I, Nadine Almas

Baby Bebe

2011-10-02T00:04:00.000+08:00

I am 28 months old today.

Lil' ol' me.

I'm also a big sister. And I'm not just talking about my growth spurt off late. (In case, you are interested, I am now 14.5kg and 88.5cm - for those living outside the island aka Singapore, that's another 1.5cm before I have to start paying fares to travel on the public transport - Abba and Mama are both horrified - in a good way!) But I have digressed - a gene I have inevitably inherited from Mama, no doubt - I am now a big sister to my lil' baby brother, Danial Karim Noor Huda.

That's him in his first few minutes on this side of the real estate. ;-P

So, in view of my new role as Danial's big sister, I will be a bit slowwww with blogging.

Mama Mia!

2011-03-17T21:14:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the long absence!

You see, I've been busy entertaining my new sibling - that's right folks - you heard me right - Mama is pregnant and my baby sibling is joining me on this side of the real estate mid September! I can't wait to meet him/her! :-)

Whilst I try to contain the excitement of having a sibling in a few months, here's a picture of us celebrating Mama's 36th birthday at Infuzi:

La la la langkawi

2011-02-25T21:11:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since my last blog post.

See, I have been busy. Busy chilling with my parents.

It was Abba's birthday last. Then a week later, our trip to the beautiful island of Langkawi, which is actually just a swim away from my last trip to Phuket(!) How cool is that?!

We stayed at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa which is a wonderful resort even for tots my size!

Here's me playing at their playground:

More photos of our Langkawi trip here.

Happy Birthday Abba!

2011-01-21T10:03:00.001+08:00

Today is the second time I will share Abba’s birthday! All I know from last year is that Mama arranged a surprise party for Abba with his friends and his Belal uncle’s family…but I slept through most of it!

I know this year will be very different for Abba. It will be the first one after 44 years where he will not receive a call from Dadi to wish him Happy Birthday. Abba must be feeling very sad.

I have not mentioned my Dadi in my blog since we were in London because she passed away on 28 September 2010, two days after we last saw her in the hospital in London. I am going to miss her a lot. There will be no more photos I can take with her anymore or play with her as I grow up.

This is what Abba was like at my age…

It must be very strange to have a birthday without my Abba and Mama being there with me…I hope that they will be sharing all my birthdays with me for a long time.

In the meantime, I will give Abba a big birthday hug and a kiss …and have lots of his Mango Birthday cake at the Riverside Point branch of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant tomorrow!

Phuket

2010-12-14T22:47:00.000+08:00

I want to make sure that my firsts are stored on this repository:

I went on my first trip to Thailand. To the beautiful resilient island in the Andaman Sea - Phuket.

I went on my first speedboat ride.

I went on my first open water "swim".

All in Phuket, Thailand.

And a week later, I received a postcard from Mama and Abba to remind me years from now what a fabulous time I had on the island.

(Pictures via here)

School Party

2010-12-13T16:10:00.001+08:00

We had a bash of a time at Clara's and Chloe's Double-Zero-1 birthday party at this quaint hidden Italian gem.

Balloons, as usual, are my favourite at any party.

How do I know Clara and Chloe you may ask?

Well, they are Mama's friend's children. Auntie Jeni and Mama have known each other since secondary school - some 20 years now(!!)

Here is a picture of a few of the ex-classmates who attended the party.

Psst. I heard Mama was a riot in school who made her teacher cry(!)

Tsk tsk tsk.

International Baby

2010-12-10T22:22:00.000+08:00

My first trip to Thailand.

My first seat on an international flight. Ok . . . it was only on the budget airline, Tiger Airways. Still international though.

I even got to finger kiss the cute English dude sitting behind Mama (sorry babes, no pictures of the cool dude.

Tariq Dada

2010-12-06T12:30:00.000+08:00

My Tariq Dada was in town a week ago, san my Naghma Dadi.

I had a good time meeting up with him even though it was just for a couple of hours.

I am sure though that I will get to spend more time with him and Naghma Dadi when we go up to Delhi come October 2011.

Shiny Happy Peep

2010-11-19T23:42:00.001+08:00

A picnic out at the Singapore Botanic Gardens one rainy Saturday morning, with a hint of sunshine a couple of hours later:

MRT trek

2010-11-17T22:34:00.000+08:00

For as long as I have known (all 17.5 months of me), Abba and Mama have always brought me around the city on weekends.

The last few weeks, Abba and Mama have more than ever, instilled the need to be self-reliant and independent.

So off on the (more often than not) ever reliant MRT:

London Love

2010-10-25T14:47:00.000+08:00

When I was in London - courtesy of Menhaj Chachu:

London Icons

2010-09-25T05:56:00.000+08:00

We didn't meet David Cameron. Nope.

But at 10 Downing Street, we were.

At least at some funny moronic time we were.

Mama pretended to be a Grenadier Guard and I was a Paddington Bear - hey, someone has to be the cute one!

Pasta Love

2010-09-24T19:24:00.000+08:00

I love eating on my own.

I must remind mama to get me a coverall.

Remember Remember . . .

2010-09-19T03:28:00.000+08:00

Mama and I arrived in London safely.

I traipsed to the hospital this afternoon. Mama is insistent that the hospital allow me to see Dadi. Abba is going to try tomorrow.

Mama is on a mission to take tonnes of photos of me so that she can have the photos developed and blown up and shown to Dadi when she sees her everyday.

