PHOTO JOURNAL 1 DECEMBER 2012

Jonathan was asked if he could help a couple of Mass Comm students from a local polytechnic to do their photo journal.

I received a call a few days before our meeting and I agreed to help.

The young ladies came on Saturday, 1st December 2012 morning, spent about 2 hours, taking photos, chit-chatting with us.

Here are some the photos taken on that day.  All in black and white:

The picture below is my favourite because of the sparkle in Jonathan's eyes.

They did a write up in the form of a newspaper report.  I'm happy to say that they aced it.  Had good grades.

Glad to be able to help :)  And thanks Judith and Chloe for the great pictures :)  And as usual, by the end of two hours, my prince started pushing them away with his legs.  "It's time to leave", he was telling them.  LOL!

God bless!

" NO...NO...NO...NO"

Jonathan said these words consecutively when he didn't want to watch the game show given to him.

When I repeated after him, he turned around, looked at me and gave me a big smile.

I always enjoys hearing him speak words.  He will refuse to make even a sound if I put the recorder infront of him.

I've been trying to record his voice but he just refuses to coorperate.  H said his voice is precious.

But then how do I do it?  When he say those words, it's at the spur of the moment.  You will never be able to guess when he's going to say it and on what occasion.  LOL.

Maybe one day I'll be fast enough to whip up the recorder when he says those precious words :))

POUCHES FOR SALE

I'm getting these ready for Christmas.  Each pouch is supposed to be $14 but now I'm giving a reduction of $2 to any order that comes from my blog.  EACH POUCH YOU ORDER THROUGH MY BLOG HERE IS $12!!

If you wish to order any of these, please email to me HERE.
Please indicate in your email subject header:  POUCH THROUGH BLOG

Proceed to let me know which design you want and I will give you more information from there.
NOTE:  FOR SINGAPORE BUYERS ONLY.  CUSTOMER TO PAY POSTAGE.


Hope you like these:

Thanks for dropping by!  God Bless!

VITAMIN C

For a few years now, I'm always a litter wary when thinking about giving vitamin C to Jonathan.
For all those times that I did give him, he would have a reaction to them.

Recently I have come across a vitamin C that is non acidic. But those were tablets that I'm unwilling to feed through the Bard button. Two days ago, we found this at the pharmacy:

Its non-acidic and vegetarian.  500gm of vitamin c should be enough for Jonathan for now.
It's in capsule form and the powder inside is super fine and went down the tube easily.

This morning I only gave him half to test.  If all goes well, will just continue with this. Will keep you posted.

Thanks for dropping by.  God bless!

GARDENS BY THE BAY

H was off today.  And so when Jonathan woke up at 8.30am, I asked if he was keen to go out and he said yes.

The good thing about Jonathan nowadays is that he's very good at gauging if he's ok to go out or not.  Most of the time he's spot on.  Whenever he says "no" to going out, he ends up doing his poo business.  He knows that it will be very inconvenient to change when we are out so he will rather stay at home.

This morning he was confident and said "yes" while I prayed that his bowel movements will be ok. LOL.

So we left home at 10 and reached Gardens by the Bay about twenty minutes later.  The place was rather quiet, except for a primary school class, a group of kindergarten kids and a bunch of tourists.

Upon reaching, we went straight to the SuperTree section and got ourselves tickets for the OCBC Skywalk.  A bridge that spans from one Supertree to another.

 This is one of the Supertree (above)

The one-way bridge

Jonathan loves to go high and see the tall buildings.  It was  breezy up there and the air was clear.

After a hearty breakfast at the Coffee Shop, we headed for the Flower Dome.  The main display theme was Halloween.  Coincidentally, Jonathan chose to wear orange today and to have him match with the bright colors of different flowers is really something!

 The Flower Dome is airconditioned.  This makes it so pleasant.  I was worried that the plant smell will irritate our noses but there wasn't any overbearing smell at all.

The first level featured all types of plants and flowers from all around the world.  The 2nd level was full of all types of cactus, some we have never seen before!

Here are some unique cactus and Jonathan stretching his hands to touch one of them.

