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I wanted to go check out the Furniture Warehouse since we're moving house in a few months' time. So I will thrilled to find out that there's a direct bus from Sembawang Interchange to the Upper Thomson branch. The only problem was I've not tried taking buses with Joey alone with the stroller, so I could imagine it was going to be tough and tiring. Nevertheless, I still did it, cos I wanted to bring along the stroller incase Joey wants to take her nap.

Preparing to get out of the house..

Well, taking the bus and bringing the stroller with my backpack and holding a toddler is really no easy feat. I had to fold my stroller up, hold it with one hand, and lead Joey up and down the bus first before I could go up or down. The large gap between the bus and the landing meant I had to make Joey jump across it while I hold her by one hand. I thnk some parents might have frowned when they saw me doing that. =P

Joey on the bus, behaving really well, thank God!

Mr Blackie

2 very funny attempts by Mama Kless to take photo of Joey and her together..

On the bus journey back, I attempted to carry joey on my arms and hold the stroller in the other, but it proved to be a worse strategy cos my stroller was too big and a passenger on the bus had to help me. =P

It was quite an adventure which totally drained me out even though it was 3 hours in all... I am still considering if I would ever do such a thing again... haha..

My parents bought Joey a little stroller as her birthday present. :)

They initially wanted to buy her a bicycle, but we told them that she needed a stroller more, cos we were thinking of bringing the stroller to Bangkok in May so that when Joey is tired, she can fall asleep in the stroller along the roads of Bangkok. Heee...

And so, we went to the Kaki Bukit Hypermart and bought this stroller. It was going cheap at only $110, cos only the display set was left. We checked it and found that it was in good condition. Plus, this stroller is lightweight (compared to our Bugagoo Frog stroller!!), foldable & can be carried from a handle & can allow 3 sitting positions. It fulfilled most of the criteria we set. A good buy, I feel.

But of course, after sitting in a 'Mercedes' for close to 2 years, this little blackie is no where comparable in terms of comfort. It was very bumpy when I pushed her across concrete. Then again, this is 'expected lah', exact words from my husband. =)

Joey even fell asleep on the way to the MRT. I'd like to think that she finds it comfortable enough to sleep in it. Hahahaha..

Today's bento goes by the theme of Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars! Haha, not fanciful, but it is quite nutritious in my opinion. =)

The main course is a soup of broccoli, carrots, mushrooms & potatoes

Made star onigiris mixed with mashed broccoli & carrots. And there are ham stars everywhere too!

It's finally Friday!!!! =D

Tried this dish today, and it smells really nice. =)

Used the macoroni from Marks & Spencer

Season some minced chicken with 1 teaspoon of light soya sauce..

Chop very finely 3 to 4 mushrooms

Boil the macoroni and throw in 3 to 4 stalks of broccoli and carrot flowers to cook at the same time..

After about 10 mins, scoop out the broccoli and chop finely..

Next, fry the minced meat. I was amazed that I could actually stir fry the meat without adding a single drop of oil! Just need to keep stirring over very low heat.

Once the meat are cooked, add in a teeny weeny bit of dark soya sauce

Add in the mushrooms and broccoli and keep stir frying. Add in the macoroni finally and viola, the fried macoroni is done!

Packed into 2 portions for Joey to bring to the office nursery. Carrot flowers on top as decor.. Note: They are supposed to be carrot Pac Man.. hahaha)

Still have some leftovers after packing, so I added in more soya sauce and chopped chilis and it became my breakfast this morning.. =D

Let me end off with photos of Joey monkeying around while waiting for our cab this morning!

Happy Wednesday, my friends! =D

Like Rachel, I also had a bad dream just now during my nap. It was scary at first but ended on quite a good note actually. Still, it's really weird to have such dreams..

The dream started in the middle of the incident. At the back of my mind, I know that I have already sent Joey to the United States, and I was in the midst of worrying about her and chiding myself for even allowing my two-year-old kid to go to such a faraway place from me. Apparently, Joey was taken away to the United States to do some kind of performance. I think she is a star perfomer or something like that.