This is the first of many during this trip - we will attemp most of Hampstead Heath whilst we are here.

This afternoon, we hung out at Pryors Fields and the Hampstead Pond in the sunny (though chilly) weather.

Beautiful.

Pink

2010-09-10T23:54:00.001+08:00

Eid Mubarrak everyone.

Mama and I are celebrating Eid ul-Fitr alone this year with Mama's parents. Abba has flown back to London to be with Dadi and Menhaj Chachu.

I am praying that Dadi will pull herself back to health.

Mama is brave - she keeps us to a daily routine, packs the luggages, checks the flights and works 10-hour days in the office whilst Abba is away. I know Mama is exhausted but she still manages to keep me entertained the last few days and smile for our annual picture in our traditional garb below:

Please excuse my messy hair, I had just woken up from deep slumber just before the photo was taken:

Ps. Thank you Jie Jie Nicola for sewing all our garb this year. :-)

Almas & Samar

2010-09-05T23:44:00.000+08:00

I pray and hope that Dadi gets herself well and healthy again cos' I sure want to spend more time with her when she makes her way to Singapore in December.

Dadi - eat your meds and listen to Abba and Menhaj Chachu about getting better.

I miss you - hope to see you soon.

A Peek into the Life of a 15 month old

2010-09-01T22:21:00.004+08:00

theRandom pictures which Mama dug out of the camera - finally(!)

Here's me in my cute perky bright playdress made in Marimekko Unikko print at the playground - I am concentrating on the high steps if you can't tell from that face I have on - but don't you think Mama has great taste in fabric?!

Whilst Abba and I waited for our 3rd course in our 5-course dinner meal at Yantra where last weekend it hosted the World's first Michelin-starred Indian chef, Vineet Bhatia - I tried out the new sunglasses Mama bought me.

Don't I look cool in that dim restaurant?!

. . . and here's me sitting pretty trying out an Agen child's rattan armchair at . . . where else but the big blue institution known as Ikea.

Random Peeks

2010-08-17T19:35:00.001+08:00

Mama and I have been playing with the computer a lot today.

You see, Mama stayed home with me this beautiful Tuesday. I have been ill and teething. And cranky (shssshhh.....don't say that out loud or Mama will roll her eyes and nod in agreement).

Anyways, yes, we had fun playing with photo applications.

(Me looking cute (as usual))

(Abba licking off the spoon and bowl of the chocolate ganache which Mama made a week ago)

Streaming Fun

2010-08-10T21:23:00.000+08:00

Streamers are a beautiful invention:

I'm Too Sexy . . .

2010-08-01T21:53:00.000+08:00

I went to my first fashion show last week, thanks to Jie Jie Nicola who collaborated in a show where she showcased 5 designs all made out of paper. Paper - imagine that!

I was right up there. Mesmerised.

At the end of the show, I had my turn at the catwalk (despite feeling a bit under the weather).

3rd Time Lucky

2010-07-09T23:20:00.000+08:00

Abba and Mama threw a 3rd 1st birthday party for me.

This time in London. At Menhaj Chachu's pad.

The piece de resistance :

Menhaj Chachu baked the yummy chocolate cake!

It was as delish as it looks in the photograph!

Girly Girls

2010-07-07T23:36:00.000+08:00

So you must have heard by now that Abba was in South Africa for the first 2 weeks the World Cup started.

Which meant, Mama travelled to London with me. Just us girls. 13 hours on the plane.

Mama had talked to me loads about the flight to London and the city. I had fun learning new things. That's why I decided to be good and be the dream traveller bebe Mama would be proud of.

. . . And I am darn proud of myself!

Fresh and wide-eyed still at Changi Airport

Mama and I waiting to board the plane at the airport

Waiting for the ride at Heathrow Airport

A Walk in the Clouds

2010-06-18T23:16:00.003+08:00

All the drama that surrounded my 4-day fever of 39 degrees celsius and a perpetually runny nose are nothing compared to when Mama found me walking on my own longer than usual.

I love you Mama.

And Abba, Happy Father's Day.

Here's my pressie for you (sorry that I can't rotate it):

A Tale of 2 Cakes (and then some) and a Cow

2010-06-11T10:10:00.003+08:00

So my 1st birthday came and gone.

Abba and Mama brought me out on a sunny Tuesday to enjoy a tea session out at the rather posh hotel to celebrate a quiet birthday.

(Cakes and other delicious treats at Axis)

Then they went all out and threw a humongous birthday party for me at home that weekend.

It was smashing!

I had 2 cakes - well, I really only got to cut 2, even then that's suspect cos' I slept through cutting the first one and have no recollections of the same except that I heard it was pretty in my theme colours of yellow and green stripes! - but I disgressed - and a cow! Well, technically, it's a helium filled balloon in a shape of a cow, which I looove by the way - thanks Poppy!

(My 1st 1st Birthday Cake - Lychee Martini from the same bakery Abba and Mama ordered their wedding cake from!)

(My 2nd 1st birthday cake - Haagen Dazs Ice-Cream Cake of Mango Passionfruit and Strawberry - yummy!)

(I love my cow)

I had fun with everyone at the party on the day!

Thank you everyone for indulging me with your time. :-)

Almost 1

2010-05-23T22:39:00.000+08:00

2 more weeks to my 1st birthday.

