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.

Happy CNY 2012!

Little Mae enjoyed her first and extremely hectic CNY. We covered eight home visits in two days, and hit another five places over the weekend. It was grueling for us, lugging a toddler and a three-month old around, but I think Chubbs had great fun, especially since he was free to stuff his face with every scrumptious piece junk known to man.

I hope you guys had a great time hanging with the fam, because that's all that really matters during these times, no? I'll post more pictures of CNY when I finally get my act together and get the downloading process going. "Gong hei fatt choy!"

Then and Now (Part 2)

Him then.

Her today.

Chubbs three years ago.

Mae now.

In Her Third Month

Little Mae turns three months old today. We can't help but fall more in love with everyday because she's such a sweet and happy baby. She's proven to be a great companion and sister to Chubbs; she sits by him, watching adoringly as he plays, she tolerates his careless jabs and pokes as he lies around her, playing, and enjoys it when he sings to her. I'm so happy for the bond they share and the love they have for each other.

Keeping busy.

Fixing a toy with his tools as Mae accompanies him, sleeping in her chair.

He's in Nursery

My first born has started Nursery; just typing that line almost brings a tear to my eye. Already?! I was so anxious on orientation day that my stomach was knotted all morning. Chubbs however, was seemingly oblivious to the day ahead. There were many changes to school as he knows it, because Pre-Nursery (where he was last year) occupies a separate part of the school compound, they have their own playground, own toilets, etc. He would join the big kids at the unfamiliar main part of the campus from this year on.

He was reluctant to go to class at first, and kept pleading to go home. He clung onto me like a koala and didn't allow me to leave him. To lend him further encouragement and support, Fuzzy and Mae came along for orientation too, and I think that helped calm him down. Little Mae was a part of her Kor-Kor's first days at school. She slept through most of it though.

The second day was a lot better. He was still clingy at first but soon got distracted by the toys in class. I kissed him goodbye and promised I'd stand by the window to watch him as he pottered around in class. He looked out for me at the beginning, but was soon too caught up by his classmates, and general class activities to bother about me. He settled in very nicely, and especially enjoyed his sweaty runaround the "new" playground, where he got to mingle with, and be one of the BIG KIDS.

I won't be with him from next week as orientation is over. I have no inkling how things will turn out. I won't even be walking him in, as the teachers take will take him straight from the car, to class. Be brave, Chubbs!

My big boy in full uniform, school bag, white socks and shoes. Sob.