Eat, Live & Play

Wakie wakie, rise and shiny~~

10th and 11th month:
This is the story of an infant. The most blessed in the world. She has past 9 months of her life and is growing healthily, rapidly. However busy mum & dad are working, they love this little Nana very much with all their hearts. They work hard everyday (literally even on weekends) to give this child a better future, with expenditure for higher education already in mind. Already she is showing the best of both worlds, smart like her mother and strong as her father. And beautiful like no other (I just have to add that).

Princess Christiana sitting at her throne

She is most beautiful when waking up in the morning 

We like bringing her out, showing her around. This small town has nothing extraordinary but an infant requires mental stimulation. The confines of our narrow single storey rented house wouldn't give rise to a world beater (or world leader), so hopefully that would one day give way to our dream house with a large compound. Mean time, she tags along for shopping, eating , sightseeing, with us and sometimes with her babysitter. We enjoy introducing her to various food, and amuse ourself with Nana's reaction every time her taste buds experience something new.

Daddy, you're so contradicting, isn't fast food unhealthy?

 I can't find anything wrong with chocolate ice-cream though.

As we traveled to different restaurant, Nana gets to try new stuff. We know certain food are not suitable for babies, but we make do with the best choice available. Nana wants a break from baby food. She has a good appetite and consumes lots of good quality milk. We minced balance diet into her meals, without forgetting even green vegetables. Other times we allow her indulgence of ice-cream and fried fast food chicken, with some root beer. (Take note the root beer is non-alcohol).  

Going out for dinner with a well-behaved child is a bliss.

Lets down the root bear bottoms up!

It just feels different going out without her. While we know she is safe in the hands of her babysitter, I would still be guilt-stricken for not including her in our hanging out activities or even groceries shopping. Its leaving behind an important piece of me that makes me whole. I have to work hard sometimes to obtain her affection towards me when wife is around, as she always prefers her mother's bosom compare to my flat pectoralis major.

Daddy daddy, let's overtake that car..vroom~vroom~

The tell-tale sign of mischief

However, there are voids left by fatherly figure that wife can never fill (or reluctant to). This father insist, and is very particular of how his daughter is supposed to be brought up, which is by the same strict and disciplined manner as he was. When the wife would always be soft and give in to Nana's tantrum, the father naturally has to be strict and stern to remind the little girl of her boundaries. He wishes his daughter to be obedient, clever, and strong, although he cant decide what he wants his daughter to be 1 day, a doctor or an engineer.

Nana having a taste of fettuccine at Italianes.

From the swollen eyelid bitten by mosquito, Nana admiring Sangria.

Plus point for having a girl in the house is that both parents get to dress her up in the cutest and most adorable outfit possible. Only if father is around, he would dictate how the daughter is dressed, be it a dress or a 2 piece, and even what cap she wears. Father would look out for baby sales, then brings Nana and mummy to shop for Nana's clothes. And he loves cap, especially the one that turns Nana into a mushroom head. We would dress Nana up and model her in front of the mirror to show her how pretty she looks, and she always smile in approval. That would already make my day.

Nana dressed up as Mushroom head from Super Mario bros.

  I don't have teeth, but my smile is cute.

 Clever girl, open mouth big big~~

Coming home to see my daughter is what I've been looking forward after work everyday. I'm always trapped in the dilemma of taking upon myself to settle the unfinished ward responsibilities and coming home early to see Nana. Most often than not, i find myself helping my colleagues working overtime. By the time i see Nana, she would have taken her dinner at the babysitter, and still happy and cheerful to see me.

Nana crackling the whole house down~

That was hilarious, let's do that again!!!

Breakthrough laughter of the year 2010 goes to Christiana

Christiana's laughter is like the burst of an afternoon sunshine. It is full of energy and vibrancy. It is loud and piercing. At 10 months old, Nana is not known to be a laughing Buddha. She is most of the time in her cool and adorable neutral mood, if not cranky and seeking attention.

So this 1 day as i was carrying her and opening the freezer to get something, i decided to let her experience the feeling of "cold/chillness". I swung her towards the freezer pretending that i was throwing her into it. She cracked a laughter finding it amusing. Then i placed the ice box onto her arm and she burst into further laughter. It was the 1st time I witnessed her crackling so much, as the whole house was echoing with her piercing crackles.   