So I thought it would about time, I learn how to hold my own bottle.

My parents are proud (and relieved I bet(!) that they have one less task to worry about from now apart from checking that I am really drinking my milk).

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:18:00.000+08:00

Happy Mother's Day mama!

I love you.

Here's my pressie to you:

Meet the Parents

2010-04-28T10:07:00.003+08:00

I was waiting for my boyfriend Christian and his parents for brunch here when I realise that the sun was getting into my eyes - dah ling.

Here, Christian is looking hot! Hubba hubba!

Emperor's New Clothes

2010-04-20T22:38:00.000+08:00

Mama finally got round to sifting through the pile of clothes have been packed in the box for the move.

I am excited that I finally get round to "upgrading" to new clothes!

Not that my parents are cheapies but I haven't been growing much horizontally although the clothes I have been wearing the last 3 (ok, maybe 4) months are getting shorter.

Mama decided to dress me up in a sundress which the Fesselmeyers (Auntie Sky, Uncle Eric, my boyfriend Christian and their cute lil' big dog Cinnamon) gave me as a pressie. Auntie Sky said I looked like a "little lady".

Thank you Fesselmeyers. :-)

Born Free

2010-04-15T21:41:00.000+08:00

So one night, we all traipsed down to the cool northern air where the animals roam "free" in the night.

Abba, Mama and I. And Tante and my cousins. And Shirley Auntie and her mom and Sharmaine of course!

We all had fun even though it was doubtful early in the evening with the threatening skies. Dark clouds rolling.

3 hours at the Night Safari and we only covered half the area!

I think we're due there again.

Rose amongst the Thorns

2010-04-03T23:50:00.001+08:00

Jaron turned 1 a week ago.

Uncle Jeremy and Auntie Jenny threw a birthday party for Jaron last week.

Mama and I had a blast at the party.

Me especially. Seeing how I was the only girl at the party the first half hour we were there.

Being the only girl has its privileges. :-)

Earth Hour

2010-04-02T01:08:00.001+08:00

Whilst waiting and bidding time until the minute the flight Abba was onboard landed, Mama and I spent Earth Hour in darkness and played hide and seek until I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Fun!

Mama and I always have fun.

What did you in darkness at Earth Hour?

Table Dancing

2010-03-17T21:37:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since I last blogged.

You see . . . we have finally moved to our new apartment. There are loads still to do and Abba is away in Sydney for a month. Poor Mama has to care for me on her own before and after coming home from her day job.

Before the said period, I did manage to steal time with Mama and her girlfriends.

Whilst Mama and her girlfriends were busy chit chatting and enjoying a late breakfast here, I had my very own biscuits to enjoy.

Mama was horrified to say the least - seeing me non-chalantly putting my legs on the table, enjoying my biscuits.

:-P

Kid Rock

2010-02-15T16:10:00.000+08:00

Abba travels up to KL quite often for business.

Since I was born, Mama decides to bring me along (my first trip to KL was when I was exactly 30 days old) to KL when the opportunity arises.

And because flying into Subang is way easier and cheaper to get into the city centre than coming from KLIA, Mama decided to get hearing protection for me (we have to walk out onto the tarmac with the propellers going --> noisy).

That and I hear Abba and Mama are planning to bring me along to a few rock concerts when I am a little older (Mama had to forgo this year's Hard Rock Calling as we will not be in London in time for Pearl Jam which I hear is one of Mama's favourite bands of all time). Oh well, with my parents going to London annually to visit Dadi, I'm bound to attend one concert. Sometime.

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

2010-02-10T11:50:00.000+08:00

Australia Day came and gone.

Abba surprised me early in the morning with my very own Citizenship certificate.

Here's one of me with my favourite Aussie (Abba of course) and another one of favourite Aussies, the kangaroo:

Tweet-y Bird

2010-01-25T19:20:00.000+08:00

A baby my age these days needs to be up to the minute in the news.

Technology is the only way to go.

Wait . . . where was I?

Someone tweet-ed me.

Rock Baby

2010-01-20T21:41:00.001+08:00

Mama listened to a lot of music when I was free-renting her space.

The Who. The Boss. Queen. Bach. Beethoven. The Verve. Powderfinger. And definitely lots of The Beatles.

I love my music.

You can't see it here but I was decked out in The Beatles onesie which Abba bought all the way from Liverpool:

And a rocking onesie calls for me rocking out.

Nevermind that it's only the Guitar Hero Gibson.

I "Louis" You

2010-01-18T21:51:00.000+08:00

Pssst . . . I've heard that I'm going to be inheriting all the bags Mama has accumulated over the years.

One of the bags, I'm eyeing is actually a beautiful long Louis Vuitton wallet.

You can imagine how cross I was when Mama decided to stop me from partay-ing with the wallet. So, it's a little too big for me at the moment . . . I'm sure it will grow on me?

Out and About

2010-01-10T22:25:00.002+08:00

It has been almost 2 weeks into the new year.

I don't get to do this often with my absolutely busy schedule - hanging out with my pals, I mean. Milk schedule. Semi-solid feeding schedule. Nap time. Chilling with my parents. Hanging out with my cousins at Tante's place. What did I tell you about holding a full schedule?

