I had a craving for some western brunch after church today and remembered reading about the ‘Croque Madame!’ which Skyve served so off we went – although the Bo did ask me to consider Chalk’s Sunday brunch too, but my mind was quite made up.

We arrived at 10 Winstedt Road (location of Skyve) and took a little stroll around the ex-school compounds before settling ourselves in the relatively un-busy and tastefully modern setting of Skyve. Saw the menu and instantly knew what I wanted – Croque Madame, of course! and was utterly pleased that the staff was able to accommodate my request of ensuring that everything, including the supposedly runny yolk on the sunny side up, would be cooked thoroughly well for their pregnant patron. :D

Food arrived in reasonable time and boy was I sniffing my croque like a puppy, asking the Bo to sniff as well. The smell of melted cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sliced ham grilled on brioche bread was just so so so so alluring. It was also then I think the husband might have regretted ordering his usual classic breakfast over mine (I did share eventually). It tasted so good as I devoured morsel of ‘the loafing breakfast’.

And so, we left 2 happy campers, with our tummies satisfactorialy filled, heading home to complete what seems to be the last 15% of spring cleaning to do.

Have a happy reunion dinner everyone!

Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar

No.10 Winstedt Road
Block E, #01-17 
Tuesday to Friday: 8:30am to Midnight
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to Midnight
Public Holidays: 10am to Midnight
(Monday closed till further notice)

Reserve:+65 6225 6690 

Every year during Bo’s birthday, I’d usually have something up my sleeves to surprise him with one way or another. It could be just bringing in his favorite Bengawan Solo pandan-kaya cake at the end of an impromptu family dim sum or at the stroke of midnight on 9 Jan, or gathering some of his best buds for ‘surprise’ drinks (which includes injecting in some pranks on the birthday boy as well), organizing a McDonalds’ ‘kids’ party, springing an impromptu trip or even just hiding his good friends in his room all ready to surprise him when he opens the door – yes I’ve that much mischief lined up for the man considering that his special day comes only once a year plus I’ve always been big on birthday celebrations since young; something that has been running in the family for as long as I can remember.

So this year, I felt like a total party popper when I had zero plans & ideas on what to do. Well technically I did think of doing a nice dinner out (our usual) but when the Bo confirmed that he had the rest of his birthday off too just 2 days prior, my brain just could not generate a list of things to do. All I could think of was…sleeping in or visiting the loo…which just made me feel even more guilty that I wasn’t even making much of an effort.

In the end, I told myself to just let the ‘plan-perfectionist’ in me loose. I didn’t have personal disposable cash I usually would have to dispense off spontaneously on a trip or pampering activity to speak to (since everything goes towards baby’s necessities funds now), but I knew I was going to make this birthday count nonetheless. The Bo had been working hard for most of 2011 just so that I could ‘relax & have an enjoyable pregnancy’ so it was only deserving that I reciprocated his love back in my little own way.

8 Jan, eve of birthday: My eyes were shutting on me quickly at 10.45pm, but I struggled and managed to resist, watching his favorite anime series with him till midnight before being the first to wish him Happy Birthday with a huge hug from me & baby chungkin (he actually responded with a kick, well done son!).

Then this morning, I made a mental note not to sleep in nor snooze so that we could have an early start. Woke up by 9am, greeted & kissed birthday boy again; got myself ready quickly so that we could do whatever he wanted (with some backup brunch places and activities in mind) and not before long, we were out of the house! We didn’t end up visiting any of the 4 brunch places I had in mind, but I told myself that I was going to let birthday boy decide what he wanted to do. If he wanted to run some errands, chill at a local coffee shop for a bit before watching a show – then that’s what we’ll do. It was his day anyway.

Come evening time (amazing how time flies when you’re on leave and having so much fun quality couple time together!), we took a little stroll around the quaint neighborhood of Katong before meeting mom for dinner. I also managed to sneak away for a sec & purchase the last pandan-kaya cake on display at the shop on the pretext of ‘needing to take a dump’ (and had mom’s help to aid with collection of cake and restaurant reservations).

