~~~~~~Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers ~~Lilypie Second Birthday tickers~~~~~~

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Wine Appreciation 红酒品鉴会

As a volunteer of the local RC, I was arrowed as the chairman of Youth Chapter, to attract youth of below 35 years, a difficult task and I don't have the time to put my heart and soul at it. But I do enjoy the neighborhoodness that volunteerism brought about, and indeed, it does not require that much of time, as we have a very supportive RC chairman.

This round, we organised a wine appreciation vs local delight event. It was planned to be a rooftop garden event, with moonlight and candles, but due to the weather, we had to hold it in-house. Nevertheless, all the participants enjoyed themselves very much. We had Jeffrey Soh, a renowned figure in local wine industry, to show how to pair fine wine with local food and it was well received. I dressed up, gave the opening speech, though much the credit should go to our chairman, Margaret, and Freddie. I sipped the 5 types of wine, and was a bit high at the end of it..... a well spent evening. My other half and my son joined the event as well, so do my newly-moved-in neighbour, Sally and her husband.

Wine & Food
- Bibby Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with deep fried prawn roll and deep fried crab claw;
- Tosti Asti with Nonya Laksa;
- Bibby Marlborough Pinot Noir with Hainanese Chicken Rice;
- Ca'Moni Merlot with Bun with stewed Pork;
- Drayton's Botrytis with Yam Paste with Coconut Milk and Mini Chocolate Fondue.



我在社区里做义工。少过35岁还愿意做义工的人不多,所以勉强还算年轻的我被冠上这个区青年团的团长。还好做义工是没有太大的压力,没有时间就少去一点了。最近组织的一个活动,就是今天的红酒品鉴会。其实我这个区的义工主席做了很多前期准备。

红酒是我的喜爱。特意装扮,要致开场词。也是第一次用假睫毛。特意放了一个妆前妆后的照片。。。区别蛮大。。。还在四处找美女的同学注意,一定要看看美女卸妆后的样子,不太会化妆的妈妈都能做成这样。。。



品鉴会请来了Jeffrey Soh讲解红酒和食物的搭配。包括怎样评鉴红酒。以下五种红酒:
- Sauvignon Blanc:是一种白葡萄酒。有水果味道,和煎炸食物很搭对。但有一点酸。
- Tosti Asti:有一点甜的白葡萄酒。和辛辣的食物比较配。初喝葡萄酒的人应该会喜欢。
- Pinot Noir:很薄的一种红酒,不太对我的味,比较喜欢厚重,干涩,有回味的。但是据说是百搭,和什么食物都可以。
- Merlot:Merlot 和Shiraz一直是我比较喜欢的类型。与比较油腻的食物配对。只是它自己,也是舌齿间甘醇,苦涩。。。
- Botrytis:第一次喝,是很甜的一种和甜品配对的酒。据说很贵,因为要用更多的葡萄。太甜,居然有蜂蜜的味道。

妈妈讲了开幕词,帮忙倒酒上菜。偷闲喝了每种酒,呵呵。。。
臭美的妈妈,邻居Sally和老公还有爸爸和喝奶的瀚今,开心的参与者。
回到家,喝得有点多的妈妈。爸爸很配合的帮妈妈拍照。。。

Thursday, February 24, 2011

A perfect day 完美的一天

It's my off day again. A busy day indeed, I have done quite a number of things today:

- sent Han Jin to school in the morning;
- placed orders for two stocks and got filled. The market is sort of crashed lately, partially due to the mid-east unrest, New Zeland earthquake, and the Budget announced last Sat which reduced personal income tax rate (Hurray!) but raised CFP employer contribution rate and foreign worker levies, giving construction and service sector an increased cost. In this bear market, I took the risk and bought in some stocks. Hopefully, there is associated rewards;
- brought Mei Mei to Gymboree for a trial class of music. She does not like it as much as KinderMusic. I'd think the teacher is not as good as teacher Fuzzy at KinderMusic in terms of engaging kids. So, we did not sign up the membership. Instead, we registered a trial class in KinderMusic and went to Julia Grabiel to enquire the bilingual playclub that Han Jin used to be in. It surprised me that we have to wait for about a year for the time slot of choice. So, in the end, I got another not so ideal time slot for trial on coming Sat.