So, I love it when I get to spend time with Mama's girlfriends and people of at least my age. :-)

Tea with Sharmaine (together with her mummy and Kristine jiejie) at Goodwood Park Hotel:

And coffee and snacks with my BFF (and Adora Auntie) at Cedele here:

Biting Drama

2010-01-05T22:06:00.001+08:00

Mama and Abba nearly (and I emphasise "nearly") rung in the 2010 with me in bed with high fever.

Thankfully, Mama stayed up with me to sponge me down back to normal temperature.

Blame the drama on my two lower teeth. :-P

Pssstt . . . the handrails of my cot-bed were more delicious than anything I had those past few days, with the lower teeth popping out. I kid you not.

Goodbye.....Hello!

2009-12-31T21:45:00.000+08:00

2009 has been a wonderful year so far.

2010 - here I come!

Oh Dani!

2009-12-29T11:31:00.001+08:00

Christmas day was spent at IMM checking out kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

After an hour or so, Mama decided to make a beeline for Coffee Club for a cuppa and some rest.

I was busy flipping through mags when I laid my eyes on this absolutely cute dare-devil of a Pedrosa. And Spanish too! Hubba hubba!

Mama was horrified, I bet!

Tea?

2009-12-20T22:13:00.000+08:00

Who wouldn't be this upset to not realise that she's been reading a book upside down when her parents are enjoying a lovely lazy sunday brunch at TWG Tea Salong & Boutique whilst she is confined here?!

Mmmmm

2009-12-13T21:01:00.001+08:00

Mama and I spent the evening alone today.

At home chilling.

Mama made sure I finish dinner - Frisocrem rice-based milk cereal.

Yummy!

Going Deep

2009-11-30T21:06:00.000+08:00

Abba and Mama brought me downtown over the weekend and we chilled in Conrad Centennial Singapore for a night.

First order of the day when we arrived was a dip in the pool.

I LOVE the water and the sense of being weightless in it. I cannot wait for them to bring me swimming again.

Sentimental Fool

2009-11-27T22:25:00.000+08:00

I've been busy doing a bit more growing.

Abba and mama are amazed how much I have grown in a month whilst we were in London.

Since returning, mama has been busy sorting out my clothes which I cannot fit into anymore. That and I heard...we are moving...?

Anyhoo, I was pleasantly surprised when I received a postcard all the way from Marrakech.

From Mama and Abba :

Aren't my parents cool and sentimental? :-)

Where's Wally?

2009-10-29T00:11:00.000+08:00

Abba and Mama thought they would have a laugh playing Where's Wally? with me whilst out exploring the Ben Youssef Madrasah in Marrakech.

I still prefer fiddling with my pacifier clip:

Of Chachus and Chachi

2009-10-25T06:13:00.000+08:00

Abba and Mama brought me along for Indian here to meet my Chachus and my new Chachi.

Dinner was "conflicted" (service had much to be desired whilst food was "pass-able" so I heard but what do I know since I was really just moping in here not getting any food). At least I got to hang out with my cool Chachus and Chachi.

From 760389 to N22 7AR

2009-10-22T05:14:00.000+08:00

All that buzz and hive of activity days before 15th culminated to us finally reaching London.

I had been good throughout the journey from home-Changi Airport-Flight BA16-Heathrow Airport-Braemar Avenue. Well . . . almost good. The air pressure got to me on landing. All the economy class passengers were troopers - they all made sure I was ok when I got off the flight.

(What else is there to do waiting for a flight at the airport after a good satisfying feed?)

(Abba and Mama cannot believe how much stuff I have - according to Mama, even more so than hers!)

(Asleep blissfully waiting for our transport to arrive at Heathrow - hey, I used all my lung power for the last 5 minutes of the flight)

2nd Day Out

2009-09-28T21:30:00.003+08:00

You should have seen me:

All decked out in a champagne silk dupioni dress which Jie Jie Nicola made for me. Cut from the same fabric which Abba and Mama had made into their traditional garb.

Eid ul-Fitr

2009-09-20T18:56:00.004+08:00

Shawwāl is here.

We visited my maternal grandparents' home first. For prosterity, here's one of us looking spiffy celebrating Eid ul-Fitr:-

Altogether Now!

2009-09-14T20:45:00.002+08:00

Mama went to Tante's home last weekend to what we now know as "baking marathon".

Last I heard, between them, they baked 3 kinds of cookies for 5 households. It's a miracle that Mama didn't lick the batter off the spoon! :-P

Anyways, whilst the older folks were in the kitchen baking, the young kids hung out.

All (but one) of my cousins are here with me:

12 1/2 weeks

2009-09-04T22:53:00.001+08:00

I just just turned 12 weeks a few days ago and we celebrated by me sitting all on my own - with Mama just an arm's length away. Literally.

I like the Bumbo baby seat which Poppy graciously passed down to me.

Green and Gold

2009-08-27T23:43:00.005+08:00

As of last week, I am officially an Australian!

No documents to prove though, as Abba is taking his time to go to the Australian High Commission. (We want to collect the citizenship certificate and apply for my Aussie passport at the same time).

But as fate will have it, I was wearing a bright yellow/gold onesie when the Wallabies came on last Saturday afternoon and sang the Australian National Anthem before the start of the Bledisloe Cup.

Here I am with a fellow Aussie. Abba and I.

BFFs

2009-08-17T21:11:00.000+08:00

I've had a wonderful month so far hanging out with my new BFFs.

