & comfort the notti boy.

5th, we helped Pat to bring over 2 pieces of her luggage as her luggage was way overweight when she went back. For some unknown reason, 1 of her luggage which she had packed into a box, had to be retrieved from another baggage claim area which is at the other end of the airport from where we were waiting for our luggage. Thus, Kel had to make his way among the huge no. of travellers to retrieve the box. Boy, was he pissed...

6th, Pat told us to wait for her at a cafe which is on the right side from where we had exit the customs. After 20 minutes of waiting, I sensed that something is amiss as the waiting time was way too long. When I called her after we had cleared the customs, she told me that she's already outside the airport. Thus, I called her again & found out that she was not able to locate us. Apparently, we had waited at the wrong cafe as there were 2 cafes in the airport. The cafe which she mentioned was at the other end of the airport! She told us to wait while she & Sam walked over to find us. After 5 minutes, I spied Sam & called him. What a relief...

Our relief was short lived. It was a very long walk from the cafe to the carpark where Pat & Sam had parked their cars. As we had 2 trolleys, Kel & I had to push 1 each while Sam helped Kel's mum along. Luckily, I managed to persuade Daryl to be a good boy. Thus, I can hold his right hand while I used my right hand to manoveur the trolley. It was not easy but I managed to do it while sneezing all the time due to the cold. What a sight we must have been. At the carpark, I was very relieved to see Pat. She helped me to push my trolley while I held Daryl's hand.

We reached their cars & loaded our luggage in. Sam went to work while Pat drove us back to their house. It was a very long drive of about 1.5 hours as we encountered the morning traffic. Daryl & I were so tired that we fell asleep during the ride.

After this experience, now I understand why Changi Airport is always voted as the best airport by the travellers. After a long & tiring flight, all we wanted to do was to clear the customs & go to Pat & Sam's house to rest. However, it was not to be as we had to deal with long queues, waiting times, frustrations, etc. Now we appreciate Singapore's efficiency.

I was woken up by Kel who told us that we had reached Cherrybrook Village Shopping Centre. This's the nearest shopping centre from Pat & Sam's house. Pat wanted to stop here for a while so that we can have our breakfast & she can buy some groceries just in case we are cooking dinner.

We stopped at this cafe - Zest Patisserie for breakfast. While Kel & Pat was ordering our breakfast, I took pics.





















Daryl giving me the 'look'





















Giving me a very big smile when I told him to say 'cheese'. What a cheeky boy...

After breakfast, we went inside the shopping centre. While Kel, Pat & their mum are shopping for groceries, Daryl & I took the chance to explore the centre. Daryl was very happy when he spied a car kiddy ride & wanted to sit in it.





















See how happy he was

When they were done, we left the shopping centre & went to Pat & Sam's house. It was such a relief... We went to our room. I unpack our some stuff while Kel bathe Daryl. Then it was my turn. After our shower, we were knocked out. Poor Kel didn't get a chance to nap after his shower as he had to accompany Pat to rent a wheelchair for their mum. Nevermind, he will get his chance later in the night. :p

2nd Day

Yesterday night was a nightmare for me. Coz of the ulcers in his mouth, Daryl was not able to suck his thumb when he sleeps, as per his normal routine. Thus he kept waking up in the middle of the night to cry. I was woken up a few times by his cries. The worst thing is, he couldn't be comforted by petting which was what I normally did. I had to carry him in my lap & pet him back to sleep. *Yawn*

In addition, Kel was of not much help. Reason, he had fell down on Fri night, thus the left side of his rib cage hurts like hell. He can't carry heavy stuff as it would aggravate his pain. 1 of the heavy stuff which he can't carry, happens to be his baobei. *faint* How bad can things be? Dr Chua had told to take it easy for the time being. If the pain still persists on Wed, he would have to go back to see Dr Chua again & probably go for an X-ray to ascertain whether he had broken any ribs.

I took some pics of Daryl's blisters. As you can see, his case is indeed a pretty mild 1.



