- went to 3 banks to consolidate my financial position;
- highlight of the day!! I bought a Canon PowerShot S95, recommended by Rachel! Enquired the model that Hu Ping recommended (Sony Nex 5), it costs over 1K and have to change lens according to weather... Gave it a pass as it is a bit over my budget and a lot over my photo-taking skills;
- had a nap with my SKII facial on;
- monitored the market and happy to see both stocks gained marginally, in a down trending market;
- had a one hour conference call with Pune, and happy that one of my projects is making progress;
- fetched Han Jin home and the usual end of day chaos starts....

Here are some photos by Power S95!

今天又休假,我可爱的星期三!做了很多东西,有这样一天不用工作真好!

清晨送瀚今去上学,再三叮嘱老师要先把他和几个非常好动的小朋友分开。回来紧接着送妹妹去Gymboree的音乐试读课,她不是很喜欢,可能地板太硬,老师有点刻板。于是又去了KinderMusic,解释我们近两个月没有去的原因,下周去试听一下。又去了JuliaGabriel学前发展中心,我想要的时间居然要等近一年,最后只好先在另外一个时段试听一下。瀚今之前很喜欢JuliaGabriel的双语游戏课程,希望妹妹也会喜欢。有点担心小家伙的华语呀!

回到家已经到了中午,吃完饭,去DrLow的诊所拿去皮肤专科的介绍信,去了三家银行。重点介绍:买了向往好几天的照相机 Canon PowerShot S95. 对效果挺满意的,清晰很多,不用闪光灯也比较清晰,虽然还达不到理想中有明显景深的效果,可是便携式的只能这样了。

回到家已经要三点了,匆匆看了看股市动态。最近市场有点熊,中东不稳定,新西兰地震,刚宣布的国家年度计划又出台一些利于个人,不利公司的措施。迎风进了点货,有些怕怕。喝了早上泡的凉茶,敷上面膜,小小美容觉:)

醒来和妹妹玩一下子。参加了一个项目的会议电话,有进展:)一个小时后,再去接瀚今,接着一天例行的忙碌的晚上。孩子睡了,和老公分享了一下新照相机和对市场的看法,再分析了一下股市,觉得还可以再冒点风险。。但是怕现金流通有问题。。

觉得今天过得很充实!我要的所有的快乐因素都有了:和孩子比较充裕的时间相处;和老公有沟通的时间;做一点点工作还有满意的进展;花点钱;投点资;小小宠一下自己;看看Facebook,blogspot, 和QQ上的朋友。只是还应该给妈妈打个电话。这就是完美的一天了!

为大家带来Canon Powershot 的照片!好像放上blog, 跟卡片机的效果差别不是太大。。。5555。。。


Monday, February 21, 2011

相逢若是初见时,不见花开花谢

最近把blogspot转去QQ空间,被加入了几个QQ群,找到了些个许久不联系的朋友。。。这是我十七岁时卫校毕业的照片,找得到我吗?

人生若只如初见,何事秋风悲画扇。等闲变却故人心,却道故人心易变!
骊山语罢清宵半,泪雨零铃终不怨。何如薄幸锦衣郎,比翼连枝当日愿!

再update一下我初中时的照片。

Who is the boss at home? 皓俊5岁生日

In a traditional Chinese family, the father is the authority head who supports the family solely and has the final say of everything. In a current Chinese family, the wife is usually the one who is in control, evidenced by the numerous controls that some of my friends in China have over the financial and domestic matters as well as the tight control over the husband. It might be prompted by the insecurity of married women in this ever changing, ever tempting society. In an ideal world, I fancy a strike of balance that both parties contribute ideas, discuss issues and concur solutions. I have been whining to my friends in the past few days that I have given up too much decision making power to the other half. I might be the financial minister of the family, who runs all the admin matters, produces monthly P&L, does research on the options, presents proposals, and be scuritinised of the proposals by the prime minister. Actually, I wanted my kids to have the impression that Daddy is the king, however, not to their knowledge, mummy is the empreress behind the vail. :) It hurts me a little when Han Jin insists that we should ask for daddy's permission when mei mei wants to watch TV. Seems I have little power left in my hands by always showing respect to the supportive husband. No doubt, he is supportive of any decision that I make, but lately I didn't make any decisions all by myself, and I guess it became a habit that daddy has the final say.

I kept wondering in this current society, when women become more and more successful in career and contribute equally financially, what is the role that we play at home? When we become capable of making decisions in office, standing up to our male counterparts, or giving orders to our male subordinates, are we still the submissive little wife at home?