Overall we had a good time. We didn't finish touring the Garden as the Cloud Dome was under maintenance.  But of course the biggest surprise was that Jonathan said he liked it.  LOL!  All these years he has shown us his dislike for nature but today was an exception!

Thanks for dropping by.  God Bless!

A MARKED IMIPROVEMENT - ACCORDING TO ME :)

In terms of fine motor skills, I must say that Jonathan has made some marked improvement.

He wasn't able to do much with his hands before, although he can hold something for a mere one second.  But what took me by surprise was when he did what I never thought he would do....that is to pull down his t-shirt to cover his tummy,

See in the video clip below. He is definitely a right hander.

I praise God for he is capable of doing this.  And moreover, being able to do it properly.

He tried to help me change his t-shirt once.  But of course it was a little difficult.  Perhaps with more practice, he will be able to do it next time.

And I will look forward to that :))

Thanks for dropping by my journal.  God bless you!!

MEDICAL REVIEW

Jonathan saw the neurologist at KK in July.  She's a new doctor as his current doctor has left to go into private practice.  I wonder why is it that doctors always leave public hospitals and go into private practice?  It's just quite disruptive for us patients.  Well...it's another issue altogether.

The appointment well ok.  The usual questions asked, the body checked to see if the spine is ok, move legs and arms a little.  That's it.

Result :  Everything seems fine.  No vomitting anymore, spine is straight, been healthy.  Ok...we are going to discharge you.  We will leave you with 2 years open date.  If there are no medical issues, you don't have to come back anymore.

That's it.

Jonathan has "graduated" from the children's hospital. Somehow deep inside, I was a little sad.  We have been with KK since Jonathan was born and I just feel secure with them. So with this open date, it's like a final goodbye.

My question was:  What should I do if I need help for any medical issues like checking eyes, etc?  Answer from the neurologist was either the family GP or the Polyclinic.

H doesn't like to go the Polyclinic.  There is always the "3-hour-wait-for-your-turn" situations.  And moreover, for Jonathan to be sitting so long and waiting for his turn is really tiring.  We can opt to get referral from the family doctor (GP).  But that would mean we have to pay A Class.  To downgrade will take ages (I'm sure of it).

Someone suggested that if  you want quick service, just go to the hospital A&E.  But I don't see the urgent need for this.

Whatever the case may be, I hope I don't have to go through any of the above options.

This last visit, I took the opportunity to get his stoma checked.  Ever since the last bard button change some time in January this year, there was a piece of flesh that was cut around the stoma site and it was always red and tender, but not swollen.  I kept thinking that it will heal itself.  But the constant rubbing of the stem against his stoma always cause it to bleed.

The neurologist called a nurse who specialised in this area she recommended  the stoma adhesive.  It's powdery and you just need to squirt a tiny amount over the exposed area.  I have been using it and it really helped.  Although the flesh will not dry up, but the sealant stops the area from bleeding and also put a cushion layer over the exposed flesh.

Here's what the adhesive looks like:

**You need a prescription for the adhesive.

Hope this information about the Stomahesive will help any parent out there.

God bless you and thanks for visiting :)

HELLO AGAIN :)

How has everyone bern? I have been absent.  When I returned to blogger, I realised alot has changed.  The layout and everything and I had to feel my way around my dashboard. LOL!

Ya...I've been busy, both work and home  Especially towards end May when my sisters from USA came back for holidays.  I didn't get to spend a lot of time with them because they were here to help my brother as care-givers as his maid went home for a month-long break.

I have alot to update.  Just need to find the time to write.

As for now, Jonathan is doing well.  He's been saying "no" quite frequently.  When asked if he wanted something that he didn't, he would say the "no" word.  But most of the time, he will just keep quiet, stare at you and turn his head away when you push him to speak.

I'm happy.  Health wise, the vomitting has stopped and we have started going out for longer than 2 hours outdoor trips.  So far, he's doing good.  Praise the Lord!

Well...I have to get back to work.  I have videos to post, pictures to show and stories to share.

Hope everyone who has come over to my blog, hoping to read an update, is doing well.

Will write real soon!

God bless!

SPEAKING WORDS

Jonathan has been very vocal.  The sort that when he looks at you, he starts doing conversational style type of vocalization.

