19 Feb 2009

Home 4 Chinese New Year

We managed to arrive at London Heathrow airport on time. It took us 6 hours to reach Carol's house. I know it should only took about 4 hours to reach London but we don't want to rush things so Jimmy drove slowly and took about 1/2 hour break in between. Plus our flight is 10PM evening.

Unfortunately, we didn't leave enough time to catch up with Dylan and family. Airport taxi arrived quite early leaving us to rush things off to airport to avoid any traffic. =.= But we didn't worry much because we still have time to catch up when we return.

So, arriving at the airport, we quickly reunited with Mary J and checked in without wasting much time. Phew, everything went on smoothly. Our luggage were not overweight...Thank God for that....here is a photo of us while waiting to go


God bless AJ as he was alright during the flight journey, except his bed (aka basinet) is too small for him - too short). He couldn't sleep properly so he woke up sleepily every now and then. At the end, I chose to let him sleep in my arm so that he could have enough sleep.
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KLIA is full of Chinese festive decoration....sweet~~~



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Preparing for the event with Jimmy, ah bui & Jerome's help

long crackers le....
night view
with AJ inside as we watch from outside
nearby fireworks
and here the videos...



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The next day, daddy's open house
my daddy distributes ice-cream to everybody as usual...generous of him
I was totally shocked when I saw my dad's very own spacious living room
the goodie old friends - came from many places
not to forget, lion dance (nb AJ is so cool watching the lion dance)


note: ah bui (aka my dad-in-law) is called by Alice. He will be known as this nick in this blog.



Ciao...xx

16 Feb 2009

Emo Valentine

I’m back. Back to reality. T___T

The holiday was amazing. Extremely superb! We grew closer day-by-day. Everybody enjoyed the company of AJ. So did AJ. He brought joy & happiness to the house. Everyone was smiling non-stop and laughing ka-ka-ka-ka all the time.

But I didn’t realized that the day we left Boleh-land has left everyone heartbroken. T___T The flight returning to UK was indeed horrible. The moment we (with my in-laws) at KLIA, we were all in tears. T___T We were speechless, hugging each other. Just like what Jimmy’s mom said in fuchow, “tieh gao wu yiang”…means weep until unrecognisable.

Everyone except Mr. Wong & AJ. ==”. AJ was sleeping (don’t know what is happening). Mr. Wong leh…he’s cruel enough not to shed any tears until when he’s out of idea to comfort his gf. I know Mr. Wong was crying inside. He had to comfort Alice so he has to hold on to that. I can see that everyone will be missing AJ the most.

The flight journey was unpleasant to be honest. I threw up twice during the journey. Poor Jimmy had to deal with AJ’s tantrum. I wasn’t aware until I heard this myself from Jimmy. AJ was sitting on Jimmy’s lap playing with the small tv. Then aiyoyo... naughty him pat an air hostess’s bottom as she passed by. As normal human would react, she turned over and immediately Jimmy pointed AJ. “It his doing not mine. I’m not taking the blame” Jimmy thought. Blessed~~~~

Right, the vomiting didn’t end just like that. We arrived at my friend’s on time. Then I had diarrhoea the next day. T___T We planned to drive back to Plymouth the next day but due to my sickness, we ended up arriving Plymouth nearly midnight.

A really unpleasant journey, I can say. My tears kept coming when I think of my family (the Ling’s and Lee’s). This is our first time celebrating Valentine’s day on the air but ended up to be an aweful and unforgettable Valentine. At least Alice got an expensive pressie from Mr. Wong. So jealous neh.

We woke up around 5 the next morning. Jet lag~~~~ Checked Alice and Connie’s blog. Alice’s post makes Jimmy and I burst to tears…again. Why oh why, Alice? Why do you have to post such an emo post making us sobbing?

Orite. Enough of this upsetting drama.

I still have a few days off allowing me enough time to adjust AJ’s jet lag and then catch up with UK’s life. Not to forget, back to blogging life. Hehe…

Coming up…we’ll show you how well did we enjoy our holiday, especially AJ. Watch this space!