I can't remember . . . but I think I must have said something upsetting to Christian. That or I kicked him (see our feet placement) . . . I hope Auntie Exp and Uncle E will not bar him from seeing me again. :

I love that long rectangular thing that Poppy was holding then. It's got loads of buttons. I see Abba holding that much too often at home too. I wonder if I can play with it in a few months. :

YNWA

2009-08-07T22:16:00.002+08:00

Abba has formally inducted me into the fellowship that is Liverpool Football Club.

I haven’t seen a lot of Abba for a few days in the week before last since he had been following the team around town on their current visit to Singapore.

Abba has been supporting LFC since 1975 – wow, that’s a looooong time ago!! Last Sunday night, he joined the masses at the National Stadium where Liverpool played the Singapore National team, The Lions. Of course, as things stand, The Lions are MY team!

In order to celebrate my introduction to the Reds, Abba got me the cutest bib!…now, I’m a Little Liver bird! Abba tells me how special the club is, and how all the fans the world over sing a very special song – You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Hmm, there are lots of lessons about life in there: I think I understand why Abba has such strong sentiments to the Reds.

YNWA.

For Art's Sake

2009-08-03T22:28:00.000+08:00

I like being out in the living room with Abba and Mama and our two cats. I especially like it when I have the expanse view of the wall of the living room where the paintings are hung.

Now that I am interested in bright colours, looking at the paintings are wonderful!

Mama painted all of the paintings, except one which (Uncle) Ee Shaun painted.

Perhaps this is my parents' way of exposing me to art. If so, I like it already and am looking forward to going to the museums with my parents. I hear Abba and Mama have their own styles and preference of musueum visiting. I wonder which style I will be inclined towards . . .

Put the Needle on the Record!

2009-07-27T10:56:00.008+08:00

When Abba and Mama are going about their pre-planned outings with me in tow, they always think that I am in slumber-land most of the time. Little do they know that I'm actually in a trance with these "extra-double boosted bass headphones"!

They are all I need to check out grooves that get me high

electrify, death defy

elect the high, connect the sky

Yo, put the needle on the record

- here we go again

DJ Nadine checkin' out!

Mean Girl

2009-07-26T22:36:00.002+08:00

I love waking Abba up with my antics :

I must have inherited Mama's mischievious streak.

We are Family

2009-07-22T14:37:00.004+08:00

One of the family.

On the day Abba and Mama threw a thanksgiving prayer celebration in my honour.

Down Under

2009-07-18T01:19:00.002+08:00

I am amazed at the sheer beauty of the POSTpak package that Uncle Alan and Auntie Athela sent from down under Sydney.

I look forward to the day I will walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge and watch a concert at the Sydney Opera House.

Anyways, I have disgressed (a trait I probably have inherited from Mama), these gifts from my Sydneysider Uncle and Auntie are precious.

Thank you so much Uncle Alan and Auntie Athela! I hope to see you soon. If Abba has his way convincing Mama, we may make it down under next February.

Splish Splash

2009-07-15T00:19:00.000+08:00

I love evening baths with Mama.

Especially, when I get to get all grow-up after, in my cutesy bath-robe (thanks to Auntie Kim from Rochester):

Rock On!

2009-07-14T00:32:00.004+08:00

Abba keeps telling everyone that I have a decibel range of 1 or 11. No in betweens.

All I will say to that is - KEEP ON ROCKIN'!

Peace out.

Squat City

2009-07-08T16:11:00.004+08:00

Not yet an hour after I agreed with Mama not to hit town this afternoon (I need my beauty sleep, you see), I already have a squatter:

Hey Mr Postman

2009-07-07T21:15:00.000+08:00

I received my very first snail mail . . . all the way from London!

Thank you Uncle Tariq and Auntie Teresa. I love the rattle toy and quilt. Can't wait to see you in October. :-)

(The spiffy couple)

Angel

2009-07-06T08:47:00.001+08:00

In Kuala Lumpur, I was mostly a good girl.

I said mostly.

I didn't let Abba and Mama have much of a quiet dinner at Shook!. Abba and Mama had to try to soothe me but in the end, I was just too tired to keep up the act that I finally fell asleep in Mama's arms with her eating cold soba as you can see here.

It was pretty much the same at Luk Yu Teahouse at Starhill Gallery.

So, I relented and let Abba and Mama have a nice quiet dinner here on our last night in Kuala Lumpur.

Ain't I an angel?

With Honours

2009-07-03T00:04:00.000+08:00

I was seemingly the "guest of honour" at dinner at Madam Kwan's with Abba's friends last night.

I even had my own place setting:

Best of all, Madam Kwan herself came to the "party" . . . (she's the one in her trademark hat by the way).

Being the "guest of honour" is pretty swell.

Ps. Pardon the lack of enthusiasm on my part (as you can see in the photo) but who says being the "guest of honour" is an easy job?

Take Flight

2009-07-02T23:02:00.001+08:00

How did I celebrate my 1st month birthday?

In true traveller style of course.

My 1st international flight . . . to . . . Kuala Lumpur.

I was on the 1st flight on the new carrier from Singapore (Budget Terminal) to Kuala Lumpur (Subang Airport).

Bottoms Up!

2009-06-28T22:38:00.002+08:00

Abba and Mama have a fascination of "irritating" me when I am having my . . . er . . . bottom . . . cleaned.

Milky Way

2009-06-27T17:47:00.003+08:00

Mmmmmmilk . . . .

