Essence of Love

Grabbing the gold!

2012-01-28T17:37:00.001+08:00

He did it again!

Last year, he was the fastest KG child... winning a GOLD medal in the 50m race.

This year, he is the fastest Year 1 child... winning 3 GOLD medals in the 25m, 50m and 4x25m race!

We're proud of you, Nixon!

Priceless picture: Father hugging his son after his first victory!

Grand support always, from loving grandpa!

I didn't even know...

2012-01-09T16:56:00.000+08:00

... that Thytus had asked for Cheerios when he was 2 years old and I had ignored him!

I was driving home with Thytus and Nixon in the car. I had Cheerios with me (I always keep some food in the car to save me from the sleep mode!) and asked them whether they wanted to have some.

I told Thytus that previously I didn't like it, but now I love it. He then tells me...

I have always liked it amma, since I was 2!

Since you were 2? You ate Cheerios then? How can you remember? (I know I didn't buy Cheerios before this...)

Yeah.. I remember when you brought me shopping at Jusco... I was in the trolley and I made noises to you to buy for me Cheerios and you ignored me. So, while still in the trolley, I moved my body front and back.. to make the trolley move, and nudged the Cheerios box down. Not realizing that I had knocked it off the shelf, you picked it up and put it in the trolley! Then when you had paid for it, you passed it to me and I ate it all up!
Huh?! (What a story teller!) Did you know that when you were 2, thambhi was 1.. You didn't share with him?

Ohh, I did give him some, but he didn't like it.. so I finished them all by myself.

*speechless*

Wow! Talk about his imagination...

We want to talk

2011-10-03T22:42:00.002+08:00

On one of my dinners with appa and amma, the boys insisted to sit on another separate cubicle.. saying that they had something to talk about. We didn't think they would last long sitting by themselves.. and let them go ahead.

Brothers, having a chat over dinner

I was watching them enjoy their dinner, and even chatting with each other, oblivious to the fact that I was watching them. Loved the moment!

Is there a runner in the house?

2011-09-19T17:01:00.002+08:00

When appa knew there was a run for kids (organised by Giant, Malaysia), he asked to register the boys. I was excited as he was, and registered the boys for the fun run.

Appa knew Nixon could run and went on to train the boys... building up their stamina and introducing the distance to them. After weeks of training (twice/thrice a week).. the boys were ready!

Last minute tips, from trainer to trainee

Main supporters - the boys and their grandparents!

Nixon winning the 2nd place in the 4-6 year category

My runners, with their finisher medals

So, is there a runner in the house? Who is going to follow the footsteps of my 63 year old appa, an avid marathoner in his youth?

Lovely minutes with him

2011-08-12T11:55:00.003+08:00

I have a few minutes to spare...

I see him sleeping,
curled and cute.
I sneak up next to him,
sharing his comforter.
I feel the breath,
so warm and gentle.
He didn’t realize that I am here! *sigh*

I inched closer to him.
His fingers gently brushing my nose.
My arm wrapped around his warm body.

I know he can feel my breath,
I know he can feel my warmth,
I know he can feel me...

coz'
I feel the fingers moving,
gently brushing my nose.
I feel his body moving,
Getting comfy in my cuddle.
Aaah, he knows I’m here!

As much as I am tempted,
to stay with him,
to sleep next to him,
to feel him.

I had to leave him...
to sleep by himself,
to enjoy his slumber,
as I had to go to work! *argghhh*

It's ok,
I’ll see ya tonight, baby! *wink*

In their hands

2011-08-04T18:01:00.000+08:00

As I was browsing through the pictures Thytus took when we went to A' Famosa Resort, I found some good shots of the boys, and some funny ones too, like...

This is what we get when the camera is in their hands!

June 24

I'm jealous

2011-08-02T17:44:00.001+08:00

Amms told me that she made a special meal for Thytus and Nixon. She emails me...

I made something special for my grandsons. Since my grandsons love to eat their thosai with chicken curry. I ground the rice and lentils to make the thosai for the night.

I wanted it to be different.. I did orange, green and natural colour thosai for the night to be eaten with curry chicken.

I have not made this for my own children.

The boys liked it very much. They wanted more and more, and I was delighted just watching them enjoy their meal.

I asked Thytus and Nixon, “Did you know that you have just eaten your vegetable as well?” They looked surprised. I told them, “green thosai was with spinach, and the orange one was with carrot..” and Nixon continued, “the white one is with radish!” I chuckled. I told him white was just the normal thosai.

Hmm, I didn’t think about the radish thosai. I could have made it since I had it in the fridge anyway.

Not just having it for dinner, Thytus wanted some thosai for school. I told him that it would be messy to pack the curry. I made for them small chapatti with nutela and chapatti with cheese instead.

Obviously amms seems to find joy in creating unique meals for them... that they trully love!

In the mean time, she had to stress, "I have not made this for my own children".. and now I'm jealous!

Time for a change

2011-07-07T14:59:00.002+08:00

Out of a sudden, Thytus declared, “From today onwards, I am going to make a change in my life.”

Amma was taken aback. “What change?” she asks him.

“This change will concern taatha, Nixon and me” he clarified.

Amma was more curious. What change is he talking about?

“Today onwards, I am going to sleep with ammachi..” he coolly announced.

When at their maternal grandparents place, Thytus was sleeping with amma at first. He gave in to Nixon one day, and he never had a chance to sleep with amma again. Yesterday, Thytus suddenly thought that he wanted to make the change.. Unfortunately, his proposal was not approved by appa… claiming that he needed to teach Thytus something while Thytus is with him!
Appa, just say it.. you are fond of your first grandson right? *wink*

All for gold

2011-07-07T11:11:00.000+08:00

During the last school holidays, in a bid to encourage the boys to do some work sheets, apps and I prepared three ‘piston cups’: gold, silver and bronze.

The 2011 BENS trophy

The boys wanted the gold cup each.. but we told them that the person with the most stars will get it. The stars came from completing work sheets, being helpful around the house and just ‘being nice’.

Frankly, they didn’t go all out in getting the stars.. but worked on the work sheets as they wished (couldn’t force them as I was not right beside them). Nevertheless, they earned some stars by sharing with each other, helping me with the house work, etc..

D-day arrived.

At the end of the holidays, we counted the stars.. and guess who got the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place?

Thytus, the champion
(hmmm, as says his blog!)

Nixon and Aaron who got the 2nd and 3rd respectively were not happy.. and didn’t want to accept the silver and bronze ‘piston cup’. On the other hand, since they didn’t want it, Thytus was happy to receive it all!

Cheeky boy bagging all of the cups!

No quite relenting, Nixon still took his silver cup, but Aaron didn’t. Both of them have promised to try for the gold cup the next time.

Am I having quadruplets?

2011-07-01T14:38:00.002+08:00

Not born on the same day,
Not born on the same date,
Not born on the same year...
But I feel like I have quadruplets!

Be it clothings,
be it toys.
Be it books,
be it food.

Number one likes something,
Number two will like it,
Number three will like it too,
Number four just wants it!

So, something, anything or everything must always come in fours.

Grand greetings

2011-06-28T15:10:00.000+08:00

The boys were on their school holidays. As I usually get them to work on different activities to keep them occupied, I asked them if they wanted to create a card for their cousin who will be celebrating her birthday on June 27?

They were excited. They loved arts N crafts. They loved painting. They loved card making. Hmmm, they seem to like whatever I like *wink*

But this time, I suggested something different. Instead of the conventional A4 size cards, I gave them each a 'mahjong' paper. Each of them were to colour the drawings (I helped them out with the drawings).

They were so engrossed in it. Each of them was trying to colour the best.. I had to help Aaron as the drawings were just too big, and the colouring took some time..

In the end, we came up with a great 'suprise' greeting for their cousin...

the 'grand' greeting card'

Saluting all

2011-05-09T11:18:00.001+08:00

A woman, renewing her driver's license was asked by the woman at Registry to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

“What I mean is,” explained the woman at Registry, “do you have a job or are you just a ...?”

“Of course I have a job,” snapped the woman. “I'm a Mum.”

“We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,” said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar.'

“What is your occupation?” she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. “I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what you do in your field?”

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program of research,(what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6-month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.' Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make Grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And Great Grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?

I think so!

I also think it makes Aunts Associate Research Assistants.'

(source - www)
-------------------------

Amma,

You have not only completed your masters, you even have double Masters! As the 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' :) you are the inspiration that has made me the person that I am today. The best part is that you have done a great job as a mother & grandmother while you have a career.

Happy mother's day amma.. *big hug*

Sinnamma for me, sinnamma for them?

2011-04-29T12:20:00.002+08:00

My sinnamma is sinnamma for them as well? *confused*

The boys are real funny. They seem to call my uncles and aunties the term that I call them. How can that be? They are one generation younger.. My auntie is their grandaunt, my uncle is their granduncle. Nevertheless, both parties are comfortable.. I guess the boys don't see the generation gap between them and the elder generation?

My sinnamma *wink* facebooked about this and how she loves the boys being comfortable with her. Read it here or here.

-----------------------
sinnamma : small mother in tamil (usually refers to mother's younger sister)

I have the best...

2011-03-25T11:14:00.000+08:00

... husband in the world!

In response to my love note of thanks, my loving husband actually replied my post with another love note...