....The innocence of my baby's laughter, no words could describe, just so powerful and heavenly it touches and melts a father's heart (Fortunately wife recorded it on video this milestone event).   

Oh hi dad, glad that you could come join me for a chat.

Never mind if you're stress, i will cheer you up!

I'm getting very good at posing for the camera..hehe

Within the confines of our small rented link house, is Nana's dwelling place, and playground. She is not raised in a royal palace or opulent mansion. However, any place is just right for her as long as she lives under the protective shadow of her maker and the loving companionship of mum and dad. Nana might get bored sometimes but we entertained her with toys, pictures in alphabet book, and most importantly ourselves. Father likes playing peek-a-boo and lifting Nana up in the air, among the rest, while mum's calming and soothing presence is wonderful enough.

Nana tasting the water trickling down her hair.

After a bout of waves making..Nana quiets down to ponder something.

or rather...(bubbles coming out) Hahaha, i was letting out some fart :-p

I supposed the cutest moment, asking me to vote for, would be Christiana's bath time. She's totally unafraid of water, and love the feeling of it trickling down her skin, and the astonishing visual of her remake of the parting of red sea as she splashes her hands into the water. She likes licking the water coming down her mouth and looks cheeky adorable with her tongue sticking out intermittently.

Remember those days she was still little enough we could soak her lying down in the bath tub. In a flash she has outgrown the length of the tub and only looks good sitting in her "red submarine".

Waiting for the usual roti canai..Nana loves the dhal

Cute lovely sight of my daughter catching a peaceful sleep

On a typical Sunday if we're not working, everyone would wake up at their own timing. Nana would wake up cheerful, get dressed up pretty for church, and head for breakfast at the neighborhood mamak stall. At church, Nana goes through the whole motion of worship, sermon then fellowship. When she gets noisy, me or wife would adjourn to the back "baby room" lest she distracts the congregation.

After a hearty lunch at the nearby chinese hawker, we head back for a rest. Nana is put to nap while her parents spend some time together before catching up on sleep or recharging for the laborious week ahead. Nana wakes up and trigger our alarm clock. The evening is playing time, followed by dinner outside.

If at all there's a family function at the in laws, we would be back at Subang.

Dad, all these toys are passed down, can i buy new ones?

The only japanese food i know to enjoy is Chawan Mushi

One day dad decided to buy a motorbike. He has been eyeing, for some time, at super bikes just because he can't afford a super car. Being adventurous, he certainly will not settle for a kapcai or semiautomatic bike. He fancy sporty, unique and standout bikes of the latest model in the market. The launch of the Yamaha FZ 150i was the perfect timing and it top the list of dad's bike shopping option.

This model which comes in 3 colours (red, blue and black) packs 150cc engine power. The manual bike's size fits the engine power perfectly albeit rather heavy on the road. Having said that, dad's new Red Beast is known to blaze top speed at 130km/hr. And so for 7K, it was his to ride home.

One day i will learn to ride a manual bike.

Dad, can you take us out for a ride already?

Naturally dad's daughter is the 1st person after him to experience the initial thrill of sitting on the back of this mean machine. Like David meeting Goliath, its amusing to see how the little girl pale in size compare to dad's bike. After modeling with dad's latest exhibition Christiana is immediately brought out for a spin, taking the front passenger seat in between papa's arms.

.

.

.

Christiana's cheekiness is best described as subtle yet radiant at the same time. These are the accounts of her cheekiness personify:
1.  She walks like humpty dumpty in her unsteady gait.
2.  She can't resist climbing on any possible furniture above her waistline, despite barely walking.
3.  She likes sticking her tongue out while she's at it.
4.  She smiles and dance to her achievement, totally oblivious of the fear of height.

Nana at this age is ever-curious, inquisitive, mischievous, adventurous and a bit of a daredevil. Whenever she wags her tongue out, its tel-tale sign she's up to some exploration or mischief. If i try catching hold of her, she will hate me for it and start crying. Therefore i will just stay by her side while amusing myself with her antics.