Sleeping Beauty

2009-06-26T00:27:00.000+08:00

Poor Abba.

He fell asleep whilst trying to comfort me to sleep.

Have Passport, Will Travel

2009-06-25T11:33:00.002+08:00

I got my first international passport!

Now if only the Australian High Commission will hurry up and process Abba's application for replacement lost citizenship certificate and I'll be on my way to being an Australian and holding an Aussie passport.

Abba took the (passport) picture whilst Mama was trying to make me look straight into the camera:

No comment.

I, the Aztec

2009-06-21T13:19:00.004+08:00

I must be an Aztec in years before:

The closest image I could find is in the form of a painting.

Uncanny resemblance (minus the balls), no?

All is Fair

2009-06-14T12:08:00.003+08:00

The Wallabies hosted the Italians yesterday in Canberra in chilly weather.

I was wide awake and stayed that way for most of the first half of the match.

Abba was even proud that I listened attentively to the Australian National Anthem.

Though I am yet to be an Australian, I like that Advance Australia Fair is all about peace, nature and love:

(Video courtesy of englishteaboy via here)

The Machine

2009-06-13T16:12:00.000+08:00

Abba and Mama reckon that I was a pee and poo machine the first five days home with them. :-)

And I have a picture to prove it:

Thankfully, 80% of the nappies used so far are biodegradeable. And they are comfy and really don't cost any more than the normal more commercial ones in the market.

Ps. Abba and Mama also used the biodegradeable garbage bag available here.

Citizen of the World

2009-06-11T22:29:00.003+08:00

I'm almost 2 weeks old.

Almost.

And I think I've been such a doll to warrant a late afternoon out today.

Turned out, we got my birth registered and my birth certificate extracted and my picture taken for a passport to be made. All for me(!)

There were some issues with the officers at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. In a gist, Abba had to give a Statutory Declaration to attest to his race which affects the racial description on my birth certificate (I am already being profiled at such a young age!) and Mama (in a serious legal tone) asked for a hardcopy of ICA's rules which states that no copies of the Statutory Declaration can be made and given to parties giving them (as so claimed by the officers of ICA). In the end, my parents won. All this drama whilst Mama was carrying me in her arms - I was cranky and demanding to be changed!

Here I am snoozing away just as we left home after a good feed:

And my first basic human right (as per Article 7 of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child):

I heard that we would have gone to the Australian High Commission to get my application for Australian citizenship by Descent and Australian passport sorted but Abba has misplaced his Australian citizenship certificate. Oh well . . . . that gives me another day to look forward to!

While I was Sleeping

2009-06-08T15:56:00.001+08:00

Mama and I had a whole afternoon to ourselves - Abba had to go to meetings and a conference.

So, Mama and I had a rather quiet afternoon.

Mama handwashed my clothes and towels and the likes. All 3 days' worth:

And, I've been noticing that Mama scribbles a lot in her little red book:

I wonder if it's all about me . . . . .

Meow - Gorgeous!

2009-06-07T01:03:00.003+08:00

I am beginning to sense that Abba and Mama are not the only ones in my presence…I hear the occasional meowing from a couple of other (fur) children that my parents seem to have acquired before me! Needless to say, when I was first introduced to Stairway and Empress, you can see the reception they gave me…!

Now and then I hear Abba affectionately saying to me “Hello gorgeous! Aren’t you a darling!” Then a few minutes later I hear the same words as he is pampering Stairway and Empress! Er, Hello!??

Anyway, I know it’s just how Abba expresses his affection for all those he loves and cares for. Stairway has kept her distance and since day-1 she has hardly jumped on to the bed. Empress, the so-called shy one, has been a bit more relaxed. Empress sniffed me a couple of times and has at least acknowledged my existence – how nice of her! But I can see why they feel neglected now that I am the focus of Abba and Mama’s fullest attention.

I can see it’s going to take all my charms to win both of them over eventually. Meow - Gorgeous!

Vital Signs

2009-06-06T23:59:00.008+08:00

Phew! This is already my sixth day and I’m chugging along - feeding, sleeping and pooping -although not necessarily in that order! :-P

Abba and Mama seem to have got some sleep and yet managed to keep attentive to my needs. I wonder what it is that I am doing when I am not feeding and pooping! But I know that most of the time I am snugly sleeping in my cot or in the security of Mama’s arms.

I am sure it will be years before I even understand that I am writing about my first days on this planet. What does tomorrow hold for me? Where will I be when I can understand these memoirs?

"When I see an open door
Close your eyes
Clear your
heart...
Cut the cord
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And
I'm
on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we Human? . . . or are we dancer?"

The Night Life

2009-06-04T23:57:00.004+08:00

I think Mama and Abba have been overtly shocked with just how much their lives have been turned upside own with my overnight antics! Just when they think they could get some routine in my feeding and pooping sirens, I just make everything topsy-turvy again . . .

Earlier today, the doctor said that my jaundice test results were encouraging, but they still want me to go back in few days. I don’t like the clinic, they always give me pain when they take my blood from my heel. :-(

I know Mama has been overtly worried with the numerous feeds that I’ve been waking them up for. But she is always there for me when I am awake and needing to find someone’s hand.

And when I am lost in slumber land, in the silence I can feel Abba is right there, who is always Someone to watch over me.

What's in a Name?

2009-06-03T22:14:00.001+08:00

Hello again!