Ciao...xx

26 Jan 2009

Happy Chinese New Year






Goodbye the year of pig.



Welcome the year of ox.



I'm still in holiday mood. haha....but won't forget my friends.

Best wishes from all of us.



Ciao...xx

21 Jan 2009

We’re all set

Yes! Jimmy and I have been busy packing & cleaning the house preparing ourselves for the holiday lately. We always make sure that we left the house neat & tidy before we off for holiday each time – laundry, toilet cleaning, kitchen cleaning and so on. This is to make sure that the house is comfy by the time we came back from holiday. Then we’ll be all relieved and rest at ease.

Packing! Headache It’s pain really. Honestly, I didn’t expect to bring so much. The last time we went back, we only had one luggage. Now? 4! 2 medium luggage & 2 small hand carry bags. I know…with AJ, of course I expect to bring a lot. But I didn’t expect that much! I’ve tried to minimise as much as we could but still….4 plus pushchair. =.=

Haih…at first I thought the luggage will be empty leaving enough spaces to buy things from Malaysia – toys, children books, clothes, etc etc. Now….we don’t think we will bring a lot back. But hopefully can. I’m keeping my finger crossed.

See what I mean?
70% of them are AJ's

Can’t wait~~~ wahaha..I know I’ve been saying this at almost every post lately. But really can’t wait. So exciting! I even had mixture of questions from my colleagues, "Last day, Maggs. Ooo... are you excited? Nervous? All eyes are into you on the big day." Wahaha...of course I'm excited. Nervous as well....but much more excited as we're going home celebrating...Chinese New Year with families and the Wedding.

Will try my best to update my blog as much as I can when I’m in Malaysia. But most of you have already know, with the slow internet connection at my tanahair (home country) and the impatience me, please don’t put high hope.

Weather forecast says that Plymouth might be having snow at some point this week and I’m hoping to see some on our way to London tomorrow. You see, Plymouth don’t normally snow but if we do, it is from neighbouring cities. I met the snow with my own eyes only twice since I arrived Plymouth. So, I’m hoping to see some this year before the winter ends, normally after Easter. This will be the first time AJ seeing snow wo…haha…*finger-crossed*

Tomorrow, the long exhausting gruelling traumatised (nearly) journey begins. We’ll be (Jimmy actually) driving up to London meeting AJ’s far far away gf, Chloe and her parents first before heading off to Heathrow for the 13 hours flight to the Boleh-land. Carol and I have been updating ourselves with baby’s development all this while.

I’m so jealous of Carol. She is one of the best mum and she took as much baby development courses as she could to give the best care for Chloe. The courses include baby food stages, emergencies for children under 5 and so forth. I wish I could sign up for the courses too but it’s limited in Plymouth and normally held at my working time. So jealous!

The only thing I could do is learn from book and tips from my colleagues and Carol. Thanks to them for their generous tips and ideas. Haih… AJ is in his good health (except being sick often since he started nursery) and am really proud of his development. Tell me I’m not a bad mom. Tell me!!!!

Anyway, I’m hoping AJ will be OK during the trip. You can do it, son! Please pray for our safe journey.

Sunshine, here I come. Not much rain please at my holiday. Please…. Pwweeeaaaassseeeeeee~~~

Everyone, I’m coming home!!!! Eee-harrrrr! (just mimicking, ok?)



Ciao...xx

18 Jan 2009

We shall meet again

Today, we had dinner (lunch) with a bunch of friends. They are those we met in Plymouth. Through the old good times. Cliff, a funny handsome guy from Ipoh is going back home 2 days before our departure day. We have known each other for more than 3 years.

He's funny. So funny. Full with jokes and always pick on someone purposely (with no harm intention) on each night when we gather together. When there's a gathering, he'll be the most entertaining joker. Trust me. Everyone will be going home so happy. haha...I like him a lot. The way he jokes make my tummy hurts.

He's leaving UK, return to his family arms in 3 days time. So, we had last gathering dinner with Cliff before he's off. Here comes a few snap shots when i'm free.






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That's that. Here comes AJ.





We shall meet again, Cliff! Safe journey. We'll miss you and take care...