I still fancy the balance of power at home. And, to be balanced, I will take a step to make a decision... to buy a better camera, and to buy an iphone.. hahaha....

下午去了图书馆,几张瀚今瀚月认真读书,抢书的照片。
In the library, I hope to cultivate their love for books

夜幕降临,皓俊5岁生日庆祝开始了,大大的PowerRanger(咸蛋超人?)蛋糕。孩子们在楼下的游乐场玩的很开心。其实这样简单而温馨的生日很美!对孩子们而言,有蛋糕和大堆垃圾食品(玲玲为此被抨击哦),还有朋友们的欢聚就已经让他们很开心了!虽然我的卡片机照不出灯光下的橙色温馨,可记忆中暖暖的烛光和火花会存下来!
HaoJun's birthday party under the moon, with lots of junk food and activities, kids loved it

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Great Food from Grandma 有外援的聚会

Weekend again, and time for gathering again. Wen Hong's Granny came to Singapore, which benefited me a lot, from the care given by Auntie Lucy, to the latest great food that Po Po (as we fondly called her) cooked. Po Po is a very hospitable person and cooks many signature dishes. The gathering was held at my place, but with all the food items brought in by friends. Great time again! My humble place is full of laughter. After the food and wine, we moved to the playground downstairs to let the kids have some fresh air and release the energy. I need a bigger place??

In the afternoon, since I don't have to prepare the dinner, simply bought some fruits, drinks and wine, I got to take some shots of my little ones and myself.

文红婆婆来新加坡了,我热烈鼓掌欢迎。受益匪浅呀!今天婆婆煮了四大名菜!聚会在我家,但是都是朋友们煮了带来的。不用煮饭的聚会我喜欢呀!只是准备了酒水水果和炒米粉,还有蛮多时间拍照片的。

before afternoon nap; 午睡前的兄妹俩儿

午睡起来又摆美
主厨婆婆,婆婆一家,假假煮的妈妈
婆婆的四大名菜:梅菜扣肉,小酥肉,鸡爪,水煮肉片。
Angelina家特别佳菜:咖喱鸡
阿为奶奶经典推荐:水煎包
佳佳家小朋友的最爱:披萨

缺席:皓俊家,去参加朋友的生日晚会了。上婆婆的四大名菜!想吃了吧?
缺席:蓁蓁家,小蓁蓁口腔溃疡。快点好啊!

最近想买的东西很多:苹果的i phone,Canon S95 的照相机,烤箱..... 买吧?不买了?买吧?不买了?买吧!

PS:老妈,你的朋友来了!大一点儿的召唤力!

Friday, February 18, 2011

瀚今宝贝+元宵节快乐+中国媳妇 Han Jin + Lantern Festival + Daughter in law of China

A little low right now... I just yelled at Han Jin when he did his Kumon, which is a test after completing a level and it was supposed to be finished withing 10 mins, but it took us more than an hour, yet still not finished. I felt so sorry that I couldn't control myself any better. Afterall, he is just a 4.5 year old kid, and I am the dearest person he has in this world. I yelled at him, and almost used the word 'stupid'. I need to better control and manage this. Indeed. Of the precious 2 hours I have with my kids each day, we should not spend it in such a way. I kissed him and sayanged him before he fell asleep, and now he is in sound sleep. Hope he has a sweet dream without the tiger mom...

心情不是太好,觉得很对不起瀚今。刚才瀚今做作业的时候冲他喊了,本来10分钟要完成的数学题,花了一个小时多还没有做完。我应该更好地忍耐和教导,4岁半的孩子,可能给了他太多的压力,来自最亲爱的妈妈。一天就只有这么两个小时,和我的宝贝们在一起,不应该是这样度过的。尽量地安抚他,在他临睡前,做个好梦,宝贝,不要记着发脾气的妈妈。明天妈妈会做得更好一点的。我要一点一点进步。

花了一点点时间让自己平静下来,打开电脑,看到朋友的祝福,才意识到今天是元宵节。没有吃元宵,也没有跟孩子们讲什么是元宵节。Google了一下元宵节,明天早上讲给瀚今听。元宵节快乐!

