His first DSLR

I've busy taking pictures whenever I have the chance with my new Nikon D90, enjoying a passion that I've since my younger schooling days and which I have set aside until recently. My younger sister too has got her new Canon iXUS and hence, we have been busy snapping away, either at food, places we visit or our model, Ryan himself.

Obviously, he has been observing us and recently, he has also learnt to pose for us whenever we asked him to.

A few days ago, my sister bought him a toy camera and what transpired about that was nothing short of amusement and awe. Immediately, he was imitating us, turning his camera this way and that and even attempts to take his subjects from different angles or from under the table.

We have now the youngest photographer at home......

Milestone : First Sports Day and First Medal

26th June 2010

This is Ryan's very first Sports Day organised by the day care centre that he has been attending. Actually, I think we are more excited about it than he is. Just can't imagine seeing him mingling with the rest of the kids and competing. Just can wait!!!

The biggest problem was getting him to get up in time since he has to assemble by 8:15 am. He normally doesn't get up till 9:30 am. So, we tried to get him to sleep early the night before. The next morning, we got up by 7:15 am ourselves and we tried to be as noisy as we can in the room to try to wake him up to no avail...We finally managed to get him to get up at 8am.

After getting him ready, we marched him to the playground where the sports was to be held. Luckily, it was just opposite our house. He, as usual was sticky to us. We finally managed to get him to settle down and once that is done, he was having fun, mingling around with the other children and even `bossing around'.

Watching him taking part in the parade and the event was fun. Although he is the second youngest in the entire group of more than 60 children, somehow, we felt that he has really grown.

And to top the event, he got his very first medal for his event. What proud parents he made us!!!

Looking Cool!

Ryan is learning words pretty fast nowadays. This is particularly evident once he passed his 2nd birthday. The other day, while tidying up the room I gave him my Hardrock black golf cap. Then gesturing with my hand, I taught him the word `Cool!' Then he took my wife's swimming goggles and put it over his head.

What you see above is his version of being cool.

3rd Wedding Anniversary

9th June 2010

This is a belated post since I was pretty caught up with work and uploading Ryan's 2nd year birthday celebration.

We celebrated our third wedding anniversary recently. Time flies and with the blinking of an eye, we have been `officially' together for 3 years. These three years have been interesting, exciting and fulfilling. While we have only to think for ourselves when we have not started a family, the last three years have seen our priorities in life changes once we tied the knot. Just as the theme we have selected for our wedding, our marriage is truly `A Journey', and it is the journey that we must learnt to enjoy and treasure....

To celebrate this year, we made reservation to have lunch at Shangrila Kl Laffite, a place that we truly enjoy, both the food, the service as well as the ambience. I've got them to arrange a dozen white roses which is her favourite and they arranged a very nice hand bouquet at a very reasonable price.

As we embark on our 4th year together (with lil Ryan), I'm sure the journey ahead is going to be equally exciting, challenging and enjoyable...

Ryan's Birthday Celebration Finale

12th June 2010

Ryan turned 2 on the 30th May 2010 but we can't organize a party for him earlier as most weekends were either not suitable for most of the guest or we were not free.

Finally, we managed to arrange one on the 12th June 2010 and it was like a grand birthday celebration finale for the lil one. It was supposed to be a small event among close friends but it didn't turn out to be as small as I expected. Instead of a small group of 20, we ended with over 45 guests !

Our decision to arrange for a mobile steamboat (lok lok) van turned out to be an excellent decision. The guests enjoyed themselves and we were totally freed from the hassles of having to prepare food or the clean up after the party. Besides, we also ordered some nasi lemak and satay with plenty of beer, soft drinks and packet drinks to go around.

Ryan was having the greatest time in his life. He found a friend in the son of my wife's colleague and they were literally `break dancing' at the car porch to the delight of all the guests who surrounded them for the show!

The last two years watching him grow from a 2.22kg pre-matured baby to a bubbly hyper active boy that he is now has indeed been an adventure, experience that one could not attached any monetary value. As we watched him grow, he has taught us the right values and priorities of our life too. We are certainly looking forward to celebrate his next birthday and I'm sure the next one year will be another year of adventure filled with fun, anxiety and priceless moments.