All in all, a simple and relaxing celebration. There wasn’t anything fancy going on – no huge surprises as with the past few years, but as mom succinctly reiterated during dinner – this year was indeed a very special celebration for the Bo because it’s the year that he is going to become a daddy! We couldn’t agree more.

Happy Birthday my Bo. Thank you for being the best husband and friend that you have been and can be. I can’t wait for little.C to join in the celebration next year and the years to come – giving you that birthday kiss & hug in person! Here’s wishing you a very wonderful year, a great beginning of fatherhood, may joy, love & laughter continue to fill your heart and that our Good Lord will continue to keep you, bless you and grant you your desires. – much love always.

xo.

{soup}

{a birthday tradition & must have – ee fu noodles}

{papa chung, mama chung & baby chung}

{family}

{birthday boy and his favorite cake of choice}

So yeah, I had a bad day, shitty to be exact. I woke up feeling miserable and misery was made worse with my mil’s insensitive comments.

But what finally cleared the dark clouds away and gave me that silver lining was the visit to the gynae. I got a little frustrated from trying to call to check on appointments availability. And when I finally get through on the 18th call, the nurse told me to come for a walk-in hearing how bad I sounded, and so I did.

And thank the Lord for making my day – I didn’t have to wait long. There were 3 patients in front of me when I walked in, nurses were sympathetic & did their best to slot me in (I was told that it helped that I chose to walk in on a not-too-busy day too), I got to see my gynae within 15 minutes of wait time and the best highlight – I got to see b.chungkin on the new scan monitor (gynae just opened his private practice this week), hear his heartbeat loud & clear; and got 3 shots of chungkin’s face in 3D thanks to my gynae (and the saleslady beside him who was guiding him how) fiddling with his new machine and exploring new functions – all at the usual scan price, which is really affordable. :)

Although I’m still physically sick (I was told I’d just have to sit this out until the bug leaves), emotionally I’m one happy mama. Praise the Lord! Hooray.

And instead of the usual belly shot, here’s a shot of b.chungkin sporting his daddy’s nose (hopefully an improved one :p)

{Top photo shows his eyes closed, right side of photo is covered by his hand and amnio fluid. Bottom photo shows his eyes opened}

Seeing him on the monitor for a good 7 minutes definitely made all my earlier frustrations go away!

I love you my baby chungkin. Thanks for staying strong, and reassuring mommy with your power-packed punches/kicks throughout the day. Daddy & I can’t wait to meet you & embrace you in our arms come April 2012.

Obviously the plan (from NYE 2010) to celebrate NYE 2011 in NYC didn’t work out since baby chungkin came into the picture this year (no flight mandate, remember?). Not that we would trade it for anything else.

Hence this new year’s eve was celebrated with mom and bo over a hearty dinner (thank u mom!) & desserts before we welcomed 2012 under a spectacular display of fireworks amongst thousands at Marina Bay Sands! I loved how ‘em 2 angels were also busy protecting b.chungkin from getting squashed/squeezed/hit in the belly from the crowds. :)

Had a wonderful time bonding with them, albeit pockets of exhaustion hitting me in between dinner & fireworks despite an arvo snooze earlier. B.chungkin was a good boy, or so I thought, responding mostly when we ‘communicated’ with him via talking or light pats on the belly. Just wanted to check in to see if he was enjoying himself too, and I could only assume he was, since his mama was having such a ball of a time.

{graze}

{family}

{mushroom soup & accompanying bread was delish}

{mom absolutely loving her appetizer – and oh those prawns!}

{the bo enjoying his lamb, which was very juicy & sweet}

{my order of baby roast chicken which was sweet, tender and not a wee bit dry}

{a lobster-red looking bo, just after a pint of beer}

{before we head out for desserts}

{mommy & me}

 {Marina Bay Sands}

{Just before the countdown to 2012}

{the first of a spectacular display of fireworks to welcome 2012}

Happy 2012!