http://baike.baidu.com/view/1949.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_Festival

After Han Jin's appointment on Tuesday, tough daddy was determined to send Han Jin back to school. Softer mummy was hesitating and would like to keep Han Jin at home for a few more days/weeks. However, I gave in and agreed to send Han Jin back on Wed, which I was on leave, so that I can take him back anytime if necessary. We reached Little Skool House by about 9am and most classmates were already there and getting ready for outdoor play. Han Jin refused to go in initially, and we had a deal that he would just go in to say hi to the friends and teachers. Kids are such wonderful creatures, and they genuinely care. Once Han Jin was inside, everyone came surrounded him, asking numerous questions and Tsai Lao Shi had to discipline to have them raised up hands one by one. Han Jin was showered by warmth and care, and I think he did miss his friends. He confirmed with his best friend, He Zhang, that he is still his best friends.

The class was then ready for outdoor play. Han Jin and I stayed in the school to play toys and read books. Around 10 plus, the kids came back and Han Jin joined them again. Sensing that he enjoyed the company and activities, I retreated quietly while signalling to the teacher. I stayed in the waiting area for 10 mins, heard Han Jin calling mummy, but no cry. I went down to the lobby, read a piece of newspaper, stayed until 11:30am, went up again, asked Auntie Mable to check on Han Jin, and was told he was ok. For the rest of the day, I was uneasy, unsettled, and called the school many times to confirm that he was ok. Went to fectch him at 5pm, he obviously enjoyed himself very much, and stayed back another 10mins to finish his drawing!

His spirit was kept high for the rest of the day, and I am amazed by how fast kids can adapt and regenerate!

拜二看过医生后,比较强硬的爸爸坚持让瀚今去上学,温软一点的妈妈很想让瀚今在家多休息几天或几个礼拜。最后爸爸胜出,拜三妈妈休假的时候送瀚今去学校,这样我可以随时接他回来,有必要的话。去了学校,小朋友非常关心瀚今,围着他问长问短,呵护倍加,瀚今也很开心。我留下来陪瀚今到10点多,又在外面待到11点多,多次跟老师确认他没事,才忐忑不安地走了。一整天都提心吊胆,不停打电话去学校。早早去接他,瀚今玩的很开心,停留了十分钟画完化妆舞会的邀请函才愿意跟我走!

孩子多么会适应和再充电呀!反倒是妈妈多虑了。

今天和Donna还有其他几个同事约好吃午餐,听Donna讲她去中国见未来公婆的经历。很开心的Donna!看来爱情的在我们的Donna和Mr ABC (American Born Chinese,美籍华人)之间盛开地很美!希望可爱的Donna快点成为我们的中国媳妇哦!

Had lunch with Donna and the girls. Our sweet Donna is dating Mr ABC and deeply in love. She spent the CNY in China with the future parents in law and the big family. She shared the email from the father in law who did a slide of Donna's pictures! She's so much loved by the family! Hope that she become daughter in law of a Chinese family soon! How sweet! Loving couple!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

蓝色情人节 Valentine's Day and more

初识时是粉红色,热恋时是玫瑰红色,现在的情人节是什么颜色?

对我而言,它是踏实,舒适,和清澈的蓝色。

最近瀚今行动不太方便,爸爸尽量早回来,吃过晚饭,我们会分别推着瀚今和妹妹在凉风中散步,去妹妹喜欢的荡秋千的地方或是参加社区的活动。这样平常的幸福,原来对我们来说也是有些难得的。这样平常的幸福,我很喜欢,我要珍惜可以做兼职的日子。
社区活动的夜景;统一的色调;不是我烤的蛋糕

我喜欢看Clara Chow的专栏,今天她写了她四岁半的儿子收到的情书。会有人记得四岁半的心动吗?有一次接瀚今的时候,一个小女孩忹生生的跟我说,她长大了要和瀚今结婚。我感动得立刻就喜欢上了她! 这样单纯的告白,应该是需要勇气的吧!如果有人喜欢我的瀚今,我有什么理由不喜欢她呢?

There are articles in newspaper talking about how commercial Valentine's day is. Maybe it is. But it still is a day for you to be reminded that you need to let the person you love knows about your feeling, even if it is for a married couple. A simple 'Happy Valentine's Day' would be good enough.