Footballer of the Year ! World Cup Fever

With the World Cup just around, world cup fever has reached a feverish pitch. We see football advertisements almost everywhere. Every establishment that I know are trying to cash in make full use of this event where almost every Tom, Dick or Harry would be talking about from now for the next one month. Everybody has a favouraite team and favourite players.

But for me, I've already decided on my most talented footballer of the year who should be awarded the golden boot. And that player is none other than RYAN! Just have a look at his pictures and you can tell that he is a natural with the ball...

@KLCC

6th June 2010

Woke up on Sunday and was wondering where should we bring Ryan for a walk and run. My wife suggested KLCC since she has to go back to her office to get some stuff. So, off we went and drove downtown. Being a Sunday, it was a pleasant drive and we arrived just before lunch.

Was looking for a place to have our brunch and decided on Chilis. It was a good thing that we arrived early because the place was packed with a long queue waiting for their tables when we left at 12:30 p.m.

Took Ryan down to the fountains and he was having a field day running about, stretching his mucles and legs and spending his boundless energy. His dad and mommy of course was a spent force by the time he had enough. (Where do these little guys get their energy from??)

By the time, we got him into the car and gave him his milk, he was in his la la land within minutes (as usual). Another Sunday well spent with quality time with loved ones .....

Breakfast at Alexis @ BSC

5th June 2010

Woke up and was wondering what to have for breakfast this morning. Dressed lil Ryan up and then decided to take a drive while we decide. Ended up in Bangsar Shopping Center and was searching for a good place to eat. Unfortunately, BSC doesn't have a comprehensive directory categorised by type of business. Instead, they only have a directory listing down their tenants alphabetically. Who on earth would know which tenant is an F&B outlet by merely looking at their name?

For example, what you think a shop that goes by the name `Ninety nine lights temptation' sells?

Anyway, we ended up in front of Alexis cafe and bistro and since we have been here before, we decided to have our breakfast there. Nice ambience and good food.

Ryan just could not sit still. Once we finished our food, we allowed him to run around BSC. He saw this shop selling baby products and made a dash inside. Found himself, tonnes of toys to amuse himself and we ended up spending close to an hour there, watching him enjoying himself, until he bump his head while riding a toy car...Good indication to go home. (Otherwise, he would probably still be there running about refusing to leave).

Got into the car, gave him his milk that he was asking for, and within minutes, he was fast asleep, tired out from all the activities that he was having. We gave a sigh of relief that we too can finally have some peace and quiet at home, giving me a chance to update this blog...

Till the next adventure, adious.....

His 2nd Birthday Celebration Begins!

Ryan's 2nd birthday celebration has begun.

First round : A pre-birthday holiday to Tanjung Jara Resort
Second round : A buffet lunch at Lemon Grass Garden Shangrila KL with family members, grandmothers, aunties, uncles and cousins.
Third round : A night out at the PUB at Shangrila KL
Fourth round : A seafood dinner with crabs among close friends at a restaurant near our home followed by the session of presents opening and assembly (as seen above)

Next: A birthday party with close friends and a planned `lok lok van' 2 weeks from now...

I'm not sure whether he is having more fun or his mother and his many `nannies' who are finding reasons to organize a party....Hahaha

Stay tune for more birthday celebration pictures then ....

Our little Holiday at Tanjung Jara Resort

Tanjung Jara Resort - Dungun

Ryan just turned two recently. As part of his birthday celebraton, we wanted to take him for a short holiday. We have hope to go to Shangrila Rasaria in Kuching but unfortunately, we have some issues with the air tickets. So, at the very last instance, we opted for a local holiday instead. While surfing the web, we came across this resort in Dungun, Terengganu and it looks pretty impressive.

So, we decided to take the 5 hours drive from KL to see it for ourselves. Needless to say, we were not disappointed at all. In fact, we were very impressed with the level of service, quality of food and the overall ambience of the entire resort. Ryan was having a great time as well, especially with his very own private sunken bath in the garden of our Anjung room. We stayed for 3 nights and took the package that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. As you can see from the pictures of the food, they are not buffet.

My wife and I have always wanted to see a sunrise together. The last trip we made to Kuantan purposely for that was unsuccessful. We finally, did witness a glorious sunrise together and it was magical.

The service was excellent. They got to know about Ryan's birthday and they gave him a surprise complimentary birthday cake and a little toy as his present.

We told ourselves that we are definitely going back, probably for our next wedding anniversary celebration.....