At 10 months old, Nana is climbing chairs...(what!!??)

Huff..puff..I'm so tired but i made it to the top..

The pregnant mom playing with her cheeky daughter.

Initially dad had wanted a boy as the 1st born. When Nana came, he was so overjoyed he didn't complaint. And now Christiana is climbing around and as active as a boy. She has very strong legs and started standing very early, dad worried she would develop genu varum. Come to think of it, dad can't recall her crawling much. Her gross motor function is advance beyond her months, perhaps attributed to quality formula milk that dad insisted.   

Hi there, do you like my new ponytail? Mummy tied it for me.

Mum and dad sure don't have no regrets having a girl.

One day during mum's free time, she decided to remind herself she owns a girl as her child. What followed was an enjoyable (maybe surreal to Nana) grooming session. With as much hair as mum can gather from the little girl's head, she decorated her with ponytail(s). For the 1st time ever, Nana discovered one of a girl's very important asset is her hair. Grooming it makes her look more feminine and pretty :-).

This feels so weird..But i do look pretty. Can't wait to show dad.

Do i look like Chun-li?

Christmas 2010 came to the doorstep of our humble shelter. It was Christiana's 1st Christmas and also the 1st Christmas dad celebrated with his brothers. Both uncles were excited to see their niece and sporting to join us for this festive jolly day. It was a day of catching up, gift exchange and feasting. In a way, Christiana and Christmas has brought us together, to set us straight on the path of reconciliation and strengthening of family ties.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!

Nana unwrapping her 1st ever Christmas present.

 Yay, everyone has a present!

May next year be a good year for all of us. Amen.

Return of the Prodigal Son

I'm only writing this blog after a long time this event occurred. Yes, my life is constantly being placed on a fast-paced treadmill and I am gritting my teeth now playing catching up with my nostalgic happenings.

During this time our beautiful princess Christiana is 8months old. Yes she can do lots of things, ie stand, vocalize monosyllables, recognize people, hold her own milk bottle and drink to name the least. And now she can even travel long distance by land, nearly 600km south to north, trans-peninsula of Malaysia back to my hometown in Kelantan.

Papa's old room, fast forward 20years, papa's child lying in the same room.

The last time i returned was before marriage, approximately a year and half ago. Since starting work, I've never stepped foot back due to work commitment. I don't think any of my bosses or colleagues would ever understand let alone empathize how difficult it is to travel back to where i belong when we're only allowed 8 days leave in 4months (25days per annum). Nevertheless, its high time for the prodigal son to return and pay some respect!!! together with his new family, for the 1st time (to the sound of drums trembling and gongs beating).

Zzzzz~Don't wake me up, i'm dreaming of papa's childhood.

Mum and dad looks same old, no dramatic changes. Mum is still beautiful and youthful while dad has grown extra strands of grey hair. Both tirelessly working in their respective expertise, closing in their retirement age. Mum does a healthy dose of aerobics 3-4times/week while dad plays badminton vigorously with youthful adults half his age same frequency as mum. Living in a small town with minimal stress level (the bulk coming from their 3 peculiar sons) does wonders in slowing down the clock.

Welcoming lunch for the returning prodigal son.

The dentist, the doctor and the head nurse.

As usual, mum and dad would start off by saying we shouldn't have made the trip, its too taxing in terms of time and distance. Not to mention we were bringing along an 8months old infant. Nevertheless we were glad to see each other. Thank God for blessing our journey and keeping our lives safe. We were greeted with a simple yet healthy and nice home-cook food for lunch. Every produce hailing from a small town is definitely cheaper and fresher compare to big city. To top it off, mum is a good cook, she knows the best way to a man's heart is through the stomach and that's why she's the best mum-ever.

Hey, don't forget about me! I'm...The Princess~~!

Po po's porridge tastes so yummy, kinda taste like Nyonya curry

Just as we finished lunch, Nana woke up from her slumber. She has recovered from the long tiring journey and was puzzled to find a different surrounding. That room was once papa's, used to be decorated with my favorite anime posters, followed by that of my favorite bands. Now all that's left is a poster of a 007 secret agent flanked by his female protagonist and antagonist from the movie "golden eye".