There is another article in the paper caught my eyes. That is the column by Clara Chow. I read her column 'Manic Mummy' on My Paper regularly. She has a 4.5 year old son and another 1.5 year old one, and talks about parenting, growing pain, balancing life and others. I can relate her story well and hence like the column a lot. This article on the V Day talks about a love letter received by her elder son from Kindergarden. It reminded me the little girl at Han Jin's school who ever told me that she wanted to marry Han Jin when she grows up, one day before she transferred to another preschool. Lucky enough for Han Jin, she came back to the same school a few days later. The mere fact that she likes my Han Jin made me love her instantly! Seems I can make a good mother in law. :) I hope we keep this budding bonding going.

I wouldn't post her photo here. Instead, here is Han Jin's blokes (photo taken during CNY celebration one day prior to Han Jin's fall).

瀚今学校的新年庆祝
Today, Han Jin had his second follow up appointment with Prof Hui. The cast was changed to fiberglass full cast and according to the doctor, Han Jin can go back to school now! The cautious mummy might want to keep Han Jin at home for a few more days... (I wrote 'Mummy loves me' on the cast! heheee)

瀚今的片子,专注的瀚今和爸爸,换药的瀚今,新的玻璃纤维石膏

Eat, Play and Bond 又到聚会时

Copied Chen Ni's phrase: Eat, Play and Bond. Wong family organised a gathering last Sat, with sumptuous food, drinks, friends, laughter and bonding. It blended BBQ with catered dinner, wine with beer and soft drinks, platter of tropical fruits and so much more.

We arrived slightly late, as Han Jin went to Yamaha and we bought him a keyboard. We had a really good time with kids playing in superman and batman cloaks, daddies and mummies having a sip of beer or wine, aunties chatting away with their friends. Worth mentioning the variety of fruits provided!  Thanks for the wonderful dinner!

My digital camera image is blurring... waiting for the finish from the semi-pro cam...

上面的照片是我们礼拜六在贞霓家聚会的画面。今年唯一的一次捞鱼生。美酒,佳肴,好友。。。 除了瀚今手臂痒要提前走之外,这是完美的聚会。

Update 一下胡平的link:http://huping0809.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/%e8%85%90%e8%b4%a5%e7%9a%84%e8%81%9a%e4%bc%9a%e2%80%94%e2%80%94wongs-house-warming-party/

再update一下玲玲的link:http://haojunandqing.blogspot.com/2011/02/chenni.html

去贞霓家之前,瀚今还去了Yamaha的钢琴课,我们买了Yamaha的电子钢琴 (妹妹很喜欢,我总觉得和很小就去KinderMusic的音乐欣赏课有关,虽然爸爸不以为然),妈妈偷偷去买了情人节的情侣衫:)

礼拜天,蓁蓁和爸爸妈妈来看瀚今,大大眼睛的蓁蓁很粘妈妈呀!谢谢所有来看瀚今的朋友! 

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Awakening of the lion 醒狮之舞

Acknowledging cultural differences and diversity, my company has organized a celebration of this lunar festival, featuring the “Awakening of the Lion” dance - a long-standing Chinese tradition used to frighten demons from local businesses and communities and help bring good fortune to all (per Corp Communication, I wasn't sure what Lion Dance was for). My team members knew that I wasn't very lucky lately and helped to arrange the lion to come to my desk for a special touch, appreciated! Thanks Leanne and Diana. I do hope that the touch of the lion will bring me better luck, especially in the sense of health and luck.

Rachel shared some photo-taking tips with me, and shared a link to camera review. Think it could be the time to upgrade my camera...

今年的农历新年正好在月底结账期间,大家都很忙。农历初九,公司历年的醒狮活动又来了,表示公司是注重不同文化与种族和谐的。部门的同事知道我近来运气不太好,贴心地帮我安排狮子特意到我的座位来开运,多谢啦!

第一次近距离地看到舞狮队,只见狮子吃了桔子(和红包),低着头在桌上很久,我正纳闷,却见桔子被摆成一个‘吉’字。正是我需要的:)也有人把红包悬挂在天花板上,舞狮的人要架在另外一个人肩上才拿得到。挺有趣的。


I then had lunch with Judy at Soup & Spoon, exchanged tips on parenting and investment. Envy her relaxed job and potential for windfall now and then. :) Let me know when you want to change job! :) 午餐和Judy一起喝汤,交换了一些育儿心得和投资观点,最近太过勤奋于写博客,没有时间关注市场动态或做投资分析,这个月的投资收入是零了:(




Daddy doesn't have to send Han Jin to the school in the morning, so he drop me at the MRT station nowadays. On the way, I took out the camera prepared for the lion, and took many shots of myself, a dragon. :) 早上爸爸不用送瀚今上学了,于是改送我上班了,到地铁站而已啦。带了照相机去照狮子,先自己拍了很多这条龙:)本来是想做个和妹妹一样的大力水手造型的,不成功。。。

Thursday, February 10, 2011

朋友的原创诗歌

朦朦胧胧的黄昏撕扯着我的记忆;
碎片刮划着昏沉的大脑。
熟悉与陌生撞击着遥远的曾经和眼前的现实;
忘记!