Me?  I'll just reply him as if we are actually doing a conversation.

but when you think about it, he is talking to me.  The only drawback is I don't understand his 'ooos', 'ahhs' and 'lahs'.

But for a few times last week, he said "NO" a few times.  I may have mentioned it in my earlier journals.  But he's been accurately pronouncing this word without assistance and always in answer to questions that require the "No" answer.

My sister joked that that was probably what I have been doing.  Making him answer questions that require a "no".  LOL  Yes actually :))

So now, I have started asking him questions that need a "yes" reply.  Just yesterday, he said a soft "eeye" which was good.

The best part is that he's replying to my questions.  No random talking.  I'm enjoying our conversations.  I'm believing God for this part to be restored quickly amongst other requests.

FINALLY A BREAK!

After 2 months of rushing shirts, feeling the heat of mistakes I made, I finally have my break.  It's been a long while since I posted a journal.

On one hand, Jonathan is doing fine.  He's been healthy, even though there are times when his nose is stuffy and threatens to fall ill.  But thankfully he returns to his normal self with little to worry about.

On my part, I'm thankful that work has been coming in systematically and this allows me time to work and get one project done at the time.  I'm believing God for more projects to do and spread out evenly through the year.

I hope my visitors are doing well.  I will blog more when time permits!  In the meantime, I'm going to watch a little bit of RUNNING MAN, a Korean game show that has brought me so much laughter it does help end a stressful day with a nice good feeling.

So go catch it!

Thanks for dropping by.  God bless!

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

It's been a while since I've posted a journal.  But for the last month or so, I've come to meet with the passing of two ladies I know 2 weeks of each other. Both with disability.

First lady was 60 years old, passed away on 6th March. A hearing-impaired who touched the lives of many people. She didn't know she had cancer until it was too late.

The second lady was a teen with cerebral palsy plus severe disability. Caught a flu bug that escalated. She passed away on a quiet Saturday morning her mummy's arms.

My heart is heavy. But I know now that they are with the Lord, their bodies complete healed.

I've been really busy.

On the health side, besides having a tummy flu recently, Jonathan has been well.  He's been so "talkative" that it really irks me that I cannot understand his conversation with me.

But today, he said "mom" out of the blues.  caught me by surprise because he was looking at me and asking for my attention.  That really caught MY ATTENTION!  I praised him about it.  He looked surprise at himself too.  Daddy even heard it :)

I'm believing God for more good things for Jonathan, especially thanking Him for the gift of speech.  And I have had this wonderful dream 2 weeks about and I'm claiming it for Jonathan!

I'm also thankful for answered prayers.  One of the obvious one is the birds that gather every morning near the trees in front of Jonathan's bedroom.  They start calling around 6am and their calls are so loud that they wake Jonathan up and he gets upset.  it didn't dawn on me to pray about it.  I was so concern about the issue that it got me frustrated.

Until one day ... daddy reminded me about the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree.  He said "the Lord gives you many examples.  Use it."  And so I did.

I didn't ask the Lord to curse the tree because I still wanted the trees there.  But I told the Lord to cover the trees so that the birds will not come near them during the times when Jonathan is sleeping or napping.

Guess what?  It's been more than a month.  No birds calling.  Sometimes they are perched further away on other tress although we still can hear them.  But they don't disturb Jonathan anymore.  And I'm really grateful to the Lord for answering my prayers.

If He can answer this prayer, he can answer any prayer!

Thanks for visiting.  God bless you :)

I'M THANKFUL

that Jonathan is reaching his ideal weight.  Today we weighed him and it was 24.5kg.  Ideal weight for this year, until we meet the dietitian is 25kg.  It's pretty ok because he's growing tall so it was calculated in such a way that he doesn't bloom sideways and thus have extra unwanted weight.

But for Jonathan, putting on weight means it takes time.  This is because he's fairly active.  Whenever he's on the mattress, he's moving about alot, rolling around, sometimes lying prone for minutes and then turning to his back, then roll to another place and back.

He really sweats it out when he watches a game show that makes him extremely excited.  So with his involuntary movements, he gets a workout.

So my prince is slim and tall, with bones that are extremely strong.

That which I'm thankful for.

