Blowing Raspberries: Aug & Sep 2017

Dear Growing Too Fast Ceyone,

August 2017 was the time when you started your new school at International School of Singapore (ISS) at Paterson Road in Grade K1. I moved you from your pre school a little earlier into the big school. ISS was a mid sized cozy school with strong community feeling. You enjoyed going there and the first day was a little tough for both of us. You almost cried with tears paused in your eyes and the cry face stopped in your mouth when we were saying good byes to each other. But you were very brave. In fact, the chocolate that I was carrying for you I ended up giving to Viggo in your class who was wailing inconsolably.

The name of your first teacher was Ms. Gemma Cass and she was from the UK.

During your first week I picked you up every single day and a few times every week even afterwards. The school was less than 2 kms away from our home and every morning I dropped you in a taxi. Tita picked you up in the afternoon and you both returned by city bus no. 54.

We always got you a drink at pick up time.

First day was smoother than expected. Second day was very tough. It was a long stretch for you and we were also getting used to the schedule. Your lunch went weak and you cried on the way back. I lost it as well to see you upset and we all mutually threw temper tantrums at each other.

We were much better after that episode and it was pretty smooth from there on.

I hugged you in your class every morning by lifting you up in my arms until almost my knees. That was the best I could. I did it as long as I could!

I went to see Dennis' new baby boy, baby Langston. He was a cute little fur ball.

That was my alteration uncle who helped me mend tonnes of clothes so we could wear them time and again. Many times I got your old tees converted into singlets to suit Singapore weather. Sometimes I'd pick up sale items that were not my size and with a few strokes by uncle I turned it into a good bargain. He was very kind and always prioritized me. I never took change back from him.

I think that was your last day at your old pre school, Sam's Early Learning Center.

Your super heroes collection was growing by leaps and bounds. Your parents were crazy about you and got you almost every toy that you pointed your finger to.

You and I having fun at the bus stop while waiting for the bus. Look at those chubby cheeks!

I undertook fixing up our old and rugged dining chairs with white paint and new upholstery. Yashveer and you were so excited to help me and I enjoyed working together with you both. I know that as little boys, you both would love this activity!

You also ended up taking shower together!

When one of my picture frames became redundant, I was not sure what to do with the poster in it that I had created with my favorite print from Cath Kidston and my favorite quote "Live well, laugh often and love much". So I took that piece and stuck it to the back rest of my chair! And just like that the grey chair became very lively!

You loved doing my make up and I was happiest to get it done from you as well.

With my coworkers and baby Langston.

More chairs in the works.

Tita making our favorite pizza and made all of us drool.

We attended a couple of birthday parties in the building and that was Zeeshan and Ahyan's dance party.

I was also reinventing several aspects of my life. Collecting motivation had become my favorite pastime and I decided to give a new twist to my rugged dumbbells.

Well...cupcakes are muffins who believed in miracles!

We had Bring your kids to work day at office and you had a lot of fun as usual.

We didn't have a balcony in the new apartment. There was just a bay window. So I got some hanging planters and new plants from uncle to put in. In a few months time, our plants picked up quite well.

I also made my favorite quote wall hanging. "Be Still, My Soul"

And that was my home made bread in our latest bread maker topped with raspberries, almond flakes, a drizzle of honey and some chia seeds.

You loved exploring animal habitats and that was one of your numerous trips to the aquarium.

The highlight of your visit was touching the star fish, of course!

Afterwards you enjoyed splashing in the fountains and wet your shirt fully. I was not carrying extra set of clothes so Papa bought you an oversized M&M shirt from Candylicious store nearby in Sentosa.