Here’s wishing you lots more love, joy, laughter, peace, patience, understanding, friendships, relationships, and that your resolutions, ambitions, goals, desires take that one big leap towards being fulfilled. xo.

2011 was mostly amazing.

It started off with a blast of a holiday in Japan where the Bo & I celebrated NYE 2010 and ushered 2011 in Tokyo, immersing ourselves with local activities & culture; followed by our first ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train in Japan) to visit my side of family in Gifu for a lovely home cooked meal on the 1st day of 2011. And the next 3 weeks of 2011 spent in Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido where we got to experienced a lot of wonderful things together such as falling on snow, skiing, building snowman, skinny dipping in hot springs (which really did burnt), savouring local delicacies such as sea urchin and other raw, fresh seafood which I usually won’t attempt to eat.

It was a year of many fabulous firsts for myself –  deciding to take a real break away from work to focus on my personal growth, faith & family planning since starting work some 9 years ago. Re-taking up yoga after a 3-years hiatus & finally deciding to get wee bit serious on photography via personal lessons from a mentor and committing some finances to get some serious camera accessories. Cooking consecutive meals for the Bo which he really enjoyed while mil was away on holidays. And of course, us finally being pregnant with our #1 chungkin which has resulted in making joint decisions for b.chungkin, being blessed with new friendships and strengthening existing relationships. Amazing what big changes a baby’s pending arrival can do.

It was a year of positivity – mustering that courage to see a life coach to get my life/thoughts organized & energy back, daring to believe that July-2011 would be that special month when b.chungkin would happen due to a good feeling which I couldn’t shake off since June-11, acceptance of my choice of unemployment which inadvertently turned a lot of situations for the better, and having that strength to pass on good vibes to pals who really needed a dose of it.

It was a year of personal growth – where I was more willing to let go of hurt, sadness, disgruntlement and be more accepting of changes regardless how big or small. One I could managed anxieties better and learn more about myself as an individual.

It was a year of strengthening relationships – especially with my 3 musketeers (mom, bo & jj); and I’m thankful for your ever ready listening ears, assurances and generosity in anything within your means including your love. Thank you for being such great givers and for being in my life.

The not so amazing bits of 2011? - days when I woke up or slept in tears. Days the bo & I fought verbally which left us both feeling very hurt. Days when I questioned all the personal decisions I made. Days when I didn’t feel like I had any support or anyone I could really pour out to. Days when I felt utterly useless as a person, wife, friend & daughter and all I could do was wallow. Though I’m absolutely thankful (to the Lord) that they did not outweigh the good that happened.

And as I type this entry with the little one throwing me some power punches in the belly as a reminder of the most significant thing that happened in 2011, I know it was an mostly awesome year.

Happy Boxing Day! :)

I had the longest nights in the past 3 days – turning in only at near to 3am due to festive celebrations (and sadly still waking up at 9am due to habit) but boy was it worth every moment of yawn & exhaustion; knowing that I had a little party-mate who was enjoying himself in the belly – bobbing and dancing to music played loudly & giving a little punch of acknowledgement each time I gobbled down some lovely cakes and ice-cream.

This Christmas, spending our last as a couple was also made extra special as the Bo took us on little dates & strolls in between; enjoying the last bits of us-time as we reflected how much has happened (for the better) since 12 months ago – when we were still deeply desiring to be parents then and how difficult it was for me to enjoy the festivities because everyone was practically asking when we were going to be parents (which really sucked because I wished they would just say ‘Merry Christmas’ back in response and let me enjoy those few hours instead). And thanks to a very supportive husband who would constantly whisper to me that our time will eventually come and that it would be magical, I managed to survive through christmas 2010.