Ciao...xx

13 Jan 2009

with tears...

I’m crying inside. In fact, the tears nearly come out. This is not a normal tears. This is happy tears. Proud! Pleased! I wasn’t there but the moment I heard about it, I can already feel that I was there. I do! It was like me seeing the unforgettable event. I can already imagine it. Whenever I recap that event in my mind, I know I’m so proud of him. So proud~~~

He is the one I am very proud of. The first day I saw him, I’m filled with full of surprises. Except when he’s not well. I laugh when he laughs. But when he cries, I’m so hurt. He was screaming and so happy whenever he tried to do that thing. Even though the attempts always failed after the first success, he’s craved a wide smile – satisfied. And he didn’t give up. He continues to do it again and again, of course when he feel it’s safe to do so.

Now I understand why every parent is so contented the moment their baby did their first walk unaided.

UNAIDED!

ON HIS OWN!

INDEPENDENTLY!

BY HIMSELF!

Yes! I’m so proud of my son.

Jimmy was picking him up at the nursery on Tuesday – the day he turned 1. Lovely birthday boy was so excited seeing his daddy that he screamed to his highest tone “aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!”.

There was about 1 metre gap between him and his daddy. There he was standing and then moved his right leg to the front…..by himself! Left! Right! Then left! All four steps were independent! Both arms were open wide to get a huge hug from his daddy. Smiling from ear to ear.

Both the carer and Jimmy were so surprised. Karen, the carer, said they have been encouraging him to walk by himself but he just felt not secure. And amazingly, he did his first independent walk on his first birthday! Bravo! Bravo! Horray!

We were a bit worried at first because he just had his 12 months immunisation on Monday. I had a call from the nursery that morning and thought that he isn’t feeling very well. We thought he was upset due to the injection, only to know that the reason behind was because of hunger. He was back to himself – playing happily after lunch. Phew~~~ Touch wood! Choi Choi Choi Dai Kat Lai Shi…

And oh oh oh...here are two things AJ brought home with him today. Sweet, ain't it?

What he did on Tuesday was such a wonderful thing. Both Jimmy and I tried to do the same thing again when we reach home, he tried but failed. I know…I know…his legs are still not strong enough and he’s still learning to coordinate his walks. But I really can’t wait to see him walk by himself. I can’t wait to get him showing his biggest achievement so far in front of Jimmy’s and my family next Saturday.

Woot~~~ it’s going to be exciting!!!

Although, I’m a little upset for the reason that I wasn’t there myself…nah..I’m sure I will see it with my own eyes soon…soon… *wink*

I have already start packing things up since last weekend. There’re lots of things to bring back. My wedding dresses, CNY clothes, Jimmy’s wedding clothes, AJ’s milk, AJ’s CNY clothes, AJ’s wedding clothes, AJ’s medicine for emergencies, etc etc. It was like moving home!

But it’s so worth it. We’re looking forward to meet our families whom we haven’t met for more than 3 years and so are they. I believe everyone at home can’t wait to hold AJ.

I can’t wait to have a non-stop chat with Alice the moment we land our first step in Malaysia. Chat till the next morning if I’m not tired…wahaha…

I can’t wait to eat Malaysia food which I missed so much – kampua, cha mien, kolo mee, laksa, nasi lemak to name a few. Forget diet by the time I reach Malaysia but have to watch what I eat until the wedding day.

I can’t wait to taste me mom’s cooking. My fav – billin with egg and ginger, crab meat dish, black chicken with black fungus.

I can’t wait to crash me sis’s bedroom when I stayed over at my dad’s. Gonna steal one of her snoopy back to UK. *wide wicked grin* Muahaha….

I can’t wait to say Gong Xi Fa Cai to all the families & friends. And pai nian! Pai nian!

I can't wait to celebrate the first Chinese New Year with AJ and the rest of the family.

Ooooo Upsy Daisy….7 days to my holiday and counting….

Still counting….

Still is…

Still…



Ciao...xx

Happy Birthday, AJ!