It’s me . . . she who is now known as Nadine Almas Noor Huda. I think Abba and Mama have been keeping this to themselves for a long time, or at least ever since they were 95% sure that I was going to be a girl!

They must have their reasons to name me who I am…I think it’s because it implies:

Nadine : Meaning Hope in Arabic & Hebrew
Almas : My grandmother/Dadi’s name, meaning Diamond in Arabic
Noor : My Mama’s dad’s middle name, meaning Light in Arabic
Huda : My Abba’s family name, meaning Right guidance in Arabic

I guess that is who I will be known as to everyone from now, perhaps until I am old enough to know who I really am.

For now though, I am just happy to be me – a little bit naughty and quite a bit cheeky!

The Day that was Yesterday

2009-06-02T14:50:00.002+08:00

Mama had been at Singapore’s KK Women's and Children's Hospital since 1730 on 31 May 2009.

Based on Dr Benjamin Tham Wai Lum’s tone at the last consultation, Mama and Abba had anticipated a relatively short stay at the ward.

As of 1530 on 1 June, Mama has endured two Prostin and Oxycontin injections. Ultimately, after enduring well beyond her pain threshold, Mama opted for the epidural. It wasn’t what she wanted but I guess they needed to get me out safe rather than prolong the process unnecessarily.

The nurses seemed concerned that my heart rate was being slowed by the pain killers. So they removed the Oxycotin feeds altogether…but little did they know that it was because I was already ready to get going….

Around 1600, Dr Tham popped in and remarked…"The baby’s heartbeat is low because she’s already here! Nurse – prepare for arrival.”

I am feeling these rubbery fingers irritatingly rubbing my head…."Er - Hello?! Have a little consideration – I’ve been ready to come out for the last 30 minutes!”

I guess I’m going to have to make some noise in the future to have my voice heard. ;)

So that was that, within 35 minutes, after much grunting and pushing by Mama, I decided to announce myself to the rest of the world! Needless to say, Abba was encouraging Mama all the way, although he was keeping an eye on the discretely placed video camera which captured the Mama’s anguish - and delight as I was placed on her chest.

For the most of the next 12 hours, I was kept in the nursery with all the young ones who had decided to join the party at the same time. I was just happy sleeping and feeding…and pooping on demand.

I could sense from Abba and Mama’s reaction that they were amazed just looking at me. It’s ok, I’m just me ...plain and simple me, it’s just that I have lots and lots of flowing hair on my head!

And now I am ready for my adventures into the unknown . . .

Today, I AM

2009-06-01T23:48:00.003+08:00

At 1635 (1035 GMT) Monday 1st June 2009. I Nadine Almas Noor Huda, joined the Human Race, at φ Latitude °N (1.286), λ Longitude °E (103.853), aka the Republic of Singapore: the first child of a Bangladeshi-born British-Australian Bengali father and a Singaporean Malay mother.

I am now, truly, a part of the global Human Race.

Tick Tock

2009-05-31T08:30:00.002+08:00

In about 12 hours, Mama will be admitting herself into the hospital. Abba will sleep over too to make sure both Mama and me are ok.

I'm excited. And scared. At the same time. Not too sure why.

Maybe it's the not-knowing. Whilst the whole gestation process has been relatively easy-peasy for me (ie. I did not make Mama puke, vomit etc), I don't know what will happen during labour. Mama has been reading a lot to educate herself about the labour process but I know she knows that every body is different. And what happens when I am on the other side?

Well, I suppose there's nothing to do except be my parents' gem. In between those feeding feeds I hear I get every few hours. :-)

Popping for Tea

2009-05-30T20:05:00.002+08:00

It's 30 May 2009 - the date I am estimated to be due in the other side of this wonderful bag of water and wall.

I am still enjoying myself way too much.

And it turned out, Abba and Mama were enjoying themselves too. They had tea here. With the Richers together with Poppy - hopefully my soon-to-be-BFF.

I HEART U

2009-05-29T23:18:00.005+08:00

Just a quick post.

Busy busy busy today. I have slightly more than 36 hours to kick my legs up and enjoy this wonderful current space.

Mama made this by hand:

Abba helped by accompanying Mama (and not grouching as much) to Spotlight (one of Mama's favourite stores) to get the materials.

Too bad Abba and Mama can't hang it up just yet cos' I will be temporarily sleeping in the cot in their room.

Look at the Stars, see how they shine for you

2009-05-28T23:34:00.002+08:00

Abba has been preparing himself the last couple of days before I make my arrival into my parents’ lives.

He has done his best to keep Mama away from work today; although he seems to think that their last few days before I join them will be spent in a (mad) dash to have everything ready for me:

+ Milk -> breast
+ Pump -> tuned
+ Bottles -> sterilised
+ Milk –> formula
+ Disposable Nappies -> bio-degradable

+ Reusable Nappies -> environmentally-friendly
+ Cot -> assembled

+ Changing Table -> up
+ Drawers -> filled
+ Cupboards –> painted
+ Car Seat –> secured
+ Stroller -> pimped

I can only imagine the hope and expectations Abba and Mama will have for me, as all parents do for their children. It will be some years before I get to read all about their aspirations and tribulations, but we’ll just have to see…

Although if it is anything to go by my Abba’s sense of humour, he will probably expect me to be a "Yellow" gem!

Farewell (Free Rent)

2009-05-27T22:28:00.002+08:00

It was my last visit to the gynae at the hospital this morning.