我隐约回想起了曾经的忘记!
那是飘香云朵的那一刻;
喃喃的讼着:“如果有来生......”
但愿在人海中与你再次相遇。
品下无味的汤,度过万年的桥。
将仅存的一缕青丝捆扎在自己的心房!
这一刻心房又被那一世的的青丝牵动。

- 转自朋友,原创!

New Fiberglass Cast 新换的石膏好多了

Han Jin's follow up appointment is due one week after operation. Initially, I asked for this Friday's appt, but Dr Hui (the Prof I mentioned earlier) will be overseas for conference, then I asked for this Tuesday but time slot was full. I was given a slot next Tuesday, though not happy, but I settled for it.

Han Jin had constant nightmares in last few days. I was afraid that it is due to the trauma of operation. Daddy took a step forward to call the hospital and got hold of Dr Hui, and we finally got an appointment today. This is not the usual clinic time for Dr Hui, but he agreed to pop out from operating theater to take a look of Han Jin. It turned out that the bandage was too tight, which could have caused Han Jin's nightmare.

Han Jin struggled quite a bit when changing the cast and bandage, and refused to be touched by any medical staff. Mummy and Daddy cut the bandage open instead. Once again, I feel the nurse in me. :) After X-ray and doctor's assessment, we were given a new cast with a different material, which is so much lighter and Han Jin got a replacement kid's arm sling (was given an adult one upon discharge). With the sling, he could walk by himself! Much improved mobility! I am very happy with the new cast and googled a bit. It is called fiberglass as opposed to the original Plaster of Paris (why Paris?). Search results as follows:

These days, casts are made of either:
  • plaster of paris: a heavy white powder that forms a thick paste that hardens quickly when mixed with water. Plaster of paris casts are heavier than fiberglass casts and don't hold up as well in water.
  • synthetic (fiberglass) material: made out of fiberglass, a kind of moldable plastic, these casts come in many bright colors and are lighter and cooler. The covering (fiberglass) on synthetic casts is water-resistant, but the padding underneath is not. You can, however, get a waterproof liner. The doctor putting on the cast will decide whether a fiberglass cast with a waterproof lining is appropriate.
Being a happier parent again, let me side track a bit about Dr Hui. I finally got to see him. He proves to be a really nice doctor with a fatherly look, in his operating gown, flanked by two scrub nurses in operating gown. My dream of becoming a successful surgeon is coming to me again. :))

今天带瀚今去复诊,原本给的日子是下个礼拜二。可是瀚今最近常常做恶梦,我初始以为是手术的精神创伤。亲爱的爸爸给医院打了电话,终于拿到魏教授的电话,他也同意在手术中出来见我们。谢谢亲爱的爸爸替瀚今争取了近一个礼拜的时间,换过的石膏轻很多,带上换过的儿童用手臂吊带,瀚今可以自己走路了呀!

再次感谢爸爸,再次觉得妈妈太过容易妥协,总是不好意思。教出来的瀚今瀚月也很容易让步。要反省一下。

要说一下这个新石膏,在网上查了查,叫做纤维玻璃石膏。好好听,又好用,开心好多。

开心之余,要替之前抱怨过的魏教授平冤一下。他同意在手术之间来看我们,对瀚今也很好,也向我们确认了以后不会有任何后遗症。瀚今用左手也是可以做职业网球选手的(这个是妈妈说的:)。也仔细回答了我们的问题,大大加分。连带着让我觉得手术室的蓝绿色手术衣也很好看。

如果可以让我选,我最想做一个爱病人的外科医生!哦,强力推荐美国ABC电视的医疗片:Grey's Anatomy. 十分好看,我在迷上写博客之前,最爱看的电视剧。有空看看呀!

剪开的绷带,又可以自己走路的瀚今,开心很多的爸爸妈妈

晚上去程琳家,确定了Auntie Lucy 来我们家临时帮忙,希望两个阿姨可以把两个宝宝照顾得很好。 前两天阿为奶奶有来帮忙。感谢我的好邻居,好朋友们!