This is Nana's first time in papa's home sweet home. She gradually grew accustom to the new place like a duckling taking to the water. She crawled into each rooms, climbed onto the sofas, quickly familiarizing herself with Ah Ya (grandpa) and Po Po (grandma). She had no qualms with po po feeding her a nice bowl of fish porridge or grandpa carrying her for the 1st time and bringing her on a guided tour around the house.

Ah! No~, Don't let Ah ya and Po po see Nana shame shame like this.

Nana feels so clean and smell so nice , you should pom pom too 

and that's my best advice.

One of the most fun moment of taking care Nana is when bathing her. Same time she loves the activity a lot, always filled with squeal of excitement when poured with water from the mug. Now that Nana can stand and bath while clinging on to our leg, every session is easier. The best time to hold and carry Nana is when she is fresh from bath when she smells oh-absolutely wonderful, not to mention she will be more cheerful and charming.

Me playing peek-a-boo with Nana behind the phone-busy momma

Dinner that night was simple yet hearty. Huge portion for only the 4 of us. Nana was soundly taking her nap therefore giving us the opportunity to eat and talk. The presentation dished out by the master chef in da house was Rendang chicken, onion ketchup Tenggiri fish, stir fried vegetable and groundnut soup. It was a touch of Nyonya and chinese, enjoyed along with aromatic Siamese white rice.

Food that packs warmth and affection.

Fellowship of the young parents and grandparents.

The next morning Nana woke up cheerful, after having her breakfast and taking her bath. She was dressed up pretty like a doll and ready for play time. Nana surely utilized the large frontier available for her exploration. She would crawl then pull to stand around furniture. She would either observe or squeal with excitement whenever she found something amusing. Po po also bought some musical toys for Nana that is fail-proof to entertain her whenever she gets bored. 

 Pa pa, thank God i found you. I nearly got lost in this house.

 I love it sooo much when pa pa and mami don't have to work.

Otherwise with great grandma also present and uncle Chi Voon back from holiday, Christiana would move from 1 person to another to start a game with them. She warms up with everyone by closing in, studying them head to toe especially their facial features, before showing a charming smile to break the ice and melt our hearts. She is officially the Yong's center of attraction and adorable cutie-pie. Everyone simply wanted to laugh and play with her. 

 Hi Ah ya, whatcha doing? Come play peek-a-boo with Nana.

 Great grandma, lets play hide and seek. I'll count until 10 ok~

Wait..er..how do i count again?

And then its dinner time again. Mom cooked up a feast this time, to celebrate our little family reunion, which was short of Chi Phoy. We feasted on the round table in our dining hall instead of the usual kitchen place. Among the masterpiece created were oven-baked chicken, steam fish, sambal prawns, stir-fried vegetable and herbal kampung chicken soup. We paid compliments to the work of a master chef, and ate to our hearts' full content.

 Momma's cooking is the best home-cook food ever.

...and we all unanimously agree to crown mum the undisputed Master chef 

award for the infinite year running.

When i woke up the next morning, i was only looking forward to have breakfast at the neighborhood hawker cum restaurant. They sell nice home made noodle with wanton or tender juicy duck meat, besides frying tasty Char Koay Tiaw. I couldn't be grateful enough that their small business is still striving for i so crave the breakfast there, its one of the reasons i miss coming home. 

Wonder when will Nana get to eat those delicious non-baby food.

Sleeping without worries, my Christiana's life is blessed.

The next thing we knew, it was dinner time. Eating again! It felt like evening tea and snacks weren't fully digested yet. Mum cooked something simpler than yesterday, bulky nonetheless. Dinner consisted of kunyit tenggiri fish, fried prawns, tofu with crab meat and sliced fresh vegetables. This time we were graced by the presence of guest of honor Christiana who wasn't napping at her usual time.

I could live up till a century by eating these healthy food daily.

Nana decided to crash the dinner party just when it was about to start.

I believe this reserved VIP seat is mine.

 I shall climb up and see whats on the table.