I had to joy of having lunch with my exboss from the bank I used to work with.  She was not my immediate boss.  But she's one of the best lady bosses I've ever known.  She's soft spoken, works well with her secretary and takes care of her staff.  Never have I seen a lady boss like her.

She's "retired" from work.  Volunteers in a welfare ogranization, working with troubled teens and still takes care of her own family.

Yesterday was her birthday and I was really glad I could spend sme time with her on Monday (5th)

So I sms-ed a birthday greeting today, only to receive this complimentary reply from her:

"You gave me a great start to my new year yesterday.  Do call whenever you feel like meeting up J".

I GIVE DADDY PERMISSION

He "signed" this form when the officers from ICA came to process his application for the identity card. So after 2 weeks, the IC is ready and daddy went to pick it up today.

We wanted to bring him down but he had stomach flu on Sunday.  Threw up pretty badly until there was blood in the vomit. Whatever came out was dark red.  It had happened before. The first time it came out all blood from the previous illness, we brought him to the KK Hospital, only to find out that he retched so hard that might have ruptured one of the capillaries that caused the bleeding. But no tests were done then.

So when I happened again on Sunday night, I didn't feel any fear. Was just praying that all the retching will stop and it only did at 5am. And it has put a strain on his throat and he has lost his voice a little. What I don't like about this type of episodes is that he tends to clench his teeth after each vomit and his lower lips get caught between his teeth and there are cut marks which formed into mouth ulcers :((

Thank God since last night, he's regain his chirpy self and able to smile and laugh a little despite being tired and drained.

I hate episodes like these. But thankfully, he recovers quickly.

Hope everyone who visits here is healthy and strong :))  God bless!

I LEARNED A LESSON TODAY ~ BE GRACIOUS

Today, I've learned a great lesson.  Well ... I've already come across this long before today.

It would be more of a reminder.

A reminder that : WE SHOULD NEVER EVER PUT PEOPLE DOWN.  ALWAYS BE GRACIOUS IN WHATEVER WE SAY TO A PERSON.

A few years ago, while I was grocery shopping with my sister in law, we bumped into a lady whom I've never met. She started a conversation with my sil and when I was introduced to her, the first words that came out of her mouth were :

"Wah...you become fatter."

Excuse me, I thought. I don't even know you. But later I found out she thought I was my older sister who also worked at the same place.

I was not angry.

But somehow this incident has taught me a very precious lesson:
Be gracious in what we say to one another. Even if it's for someone we meet for the first time or someone we don't exactly like.

Therefore words of blessings should come forth from out our mouths. You'll be surprised that those words will brighten someone's day :)

Have a blessed day.

BOWS & HAIRBANDS

Aren't they pretty?

My niece makes them.  Bow hair pins and beautiful hairbands.

If you would like to order, you can view the CATALOG and contact her.  She's also happy to custom make bows and bands to your liking! To order, please email steff_tham@yahoo.com or SMS 97954995 with item nos. Happy Shopping and thanks for your support!

FRIENDS OF 10 YEARS, MET FOR THE FIRST TIME

Yup!  Even though we speak on the phone with each other (not as frequent as we want), this is the first time that we had dinner together, well except for Mabel and me (we meet at least twice a year).

We've known each other ever since our children attended Rainbow Centre (that has relocated from Balestier to Yishun) and their teacher was Mabel (seated left).  Ms Y's son has since passed on and she now has 2 healthy little kids who are both pretty and handsome.

It was to be a farewell dinner for Ms Y.  She's leaving Singapore for good, after a terrible time with her ex-husband and finally getting her divorce final.

I wish her and her children well and that they will adapt well in their new lives, new home and environment in Malaysia with Ms Y's family.  And hope to see her again in Singapore someday. Will miss you Ms Y!

ALL HAPPENED IN JUST ONE DAY ~ IC & BARD BUTTON

And I will remember 13 February 2012 for a long time.

Two major events fell on the same day.

Jonathan was scheduled to have his identity card done on that Monday. But the night before (Sunday 12th), his button broke. The small little tiny tip broke off from the button cover. I really thank God that it happened in the evening. Although it didn't leak as much, the skin around the stoma became sore. And I didn't have the vaseline cream...sigh.