So back to this year’s roundup, I totally enjoyed feasting on the spread (as always) being prepared although I was reminded to limit my quantity on prime ribs, beef & lamb (but they were just soooo good) and desserts (instructions from the gynae). The Bo also allowed me a sip of his cloudy bay – which was all I wanted anyway. It was extremely heartwarming receiving gifts mostly for b.chungkin from the usual suspects (I did receive a very beautiful box of baby shower bingo and maternity-styled dress from the cousin for myself though :p) too. And too hilarious when some started asking the Bo if we had really decided on baby’s name to be ‘chungkin’ (along with a puzzled look) – due to my sign off in the card. (p/s: chungkin is really more of a term of endearment for us and yes, he will have a proper name).

{family shot}

{pre-christmas dinner with mom}

{christmas dinner with the BR}

{posing with BR’s gift to me}

{after a midnight tea with BR at the hotel lobby}

{iphone candid with mom}

{iphone candid with the Bo}

{group shot with the godparents}

{just us 3 by the tree}

Since we got married, the Bo & I would always take year-end trips out of Singapore to usher in the New Year as a way to reward ourselves for working & playing hard (and fit in some baby-making activities of course – we had to be ‘relaxed’ right? lol).

Last year, we spent New Year’s Eve and ushering 2011 in Japan – shuttling between temples (writing our wishes of being parents in the new year) after dinner, listening to bells chime, participating in some local activities, pub-hopping (it was only about a 15min walk plus it was winter so it didn’t feel as bad as it would in Singapore), drinking ourselves silly and mingling/taking photos with the locals while waiting for our train back to the hotel. New Year’s Day was also made special taking a 2-hour ride on the Shinkansen to visit my aunt & cousin in Gifu for the first time (after last seeing them in Singapore over a decade ago); when my aunt prepared a wonderful Japanese spread with some Singapore dishes (curry). And as we broke our ‘lucky chopsticks’ apart (something like a fortune cookie sort of thing) as they usually do in the Japanese New year – she teased me about my reading: that the year of the rabbit would be a very fruitful year to have babies. I secretly wished in my heart that would come true (and of course it did eventually – with God’s help of course).

This year, with a no-flight mandate from the excited Bo, we’ll be spending NYE and ushering 2012 in Singapore. And it was only till a shower ago that I realized that I hadn’t made any plans. Obviously NYE is quite a biggie in Singapore, so I freaked out a little when I realized that I had just about a week to make the necessary arrangements & reservations.

Thank goodness my prayers were answered when I rang 2 places &  managed to book in dinner & desserts just before we go fireworks watching at the stroke of midnight. And not at cut-throat prices (like those going at $198+++, $298++, $388++ per person). Since next year’s arrangement is going to be quite different with an infant to care, if I was going to celebrate my last few festive occasions without much worries – it had to be now.

So there – activities all planned till the last day of 2011. I’m one happy mama all ready to boogie.

Tonight, as I bid the husband farewell at the entrance of the ‘Departure’ hall before he embarks on his one-week hectic work trip; I started getting a little teary.

I wasn’t too sure if it was the hormones doing its darn meanest, but I had to fight back tears and sounding teary as the Bo asked if I would miss him (duh!). I didn’t want to worry him.

Perhaps this is his first work trip away from me & baby since the pregnancy or perhaps he’s been able to dodge work trips in the past years that I haven’t gotten used to him being away for a while – but I told myself that I needed to stay strong and not start to weep. I was going to become a mom, da*nit.

And as I drove home very slowly (because of all the nagging from the Bo, mom & mil about staying safe now that I had a little one to protect from nasty road ragers), I actually had one of the longest conversations with baby chungkin – that it was going to be mommy & him for a week till daddy comes home and that we were going to entertain ourselves and have fun with friends, his grandmama amongst many others. And that God will keep us safe, and keep his daddy safe too.