Star Light, Star Bright,
U r the star that lit my life,
U brought the brightness in my life,

This is the little I could do,
For the star that brought light & brightness in my life,

Star Light Star Bright,
I will give my world,
To keep the star lit & bright,
I will continue doing this little things,
To keep the star lit & bright.

Star Light Star Bright,
I may, I might,
No ..
I will always fulfill your wishes !

How sweet... *melt*

I love his spontaneous poems (he has written some short ones in his SMSs to me). It's cute, it's funny, it's lovable.. just like him!

I love you baby..

He fulfilled my wish!

2011-03-24T16:48:00.000+08:00

Star light, star bright,

The first star I see tonight;

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight.

Star light, star bright,

It was the wish I made that night;

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Watch AR Rahman on-site.

Star light, star bright,

He noted that wish I recite;

He wish he may, he wish he might,

Make the wish right.

... and he did!

Tickets in hand. Had a great show. Left us contented!

Thank you baby!

For pictures, click here.

You are amazing...

2011-02-14T15:40:00.005+08:00

... because, day after day you continue to amaze me!
You always do whatever it takes to be the...

BEST husband!
BEST father!
BEST son!
BEST son-in-law!
...

He (hubby) sat down with the boys and me to work on this Valentine's art & craft for the boys grandparents (both our parents). It was sweet that he forgo his weekend movie time to spend time with us...

I love you baby...
not because of what you have, but because of what I feel for you.

I care for you baby...
not because you need care, but because I want to.

I'm always here for you baby...
not because I want you to be with me, but because I want to be with you!

The butterflies of love that the boys and us created for their maternal and paternal grandparents.

My lil' explorers

2011-02-06T15:14:00.001+08:00

On the first day of Chinese New Year, we brought the boys to the National Science Centre. The boys have been looking forward to visiting the place as I have told them that there is a dinasour exhibition there.

The boys were excited with the science booths and machines that they could get their hands on!

Boys checking out the science booths

The boys were in awe when they say the huge dinosaurs! They didn't expect them to look so real.. The dinos even moved and had sound effects!

The boys loved the huge dinosours at the exhibition!

Check out the boys painting of the dinosaurs at d'Champion, d'Presiden and d'Prinz.

On Saturday, we took the boys to i-City. They loved the bright colourful lights. They also had a chance to watch an acrobatic show, performed by some children. The boys were stunned with their performance! Glad teh boys had a chance to watch this shows.. as it is their first!

Colourful, bright lights @ i-City

Different answer

2011-01-19T10:44:00.001+08:00

“Do you love me?” I asked Aaron.
“I love appa” he answered. Hmmpphh! I knew that.. since he is appa’s chellam. But I had to continue bugging him :)
“You don’t love me?” *pause* “I love you!” I replied.
“I love amma..” he said. Phew! *relieve*
But he didn’t stop there.. unlike his brothers, Aaron continued..
“I love anna, I love chinna anna, I love chella thambhi..” *touched*

I’m impressed!

2011-01-05T18:20:00.015+08:00

He has followed me to send his brothes to school since he was 1. He did express interest to go to school when he was 3 years old, but since both Thytus and Nixon didn’t stay in school more than two days at the same age, we decided that he should just stay home and enjoy his childhood, and send him when he is 4, just like his brothers.

Today, after waiting for a long long time.. the day has arrived, finally!

Both Thytus and Nixon had either their cousins or each other to accompany them to school, but Aaron is all alone. Despite the fact that he is unaccompanied, he portrays a distinctive sense of independence.

He didn’t need me to walk him to his class.
He didn’t need me to find him a seat.
He didn’t need me to be with him when he played in the playground before the bell rang.
He didn’t need me to stay with him in class (even when ¾ of his friends were wailing!)

What impressed me more is that he was able to get on the van after school, all by himself. I didn’t even show him who is the van driver.. which means he followed the teacher’s instructions and safely returned home without any qualms.

The first thing he asked when he got home is his ‘susu’ :) He usually drinks susu as often as he can think off.. and being in school has forced him to let off his at least 1 or 2 of his ‘susu’ sessions.

I was actually afraid that he might be shaken off being surrounded by wailing children.. but he proved me that he was not disturbed. I am proud of you my baby!

On my special day

2010-12-15T10:51:00.001+08:00

As I enjoy this special day, I forget to note that I am a year older today! I always forget how old I am.. You ask me my age, and I have to actually calculate it!

For the first time, I am away from home on my birthday.. far away from my loved ones. I am all the way in Hong Kong on a business trip!

I am usually on leave on birthday, but this time I am WORKING!

Nevertheless, I am..

.. loving the wishes from family and friends
.. looking forward to my conference call with my sons tonight
.. loving the cool weather in Hong Kong
.. looking forward to a great work day

Most of all, I thank God for the blessings he showers on me. I am blessed to have a great family, wonderful friends and superb life!

Bonding with him

2010-12-10T10:30:00.000+08:00

One of the gifts from the 25 Days to Christmas count down was a DVD - the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Thytus watched the movie at appayee’s (paternal grandma) house while I was at work.

When I asked him how the movie was, he said, “The movie was good. Amma… you should watch the movie with me.”

I said lovingly agreed to comply.

Last night, I asked him to put on the DVD while I was checking my mails on my laptop.. in front of the TV. The movie began.. and in between of scenes that I missed, I asked him what just happened and he did take pleasure in answering me.

After a couple of times bugging him, he finally told me, “Amma, I think you should just of the laptop and watch the movie with me. Then you don’t have to ask so many questions.. you will know what is happening..”

Ooopps!

I shamefully complied.. immediately.

At the end of the movie, I was pleased that I spent a solid 2 hours (with no distrations) watching the movie with my son. I felt good!

25 days more..

2010-11-29T14:25:00.004+08:00

This Christmas, I want to create a new family tradition.. 25 Days of Christmas!

Every year, Christmas comes and goes.. and most of the time, we hardly sit down and enjoy the season.

So, to fill in the joy of Christmas and make it a season to treasure, I am going to put up a countdown calendar starting from December 1. On each day, there will be a note that would read out the simple gifts the boys will receive or a Christmas activity that the family will sit together for!

I believe the boys are old enough to understand and enjoy the meaning of this tradition!

Attending to their likes

2010-11-28T16:46:00.000+08:00

I know how much the boys love Ben 10 and when I got to know will be a Ben 10 Ultimate Boot Camp in One Utama on 27 November 2010 from Parenthots, I immediately marked my calendar. When the day arrived, apps and I brought them to One U as soon as their lessons ended at 10.30 a.m. I was shocked to see the queue as early as 11.00 a.m. After standing in the queue for more than ½ hour, we managed to register for the 3.30 pm session! That’s a 2 hour wait.. so we headed for lunch at Chili’s.

When we came back, we had to queue for our numbers to be called. The boys waited patiently for their turn to get in the game area. There were 10 stations, of which they were required to finish the challenges and collect the stamp. Upon finishing all 10 challenges and getting 10 stamps, they would receive a Ben 10 Ultimate Boot Camp Certificate and Ben 10 goodie bag from Cartoon Network!

I followed the boys through each of the challenges while apps baby-sited Dylan by window shopping. Check out the pictures of the boys at each of their challenges at d’champion, d’presiden or d’prinz.

While we were busy at the building blocks challenge, the Cartoon Network official asked me whether Aaron was my son and whether she could get a snap of him. I happily obliged. I wonder why she choose Aaron out of the three of them - all of them were dressed in Ben 10 outfits..

Well Aaron is more photogenic compared to his brother!

The boys posing for me in front of the
Ben 10 banner at the Ben 10 Ultimate Boot Camp.

The boys were so happy that they managed to finish all the challenges and were excited with all the gifts that they received.

We were glad to be one of the many parents who put up with the queue and spend one whole day of our weekend FOR the boys!

Ingenious birthday plan

2010-11-18T14:01:00.000+08:00

We had this conversation regarding my upcoming birthday.

Me: I will be in Hong Kong during my birthday next month you know.

Thytus: Is it? Never mind lah. We will celebrate when you get back home.. just us.. our family only, OK?

Me: Ok. *feeling touched* That's soo sweet of you. Will you call and wish me on my birthday?

Thytus: Yeah. And, on your birthday, I will invite everybody for you.

Me: Why? When we celebrate a birthday, the person has to be there. I won’t be here.. *confused* They will have to wish me, sing a song for me, etc..

Thytus: I know. When they all have arrived, we will call you and wish you on the phone one by one. Then, we will sing the birthday song for you..

Me: I will also have to cut the cake you know!

Thytus: Don’t worry, we will cut the cake for you.

Nixon: NO! I will cut the cake for amma! *making it clear*

Thytus: Then when you come back, we will have another small celebration.. our family only lah.. u know, just us.

My little fellow, planned my birthday out - found a way to celebrate with family and include me in even when I am overseas. I love your plan, baby! *hugs*

The note that didn't work!

2010-11-06T14:09:00.000+08:00

Thytus was so cute...

We checked in Aviallion, PD about 1.00 pm. After having our lunch, we wanted Aaron and Dylan to have their nap (and so that we could catch a wink as well ;) so, we told Thytus and Nixon that we will head to the pool at around 4 pm.

Both of them were just to excited to nap. While we were asleep, they actually finished 6 donuts by themselves (I was so dissapointed when I found that my donut for my tea has vanished...). They were playing for a while.. but got bored. They wanted to swim!

So, Thytus wrote a message for apps...