 The sore stoma site

It was tiring Sunday night for Jonathan and me.  He woke up a few times because his pajama shirt was wet.

Then came Monday morning.

At 8am, I got a call from ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore) that their staff are leaving for my home now.  They arrived shortly before 9am.  Started processing the application and scanned his thumbprint for both left and right hand.  Then using the ink pad, took his right thumb to "sign" all the forms that were necessary for his "signature".  and I'm very happy that we could use the photo I took (HERE)

Having his thumb scanned into the computer

They were really quick.  We will be able to get his identity card from 20th onwards.  Jonathan even "signed" an authorization form for his daddy to pick up his IC on his behalf.

Including taxi far and the $10 payment to apply for the IC, we paid a total of $53 plus.  Any excess will be refunded to us when we pick up the IC from ICA.

Before the officers arrived, I managed to get hold of the home care nurse from KK Hospital who advised me to call the Surgical Department for an appointment.  Thank God they were willing to give me a slot at 11am.

We packed up and went off, arriving at KK and waited half hour before we could get his button changed.

Jonathan was nervous.  He knew what he was going to go through.  But he knew he had to get it done otherwise his skin will be sore with the leaking button.

I requested for local anesthesia.  Doctor told me that to give him anesthesia was more painful than having the button pulled out.  So I relented.

Because the button was already more than 2 years old, there was likelihood that the mushroom would break and thus unable to be pulled out.  The doctor tried to locate the base, but failed.  The goo from Jonathan's tummy was oozing out and while I kept telling him his a brave boy, coupled with him being nervous, the nurse took over and in one second, "pop"!, the button was out.  After checking the size, they put a new "same-sized" button into his tummy and immediately, calm came over Jonathan.

This is the device used to pull out the BARD button.  Inserted through the button hole (not the stomach),
the doctor presses down against the base of the mushroom (dome) and straightens the button
before pulling out of the tummy.  The same procedure applies to insert the new button.

The nurse showed me the blackened button and explained to me why the doctor had to be present.  Otherwise, it would only be her doing it.  Well...she did do it in the end.  The strong, professional nurse who was an expectant mother.

The new button is now functioning well.  Was advised (like before) to have it changed in 1.5 years.

While we were at KK, I promised Jonathan he could watch Youtube from my iPhone.  But instead of Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune, he asked for worship music, much to my surprise.  The worship music did calm him down and I thank God for protecting him and keeping him brave.

I told Jonathan that he has the boldness of the Lion of Judah.  I am truly truly proud of my son.

Thank you Lord Jesus for watching over him all the time.

TIME TO CHANGE BUTTON

I had this nagging thought since January to change Jonatgan's feeding Bard button. But got it delayed because of Chinese new year.

It has finally broken....the cap tip...that small tiny stopper on the lid broke.

The last change was 9 December 2009. Considering that it lasted 2 years, it's already a record in itself.

I hope to get it changed today, the little leakage is kind of making the stoma site a little tender. Will request for local anesthetia for his comfort. More importantly, a person who will do a good, quick and safe change.

He's had disturbed sleep, waking up a few times because the gauze is wet.

He's finally gone back to sleep...only to be woken again by that loud bird chirping....sigh.

And he's going to get his IC done today. It's already 7.30am. They will arrive around 9. I hardly had a wink cos I only went to bed at 4am after printing some shirts. I just thank God that I finished this order. At least I can focus my attention on the prince today.

Lord, thank you that it's a good today.

Will update later.

$18 VERSUS $5 ~ I'LL DO IT MYSELF IN FUTURE

Of these two photographs, can you tell me which one was taken at the photo studio?
*
*
*
*.
If your answer is the top one with Jonathan in blue shirt, you are wrong.

The one in red shirt was taken at the photo studio just across the street from where we live.

Jonathan is having his IC done on Monday. {Thankfully they will be coming here on Monday.}  So I thought it would be good if he had an updated photo because those that were taken couple of years bag are way too young and his features have changed.

We we were at the studio. We placed a white tshirt over the back rest, just like this picture here.  Obviously Jonathan had to sit on his buggy. 