婆婆抱着文红文君和妹妹;Auntie Lucy 和婆婆;感谢程琳,婆婆和Auntie Lucy

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

新春快乐 The year of Rabbit

今年的佳节因为瀚今的意外,气氛不是太浓厚。塞翁失马焉知非福。我们依然有一些庆祝。先来看看可爱的小兔子,在Lim's (一家很有东方意味的古董店)发现的,于是买了给所有的孩子们 (没有收到的童鞋,请举手,我还有多的:))

Han Jin's fall set the tone of this holiday season, and we spent our new year eve in NUH. However, we were fortunate enough to have these friends kept the CNY holiday spirit high. There is a Chinese saying about blessing in disguise and silver lining.


We brought Mei Mei to nearby friends' places during the 4-day holiday, and dressed her up in traditional attire.

再来看看妹妹的唐装,评价一下哪一套最美?


下来是爸爸妈妈(哦,妈妈又臭美了)和瀚今瀚月四处出游 (瀚今坐推车了,还好有两部)。We pushed Han Jin and Han Yue around in prams. Quite pleasantly, and enjoyed the family outing, especially that I don't have to carry Mei in arms, haha..


最后是佳佳家的爸爸之夜,本来是给爸爸们喝酒清聚的。可以有了爸爸就少不了妈妈和娃娃们:) 而且一如既往地娃娃们成了主题,散会前不忘主题地给爸爸们合个影!It supposed to be a Daddy's Night at Jia Jia's, for the guys to get together and have some alcohol, but without fail, kids are at the center stage.



新年快乐!万事如意!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Han Jin's Fall 不要再来

It was merely a few weeks after we cleared the fear from Mei Mei's Ordeal. Everything is set to celebrate the Chinese New Year, a few get togethers arranged, aw bao packed.. Just one day before the New Year Eve, the most important date for Chinese around the world, the reunion dinner that every family member supposes to be around, Han Jin had a fall at the playground and suffered a fracture, which needed an operation to fix the bone back, a cast to be wore for a month, and another operation 6 months down the road to remove the screw.

The day started like a usual day, albeit that it was business day one for my Jan month end closing that I have to report the monthly P&L plus the long term debt issuance. I reached home at 7pm, which was late given that I am on 70% part time and supposed to be off at 4:30pm. From the lift lobby, I heard Han Jin's screaming and rushed home to find him in huge pain and the left arm at the elbow seemed dislocated. Carried him in my arm, just grabbed his jacket, and put on a flat shoe, we were out for a taxi. A few stand-byers helped me to get a cab, and we reached the A&E at NUH. A few formalities, and we were told by a friendly doctor Jeremy that Han Jin had a small piece of bone at the end of the elbow fell off, and a simple cast was not sufficient to have it grown back to position. We were warded, and there were no single bed available. There were no operating theater available that night. We were given the hope that operation would be done the night and hence there should be no drinks or food. At 11:30pm, we were told that we can only have the 2nd slot the next morning, and Han Jin can have some food before 12mn. He fell asleep then, and there were no food or drinks for Han Jin from 4pm 1 Feb till the operation time on 10am 2 Feb, and post operation, he suffered nausea, stomach pain and could not eat until late evening. I curled up in a foldable bed, only to hear Han Jin's groan and that of the kid next bed. There wasn't much help, other than waiting for the day light. That night, I was hugely regretted the decision of coming to NUH instead of a private hospital. Maybe we could have had the operation done earlier, maybe I could have spoken to a senior consultant, maybe there is even a dissoluble screw to save the second operation!

Though the next day I wasn't so bias and appreciated NUH a bit more, I still think there is a difference between a public and a private hospital in terms of service level, and being a teaching hospital, we were treated mostly by registrar or even houseman even though we paid the fee for a senior consultant. Without our special request to have the consultant himself to do the operation, the nurse mentioned that the normal procedure would be that the registrar do the operation under the guidance of the consultant. Though I might should not have doubted, but can't help to think whether that was still the case, even with our special request to have the consultant being the first surgeon. To be fair, it is a teaching hospital and a ground for amateur doctors to learn, but it is our kid in question. It could be a simple procedure, but I just want to have the best possible care for him.