Thytus message to apps

... and left it right beside him on the bed. They were hoping that he will shift his position and find this note.. but he didn't!

In the end, they didn't manage to wake him up any earlier than 4 pm... *sigh*

It rang a bell!

2010-10-28T14:48:00.000+08:00

Ammachi retells...

Yesterday morning Nixon told me that his teacher called out to him and asked, “What race are you?” The teacher wanted to know if he is a Hindu, Christian or what?

Nixon told me, "How many times do I have to tell my teacher that I am English!”

Amma asks me, "Does this ring a bell for you?"

Hehehe.. I remember amma. I had actually said the same time when I was about his age! ;)

Let's get spooky!

2010-10-14T10:49:00.000+08:00

In conjunction with Halloween Day on 31st October 2010, the kindergarten children are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes or bright coloured clothes on Monday, 1st November 2010.

I asked my son, "What do you want to wear for Halloween?"
"I want to wear the skeleton suit!" he answered.

Hmmm, a skeleton suit? No, no! The other KG kids might run off seeing him in a skeleton suit!

I think I will have to source out for a more suitable Halloween costume for him to wear to school.

It means a lot to them

2010-08-02T17:33:00.003+08:00

Usually, apps and I bid bye in the mornings with a kiss. As I was rushing out on Monday morning, we forgot to kiss goodbye.

Just as I took the corner near the house, Nixon reminded me that apps and I didn’t kiss. I was taken aback that he took note of our practice and that he was disturbed that we forgot about it!

Not too far from the house, I remembered that I forgot to take something. So, I made a u-turn to go back home and get it. When Nixon knew I was going back home, he immediately said, “Now you can go back and kiss appa!”

When I got back, I had to call apps out for the kiss, and I could see Nixon beaming with a broad smile. *phew*

I realize that the family traditions that we have instilled in the boys means a lot to them. Nowadays, when I speak to them over the phone, they never fail to say ILU amma. But if they do, and if they have passed the receiver to the other sibling, they will insist that they speak to me again, just to say “ILU amma”.

Planning my weekend

2010-07-22T17:23:00.000+08:00

Ammachi retells...

Thytus loves his bedtime story time. That day, I was too tired to even think what story to tell the boys. Thytus then said that even a short story will do.

So, I told him that I wanted to tell the Monkey Man Cap story. But Thytus told me that already knows that story.

Few moments later, Thytus asks me, “Ammachi, are you on leave on Saturdays?”

“No”, I answered.

“What about Sunday?” he asked this time.

“Yes”, having in mind that he was planning something for me.

Instead, he caught me by surprise when he said, “Then you can read the story books and later tell me more interesting stories!”

“Ask Jesus, he knows”

2010-07-22T17:12:00.002+08:00

Ammachi's retells...

Noticing that Nixon’s water bottle was not on the table, taatha asked Nixon where it was. “Did you forget to bring it home from school?” taatha asked him.

“I brought it back.” Nizon claimed.

“Then why is it not where it’s supposed to be?”

“I am telling you the truth. I brought it back.. you can ask Jesus. I AM telling the truth.” Nixon claimed.

Apparently, he just forgot to take the bottle out of his bag and place it on the table...

Another incident of the Sunday’s teachings are setting in :)

“I am the truth”

2010-07-20T17:12:00.000+08:00

Ammachi retells...

As usual, taatha fetched me from office after the boys finished their swimming lessons. Since it was looking like it was going to rain, we headed straight back home instead of the usual routine of having tea & snack at the shop. The boys claimed that they were hungry (they should be.. since they just came after their swimming lessons). I told them that I would prepare noodles with their favourite dim sum and fish balls instead.

As we were getting off the car, I asked Nixon to get the bag containing their wet clothes. He refused, and took umbrella instead. When I got down, I noticed that the pointed end of the umbrella was bent. I blamed Nixon for it and told him that he will have to get me a new one.

“I am not bluffing. The umbrella was like that.” Nixon claimed.

All of us (taatha , Thytus and me) refuted his claims and continued to say, “No, you’re a BLUFFER!”

“I am not bluffing. I AM THE TRUTH” he exclaimed.

“I AM THE TRUTH” he repeated.

We can see that the Sunday’s teachings are setting in :)

Note : the umbrella was an old one.. and would have given way with the slightest knock.

He lost his cool!

2010-07-20T17:10:00.001+08:00

Ammachi retells...

I asked Nixon what he wanted to eat, and he answered paal appam. I explained to him that it was already night time, and cannot get paal appam at that hour. I convinced him that I will make his favourite dhal curry instead.

Nevertheless, appa went taatha went to the restaurant nearby and called me on my handphone to say that they still have paal appam. Glad to fulfill his request, I asked them how many Thytus and Nixon wants each. Thytus wanted roti canai instead.

As we were serving the boys, Thytus asked for his chicken curry for his roti canai. Unfortunately, taatha forgot about his preference. So, taatha asked him to have the dhal curry for that time and was about to pour the dhall curry on his roti canai when Thytus said “TAATHA, I TOLD YOU I WON’T EAT WITH DHAL CURRY!” and started tearing.

His tone was so loud that I came from the kitchen to find out what’s the matter.

I reminded thaata to buy chicken curry the next time we go out. I wiped out the little dhal curry on the roti canai and asked Thytus to eat it.

After some time, I told Thytus that it was wrong of him to raise his voice to an elder person. He said sorry to taatha for what he did..

I have not seen him loose his cool like this!

Joys of Motherhood

2010-06-28T14:48:00.000+08:00

I was touched...

Thytus, Nixon and I went to the cinema to watch Toy Story 3. Since they are always feeling very very cold, I brought their jackets as well as two of my shawls. One for me, and another for any of them if they felt too cold.

Half way through the movie, I saw that Nixon was feeling uncomfortable.. and I gave him one of my shawl to use, while I took the other. After some time, I sense that Thytus might feel comfortable with my shawl, I gave him my shawl..

“Who’s one is this?” he asked.
“Mine” I told him.
“You are not cold?” he asked in concern.
“No, you can use it” I reaffirmed him.

I'm lucky!

After having suffered a fractured toe, the orthopedic claimed that the pain that I am still feeling is because of the scarred tissue in the area. After a long week, I felt pain on the upper area of my foot. I asked Nixon if he could massage my foot, and he readily massaged it well.. without any refusal or sulking!

I'm blessed!

The boys set up the small table and placed the stools around it for our simple dinner in the living room since the boys wanted to watch TV. As Dylan was crying out and wanted me to be next to him, I asked Thytus and Nixon to get some toys for him from the toy room upstairs. After serving the food into the boys bowls, I asked Aaron to eat first, but he refused, “Wait for anna to come first.” *touched sigh*

Just before they mouthed the food, I reminded Aaron that it was hot.. and thus, be extra careful. He turned to his brothers, one by one, and said “Anna, its hot. Don’t eat yet..” *melt*

I’ll always be there

2010-05-13T11:54:00.000+08:00

I casually asked Thytus.. “This Friday is ur sports day. Are parents supposed to come?”

“Parents wanna come also can come.. Parents don’t wanna come also can don’t come” he said.. and continued, “But I want you to come!”

Boys featured in the local papers

2010-05-10T13:40:00.004+08:00

Thytus and Nixon, together with their taatha, were featured in the Star last week. It was a write-up on the Turn Off the TV Week campaign at their kindergarten organized by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations .

A capture of the article from the Star dated May 7, 2010...

Kindy’s no TV week campaign brings positive results

RETIREE Vincent Anthony found it increasingly difficult to lessen the frequency of his grandchildren watching television until their kindergarten embarked on a “no-television week” campaign.

The 62-year-old said his grandchildren Thytus Benjamin, six, and Nixon, five, who lived with him during the week, watched about four hours of television a day.

“After the Turn Off the TV Week campaign from April 21 to 27, I managed to cut the time by an hour. They took it as the rule of law and tried to follow it except for their favourite shows,” he said.

Play more: Retiree Vincent Anthony and his grandsons Thytus Benjamin, 6, and Nixon, 5.

Thytus said he went to the playground a lot and read story books while his brother Nixon added that he did a lot of drawing, colouring and practised playing guitar with his brother.

“I missed watching TV but I enjoyed playing the guitar,” Nixon said.

Read the whole article at The Star : Kindy’s no TV week campaign brings positive results.

Read another article on the campaign in the Malay Mail : FOMCA's 'No TV Week' Campaign gets positive results.

Earthquake... here, here and here!

2010-04-26T15:29:00.001+08:00

When amma reads the newspapers, Nixon would ask her what is she reading about and she would tell him what’s happening around the world. Or, when he sees an interesting picture in the papers, he will ask her what is the story to the picture. He is definitely improving on his general knowledge...

On a related incident, amma was amused by Nixon and relates the incident to me...

We took the children to MPH bookshop to get the boys some story books and dictionary. While we were looking, the boys walked around looking at the books and items on display. Nixon was looking at some posters when he came across the map of Malaya. After starring at it, he calls out to his brother, “Anna, come look!”

Thytus walks up to him and Nixon points out, “Look at the earthquake here, and here, and here...”

I turned to look at what he was talking about and I noticed that he mistook the demarcation of the state boundaries as EARTHQUAKE! He had directly used his general knowledge on earthquakes when he saw the same red lines on the map.

He makes me laugh!