Just before the photographer started shooting, another customer had come into the studio wanting a set of passport photos as well.  While he was snapping away, I was trying very hard to make Jonathan smile.  After about 5-6 shots, he recommended the one above (in red shirt) to be the best amongst the 6 shorts he took.  We really had no choice but to say "ok" after seeing the photo.  But deep down, I was disappointed.  He seemed to be rushing us off and wasn't patient enough to wait for us to adjust Jonathan properly.

As you can see, because Jonathan had to lean on the buggy backrest, his hair is pretty messy when he moves his head.  Photographer said that because Jonathan was slouching, the photo didn't really turn out good and he has to do some touching up.

It was my mistake for not asking how much the photos would cost before we did it. Finally, when we had to pay, he gave us the cost:
$9 for 4 pieces of passport size photo
Double the charge for editing to touch up.
Total cost for 4 pieces: $18

What's even more disappointing is that he didn't even balance up the shoulder!

He asked me if I wanted a soft copy. I said no, knowing that it would be an extra charge.

I debated for a while when we got back, regretting.  So I decided to take photos of Jonathan myself.  I did want to do it myself earlier but I thought a professional would do a better job with a higher pixelled camera.

So all in all, within 2 days, I took about 30 photos of Jonathan, singing as I did, so that he would smile. And he did in some.

I finally found a few good ones, ending up with the one above.  Not bad for an amateur photographer!  LOL

I used photoshop to edit off the excess hair that was fraying around.  Took it to another photo studio to get it printed.

Cost of 4 pieces of passport size photos?  Just $5 and only 10 minutes wait to get it printed and cut to size.

I should have done it myself in the first place :)

That's what I'll do in future....

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE

Yesterday, 6 February, once more, it's Jonathan's birthday.

Thank God that he stopped vomiting at 5am yesterday morning.  Well enough to be able to celebrate his birthday.

I asked him, "darling are you happy?", after we cut the cake.

His simple reply...."yes" with those big round eyes looking at me.

Then...with a kiss on his forehead, I said, "mommy loves you."

Yesterday he said he wanted us to buy him something.  But he still couldn't tell us what exactly he wanted after we listed all the things we thought he would like.  So I guess we will still have to keep asking him until the right one comes along.

I leave you with this picture that I love out of the few we took.  He bent his head and looked at the cake while cutting it.  The seriousness in his eyes was quite cute in a way.

Thanks to all who wished Jonathan "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!", whether on the actual day or belated.  All the wishes have been conveyed to him and even though he doesn't express it, I'm sure he was really really happy.

And thanks for visiting.  God bless :)

HE'S 15

It's 12 midnight. Jonathan is officially 15, IC eligible age, a teen with his own wants, a mind of his own.

This evening, after his nap, he became unwell. It brought me back to the day he was born. Being resuscitated and having tubes all over him in the neonatal intensive care.

I'm just so happy that all these are in the past.

To our beloved Jonathan:
Mommy and daddy love you unconditionally. We're happy that "I love you" is always in our daily conversation with you. You have been our source of strength and the joy that comes with it.

You laughter is the best medicine for us. Your wit is the antidote to our stressful day. Your smile is contagious and your excitement is our simple pleasures.

You don't have worries and you always don't want us to worry about you. You said you don't need anything, and you made sure we don't spend on you either. your simple pleasures are old tapes of Wheel of Fortune that was taped over the past years for you and yet....you still didn't want anything more.

I hate myself for letting you fall sick. But thank you for being so forgiving.

Your cheerful nature, despite all that you've been through, is the toughest character yet.

Yes you do have down times. You do have disappointments, you voice them to us with small cries or pulling tissues LOL. But once you are satisfied with what you've got, that big bright personality starts to shine.

Our dearest son, you're the Righteousness of God in Christ. You are Jesus' beloved, the young man whom Jesus loves. Thank you for being in our lives. Thank you for making the effort to say "no" and for trying so hard to make us happy.

Thank you most of all for loving our shortcomings and sometimes not being able to meet your immediate needs. Thank you son...and we appreciate you.

The Lord will bless you richly, heal you and make you whole, a person without disability.

And this is out desire...

We love you son ＜3

JANUARY

With the new year comes new adventures.