The blisters on his mouth





















The only blister on his left hand





















The blisters on his groin area

Daryl's appetite is not so good today. He only ate 1/2 of his normal portions & he told me that he's "bao bao" already. In addition, he's also not drinking much water. I had to resort to bribing him with his fav Pokka Green Tea so that he can drink more water.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that he would recover soon.

HFMD

This morning, I woke up to find that the small pimples around Daryl's mouth had turned into blisters. In addition, I also found ulcers in his mouth, 1 blister on his left hand & some on his groin area. Worried, I went out of our room to find Kel to inform him about it. We were afraid that it might be the Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease or HFMD in short.

We decided to visit Dr Chua to confirm our diagnosis. At Dr Chua's clinic, our worst fears were confirmed. Daryl is indeed suffering from HFMD! Luckily his case is a mild 1 as he's not having any fever. Dr Chua prescribed an antibotic & a cream for Daryl to apply. In addition, Daryl was given a MC for 7 days.

I think that it's going to be a long 7 days... Hopefully Daryl can get well soon. Seeing him in such pain really breaks my heart!

Colour Colour

After dinner, we were sitting on the sofa to watch TV when Daryl told me that he wants to 'colour colour'. Thus, I took out the kids menu & the crayons which I took back yesterday from Seah Street Deli & gave them to him. The kids menu & the crayons were given to Daryl when we had lunch there yesterday with Esther, Nicole & Janet.

I showed Kel what Daryl had 'coloured' in the kids menu. However, blur me forgot to take a pic for remembrance. Then Daryl asked me to 'take out the crayons' as he wanted to 'colour colour' already. I took them out of the box & Daryl sat down to create his masterpiece.














































































See how cheeky he is. When he realised that I am taking his pics, he gave me these funny gestures & expressions.



































Daryl's masterpiece... FYI, the funny shapes & lines do represent somethings. E.g. the 2 'rectangles' somewhere on the top left of the drawing is a bus & a truck. I am surprised that he even knows how to draw them. :p

After creating his masterpiece, he took a 'break' on the sofa. Then he told me that he wants to 'cheese'. So I took these pics.









































































Kel & I were in stitches when we saw these poses. :p

Shopping for New Bed

We need to get a new bed for Daryl as he is getting too big for his cot already. In addition, with the arrival of Baby in Aug, we also need to 'upgrade' Daryl as Baby will be sleeping in the cot.

Kel's appts in the afternoon were postponed by his clients, therefore, he got time to come bed shopping with us. We decided to go IMM as I remembered seeing some beds there in the shape of cars. We had sounded Daryl out & he seems okie with the prospect of sleeping in his own 'car car bed bed'.

After lunch, we got ready to go out. In order to let Kel spend more time with Daryl, I drove to my mum's place to pick her up instead. Since she stayed nearby, we asked her along together with my sis so that we can have dinner together.





















Daryl & Kel. See how happy the 2 of them are. :p





















Daryl giving his daddy a very big & long kiss

When we reached IMM, we went to check out the beds. Omg... the beds are so expensive! They range from $599 to $699. As we didn't like the mattress which is given for every purchase of the bed frame, we asked whether we can change the mattress. The salesman told us that we can change it, provided that we top up the difference. So after calculations, the bed will cost $898. *faint* We decided to think about it as we are not prepared to spend so much on a bed. Even our own bed don't cost that much.

After checking out the beds, we went shopping. Daryl was being a brat & he refused to walk by himself. He kept wanting Kel to carry him. I think it's coz he wanted the attention from Kel as the 2 of them had not been spending much time with each other. Thus, Kel got no choice but to carry his baobei. However, it's no joke carrying a 16kg toddler around IMM, so he decided to carry Daryl on his shoulder instead. Daryl was sooooo happy that he was sitting on Kel's shoulders, so much so that he decided to play with Kel's hair. :p



























Daryl playing with Kel's hair & messing it up.



























See how happy Daryl is while Kel is getting a bit fed up that his hair is being messed up. :p



























Kel is getting angry coz his hair is very messy already while Daryl is oblivious to it. By then, I was in stitches already just by watching the 2 of them.

It was at this point that Kel decided to put Daryl down. Daryl protested very loudly at this. However, I managed to distract him with some gummi bears so that he would walked by himself. We walked for a while more before settling down to dinner at Fish & Co.