2010-04-21T14:25:00.000+08:00

A conversation between amma and I...

"You know, the other day, after they went for their swimming lessons, appa brought them for tea.

Not knowing that they had had their tea, as usual, after work, I made for them Milo and put out some biscuits for them. Then appa told me they had their tea.. So, I put back the biscuits and asked them both to just drink the Milo.

Thytus like a good boy, drank the Milo. We had to remind Nixon again, and again to finish up his Milo.."

"Did he finish his drink? "I asked her.

"After more reminders, he came to me and said,

"Ammachi, I finish the Milo and washed the cup for you oredi."

"Hey, he said the same thing to me yesterday!"

"Wait.. " amma stopped me, and continued,

“Did u throw away the Milo?” she asked Nixon.

“No..” he answered.

“You don’t lie Nixon. If you lie, your nose will grow long like Pinocchio’s!” taatha reminded him. “Did you throw away the Milo?” taatha asked.

“A little bit..” getting scared of the possibility for his nose to grow long too.

Giving him the benefit of doubt, I accepted it. But later that night, he goes to appa and says,

“Taatha, you are a liar!”

“Why?!” taatha was shocked by his accusation.

“I threw away all of the Milo and my nose didn’t grow long also?!” Nixon exclaimed.

I'm back, my babies!

2010-04-13T13:40:00.001+08:00

The boys followed apps to fetch me from the airport at 7.00 a.m. They were still in the pyjama; Thytus and Aaron wide awake, while Nixon sleeps in the backseat.

Thytus
He screams excitedly as he sees me load my bags into the car.. *touched*

(Inside the car)
Did you miss amma?
Yes...
How much did you miss me?
One thousand trillion and sixty six! *sigh* He knows this is a LOT!

Aaron
Did you miss amma?
*give a cute little smile*
Did you look for me?
*again, give that cute little smile*
I couldn't help but just hug this little fellow! *sigh*

Nixon
He didn't get up until I woke him up when we got near the house. He gets up sleepily and asks,
Where is my present? *aiiks!*

Dylan
Was missing me, I was told. Since I am still BF'ding, he gestured to look for my B. Somehow, apps and MIL managed. We were worried that he may miss me as much as Thytus did when I left him at 7 months. *phew*

Happy Birthday Thytus!

2010-04-07T15:57:00.006+08:00

A snapshot of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday Book for April. Thytus wanted to see himself on TV, just like the other kids. Apps and I had to work fast, print the photo and write the letter, send it via registered post.. since it was just a month left for the birthday! (Requirement is at least 2 months before the birthday month.) Thanks to Playhouse Disney Asia who published Thytus and Nixon photos in their birthday book for April.

Your wish granted Thytus.. Hope you are excited!

Happy birthday Thytus!

Today you are 6,
a big boy now, huh!

For me,
you're still my baby..
My very first baby!

A loving boy you are,
extremely caring too.
A good son you are,
likeable 'mong friends too.

I'm proud..
to have a son like you!

Happy Birthday Thytus!

PS: This is the first time I am missing my son's birthday as I am in Geneva on a business trip! *sigh*

Off I go again!

2010-04-06T21:47:00.002+08:00

And it’s not getting any easier! I am gonna miss Thytus birthday this Wednesday. Although we are going to celebrate it when I get back, it’s nothing like being there with him on his birthday :(

When I told Thytus and Nixon that I will be away for a week, they both replied, "But we will miss you.." *sigh*

Thambhs sent me this photo of Thytus having his birthday dinner with him, appa and amma @ Spaghetti . Arggh! The more I miss the boys…

The brothers..

2010-03-28T17:56:00.003+08:00

... always bugging me to let them carry their little brother!
... always asking me to let them take care of him!
... always excited to take a picture with him!

See the latest of the brothers..

@ d' Champion
@ d' Presiden
@ d' little Star!

One trip, three visits

2010-03-19T15:43:00.002+08:00

After attending a wedding in Bayan Lepas, Penang, we brought the boys to visit the Snake Temple which was right next to temple where the wedding was held. After the boys had their ice cream and we have had our coconut drink, we headed to St. Anne’s church in Bukit Mertajam.

After praying, apps, thambhi, appa, me and the boys climbed the St. Anne’s Hill. Amma decided to stay down since it would be a difficult walk up. Hmm, she was right to do so. As much as I wanted to walk up, I also found it difficult to walk myself up! My legs were all wobbly for some time when we got down.

Since learning about Jesus in Sunday school, the boys were excited to see the statue of Jesus.

The one day trip definitely made us tired. But we were too excited about amma's SUPRISE birthday party we were organising the next day to feel tired!

Just the two of us

2010-02-25T14:15:00.000+08:00

Apps and I went on our long overdue vacation to Bali last month.. minus the boys!

It was great trip.. a change to our daily routine and the time together was definitely worth it...

We should do this more often, apps!

Had a good chance to play around with my new DSLR apps got me for my birthday!

You asked for it, amma!

2010-02-22T13:38:00.005+08:00

Just before going to amma's place, we stopped by the supermarket for some groceries.. when we bought Thytus and Nixon the Rubik Cube each.

I asked Nixon, “Do you know how to play this?”
“Yes..” and he turned one row of the cube twice.
Then, he turned it back. “See, I told you I know how to do it!”

I took the cube from him and said, “No, you have to jumble it more..” as I turned two rows ONLY (knowing Nixon) and gave it back to him. And easy enough, he did it again!

Amma calls me this morning and asks me, “You remember the coloured cube you gave the boys..”
“Yeah..”
“Do you know how to solve it? I remember you did it once..”
“Don’t tell me you jumbled his cube?” *big laugh*
“Yalah..”

When he got to amma’s place yesterday, she watched Nixon play and noticed that he didn’t jumble the cube much. She took the cube and jumbled it terribly and gave it back to him, “This is how you do it.. now try to solve this..”

He tried, but was not able to solve the puzzle.. as it was terribly jumbled. He gave it back to amma and bugged her to solve it.. not allowing her to go to bed!

Somehow he ended up sleeping with the cube unsolved..

But, in the morning, he didn’t let amma go. He gave her the cube and asked her to bring it along with her to office to work on it! And that’s why I got her call to help her solve it...

Unfortunately, I don’t know how to solve the cube. All I could do was laugh at her and told her that she’s in BIG trouble and that he will not let her go.

Should you have known him by now, amma.. You asked for it! *laugh, rolling on the floor* You either get someone to solve it, or get a new one for him.

Great gift, good timing!

2010-02-19T13:34:00.002+08:00

I won a one-night stay at the KL Hilton during the company annual dinner.. just in time too! I quickly checked if I can make reservations during the Chinese New Year break, and I could..

Since Dylan is not gonna know much, we left him at my parents place ;)

The boys enjoyed the stay at the hotel, especially the thought of getting into the pool. But since Aaron was having flu, we didn’t want them to soak to much in the water.. So, we decided to bring them on a train ride to Mid Valley, and watch a movie. We were lucky to get movie tickets on a public holiday! Thytus and Nixon enjoyed the movie Tooth Fairy.. laughing all the way!

When we went back to the train station, there was an announcement that there will be a delay since the train is under repair in Kajang! Since it was already late, we decided to take the taxi instead.. We were glad the boys enjoyed their first taxi ride too!

Naturally, we had no trouble waking the boys in the morning and getting them to finish breakfast.. as they knew they were heading to the pool right after!

Thytus, Nixon and Aaron really enjoyed their time at the pool, and so did we!

He’s the hero!

2010-02-05T15:22:00.009+08:00

(...story retold by amma)

Thytus and Nixon were fighting for a yellow toy car. Each of them claimed that it belonged to them. Not happy with the fight, amma took the car away and kept it high on the cupboard. Both the boys settled down after that… (but didn’t forget about it..)

Later that day, Nixon, after his bath, in his towel, went up to amma and whispered, “Ammachi, come here.. now, now” and led her to the cupboard where the car was. “Take for me that car.”

“Then anna will ask for it too.., and you both will fight again!”
“No, I won’t show him..”
“Nevermind, I’ll pack it in an envelope.. and you can take it home and play then.”

“But when you open the envelope, Thytus will see it and.. “
“.. we will FIGHT!” Nixon completes her sentence.

“Not only that.. the Hero will come, and do you know who is the hero?"
"Me! Nixon!" Nixon exclaimed.
“Nooo.. Aaron will come and say, show me, show me.., and he will grab it!"

Nixon could not stop laughing.

When Thytus saw him laughing out loud, he asked amma why is he laughing.. but Nixon closed amma’s mouth so that she doesn’t share with him their secret.. of hiding the toy in the envelope!

I have to agree with amma.. that Aaron is the hero! But not for long, coz' he may have a challenger soon ;)

Secret Code

2010-02-02T10:28:00.000+08:00

At home, when I say my good nights to the boys, I continue with “I love you, [name/sayang/baby]”. They will lovingly reply me “I love you too, amma”.

But when I call them at their grandparents house, or when they are out, they don’t seem to reply me “I love you too, amma”. I realized that they are shy to express themselves in front of others.

Wow! That really shows how my sons have grown from little boys to big boys who can be shy saying I love you even to their mother. *sigh* But I dodn’t want this love expressions to die off.. I wanted it to stay!

So, we agreed to a secret code for us to use.. ILU for I love you!