The most obvious trait?  That Jonathan has his own mind and wants his own way now.   He's no longer the chubby little baby who listens to mommy and daddy.  Well....mostly mommy.  haha

Most of the time, I enlist the help of H whenever he's at home.  And H's voice does wonders.  Maybe it's because I'm always with Jonathan 24/7 (except for the occasional 'outings' that I have for my work, or going to see my mom) that's why he takes such a long time to respond to my request.


The other thing that has happened recently?  He's quite reluctant to have me change his diaper, whether he needs cleaning or not.  He will turn his body whenever I need to clean him.  Most of the time I end up raising my voice when he twists his body just so that I don't have to clean him.  I think he's beginning to be very aware of his surroundings.  No problem for daddy here though.  But I cannot be relying on daddy all the time.  So whenever I need to change him now, I always have to tell him that it's alright for mommy to do it.  then he will relax his leg muscles a little so that I can finish the 'job'.

I still treat him like a little kid.  The lovable boy with the sparkling eyes and great smile.  He loves my attention but I always have to remind myself that he is no longer a baby.  I told H once that we shouldn't make him do small kids stuff like "Jonathan, how do you gongxi gonxi."  haha.  Yup....we used to do this when he was 5/6 years old.  A gesture he does so well :))

He is vocally saying "no" rather clearly and sometimes voluntarily when we asks him.  So I'm hopeful that his speech will return someday.  He says "la" quite frequently too.  To me, that means his tongue is moving and loosening up.  That's my instincts and I want to believe that I'm right.

Going out is good now.  He doesn't retch when he returns home.  But sometimes in the cab, he does get a little nervy and tries to move his body in certain ways during the journey to compensate his nervousness.  This makes it tiring for me when he sits on my lap.  But with H, he sits perfectly fine!

I haven't thought of enrolling him for PT yet.  But I should do it in due course.  But I do not have any intentions of bringing back to school.

Two weeks ago, we received notice from the Immigrations Department that Jonathan is due to make his identity card.  Another reminder that he's growing up :)

I have requested for home visit for the Immigration Officer to come to my home to process the IC.  I just have to pay for the transportation fare that the Officer will incur when he/she comes.  It's probably the same amount as when we go to the Immigration Department, except that we don't have to wait in a queue.

Jonathan's birthday is coming.  I don't know what we will do.  Besides celebrating with this grandmother, whose birthday is a day before his, we will probably buy him a cake and have it at home, just the 3 of us.

I'm grateful to the Lord that the retching/vomitting thing is over and now.  He caught the flu on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year but recovered fairly quickly.  I'm believing for more blessings and more good things happening this year.

Thanks for dropping by.  Wishing all good health and loads of blessings this new year!

ANG POW 2012 (RED PACKETS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR)

As usual, every year I will whip up my tools and papers and start making ang pows (red packets) for Chinese New Year.  I've been doing them for a few years now and CLICK HERE to see some of my past ang pow creations.

This year, this is what I did.  I'm sure many people have done this before.

I was surprised I finished making them relatively fast.  Maybe it's because I had a great cutting tool by Martha Stewart - The Circle Cutter.  I got mine from Scrap-n-Crop.com.  Click HERE to see how this tool works.

So, using the above tool, I proceeded to cut 3" circles.  Rememeber:  Only square circles, not ovals. You need 4 circles for each ang pow.  To create a nice contrast, it's better to choose 2 pattern paper circles and 2 plain colored ones.

 Then fold the circles into halves.

Using a cutting mat ruler as a guide, place them at 90 degrees.  Add a little glue (enough to hold the 2 pieces together) on the flap where the pattern paper is positioned.  Once you are certain that they are 90 degrees, you can press down till the glue sticks.

I've pasted them by alternating the overlapping.

This is how it looks once they are pasted together.  That's the inside of the ang pow.

 This is the back.

See how you should fold the flaps.

When it's close, you can mark the area with a ball point pen so it's easier to punch a hole without having to punch the other papers.  This is optional.  If you don't want to use ribbons like I did, you can paste a sticker to "seal" the flaps so they will stay closed.

Hope these instructions are clear and you can start making your own gift envelopes.