Dial 1 for .... Dial 2 for ....

I have the best laugh today....
My wife was planning to redeem a gift from Citibank from the points she has accumulated but unfortunately, she can't find the item in the web site when she logged in today....

Not being one to let go easily, she tried to call the Citibank hot line to clarify, but only to find herself listening to a voice machine for over 2 minutes and having to quote her credit number twice. And after all the hassle, she just could not figure out how she could actually talk to a REAL person. Patience is obviously not one of her virtue, she was cursing and frowning after not being able to voice her dissatisfaction to a REAL person after being on the phone for over 25 minutes.

Not one who would easily give up, she wanted to give her FEED BACK! So, she logged into her Citibank website and was busy for the next 20 minutes typing her long and well positioned complaint. After rereading it for the umpteen times and satisfied that she has expressed herself, she was ready to submit the complaint..and guess what when she clicked on the submit button???

An error message flashed across her screen and informed her that the page was unsecured. Fuming, she re logged in and retyped her entire complaint, (as close as she could get to her first message). I was almost rolling on the floor, laughing at her at this point in time. Satisfied that she has got her message well written and positioned, she was determined to express her dissatisfaction to the higher management of Citibank. And she clicked on the submit button !!!

And the wonder of new technological break through ...

An error message flashed across the screen and kicked her out from the web site...!! And this was after more then 40 minutes trying to submit a feedback ...

After wasting more than 50 minutes of our life, we are back to square one. The machines have taken over!!! The end is near!!!! Next, we might have a Terminator at our doorstep....

First Day at Day Care

Date : 3rd May 2010

After more than 1.5 years, we have finally decided to sent Ryan back to a Day Care centre. There are a couple of reasons why we wanted to start him back on Day Care. Firstly, it is because we have a new maid and we really don't fancy the idea of leaving him alone with this new maid that we have a lot of trouble training. Secondly, we wanted him to start learning socialising skills as well as some form of discipline.

He is supposed to get to the Day Care centre which is located 2 roads away at 8:30am. However, our little rascal just refused to wake up till 9am. Since this is his first day, the principal recommended that he has someone familiar to be with him for the day. So, his grandma will be with him today.

By the time, he gets there, while we were busy getting his application processed, he was already happily playing away in the garden with the other kids and grandma of course.

Just hope that he will get used to this soon. Looking forward to seeing how he actually fare when we pick him up this afternoon.

H1N1

When Ryan was down with virus infection a couple of weeks back, the doctor adviced us to get H1N1 vacination for Ryan once he gets better. So, over the weekend, we brought Ryan to get his H1N1 vacination done. Cost us RM100 but somehow we felt so much more relief, knowing that he has got the vacine. Moreover, with the new maid at home (who is giving us a different set of nightmare and headaaches), we planned to get Ryan back to a day care center next Monday. The objective is to get him to learn some discipline and socialising skills.

Can't wait to see how he would react going back to daycare since he stopped going when he was 5 months old. We sent him to a day care when he was 4 months old but because he was constantly sick after he attended the day care, we have stopped sending till now.

Wish us luck.

Roseola Infantum - Another Harry Potter spell!

Last week Ryan came down with on and off fever averaging between 37.8 C to 39.9 C for a three days. With the H1N1 issue around, we were quite worried as the normal fever medicine seemed to able to just bring it down for a couple of hours. However, a comforting thought was that he was active as ever and did not have a runny nose.

On the third day when the fever still refused to break and we noticed that his eyes a little puffy, we brought him to see his favourite `uncle' , his doctor. One look, and my dear friend uttered another word akin to a Harry Potter spell - ROSEOLA INFANTUM! We were like OK...errrrr...what kinda of a spell is this???

So, we were taken on a whirlwind 5 minutes medical lesson.

Roseola Infantum is a viral infection that usually infects children of between 6 months to 24 months. (How lucky we must be. Ryan is now 22 months!) It is known to be caused most commonly by a virus known as human herpevirus 6 (HHV-6). It is a mild viral infection which can be mildly infectious.

Symptoms include 3 to 4 days of relatively high fever. Other symptoms include puffy eyes, swollen glands in the front or back of neck, bulging `soft spot' at the head (fontanel) and mild diaahea. And just as the fever breaks on the 3rd of 4th day, red rashes which is not itchy will break out throughout the body and will finally subside only after 3 to 4 days. Apparently, this infection is often confused as `baby measles'.