Now, I just say “ILU [name/sayang/baby]”, and I get my reply, “ILU amma”.
P.S. I hope they don’t outgrow our little secret code ;)

How much you love me?

2010-01-25T13:46:00.001+08:00

I thought all the boys to reply me, “Soooo much!”

But when I asked Aaron “How much you love me?”

He replied, BIG BIG!

Aiks! He modified it, and didn’t want to change it when I corrected him...

I’m impressed

2010-01-19T16:25:00.000+08:00

Being the third child, I assumed Aaron will speak even faster than his brothers.. (usually the case when there is an older sibling). But I was wrong. He was slower than the two of them.. Thytus and Nixon spoke quite clearly at 15-18 months of age.

I was getting worried, and I checked with his pediatrician about it. She said that its quite common for boys to speak a little, not until 2 years old..

And she was right! He did not speak much words until he was 2 years old. Now, he amazes us with his vocabulary. He speaks in full sentences; with the little words like ‘it’, ‘now’, etc. to make the sentence sound good, in correct tenses too (most of the time). He beats both his brothers when it comes to vocab comparison at the same age!

No choice!

2009-12-10T12:04:00.004+08:00

Christmas is here.. and we have a long list of Christmas shopping to do!

We were wondering how to do our shopping with 4 kids tagging along.. but we have no choice! In between shopping, we have to ...

* entertain them,
* answer the inquisitive questions,
* feed the 'not hungry' mouths, even after they have just had their meal,
* watch the 'non-stop walking' legs closely just in case they wander off,
* warn all those 'touch-everything-I-see' hands.

Having found that it is a bit difficult and may take us ages to complete our shopping lists (and also tiring), we decided to do it based on zones.. adult men, adult ladies, children, teens and iscellaneous.

That’s five. So far, 2 down, and 3 more to go!

The pain of joy!

2009-12-03T18:22:00.004+08:00

The night before.. appas and I were at a mamak stall having our supper when I mentioned that I have a 9-10 minute contraction.. little did we expect that we were gonna welcome the arrival of our first born!

We went in for my normal check-up at 37 weeks. I highlighted to my gynae that I had timed my contractions as 6-7 minutes early that morning. “Why don’t we check the opening then?” and when she did, “Yeap, you have a 3 cm opening. You can get yourself admitted today..” We were definitely caught by surprise as we were not prepared and I didn’t bring my bag that I had packed weeks earlier for the delivery.

Got admitted into the labour room at about 11.00 a.m. Knowing that I cannot bear the pain, we requested for epidural.. and thus, had to be bedridden.

Since we were planning to have our breakfast after the check-up, I was lying there so hungry.. (not supposed to eat). Apps did sneak in some milo for me as I was already feeling the gastric juice building up in my stomach.

After a long day on the bed, I was so tired. It was not easy to fall asleep with all the anxiety in the air...

At least, at about 8.05 p.m., the opening was 9 cm. The gynae and nurses were getting ready in front of me. They asked me whether I could feel the contraction.. and I said “Not really..” The gastric cramps overcame the contraction feeling! So, one of the nurse had to assist me and told me when I was contracting, and I pushed. Three pushes, and he was out.. Phew!

I looked at him as the nurses placed him on the cleaning counter next to me.. I smiled with tears of joy flooding my eyes. My FIRST born! And I couldn’t help notice that he has my lips.. a.k.a his maternal grandpa’s lips :)

Due date : 16 April 2004
Delivered on : 7 April 2004
Weight : 3.45 kg
Length : 53 cm

Seize the moment!

2009-11-17T10:56:00.008+08:00

I just couldn’t help it.. but I just had to seize the moments.. of which not only I, but the boys and their grandparents will always treasure!

The boys were enjoying their time at the playground with their maternal grandparents. Apps and amms had bought them parachutes that could be used as kites from their recent trip to Borubudur, Indonesia.

My sons are lucky to enjoy their growing up times with their grandparents. They (the boys) enjoy their activities with their grandparents even more b'coz of the child in them (grandparents)! Check out the big child having some fun!

Amms showing her grandsons how to play the parachute.

Another brother..

2009-11-16T14:46:00.004+08:00

All three boys are excited that their little brother has finally arrived. (They couldn’t understand why did it have to take so long.. 9 months?!)

Their reaction to lil’ Dylan...

Thytus likes to watch him quietly. Doesn’t meddle with him. He is always lending me a hand in caring for his brother e.g. getting a nappy, rocking the cradle, etc.

He did ask me when I am gonna put a baby girl in my stomach. He reminded me that we have enough of boys. Huh?! So soon?

Nixon loves to be close to me when I am handling him.. e.g. changing, bathing, etc. He always asks me for a chance to assist me in handling his little brother. Loves a chance to rock the cradle too. Never complains when I request help which concerns his brother.. On other cases, I will have reason myself out until I get some help from him!

Aaron is extremely excited too. He looks for him the moment he gets home.. has to reach for the cradle to touch him. Every time he walks by Dylan, he has to touch him.. He does use a little extra force sometimes.. 'geram' may be, so we have always be watchful when he is near Dylan.

Haven’t managed to get a good photo of the four brothers since they get too excited when I ask them pose with Dylan. It looked dangerous to have the three hyper excited boys right next to him! Shall have to try again when Dylan is a little older. .

The best so far!

Introducing...

2009-11-03T10:57:00.002+08:00

We welcome...

2009-10-23T13:57:00.002+08:00

our prince No #4.. auspiciously born on Deepavali day, October 17, 2009.

'Magic' Candle

2009-09-12T17:41:00.001+08:00

As his birthday was approaching, I asked Aaron to show me how..

He blows of the candles .. and he shows me how he puffs of the candles.

He cuts the cake, he gestures with his flat palm, cutting (the so-called cake) in front of him.

Ok, so I knew he knows what he has to do on his birthday.

The day arrives, and he was excited that it was HE who was gonna blow out the candles this time.. since it’s his birthday.

After the song, he happily blew of the candles.. and as he got ready to cut the cake, the candles lit again!
He blew it off, and it lit again.. and again.

In the end, he needed his brothers help to blow off the candles for good.. as I had used the ‘magic’ candle instead of the normal candles. Naughty eh ;)

PS : I thought of the replacement coz’ ever time there is a birthday, the kids (my sons including his cousins) will fight to blow off the candles first. Having that in mind, I planned used the ‘magic’ candle.. So, even the kids blow off the candles first, it will re-light and Aaron might have a chance. Little did I know that the kids would listen to our instructions to allow Aaron to blow off the candle :)

Little princess turns 1!

2009-09-03T13:03:00.000+08:00

Here's our little princess on her 1st birthday.

Her macha’s enjoyed themselves on the giant inflatable castle at her party.

A shoulder to lean on

2009-08-17T14:04:00.002+08:00

As I progress into my third trimester, the boys have seen me struggling with my weight. I have pain in the pelvic area, and, usually, by the end of the day, I tend to drag myself to move around.

I was touched by my sons thoughtful gesture...

Thytus and Nixon asked me why am I moving so slowly. I told them that I am getting heavier and it is more painful to walk. Innocently, both (at different times) offered their shoulder for me to hold on to.. so that I can put the weight on them instead. *sigh*

This lending a shoulder thing came up when Thytus had a bad fall and he felt pain when he had to walk. So, I asked Nixon to lend him his shoulder to help his anna.. Learning to help by lending a shoulder, I get the same sweet gesture for my pain… *sigh again*

But then again.. teaching them to help each other can make me laugh too!

Nixon complains to me that anna did not lend him his shoulder. I asked him why? “I got this scratch on my leg, and it is paining.” I looked at 'the scratch' and tried hard to not laugh. All I could ask is for Thytus to help him, even though I couldn’t SEE the scratch!

Being little does not stop the big bully!

2009-07-30T14:03:00.005+08:00

Aaron is a big bully, bullying his big brothers..

whenever they don’t respond to him or our calls, Aaron will pull off their specs from their face.

If his brother does not respond to our calls, he will immediate thump them, pull their shirt, off the TV (which is usually the main cultpirt) or do anything to catch their attention.

whacking them with whatever he has in his hand or even pinching them... 'geram' may be :)

... and the list goes on.

I guess he is enjoying himself being the youngest sibling.. at the moment ;)

How they changed my life

2009-07-14T17:43:00.001+08:00

I watched Transformers with apps in 2007. After the movie, I can vaguely remember the storyline and did not find it an interesting movie. I watched it just because of apps.

Last weekend, I watched Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with apps, Thytus and Nixon. We didn’t plan to watch the movie, and thus I did not make any bookings. As we were at the shopping complex, apps suggested that we watch the movie. I sat down with the boys to rest, while he went to check the lines and see if he could get the tickets… and came back saying that the queue is really long. He said it will take easily 1-hour to get to the ticket counter. “1 hour?!” I was shocked. Not believing him, I told that I wanted to go see for myself. I brought Thytus with me.

Apps was right.. the line was pretty long. But I decided to see how fast it was moving.. and joined in the 5 layered queue. As the queue was slowly moving, I decided to stay in queue as Thytus was patiently waiting beside me, getting excited that he will be able to watch Transformers. As I reached the 3rd layer, Thytus was getting tired, but he was still determined to stand beside me. Thirty minutes and six months pregnant was too much for me, and my feet were killing me. And when I got to the ticket counter, the only tickets available were the ones right in front of the screen! Since it will be difficult for the boys and me, I opted out. I explained to Thytus, but I could sense the sadness in his voice. I felt really bad!