The reason I was so worried was because I can't seem to be able to contact Joey at all even though she's been gone for many days. Then in my dream, I made a phone call to 'Joey's handphone' (so weird!), and a lady picked up the call and said, 'Yes, Joey's mummy?' And when I asked who she is, she said she is the nanny in charge of Joey, and she went on to tell me that Joey was doing very well there. I eventually got to speak to Joey and she really sounded quite alright.. =P

Maybe it's because I was very impacted by the video on what Sun is doing in the US last night at Newcomers Dinner that I dreamt such a weird dream.. hahaha..

In reality, I will NEVER allow Joey to go anywhere overseas without me. =)

It's a rainy Monday at Sembawang today. Initially planned to bring Joey swimming, but looking at the weather, we both decided it's a better day to sleep. =P And so, we both napped from 1030am to almost 2pm! A whooping 3 hours!

Papa Isaiah will be happy to hear this. Joey saw Papa's Liverpool Jersey hanging in the study room, and she immediately went to dig out her Liverpool jersey and insisted that I help her change into that.

Then since we missed our lunchtime by oversleeping, we went out for some tea time snacks!

Obviously very happy about going out...

Joey very cute. The moment we entered the lift, she kept saying, "臭臭!" and pinched her nose... Hahaha.. (it was not even smelly leh...)

It was slightly drizzling outside, so Joey wanted to bring her umbrella out.. =)

Our tea time snacks!

Joey had kaya bun & warm barley drink, and I had wanton mee & black coffee. Very yummy!!

Since Joey is 2 years old now, I reckon it's time to go beyond soup dishes for her and cook other stuffs for her. And since today is my off day, it's the best time to cook something a little special for her. =) On other mornings when I have to rush to work, I probably won't have so much time.

The ingredients prepared:

I did the 2 main dishes first!

Beef with mushrooms

Baby Dou Miao with ham

Here's the final presentation!

Did 3 onigiri with broccoli on a bed of fried eggs. =D The onigiris are really easy to make and a simple way to make your kids eat their greens. Just cook broccoli very finely (I only use the leafy part) and steam it in a separate bowl from the rice. When both are ready, mix the 2 together and put into a mould. It's not very clear here in the picture but it was supposed to be 'Rabbit Loves Doggie'. Hahaha.. By the way, in the small section, there's some cherry tomatoes just to add some colour.

Happy Joey!

It's a tiring but very fun expedition to Pulau Ubin today! I am now typing this with wobbly legs and aching muscles on my whole body, but it was a great workout! Haha.. Had lots of fun cycling with Joey in the baby seat behind me, and it was a challenge trying to keep my balance on the rocky and stony paths. Not to mention the upgoing slopes... Haha.. I shall let the photos do the talking in this entry. Took tons of photos! wooopeeee!

Joey all prepared waiting for leave the house. Smart-looking in her new cap from Fox..

Downstairs waiting for Shu Shu to come & fetch..

Joey's very 1st sampan boat ride!

I like these papa & daughter photos... so very sweet.. =D

Not forgetting Mummy Kless of course!

Don't ask me why, but upon reaching Pulau Ubin, Joey suddenly started her 'posing' act. She stuck her hands into her pockets and striked the very 'cool' poses, while waiting for me to snap pictures of her. Haha.. Very stylo mylo, I tell you..

Then it all came to an abrupt end because I think she saw a dog.. kekeke..

After cycling for about 20 mins, we came to a juncture that does not allow bicycles to enter, and we could only go by foot. Joey, the tour guide, checking out the map..

They've developed the Chek Jawa protected area by building wooden planks path for people to walk along.. It's a serene feeling walking along the paths cos of the greenery, birds chirping... =D

The very tall observation tower that we climbed..

The different sceneries I saw while climbing the observation tower..

Joey reached the top!

Drinks, anyone??

After we came down from the observation deck, we walked along the paths to see the mangrove swamps.. They're really the signature sights of Chek Jawa.. Strong roots!!

I am amazed at Joey's stamina actually.. She just kept walking and walking and didn't whine a bit! =)

We spotted jellyfish!!

While the rest are having lunch, brought Joey to take a walk on the muddy beach..

There were many things on the beach that intrigued Joey.. haha..

Check out the full set of photos here!