No medicine is necessary except to control the fever to prevent it from going unnecessary high.

To eliminate the possibility of dengue, Ryan has to `donate' his blood for a blood test. He is definitley much much braver than his mommy. He did not make a single sound even when his finger was poked and a tiny syringe was inserted to draw the required amount of blood from his little finger. He was looking intently at his finger and at what the doctor was doing, curious I am sure. The moment it was completed with a plaster over his finger, he then turned to us with his recognisable frown and show us his wrapped up finger. As usual, he required a kiss on his tiny finger from both of us to assure him that everything was alright.

As informed, the rashes did come after fever went away and the rashes did subside after 2 days. As for Ryan, he had a good time showing his wrapped up finger to everyone including his kakak, asking for a kiss.

And we have just put another spell into our arsenal of Harry Potter spells that we have accumulated so far in our parenting journey....

Super Glue Syndrome

Ryan is going through his `Super Glue Syndrome' phase now and believe me, it is a nightmare for us.

We used to be able to get the maid to feed him, play with him, entertain him and bath him even when we are around. But lately, he has grown SO VERY ATTACHED to us (especially my wife) especially when we are around in the house.

Whenever when we are around, he would just refused to go with the maid and throw a big tantrum if we `forcibly' push him to the maid if we have to get certain things done in the house. He is so sticky that he would not want to maid to feed him, bathe him or play with him. He just want US! I can't even take a bath without him tagging along into the bathroom.

Going to work in the morning is a nightmare because he would be wailing and yelling his head off and not wanting us to go to work. So, I have been trying to leave for work even before he wakes up in the morning to avoid having to see him crying pitifully, wanting to follow.

I wonder when this phase will end because it is extremely tiring going through this `super glue syndrome' with him. Any advice?

My father, My refuge, My rock

It was pouring dogs and cats yesterday evening. I was working on my study table while little Ryan was with the maid downstairs having his meal. It was a thunderstorm. Lightning was flashing everywhere, thunders were roaring and the wind howling. My little Zoewe the toy poodle was literally trembling and just won't leave my side. Suddenly, with one mighty flash and a thunderous roar, the power supply was cut!

I rushed down and found my maid carrying Ryan. The moment he saw me, he stretched out his little arms and wanted me to carry him. I took him over and held him close to my chest. Being curious as he is, he pointed to the lightning and thunders and was making his famous frowns with his eyebrows. Then another lightning stroked not too far from our house. I can literally see the lightning bolt zig zagging down. He immediately snuggled his little head into my chest and put my hand over his ears. I held on to him to assure him that I'm there and everything will be alright. He stayed perfectly still (something that is very unlike him). The thunderstorm went on for a good 30 minutes and throughout the whole period, he just hang on me with my hand over his ear. Then I found out why he was so still. He felt asleep amidst the thunderstorm. He must have felt so secure, so calm, so safe and so assured that the thunderstorm meant nothing to him anymore.

That moment was so precious (to me at least) because I felt that I being his father, I have managed to provide him the sense of security that he needed. I was determined to make sure that he felt safe and calm. I was determined to stand there with my hands over his ears as long as it takes. I was prepared to hold him close to my chest for as long as he needs. That moment defined what fatherhood is all about.

And then, I was reminded that I was taught years ago that our Father above would love us, protect us, shield us, comfort us and will provide a refuge for us whenever there is a storm. I never really appreciate nor understand how He would feel and His determination to provide that assurance until I saw Ryan sleeping soundly hanging on to me amidst the lightning and thunder clapping all around us. Now I must said, that I have a slightly better understanding of how much He would go through for His children because I would go through anything to make sure that my previous Ryan is safe and well.

Rock of Ages, Cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee...

A roaring Tiger year for a little mouse ...

2010, the year of the Roaring Tiger. I'm 20 months old now and this Chinese New Year, we did not go back to my grandma's house in Kampar. Instead, we managed to convince her to come to our house to celebrate the Chinese New Year with me. And this is how I spent the first few days of my Chinese New Year ..and it was FUN FUN FUN!