Then apps decided to try another cinema, and he got the tickets for 4 of us. With that, we had some time to send Aaron over to appa’s place.

I sat down to watch the movie, not realizing it is going to be different from the time I watched with apps. With Thytus telling me who is who, he getting excited with all the fast moves and pointing out the interesting scene, I was drowning myself into the movie. I least expected to enjoy the movie, and the movie was over, I was feeling contended that I took pleasure in watching a movie that my boys like.

Wow! Now I can see how the boys have changed my preferences.. all in the name of mother’s love!

Boringlah...

2009-05-05T13:24:00.005+08:00

A few weeks back, I asked Thytus and Nixon whether they would like me to have a baby girl or a baby boy.. and they both responded "Girl!" together.

But when I came back from my doctor's check-up last Saturday, I told them that the baby looks like another boy.. and they went, "Boy ah?" *tone going down*

Yesterday, Thytus suddenly voiced out to me..

Amma, you pray to God lah.. ask for a girl. I don’t want boy lah, so boring. So many times boy, boy, boy only!

He just made me laugh when he expressed his interest of having a younger sister instead of another younger brother :)

I told him, "Why don't you tell God that you want amma to have a baby girl?" He said, "But I don't know how to ask.."

So, that night, when we were praying at the altar before going to bed, I started Thytus off with his prayer intentions.. "God, please give amma.." and he continued.. "a baby girl, not a boy, !"

Happy Birthday Nixon!

2009-04-27T15:25:00.002+08:00

Happy Birthday Thytus!

2009-04-07T13:56:00.002+08:00

April Fool's Fun

2009-04-01T13:40:00.000+08:00

It used to be fun playing tricks on others on April 1st , but those silly tricks just faded away each year, and now it was nearly gone out of sight, until...

I hear my boys saying April Fool to each other! It sounds funny when they try to trick each other as they don’t realize how it works. Before the other person can get tricked, they say the April Fool already..

There’s a cockroach on your head.
April Fool! *almost immediately, before that person can get tricked*

Look! A frog is sitting on your head.
April Fool! *almost immediately, before that person can get tricked*

.. other tricks with other creatures sitting on each other’s head!

We tried teaching them how it works, but they didn’t get it. Then we thought, "Naaah, as long as both of them are having fun.."

His musical tone captures our hearts..

2009-03-24T14:02:00.000+08:00

He wants the toy in anna’s hand, he goes amma.. *musically*
He wants the food in anna’s hand, he goes amma.. *musically*
He wants the drink in anna’s hand, he goes amma.. *musically*

The way he seeks our help to get something is too cute for us to ignore, and therefore, he gets it from his brother with our help without anymore fuss!

Aaron called out to anna first, and then appa. But suddenly, he forgot the word appa and only called apps amma. Miraculously, the moment we left the Annai Velankanni Church, he started calling appa again!

Nevertheless, he still calls out amma for all his request.

Loving you by the numbers

2009-03-11T14:20:00.001+08:00

Thytus : Amma, I love you 10.
Amma : I love you 100!
Thytus : I love you 10 100!! *saying it by the groups*
Amma : I love you 10 100 1000!!! *saying it by the groups as well*
Thytus : Aaahh?! That is a lot!
Amma : Yes, coz I love you sooo much!
Thytus : *gives his amma a BIG hug!*
Amma : *happy sigh*

It’s just not the same..

2009-03-04T13:12:00.000+08:00

I looked beside me..
The beds were untouched,
The king and two singles were empty.

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep,
No warmth touching my body,
No little finger holding on to me,
No little feet kicking my face,
I felt the emptiness…

It’s just not the same.
Even if it is just for a day,
Things are just not the same without them.

The boys stayed over at their taatha and ammachi’s place. Yes, all 3! They had a good and enjoyable weekend: a trip to the park and visit to their maama’s place. But I missed them so much.. eventhough it was just for a day!

What happened to my baby?!

2009-02-13T14:40:00.001+08:00

He was so excited to go to school, but for the past few weeks, he doesn’t want to go to school.

This all started when a boy hit him on the back. He said it was because he wanted to see his pencil and he didn’t let. So they boy hit him on the back. From that day, he was scared to go to school. That I understand.

But, he is still crying even after few weeks. Now when we ask him why he cries, he says..
You leave me, that’s why I cry.

I scared of that boy.

The teacher takes to long to finish the school.

He holds on to me real tight when I am in the school compound and start crying when it is time for me to leave. He grabs on to me even tighter. Recently, the only way out for me is to pull him to his teacher and she will hold on to him so that I can leave. I asked them whether he continues to cry for a long time after that or not, they said no. He is okay after some time.

I just have to give him some time for him to settle down and hope that he will get back to his normal self.

We loved it!

2009-02-12T13:39:00.015+08:00

The boys loved India as much as I did!

Since it was a very short trip, our days were very much packed.

Day 1 - Arrival Day
The boys were very excited with their first experience on a plane. We woke them at 4.30 a.m. to get ready, and they were no fusses! They were excited to have a trolley bag that is their responsibility. Thytus, Nixon and Aaron were definitely thrilled with their opportunity to fly!

From all the stories AirAsia flight delays, we were afraid and kept our fingers crossed. We cannot afford to handle a long delay since we were traveling with the boys. Luckily, we arrived in Tiruchi as scheduled. Phew!

On the day we arrived, we visited apps grandmother. I liked her house since it is the only one that is still in the old fashion way. The firewood stove, the tinnai (just like in the Tamil movies) and the roofless portion in the middle of the house (I wished it rained when I was there.. it would be nice to see it rain in the house, and may be jump on teh puddles of water!).

Day 2 - A visit to Church of Annai Velankanni
The next day we went to the Annai Velankanni Church. It was a 3 hour bus ride there.. but we didn’t mind it since we were feasting our eyes on the scenery all the way. After the mass (which also celebrated two weddings), we went to the main Annai Velankanni Church and then visited the old Velankanni Church not far away.

The boys grabbed the first class seat on the bus – the front seat. Many times, we had to carry them off when they were falling off their seats - being sleepy!

Day 3 - A visit to Church of St. Anthony’s
We attended the mass at the church, received pongga sooru, and breads. There were families distributing these sweet savouries as thanksgiving to their prayers answered.

After lunch, appa and amma left to Namakkal to visit my paternal relatives..

Day 4 - Rest day at home
Although it didn’t show, the boys definitely needed to rest since they must have been drained out with all the traveling..

Day 5 - Visiting relative in neighbouring villages
We visited the grave of apps paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather. Then we dropped by FIL’s sister’s place where the boys took opportunity to sit on the string bed (which you see in the moves).

The boys really enjoyed themselves experiencing the nature and open areas. They played with the goats and puppies, got close with the cows, fed the buffalo, rode on the big bicycle, walking into the paddy field, etc..

We went around town in the famous Ambassador car. Thytus remembers the car and said "Ma, this is the car in the Tamil movies right.."

Day 6 - A visit to Church of St. John de Britto’s
This is the church that was built in honour of St. John de Britto, who was killed because he was spreading Christianity.

Day 7 - Rest day at home / Packing
We rested at home.. with some relative and friends visiting to bid us farewell.

I thought I was the only one who insisted that we sit in an auto, but I was wrong. Thytus reminded me that he want to have a ride in an auto, even before I mentioned it.

Day 8 - Depart from India
We have leave home by 5.30 a.m. to be at the airport by 7.30 a.m. Although the boys were sad about leaving India, they got excited by the thought that they are going to fly in the airplane again.

We definitely loved our trip to India.. and would like to visit it again :)

Our first time together

2009-01-16T12:40:00.005+08:00

This is going to be our first time on a family vacation. We will be leaving for our vacation to Tiruchi, India soon. MIL, amma and appa will be joining us in this trip. This is quite a relief, since we will have somebody to help us with the boys, just in case they decide to run haywire! *scary thought*

Our main reason for the trip is to visit the Velankanni Church there.

Since it is going to be my first trip with the boys overseas, I hope I will pack enough (and not too much), making sure I don't forget anything. *sigh*

I have been to Bangalore and Hyderabad few years back on a business trip, and didn't get to go around. So, this trip is actually going to be a real experience for me in India. I have heard lots of different stories about India.. some old and some latest. Nevetheless, I hope we have a memorable vacation in India.

It's the season..

2008-12-24T10:03:00.008+08:00

It's this time of the year again, and we were really busy.. putting up the tree and decorations, buying gifts for all, wrapping them, etc.

We let the boys put up the decorations on the tree.. and the tree ended up being heavily decorated on the lower half! We had to help move a bit to the upper half..

We also put up an old tree we had, a smaller one.. let Thytus and Nixon do the deceorations by themselves. They called it 'their tree'.

We managed to keep Aaron away from the tree, but he still tries to grab a deco or two when we are not watching. Luckily he does not know how to tear open teh wrappers of the gift, and thus, the gifts are still wrapped, lying there under the tree, waiting to be given away. Phew!

Thytus and Nixon are counting down to Christmas.. as they can't wait to open the presents! We stacked their presents under the big tree, and the next minute, they moved their presents to under 'their tree'. We had to give in :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

First time there

2008-12-07T14:04:00.000+08:00

It was quite difficult for me to be on away on a business trip this time. It was not as easy as I thought. I missed my boys even more..