Everyone, I’m so delighted, in fact proud to say that my precious son is now 1. Officially, well by 11:57 PM tonight (GMT time), he’s 1 year old.


1

One

Satu
(Malay kinda weird when writing this)

- (Chinese)


We organised a small party for him last Saturday with just close friends. Mary took a day off and she cooked nasi lemak (yum yum), ayam merah and salted fried pork. So nice~~~ Took two videos which I believed you too will enjoy as much as I do.

He doesn't look so happy seeing the cake. Actually, the chocolates surrounding the cake has frightened him.


The day wasn't wasted afterall. Well done, my boy!

His arrival has changed both of our lives. Ups and downs but still we cherish him to bits.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SON!

Mommy loves you very much...

He has yet meet his extended family yet, apart from his aunt, Alice whom he met when he aged 4-7 months (which I believe he forgot who she is now) and is due to meet them soon! Everyone is so excited neh~~~

9 days left and still counting...........



Ciao...xx

12 Jan 2009

UK Tour 2008 - Day 7

Yeap! We spent the last dinner of year 2008 in Northampton. It is quite a long drive journey from Leeds to Oxford. And it was quite late when we started our journey. So into shopping in York. haha....Got my wedding shoes from there and few other nice Chinese New Year Clothes. Phewit~~~ And so we thought to stop by Northampton for dinner.

We hit a buffet restaurant called Yun (in Mandarin), Cloud if translate directly to English but it's called Aroma! And there's AJ posing while waiting for his chicken & sweetcorn soup.
humn....what's for dinner?
mommy, I'm so hungry neh~~~
Love the fried crabmeat
The Ling family - daddy looked so tired le....
desert~~~~

Then, off we go to our hotel and counting the time to mark the beginning of 2009 while watching on live fireworks in London on TV. New Year celebration at Travelodge Oxford. ==" Can't blame us actually. We're all so tired of shopping, caring of AJ and not to forget, Jimmy driving all throughout the journey.

The next day, we drived around Oxford for 30 minutes. A small town, nothing peculliar to be honest. They are lots of old buildings with the Oxford university in the centre of the city. The university buildings are all very old yet delivering brilliant graduates. You can see from the photos here... p.s I stayed in the car because AJ is sleeping =.=






look at Rudolf's car..unrecognisable!

We decided to visit a shopping mall in Swindon instead of going to Stratford. Reason being, it's 1 hour drive up north of Oxford and if we go there, it would mean an extra hour driving back to Plymouth later at the day. It's already noon by the time we left Oxford plus we're so fanatic in shopping, so we decided to go there. about 1.5 hours from Oxford, not far from Bristol. Not much photos taken, but we had 2 very sweet ones....


Finally, back to Plymouth for dinner. The moment we reach Plymouth, we're so relieved. 1st, mission completed. 2nd, so much fun in shopping (especially when I got my wedding dress sorted). 3rd, it's so much warmer in Plymouth compare to cities up north. Everyone is so tired.

Lots restaurant were closed on New Year's day, but we had to have our dinner at Water Dragon restaurant. no choice =="



Mission complete! So adventourous, aint it?

Coming up trip - MALAYSIA!!!!!!


Ciao...xx

10 Jan 2009

UK Tour 2008 - Day 6

Day 6 - 31-12-2008

After hospital visit, we drove straight to Leeds.
AJ felt a lot better. We're so relieved....
Say hi to...er...I don't know
While feeding our Honda, I saw this!
McDonalds's drive through take away orders...like American...I know I sounded sakai but this has just gain popularity in UK...not just this...
Petrol driveway pay point! First time I saw it. In Leeds!
Check it out!
Jimmy had a try too...so high tech neh~~~
Right, on our way to York's designer outlet, got a snap of Rud's dirty car...hoho...he can now speed with no problem
At the outlet, AJ's doing his normal routine....playing with his tongue
Jimmy trying to get his size...
AJ wanna have a try on the starbuck's juice
but too cold for AJ neh....so no no no
then, Rud checks Val's face
looking good
the guys have a discussion
but Jimmy & Royston got so tired of shopping, so not a word.



Next, Oxford!

Ciao...xx