Daddy had done a lot this time. He was the one who went into the operating theater with Han Jin (Daddy used to be an anesthesia technician in the very same operating theater and still knows the sister there). He stayed with Han Jin overnight after the operation. Daddy cooked nutritious food for Han Jin, carried him up and down the bed for passing motion, brought him down at the playground for a stroll. etc.. A lot of credit to Daddy!

We were out of the hospital on 3 Feb, with a lower than expected bill, possibly the benefit of a public hospital. We had a lot of visitors these few days, being privileged to wait for people to come and visit. All the friends in the neighbourhood came. Han Jin had a wonderful time with Ge Ge Rey's visit and comical action.

Han Jin has to take paracetamol and antibiotics, has inconvenience to move, wears a cast, needs two people to coordinate to move him around. All these could last for the next a month, and we are looking for any help available. Both parents will have to go back to work next Monday, as I am still in month end closing and team is one man down, and Daddy is in year end closing with results releasing soon. Auntie Lucy and Ah Wei's granny are someone could help. Initially I thought of sending Mei Mei to the Nanny next door, but she cried hectically once I carried her to the house. I need to confirm with Cheng Lin on Auntie Lucy tomorrow.

Now I have to go back to Han Jin, who had a lot of nightmare tonight, and Daddy is getting angry that I kept sneaking out to write this entry. Poor Han Jin must have been traumatised to have so much nightmare...

农历新年前两天,瀚今在楼下的游乐场跌倒,摔伤了左手肘的骨头。那天我工作很忙,回到家已经7点钟 (我在做70%的兼职,按道理应该4:30下班,其实有些矛盾,我是不是应该忘掉所谓的事业,坚持只做我的70%?)瀚今哭的很厉害,应该很痛,抱去国大医院急诊科,拍了片子,有一小块骨头脱落。医生说光打石膏是不可以的,要做手术用钉子固定,半年后再做手术把钉子取出来。

到了医院,病人是没有什么权力的。只能听医生的。可是,我很有些后悔没有去私人医院。国大是教学医院,虽然指明请的是教授,还的是教授的钱,可来看我们的都是住院医师。单人房也等到第二天才有。

手术在大年三十做,指明要那个教授做,却也不知是否真的。爸爸陪去了手术室,瀚今麻醉后就出来了。在手术室外等的时间很长。上次妹妹住院的时候我很坚强,这次却很脆弱,医院的走廊很长,走着走着就有冰冰的泪水划过脸颊。走廊太长。。。

手术后全麻清醒的过程很痛苦,想想半年后还要多一次这样的创伤。。。

大年三十的年夜饭在医院吃。本来一起吃年夜饭的六家朋友饭后来看我们,病房里也挺热闹。爸爸陪瀚今过夜,我回来陪妹妹。第二天绑着石膏出院。记起去年大年初一我婆婆出院,今年大年初一瀚今出院。听会风水的朋友说,我们是需要有祥物保平安的。今天就听从朋友的建议,小小摆了一下。希望一切都会好!

绑着石膏很不方便,我们尽其所能得让瀚今舒服一些!今天还带着他去楼下走了走。爸爸做的很多。谢谢你!

接下来的一个月都会很忙,爸爸和我都要回去上班,保姆一个人应该是顾不过来的。需要更多的帮助。。。 越发的想,我是不是要再平衡一下重心?给事业降级到一份工作而已?

In the hospital, Daddy donned in Operating suits again, Han Jin after Op, friends & families visit. 医院里,手术前后,年夜饭,探病的亲友

Han Jin at home & limited outing, happy again. 楼下走走,贞霓送的 new year cushion 派上了大用场

Friday, February 4, 2011

Jan 2011 Summary 一月小结

I have sorted the remaining photos for Jan a few days ago, and was thinking of write a monthly summary for my family and even the macroeconomics. However, Han Jin had a fall on 1 Feb and went for an operation to fix the bone. Hence, I will skip the summary and simply post the photos that I had for Jan.

几天前整理好一月一些没有主题的照片,想要做一个月底小结。可是瀚今在二月一日摔倒骨折了。没有什么心情写小结了,就把之前整理好的照片发上来吧。

Han Jin Han Yue at home; 在家的瀚今瀚月
  瀚今的学校和Yamaha钢琴课 
A ride with Ge Ge Han Jin; 帅帅的瀚今

瀚今的户外活动

运动中的俩宝贝,妹妹的Dora造型