Luckily they were okay when I was away. It helped that apps sister was down from India, and the boys were too occupied to even know I was not around. *sigh*

We had a pretty busy week in Canberra, and was not able to see much.. not that there is much too see anyway! Nevertheless, we managed to visit the Parliament House and the Black Mountain Tower, which is their telecom tower. Our counterpart in Australia hosted a dinner for us at the ‘alto’ Restaurant at the tower.

The weather was pretty good since we were just entering into summer when we arrived there. In the evenings it was pretty cold, but bearable.

Someday, I must make a trip to the other parts of Australia.. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth since there is more to see there :)

Up close with the animals

2008-12-07T13:56:00.000+08:00

We made a trip to A’ Famosa during the weekend, together with in-laws, nieces and nephews. This trip was more special since apps sister and children were in Malaysia for a two week visit.

The boys were especially excited..

they feed the animals

they rode on the elephant

they played with the chicks

Nixon loved touching and tried all chances to carry the animals. Before we knew it, he had a rabbit on his lap!

Thytus was a bit careful with the animals. He did feed and play with the animals, but made sure they did not surprise him :)

Aaron loved the outing too. Although he was sleeping half the time, he was excited in every chance that he got close with the animals..

Counting down

2008-11-30T20:02:00.000+08:00

It was so difficult for me to think of leaving my boys for a week during my business trip to Canberra. I am counting down each day that I am here. *sigh*

Her homecoming

2008-11-03T14:38:00.000+08:00

She was born on August 29, 2008 weighing just ~800g. Her birth was 3 months before the actual due date.

After that, she was required to stay in the hospital to gain weight, up to 1.7 kg. While she was in the NICU, nobody was allowed to visit her, except her parents. So, all of us was anxious to see thambhi’s little princess. All we got to see if her picture taken on the hand phone.

We waited for more than 2 months, and today, she made her way home from the hospital.

Welcome home my dear niece, Elizabeth Ivanka!

I was touched

2008-10-06T13:36:00.001+08:00

My bad day turned out to be a sweet one knowing that my son loves me so much. Thytus sensed that I was not feeling well and was not in the mood for anything. He came up to me and said,

"Ma, I am going to make you a card. Can you cut it out for me?"

I was speechless. When I checked on him later, he was cutting out the heart by himself. He even asked me to help him hold the hearts that were flying of under the fan!

I was so touched.. he is such a loving boy.

Sounds crazy to me

2008-09-24T16:25:00.002+08:00

The boys do anything it takes to care for their little brother. I get to help me watch him when I am cooking, taking in the laundry, taking my bathe, etc. In order to distract him from looking for me or to entertain him when he cries, they do anything.

They scream on top of their voices, Aaron watches them in silence.
They sings the oddest songs, Aaron claps and shakes his butt.
They dance up and down, Aaron follows suit.
They bring him toys, Aaron takes and throws it behind him.

Sometimes I laugh to myself seeing them do their tricks. I just see the love in them!

I am definitely lucky to have such loving boys..

My baby is 1 today!

2008-09-12T13:35:00.002+08:00

How time flies..
I remember how you couldn’t wait to be delivered.
You threatened me a couple of times.
And then you arrived very much near the due date. Phew!

I saw your first smile.
I saw you crawl.
I heard you call me ‘amma’.

Now you climb on your brothers.
I can see that you want to join in their play.

Now you can walk.
You don’t like us to carry you around.

My, my, my, how time flies.
My baby is already 1 today!

Happy birthday Aaron!

Double celebration

2008-09-11T13:17:00.000+08:00

We had a bash for appa’s 60th birthday cum diamond jubilee wedding anniversary (or more commonly known as “aruvathan kalyanam’ among Indians) at Mid Valley.

Lots of friends and relatives joined in the celebration. Appa’s colleagues and old time friends came as well.

All of us stood up as appa and amma walked in the dining area. They exchanged garlands of flower, poured the champagne into the glasses and then cut the birthday bum wedding cake. Amma also took this opportunity to give apps a kiss. How sweet ;)

We also prepared a slide show for apps as well.. all bout him as a young boy till today, a proud father and happy grandfather. He was touched :)

He was touched

2008-09-10T14:24:00.004+08:00

Since MIL left to India to visit her mother on September 26, I had take leave for more than a week to take care of the boys. During this time, we were expecting our maid to arrive.

Since the maid did not arrive as expected, I had to find other people who could help. In order not to finish my leave, apps offered to take care of the boys. So, he took two days off so that I could go back to work.

Apps took back lots of lovely memories with him during the two days stay with the boys. He writes in Thytus blog...

I have read and heard about tears of joy many times in my life but it was yesterday that I realy experienced it. I was telling bed time story rather sleepyly to you my first born grandson at 11.00pm in your bedroom.

I recalled (my young time real story) how I witnessed a mother bird and father bird fed the baby bird while still in the nest without feather.I told you that the baby birds will be fed daily until they heve feathers of their own, then they will fly away.

You know what you told me?

Thatha next time the baby bird grows up it must feed the mother bird and father bird.

I was sleepy but that awoke me and I got up. I asked you what did you say and you repeated, "Must take turnlah, small time mother bird and father bird fed baby bird now must take turn isn't." I realy shed tears of joy which I will cherish all through my life.

I love u soo much grandson.

First thing that came to my mind when I read this is that I didn’t teach him to take care of me during my old age yet (that lesson was to come later).. but where did he learn this from? I really don’t know..

All I can say if that I am really proud of you, Thytus..

You can do it!

2008-09-06T14:12:00.000+08:00

Yeap! Only you boys can do it..

You can make me mad and at the same time make me proud with your loving attitude towards each other :)

Reaching out to me

2008-09-05T01:06:00.003+08:00

With open arms I call out to him.

He looks at me with a broad smile.

Even in the midst of his exploration...
he gets down on his knees,
crawls in high speed into my arms.

I carry him up and give him a kiss.

I have to let him go immediately...
coz' he wants to continue his exploration!

Those few moments is just enough to make my day...

PS: He is also calling out to me now.. "amma" *melt*

Still surviving

2008-08-27T14:21:00.001+08:00

It has been a month since we sent off our maid.. and we are still surviving.

It has been really hard handling the boys and managing the house..

I don’t see the days passing by at all.. no time for that! And I have been sick twice within a month already.. *sigh*

Quality time shared

2008-08-04T14:41:00.000+08:00

We went on a holiday to Redang for his company trip this year. Amms and apps tagged along since we didn’t think that we could allow the boys on the beach much if we had to watch little Aaron who could be exposed to cold breeze. We had to be careful with him since he had the tendency to wheeze.

The boys enjoyed the boat ride to the island. The moment the jumped from the jetty to the beach, they started playing with the sand. They just couldn’t wait!

Apps and I took turns to take care of Aaron, who was also not feeling too well. Luckily, amma and appa followed. The boys we able to play as long as they want at the beach with supervision. Without them, it would have been difficult caring for 3 boys and having fun at the same time!

The boys definitely had a great time at the beach with their maternal grandparents. All the 3 days, we had to force them out of the beach.. which was no surprise for us.

We sent her off

2008-07-27T14:11:00.003+08:00

It was disaster waiting to happen.

She boils water in the kettle and lets the cable touch the kettle.

She leaves the iron on when I call her.. When asked, she says, "Ibu panggil.."

She leaves the gate and doors open.. and if she does lock them, she leave the keys on the door/gate.

She doesn’t care what we ask her to do. She does it her way.

The day before she left..

I found a knife in the children’s changing room.. left on top of their clothes cabinet. A gentle knock on the cabinet and the knife would fall on the person. I was worried of that person being one of my sons..

I asked he to sit down and showed her what not to put in Aaron's play basket. Without looking she said she knows. I got really mad. She insisted she knows. Irritated, I told her to continue her work. I sat down to check and clean the toy basket which she had dumped some small toy pieces. The next day, she arranges the brother's small toys into Aaron's basket again!

But what triggered us even more is her stubbornness! The next day..

She was giving Nixon. He told her that the water is hot and went on saying it’s not! I tested the water and say that it was hot. I asked her why didn’t she feel it first. She goes on to say it’s not hot. Okay, may be her skin is hard, but why can’t she just listen to the child?! Arrghh!

That’s it. We sent her off the very same day! She was with us for just 3 weeks, but each and everyday that we had her was hell.

Another apps boy…

2008-07-11T13:36:00.001+08:00

He only comes to me when he needs milk (knowing that I am the direct supply), and prefers to go to his father when given a choice. How sad :(

No more embarrassment..

2008-07-04T16:57:00.001+08:00

.. or may be not just yet.

So far, so good, Nixon hasn’t sent us to the optician to mend his glasses. He used to send us to the optician every two days to mend his glasses!

We had actually scared him that he would have to put in the eye drops if he does not wear his glasses or if he breaks it. Scared of the eye drops, he has been taking care of his glasses. What a relief!

The eye drops were administered for Nixon when he had to go for the eye check since he does not know how to read yet.

At the beach

2008-06-29T13:23:00.002+08:00

We went to PD with amms and apps, thambhi and SIS. Thambhi's friends and mothers also joined us.. about 15 over us.

After having some snacks, we headed to the beach for some balloon throwing competition. Nearly all the couples got themselves wet. We continued to make sandcastle and then headed to the pool for dip.