He responded with a bit of a movement. I’m assuming he totally understood what I was babbling on about. And it definitely helped allay those road fears, getting a lot of smooth traffic on the way back as I took on the driver’s seat after being absent for a good 5 months.

I love you so much my little one. And I love your daddy just as much too.

During our honeymoon some 3.2 years ago, the Bo & I managed to land ourselves cheap, good matinee tickets (well, when you’re a tourist, you’ve all the time to line up for affordable tickets right?)to watch Broadway Musical ‘Wicked’ at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. We didn’t know what to expect initially – as this was relatively new in our radar vs. the other broadways that we’ve been familiar with, Phantom, Lion King, Chicago, Mama Mia, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Mis among many others.

What we did know was that we enjoyed ‘Wicked’ thoroughly and was humming away to the songs that were sung throughout the rest of the trip.

So when we got wind that ‘Wicked’ was coming to Singapore earlier this year – we knew we had to get our hands on ‘em tickets to re-live the experience. To be honest, we expected a wee bit more out of the musical (read: vocals) but turns out that Baby Chungkin enjoyed it a lot because whenever upbeat music/drums were played, I could feel him practically bouncing & kicking away in the belly to the beat. And his movements would actually subside (to an almost stop) when it was dialogue time. Hah! This boy sure knows how to appreciate musicals!

Growing up, I remember not liking my name at all. Maybe it was because almost every teacher I met from nursery till primary school couldn’t pronounce it properly, or would struggle to pronounce each time they came to my name (I could sense that it was me they were trying to call out), and perhaps I did want to fit in with my other classmates who had similar names (p/s: there were 3 girls named melissa, 2 named serene, 2 named jane amongst many others) instead of standing out, being unique & not being ‘popular’ on the pronunciation front.

I must have told my mom this several times because till today, I can still remember her same, deadpan reply : then I should have just named you ‘girl girl’ or ‘mary’; each time I whined about not having a common name after a day at school when someone had obviously mis-pronounced it, be it a teacher or a peer.

And when the adolescent years came and TV series FRIENDS starting becoming part of my TV watching routine, I asked mom why couldn’t she named me ‘Jennifer’, ‘Rachel’ or even ‘Buffy’ instead? Obviously, I yearned to be popular and have great hair.

Today, I absolutely love my name and the identity it has brought me. ‘Natasha’ is no longer as un-common as it used to be – I actually know 2 other awesome girls named Natasha; and while I still encounter the occasional slip-ups such as being called ‘Ma-ta-sha’ from time to time, or being acknowledged as a ‘mister’ instead of a ‘miss’ – it actually tickles me instead. On the work and interviews front, I’ve actually had people telling me that they remembered me because of my name (although I reckon having a unique surname tagged to it helps too…).

The husband loves my name (as I do with his, albeit self-chosen upon his baptism & confirmation), a church friend named her daughter (14 yrs my junior) the same after she met me (true story); and a few others I’ve met recently have mentioned that they would/did consider naming their baby princess ‘Natasha’ too.

So why this topic on names? Well now that we’re finally going to be parents (yay!) in less than 4 months’ time (God Willing), choosing a name for baby chungkin is obviously on the agenda. Between the Bo and myself, we’ve shortlist two that we love unanimously, and the great thing is we didn’t need any convincing on either parties because it feels so ‘meant to be’.

Baby chungkin’s name may not be the most unique or ‘uneqqee’; but I’m sure he won’t fuss over it. That said, I’m prepared for the day baby chungkin quips to me about his name being common or not. Me thinks it will be more of the former.

Son, that’s when mama & papa will also share with you how we came about giving you your name over a nice cup of ice-cream, coffee or alcohol (depending on your age).

[A post inspired by Kris's true-story joke:

Person A: Hi, my name is 'Ab-ceder'

Person B: Oh nice to meet you, what a unique name, how do you spell it?

Person A: 'abcde' ]