Leap Day 2012

Chubbs and Mae experienced their first leap day today, and we really had fun!

The kids' morning bounce on Daddy's tummy.

Fuzzy, Mae and I enjoyed a mid-morning cuppa at the indie coffee joint, Papa Palheta, after dropping Chubbs off at school.

After school and his snack, we brought Chubbs for a swim. It was lovely having the pool to ourselves :) The little boy is getting so confident in the water (with his floaties). He can blow bubbles, do back stroke, doggy paddle and kick to propel himself forwards. He swam four lengths of the Olympic-sized pool, and of course, was exhausted by the end of it.

The thing he loves doing most- cannon-balling into the water!

Mae happily watched her Kor-Kor having a blast in the water. I can't wait to put her in there, in a month's time.

Pre-bedtime roll-about.

The Kids

She loves being hugged by Kor Kor.

Watching and learning his antics.

With My Valentines

We thought it might be fun to make pasta from scratch for Valentines' Day lunch. We've all watched the Italian mamas do it before, and it looks simple enough right? Moreover, they do it a few times a day, for each meal. How difficult can it be? It turned out to be a good workout for my forearms, and the hubby had to take over kneading halfway through. We kneaded until the dough was smooth, let it rest, cranked up the pasta maker, and made gorgeous, silky pasta. It's amazing what a few eggs and a couple of cups of flour can make.

I cooked the noodles in salted, boiling water for one and a half minutes, tossed the golden strands in olive oil, sauteed red chili and golden flakes of aromatic garlic, and garnished with fresh basil from the garden. My favourite lunch! We were surprised by how tasty the pasta was on its own, but the fragrant ingredients highlighted the flavour of the noodles even more.

For Chubbs, we planned to bring him on a playground-spree. I packed him a picnic snack of the pasta we made, tossed with chopped cherry tomatoes, parmesan and super yummy olive oil. Complete with a carton of milk and some baby mandarins, we were set for our afternoon of non-stop playground fun. First up, was a quiet playground at Hooper Road, where Chubbs ran around with Fuzzy while I fed the baby girl. Next, we brought him to a very special place, where Fuzzy and I used to hang out. Both times, we had the playgrounds to ourselves and had a blast!

The Little Girl Turns Four-Months Old and a Goodbye

Our precious little Mae at four months old! She's a bundle of joy and I'm always appreciative of her beautiful ready chuckle and smile whenever someone speaks to her or plays with her.

With Yee Sook Gong and Kor Kor.

With Grandaunty Jan too.

Also today, after having hung out with us (and gorged on local food) for three weeks, it was time for Yee Sook and Aunty Jan to return to Vancouver. The airport farewell was sad and tears especially flowed when Chubbs ran up to his favourite Yee Sook Gong just as he was walked through the departure gates to give him a final bear hug. I miss them already and can't wait till the next time we meet.

Yee Sook eyeing Chubbs' iced milo.

The final hug; hearts melted and tears flowed.

Over CNY

Little Mae in her outfit from Aunties Jean and Katie.

Receiving ang-pow blessings from Yee Sook Gong.

Playing with Tai-Gong.

The kids with Grandpa and Yee Sook Gong.

Being entertained by Kor-Kor.

Steadier by the day.

The boys.