We just regretted that it was just a 2D/1N trip. We told ourselves that the next time we make a family trip, we need to make it at least a 3D/2N one ;)

. All of us working on building the sand castle . Apps, amms and me hanging out at the beach with the boys.

I did it..

2008-06-23T15:32:00.001+08:00

... and so did he!

I managed to bring back my expressed breast milk from my recent business trip to Korea. I am glad that I didn’t have to dispose the milk but prepared myself well to transport the milk back. Luckily I was traveling with a colleague, so I ‘tumpang’ my luggage weight on her allocation since she didn’t use it all and mine was overload :)

At the same time, apps did very well in handling the boys while I was away for the a week! He brought them home after dinner and put them all to sleep. It may sound like an easy task, when you have to do it all by yourself and with the boys not sleeping immediately, it can be a difficult one. But still, he managed. I am proud of you, sayang!

They boys didn’t miss me as much as I expected them to. I was more worried about lil’ prinz. I had started training him at least one month ago. He was bottle fed most of the time by apps. For a few days, apps slept beside him instead of me.

When I came back, he look at me and gave a small whine. I carried him immediately and he gave a loud chuckle and buried his head into my shoulder. *sigh*

I was not worried of the other two. They are grown up and may be entertained by their cousins (at MIL’s) and TV (at home). When I came back, Champion did mentioned that its apps turn to go on the aeroplane and amms turn to look after them. Lil’ President being apps pet, didn’t have much to say.

After a week, I am glad I am back to my boys :)

They are just so different

2008-06-04T14:17:00.000+08:00

We made a trip 2-day with the three boys to Genting. Yeap, we brought all three of them by ourselves. Imagine the amount of things I packed. Apps asked me whether I had packed the house! But you never know when they end up messing themselves more than once a day, right?!

All of us had a good time. Apps and I realized that Thytus and Nixon liked different kind of activities. At first, we though Thytus would like the bumper car, since he loves cars and racing. We were wrong. It was Nixon who loved it. Thytus asked to be brought out. He didn’t like the fact that everybody was banging into each other! On the other hand, Nixon loved it so much, he took a few rides every time we were at the bumper car station.

Thytus loved the other family rides. He did not get tired of it at all. At the end of the day I sat down with Nixon who dozed off on a chair while we wait for apps and Thytus to go on a few more rides!

Little Aaron was good little boy. He did not fuss much. He enjoyed his outing as much as his brother did. He handled the cold weather well too.

We’ll surely go back for more fun :)

Check out Champion, Lil’ President, Lil’ Prinz in action at Genting!

The 1, 2, 3 sounds familiar

2008-05-30T16:53:00.000+08:00

When I used the 1, 2, 3 formula, amma recognized the 1, 2, 3 from the days that she was cautioning us (thambhi and I).

Amma, I learn from the best on how to bring up my children. I found that the 1, 2, 3 formula works on my kids the way it worked for us ;)

Psst, I even use the formula whereby “if you come here, I beat you once (or do not get any beating), if I get to you, I get it double!” That works very well too!

I count 1, 2, 3 to give them a chance to stop any wrong doing, and the boys will stop whatever they are up to before I get to 3. If they don't I would have to get there to smack them!

Treasuring those moments

2008-05-16T17:24:00.004+08:00

When the mood is right...

They share their toys,
They feed each other,
They give each other a hug,
They say good night to each other,
They explain how to play a toy,
They tell a story to the other,
... and the list goes on.

When they are in bad times...

They don’t like sharing,
They get irritated with each other,
They give each other a push,
They shout at each other,
They ignore each other,
... and the list goes on.

They are two types of wind.. I myself don’t know when the winds change. Whatever it is, I just want to treasure those moments!

So embarrassing!

2008-05-02T16:45:00.000+08:00

Since Thytus had to wear glasses, we got Nixon to check his eyes too. Apparently, Nixon had to wear glasses too.

Thytus is a responsible child – wears his glasses all the time and takes care of it well.

On the other hand, Nixon being himself, does not handle it very well. He loves to treat it like a sunglasses, perform acrobatic acts with the glasses, bend it this way and that way!

We have to visit the optician nearly every alternate days. It becomes really embarrassing for us. Apps and I take turn to visit the optician.. to share the embarrassment!

The optician is amazes how does Nixon bend the glasses with his bare hands, while the he has to use the his instruments to repair the glasses!

Happy Birthday lil' Presiden!

2008-04-27T16:18:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday to you..
Happy birthday to you..
Happy birthday to lil' Presiden..
Happy birthday to you.

You are 3 years old today. Hmm, no more in the terrible twos, is that going to make any difference?

You make me scream, you make me smack your butt,
But you are not afraid. Nothing I do stops you from being yourself - naughty!

Nevertheless, I am proud of you. You take care of d-prinz whenever he cries. Every time I ask your help to talk to him while I feed him medicine or change his nappy, you are always trying your best.

You are very attached to appa. When he is not home, you come to me. Unlike anna who loves to stay with ammachi and taatha, you always think twice.

You speak very well and always impress us not just with your vocabulary, but with your wittiness as well. Sometimes you make the funniest statements. You never fail to amuse us :)

Happy Birthday Champion!

2008-04-07T17:06:00.003+08:00

Happy birthday to you..
Happy birthday to you..
Happy birthday to Champion..
Happy birthday to you.

You are 4 years old today. My, my.. how fast time flies.

You always make amma proud of you. You do disturb your brother now and then, but most of the time you listen to me. Sometimes you say the sweetest things..

You can remember how to spell a few words.. ant, boy, cat and dog. Learning well at school.

You love to spend your weekend at taatha and ammachi's house, unlike thambhi. Every time you are there, you like them to write dotted words for you to write over it. They keep you occupied, and you love it.

I can trust them

2008-03-28T16:39:00.001+08:00

To some extend, I can trust both Thytus and Nixon to take care of Aaron when I have to go to the kitchen for a while. If Aaron cries, I do find one of them next to him, trying to talk to him or patting him slowly while they wait for me to come back.

However, I have those times when the TV has the stronger attraction and they ignore their little brother’s call! I have come back and found Aaron far away from his mat, happily chewing on his toys. He had crawled or rolled out of the mat and the brother did not notice.

Nevertheless, I am happy and proud that they do take the initiative to help me in taking care of their little brother. Every time they help me to care Aaron, I can see their love for him...

Simple words which mean so much

2008-03-24T11:29:00.002+08:00

Recently, Thytus will look at me and say...

Amma, you are so pretty,
I love you so much!

Aaahh.. *melt*

I don't where or from whom he learnt it from, but his words definitely brings cheer every time he says it to me.

I just love it

2008-03-03T16:45:00.003+08:00

He calls out to me,
I act as if I don’t hear him..

He kicks me with his little feet,
I feel it hard on my face.

I get nearer to him,
He grabs my nose with his little wet fingers.

I put my face against his,
He wets me with his squelchy mouth.

The cry outs,
The kicks,
The mess on my face,
Makes me long to get even nearer to him!

Aaah, motherhood is just a joy...

It means so much to him

2008-02-25T11:42:00.001+08:00

On one of the first weeks of school, I arrived at his kindy just when the bell rang and I got Thytus to line up. Soon, I called out to him to say goodbye, but he didn’t hear me. I guessed he was listening to his teacher and didn’t hear me call out to him. So, I told SIL and left. Next day, SIL told me that Thytus asked for me and started tearing when she told him that I had to leave. Hmmm...

Then, on another day, I had to rush because my car was blocking another car. Since he was already playing with his cousin in the playground, I thought it was alright for me to leave. Again, when the bell rang, he asked SIL where am I. On knowing that I had left without saying goodbye, tears filled his eyes.

I didn’t know that it meant so much to Thytus for me to say goodbye properly when I leave him at school. Now that I know, I never fail for bid him goodbye with a “kiss” :)

He loves his outing

2008-02-05T15:55:00.002+08:00

We had just gone to bed.. and the door bell rang. It was about 11.30 pm. I climbed out my bed, looked out the window. I saw a car parked outside our gate. “Aaah, at last..."

I hear him calling out, “Nixon, Nixon!”

I ran downstairs to open door.. there stood Thytus, still calling out to his brother, telling him that he is back.

When I was opening the gate for my eldest son, I could look into the future...

Imagining him being a teenage boy, coming home after his outing with his friends.. and parents waiting for him at home.

But at this age, he was not out with his friends, but out with my parents! He even stayed with them during the weekend... sleepover with his best friends ;)

As he was getting into the house, he reminded his taatha about his carom board.. the one that taatha and ammachi got for him while he was out shopping with them.

He was very excited of his outing (shopping and visiting people) that he was still wide awake at that hour. While I was changing him into his pyjamas, he was even telling me what he saw when he was out shopping.

I am glad that Thytus enjoys his weekend stay with his grandparents :)

Nixon is still quite attached to us, thus, he prefers to stay with us.. Sometimes, when he says he want to stay with apps and amms, he would stay.. but we can't force him. But he definitely will ask us to bring him visit his taatha and ammachi during the weekends, and he is always excited about it!

By the way, when we called Thytus earlier in the day, he told Nixon that he was going shopping. Hearing that, Nixon looked at me and said, "I want to go shopping also." Thytus on the other side of the phone told his brother "Nixon, tell our mother to bring you shopping lah..." All I could see in Thytus is that he cared for his brother.. he didn't further brag about his outing to make his brother jealous, but was trying to console him..