It all started with our reunion dinner with both my grandmothers at our favourite restaurant, Ta Ta Di near our house. As no Chinese new year is incomplete without the traditional `low sang' I had my very FIRST `low sang' with both my grandmothers. It was fun seeing adults playing with their food and they allowed me to do the same for once. Wish I am allowed to do this everyday!!!

I've learnt the second thing that Chinese New Year must have is gambling and it mahjong is a MUST. Since I am Chinese, it doesn't really hurt to start young. So, here I am, having my very FIRST mahjong game! Apparently, the harder you slammed the mahjong on the table, the more fun it is! Interesting!

Since the weather during Chinese New Year is so very very HOT, I went for a dip at my aunt's condo swimming pool.

On the second day of New Year, I went to my maternal grandmother's house for dinner and my dad introduced me to something called the motorcycle. But the power of the bike is a little too small to my liking. Bring on those 500cc monsters and then we will be rocking! (But for now, I settled with this)

Of course, since this is only the second day of New Year, every dinner is only complete if we have another `low sang' and playing and tossing with my food. So, here I am, playing with food with the adults again and this time, I managed to get more food OUT from the plate onto the table...hehehe...

And of course, to sharpen my skills to prepare me for my adulthood, I have to played more mahjong ....

Since this is the Tiger year, my mommy made sure that I have my tiger outfit to sleep with. So, here I am in my own version of my Tiger skin (minus the tail of course!)

And daddy made sure that I know that he loves me by kissing me and tickling me pink...Sigh...To make him happy, I just have to endure his pricky pricky face brushing my still silky smooth cheek....A son got to do what a son got to do....

And I get to play with my favourite toy, my very own bubble gun! Woooweeeeee......

I must said that Chinese New Year is certainly FUN and TIRING! After all those excitement, I think I'm going to take a nap and get ready for more. By the look of things, I think daddy needed the nap and the break more than I do....hahahaha

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND MAY THE TIGER BRINGS YOU AND ALL YOUR LOVED ONES A YEAR OF ROARING SUCCESS, HEALTH AND WEALTH....

Our very own `Horse' Riding

Ryan likes to play a while before he eventually sleeps. Tonight, as usual, he wanted all of us to accompany him in the bedroom while he watches cartoon and goofed around before he decides to sleep. He was sitting on his bolster while watching TV when suddenly, I have this urge to play cowboy and indian with him. We didn't have horses but we have our bolsters. So, we `rode' our bolsters round the bedroom shouting and laughing and mommy was busy clicking away with the camera while we ride into the sunset.

I think I was like a fool riding on that bolster but every moment was priceless as we shouted with excitement and laughed our heart out because I knew that there won't be many such moments as he grows up. So bring on the bolsters and ride on...Yeeee haaaa......

Hard Rock Hotel Part II

This is the continuation of our holiday in Hard Rock Hotel in Penang last December. This was also Ryan's first time playing on the sand and walking the beach. We were worried that he would be afraid but to our surprise, he showed no sign of fear and was happily kicking away. He enjoyed kicking at the waves so much.

Father and son enjoying our morning walk along the beach. Priceless!

Mommy and Ryan, both putting their best foot forward together. Another priceless moment.

Wheeeee......sand and dirt!!!!

WOw!!!...What a feeling! Having the waves splashing on me!

Mussels in White Wine Sauce

I have not had many food recipe post of late. Not that I've stop playing with food. Just that the kind of food that I've been trying out now are no longer meant for confinement, since there is no need for that now.

We went for an Italian meal recently and had mussels for our appertizers. We loved it and hence, when we saw a recent offer for a box of New Zealand green mussels for only RM20, we grabbed it and attempted the recipe ourselves. It is a very simple dish and relatively easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Mussels
• White Wine
• Basil leaves
• Garlic
• Corn Flour
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

• Clean mussels thoroughly.
• Chop basil leaves finely and cut garlic in thin slices
• Placed mussels, basil leaves, garlic, white wine and a touch of olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper together and steamed for 15 minutes or until mussels are cooked.
• Remove cooked mussels to be used later.
• Transfer the remaining juice/liquid left from steaming the mussels into a sauce pan.
• Add a cup of water and simmer.
• Add additinonal chopped basil leaves if desired.
• Mix a teaspoon of corn flour with water and add into sauce pan to thicken the sauce.
• When sauce thickens, add cooked mussels and allow to simmer together for 2 minutes.
• Serve immediately.