Mama had antenatal monitoring and cardiotocography appointments to go through before my estimated due arrival on 30 May.

Coming out of the antenatal monitoring centre, Mama got worried that I am now (happily) bordering at 3.4kg. Ok. So I am no small fry. At least I'm still happy with all the water all around me. Mama and Abba are taking real good care of me.

But, I heard Dr Benjamin Tham (Mama's gynae) telling Mama and Abba to get themselves admitted this Sunday night to be induced with prostin. This is to avoid the complication of me growing bigger and Mama having to go through a c-section. As much as I love to stay longer in Mama rent-free, I don't want her to go through the agony of the after effects of a c-section.

So, what else is there there to say but see you in a bit folks!

DIY

2009-05-25T23:17:00.009+08:00

Did I tell you that Mama finally gave in and compromised with Abba a week ago?

Yup, Mama started going to work late and coming home early last week. 4 working hours a day, to be exact. But I know she still "cheats" and works through lunch. Well . . . technically, she eats as she works. I really can't complain cos' I know she still makes sure I have all the nutrition I need the last few weeks in this wonderful rent-free lodging.

Abba is worried and is nagging a lot that Mama is still working.

Like today, she came home and decided that she wanted to finish applying the undercoat to those horrendous gothic-like black wardrobes she has had since . . . I don't even know when! (Don't worry, Mama got the environment-friendly, non-toxic water-based undercoat with no lead or mercury, did the deed in a well-ventilated room with a fan to keep her cool and the almost non-existent fumes away.) And I know she's thinking of getting the full paint work on the wardrobes sometime this week.

I have to say though that Mama is not too bad at this DIY stuff.

Original "Look":

One coat of water-based acrylic paint "Look":

I can't wait to see the re-finished wardrobes.

Lucky

2009-05-24T13:17:00.004+08:00

No.

Not like that lovey-dovey song crooned by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat or that one rocked by Radiohead.

And definitely not like that one sung nasally by Britney Spears. Ewww . . .

Actually, I think I am more fortunate. And blessed.

Abba and Mama made sure I ate well. And I meant well.

In my current rent-free real estate, I have been to these places to sample some of the best foods ever:

+ Jean Georges

+ Cafe Sydney

+ Rockpool

I also got to travel business class on British Airways. Nevermind that it was only for 7 hours each way - I had fun. And it sure was more comfortable lying flat and having all that space to kick around without Mama having to squeeze me behind that snoring passenger with smelly socks.

Mama said that when I'm older, we're going to third world countries.

I am looking forward to travelling. Third world countries and all. With Abba and Mama. And then hopefully, on my own to find my wings.

I definitely have Abba's travel genes.

3 Stooges

2009-05-23T18:00:00.002+08:00

Sometime last week, Abba seriously posted Mama a question :

"What if we found out Nadine is allergic to Stairway and Empress?"

That got Mama quiet for a bit.

Then she said :

"I am not giving Stairway and Empress away. They have been around first and longer."

Gee, thanks Mama.

Seriously though, I know Mama meant that it means she will do everything humanly possible to make sure I will live as comfortably as I can with Stairway and Empress, allergy or no allergy. Besides, if Stairway and Empress have got Abba and Mama trained well to look after them, I'd be in a for a real treat.

Abba and Mama have got nothing to worry about : Stairway, Empress and I will get along just fine (just as long as we 3 stick together and blame someone/something else for causing that breakage/spillage etc. ).

So It Begins

2009-05-20T13:58:00.002+08:00

So in my 6th gestation week, I realised that Mama (together with Abba) made their way to the local pharmacy to purchase a few boxes of this alien instrument to test whether Mama is gestating. D'oh - I wished then I had the physical capacity to kick Mama to let her know instead of dumping almost SGD70.00 into the economy to purchase those kits. That however, did not stop the economy from spiralling downwards since . . . but that's a story for another person to tell.

Anyway, to cut the potentially long story short, Mama took 5 (yes, count 'em - FIVE) test kits just to be sure that her eyes were not playing tricks with the "+" and "double" blue lines in those small windows.

I remember Mama took the final test kit in a public bathroom in Raffles City Shopping Centre (I can forsee Mama lugging me to that shopping mall when I am "adult" enough to understand to go all coo-ing and tell me this story) and excitedly whipped out the kit and flagged it in front of Abba, grinning. She must have really convinced then with Abba excited and horrified at the public display of the kit.

(2 of 5 tests Mama took - if this is not kiasu, I don't know what is)

I thought I had stashed somewhere, a picture of Abba looking all suave and smiley after the "news" sank in . . . but you can picture his grin . . . I wonder if I am going to genetically inherit that same impish grin.

I am not sure whether Abba was happier knowing I was coming along nicely in about 8 months then, or whether he was a few hours to what would be a deafening experience of Singapore's 1st F1 Grand Prix. (Well, whatever it is, that Grand Prix would definitely give him the heads up to what he would get from me, in about 8 months. ;-P)

I'd like to think it's the former. I know it is. :-)

I:M

2009-05-17T01:19:00.006+08:00

So here I am.

Abba and Mama did the horizontal activity one fine day last August and voila!

I'm about 2 weeks away from leaving the current real estate I've been in for the last 8 months and I can't wait to explore. Not that I am not enjoying the current rent-free real estate.

But you know, a girl's got to get out there. There's a whole world to explore!