After dinner, Kel dropped us off at my mum's place while he went for his appts. When he was done, he came back to my mum's place to pick us up. Then it was home sweet home...

Daryl Reading

This morning, after I finished reading my newspapers, I went to find Daryl as he had been very quiet the whole morning. Thus, I suspected that he was up to some mischief. However, I was very wrong.

I went into our room & saw this...





















Daryl had laid out some of his books in a square around him & he was reading them 1 by 1. No wonder he had been so quiet the whole morning.





















When he saw me taking his pics, he went to hide his face behind 1 of his books.































































Then he ignored me & continued to read his book.





















When he had finished, he looked up & gave me his cheeky smile.





















Feeling 'embarrassed' that I am taking his pics, he decided to mess up the books which he had placed in a square.





















He covered his face also.





















See how cheeky he is. Now you know why I said that it's very difficult to get a good pic of him nowadays?





















After he's done 'messing' his books, he decided to rearrange them again. *faint*

Aquadoddle

I bought the Spinmaster Aquadoodle Thomas Toot N Doodle for Daryl through Yvonne a few weeks back. She managed to get a very good price for me, thus I only paid S$50.00 for it. In addition, she was so nice that she actually delivered the item to my place yesterday! Thanks a lot, Yvonne! :)
























It was actually meant to be a gift from Baby to his / her Gor Gor. However, I changed my mind when I saw the size. I don't think that it would be possible for me to hide it in my hospital bag. In addition, Daryl had spied it when we came back home as Asty didn't hide it. As it was very late already, I told Daryl that he can play with it tomorrow when he wakes up.

This morning, when Daryl woke up, he told me that he wanted to play with the chu chu train toy. I was impressed that he still remembered my promise yesterday. Thus, after breakfast, I asked Daryl to ask Kel for 2 AA batteries so that we can put them into the train. The sweet boy replied me,"Mummy & Daryl take battery together." How can I resist? Especially when he gave me such a sweet smile too. :p So I took his hands & we went to the study room to take the batteries from Kel.

A while later, Kel came out to see what we were doing. I think he couldn't resist sneaking a peek at what his baobei wants to do with the batteries. I was in the midst of trying to remove the items from the box. When Kel saw that, he came to help me to put the batteries into the train, with a lot of 'help' from Daryl. When we were done, Kel & Daryl started playing.























































































































See how happy Daryl is, especially when Kel is playing together with him. I think Daryl misses Kel a lot as Kel had been very busy recently with his work. Thus, we seldom spent time together nowadays.

I also took a video of the 2 of them playing together. Seeing the 2 of them play together always makes me smile. Enjoy...

Lunch at KFC

We decided to have lunch at KFC today as Kel is getting a little bit sick of MacDonald's already. :p Thus, after picking up Daryl from school, we went to the KFC at Kallang there.

It's been a very long while since we have gone there as I can't eat fried foods. However, I threw all caution to the wind since I got pregnant. :p Daryl seem to enjoy the food there, though I think that he still likes his MacDonald better.























































































































From the pics above, you can see Daryl eating the KFC drumstick & chicken wing. That's not all, he also polished off 3/4 of the box of popcorn chicken. *faint* I don't even eat that much.

When he was done, Asty went to wash his hands & face. Then it's off to Dr Chua's clinic so that Asty can do her 1/2 yearly medical checkup. When we were done, it's home sweet home so that Daryl can have his afternoon nap.

Off the Mouth

My cheeky boy said something really cheeky to me today! When I heard it, I don't know whether I should laugh or cry.

Kel, me & Daryl were in the car on the way to Kel's office. Along the way, Kel & I were talking while Daryl is listening to his nursey rhymes CD. Suddenly, Daryl said, "Mummy, off the mouth."

The notti boy was asking me to stop talking so that he can listen to his CD! Kel was laughing his head off when he heard that while I was speechless. I looked at Daryl & he repeated to me, "Mummy, off the mouth." In addition, he used his right fingers to press my lips together. Then I replied him, "Okie, mummy will stop talking now okie." The cheeky boy then nodded his head. *faint* What a cheeky boy I have...