Christiana who just woke up from nap right before we started dinner immediately sought attention. She became curious of what was gong on and started to turn busybody, climbing up the chair to see what was placed on the table. She would mischievously reach out and try to grab the rice or food with her bare hands, and kicked up a fuss when we prevented her from doing so. Intermittently we took turns to carry her while eating, before finally sought to pull out a mattress in the kitchen and distracted her with some soft toys. 

Its ok if Nana has no teeth, Nana can still dink soup.

Pa pa, can we stay here at Ah ya and Po po's house forever?

After some fish and tofu, Nana was persuaded to play with Mr Bean's favorite teddy bear.

Mum still keeps many of our toys, mainly figurines, 

that 1 day will be passed down to Nana and the rest. 

Time passes like a gentle stream in my home. It is calm and peaceful away from work anxiety, yet once passes there is no turning back.  At the back of my head i dread for this sojourn to come to an end, tomorrow. I wish my work nature wasn't so cruel and demanding that it requires so much discipline to bring myself to work to mention the least, eating up my life and humanity day by day, perhaps one day turning my heart bitter and cold from the constant battering of job demand.

 

Sleeping beauty Christiana just woke up from afternoon nap.

I always find it peaceful to watch her sleep.

They are my treasures my shining stars, 

the reason i eat or breathe,

and why my heart beats.

The only force that maintain my sanity and warms my heart is the living breathing family of mine who looks at me everyday as husband and father. I'm glad and grateful i can return to a house called home with wife and Christiana waiting eagerly for me. I should know my presence and existence at home is much more required than at workplace, hence should spend lesser time toiling and laboring to please my bosses.

Nana watching intently at Ah ya's silver Arowana, then reaching out 

trying to gauge its response.

Pa pa Mami, why do we have to leave Ah ya and Po po tomorrow?

The last night at Tanah Merah, i decided to crash dad's badminton party by joining him for a few games with his acquaintances. As i already knew old folks don't enjoy playing with young gentlemen like me so i voluntarily lend my role as a stand-in player when the folks are tired. The last night we decided to eat out at a small neighborhood restaurant to give mum a break. Living in small town there is the displeasure of occasionally bumping into unpleasant narrow-minded "neighbors", whom we learned to politely acknowledge and ignore them like flies which will eventually fly away.

Bathing Nana before the journey home.

The peaceful sleep of a baby sums up our safe and smooth journey.

Next morning after bath and breakfast,we started our journey driving home. It was a fruitful return trip to pay the old ones respect, and nostalgic strolling down memory lane in a house and town i grew up in. I'm proud of my root even though it caused me more difficulties adapting to peers and life in big cities during college days. Stepping out from a humble background has taught me perseverance in the maze of failures while always adhering to the "right thing to do", which more often than not took me longer time to achieve my goals....

Jabberwocky, will you stick with me during troubled times when mami and pa pa are busy?

I foresee that one day Nana's life would be equally eventful if not similar to mine. Therefore i come to comprehend the reasons why i went through tribulations, and still do, is so that one day my daughter(s & sons) may draw from me the wisdom and support to handle problems or solve dilemmas. I will be a strong father figure and role model, an old battered vessel nonetheless functional for God's purposes to be fulfilled in them.

Look at me, I'm modelling for baby shampoo and baby wear.

White is my colour, I have fair and silky smooth skin.

And its natural! I don't use any facial or skin products.

This month is also the wedding month of Ben & Michelle, our former fellow church members. We drove down another memory lane, Melaka, where both wife and I shared bitter sweet memories together during our medical school days. The wedding, held at Equatorial Hotel, was attended by many former church members, hence the opportunity to showcase everyone the product of our union, Christiana Yong.

The warm familiar faces of Gateway church..

The apple of my eyes, like father like daughter.

Well so far that's our story so far. I know this entry must be quite mushy for some of you, however traveling down memory lane is never entirely a joyride, especially coming from me. The birth of Christiana will give me no reasons to dwell on the past, but holding her hands and advancing  forward while avoiding pit holes of wrong judgement.


Christians believe, follow the Shepherd, and He will make your path straight. My daughter, Christiana is a reminder. After all, her name means Christ follower.

I gotta eat more dragon fruit and become the Dragon Warrior aka Kungfu NAna