E L C

eArLy LeArNiNg CeNtRe

Just another groceries day at Carrefour and checked out the newly opened ELC, besides their other branch at Paragon. But of course, quality toys do have quality prices, developmental learning toys that is...

with all these toys available for play, Aaqil won't need one at home...

Yeah, he won't need one at home, rather than spending lavishly on unnecessary 'I-want-to-have-it-mommy' toys, I would prefer taking him outdoors and let him learn what he sees and experiences. Furthermore, he is at a stage of dumping his belongings, nothing will last with him, got pretty bored easily. Yes, for now I told him to talk to strangers....

Aaqil interacting with an ever-friendly ELC staff; whom enjoyed entertaining him...

At the end of the day, we both enjoyed ourselves, productively, we are always learning about one another and always will, I hope. For me, observing Aaqil's character changes day by day, and his way of expressing things, give me lots of chances to understand and appreciate his growth and disciplining him will be 'our' next task-of-honour!

Yeah! We made it this far...

Once Upon a Time in MRSM Perlis....

Having chicken rice on a weekend in Kangar town

(from Left: Yang, Ija, me, Has & Aida)

Our dormitory

Dedicated to my friends...

A friend in need is a friend indeed? Well, some might not agree with that... anyway... It all started on one of the early days in college when an important piece of paper fell down the drain. That paper contained signatures of our senior students in that college. Though it might sound stupid, but 'freshmen' or 'freshies' were required to obtain a number signatures of senior students during our orientation period. Noor Yang and Rosniza went down that drain, despite the 'drainy' smell, to rescue that piece of paper. Yes, that paper belonged to me, who was a stranger to both of them at that time. They found me crying by the drain not knowing how to rescue that poor piece.

That was how it started, we became close and spent most of our times gossiping about arrogant seniors and hoping they would trip and have a stupid fall. Not all negative gossips though, those interesting ones included describing how handsome those senior male students were. And everybody would get excited when we had close encounters with those male seniors, the mosque was located near the male dorms, and our sincerity and faith towards our prayers in the mosque was questionable!

As a 'freshie', we were not supposed to look up whenever a senior male student crossed our path, and greet the female ones with a salam. Those things continued for about a year till those senior students graduate. Well, we had our chances too when we became senior students, 'freshies' came to us for signatures and being greeted them. Thinking of it now, that was extreme disciplinary measures, unsure whether those systems will work now though.

Back to the friendship formation, I later introduced Hasniza into the group, a hometown friend. Noor Yang gained her popularity as a debator, and later introduced Aida, also a debator, to complete the circle. 5 of us became best of friends through our college lives.

Now all of us is leading our own interesting life. I don't wish to write more...as we know our stories well...Just to let all of you know..I was lucky to have all of you as 'True Friends'.

Those were the days : Having maggi in my room 406, Block Anggun, Mrsm Perlis

"Life won't be interesting without you around..."

We are extremely lucky that our home is within walking distance to Kallang Riverside Park. These park connectors have been built on both sides of Kallang River, it is a heaven for water sports enthusiasts. Today, we had a nice exercising cum nature walk. What a wonderful day it was without having to spend any monies on shopping and expensive meals! Aaqil was entertained and amazed by the scene of canoers and waterskiers and 'dragon-boaters' practising and proudly displaying their skills.

The park is full with trees and palms, of course and that decorated its landscape. I did not put on sports shoes, sports sandals instead, I missed the chance of a full jog.

Aaqil relying on that stroller after he realises how exhausting he is walking non-stop for already 20 minutes...

After dinner wih Bapak, my way of saying thank you...

My Neighbourhood Babies...

Everytime my neighbour from upstairs passes by my apartment with her baby, I would secretly feel it is time to get a second one. Her baby is so chubby and adorable. Since Aaqil is a toddler now and getting busy 'in his own world' , I am considering for him to have a 'sparring partner'.

But the thoughts come and go...

My mind is still fresh of the trauma of my labor. I was unlucky to be in the delivery suite for almost 22 hours as I went early to the hospital due to false labour pains already contracting every 5 minutes. The hospital did not allow me to go back as I was already in my 42nd week. Normal pregnancy term is 36 weeks to 40 weeks. Well, I am sure if I am in Western countries, it is normal to be at 42nd week, but KK hospital totally opposed active birth, only DOCTORS will make decisions for you. I then fought for natural birth and rejected any forms of induction and drugs. They had to agree on my birth plan and I had to sign a disclaimer. Sure, I signed it happily as the life of me and my unborn child lies in GOD's hands and not theirs!!! My labor was actually what I wanted only that, it was long and painful. I still remembered Omar argued to those doctors that offered me epidural or do anything that could speed up my labor.

After all, I will leave it up to GOD to decide on my 2nd one, since HE decided my first only after 2 years of marriage.

Anyway, today I had a surprise visit from San San and her kid-son Ben. They are my neighbours from upstairs. I was so happy to hold the huggable Ben for the first time. He is 3.5 months old. Aaqil seemed so happy too to see them. He got excited though he was sleepy and tired. Ben, a breastfed baby looks so healthy and already weigh 7kg. I then flipped some pics of Aaqil when he was 3 months. Was wondering whether Aaqil was that size when he was 3 mths. Yes, he was as per pics below. Fat?? He was also developmentally ready to use Bumbo seater, the fact that I can say his head was already strong at that time.

For me this product is an awesome invention...(Aaqil 3 mths old)

His inquisitive looks, aiming for the camera (3 mths old)

Ben was enjoying himself on Aaqil's bumbo seater

Besides Ben, I have another baby that lives next door. We call her Yu Xi and she is 11 months old. Aaqil loves to sneak out of the house to play her toys.

"Yu Xi spent time with Aaqil on his 1st B'day"

I believe that Aaqil will never be lonely in my neighborhood. I normally get very impressed to those who are planning to have 10 kids . One of them is my friend, Pang5. Anyway he is expecting a 3rd one. Congratulations again and fertility not always counts.

Aaqil in Action..

Aaqil, pls pose for our relatives, mommy's friends and fellow bloggers....wherever you are.....!!!
Aaqil is 16 months old today....How time flies!!...and I am getting old too....Yeah!!

He always insists on self feeding...

Smile for all....

"What could be more important than making our boys into good men? Doesn't the whole human civilization kind of depend on it?"

-A teacher at workshop on the moral development of boys

Complain Letter to Tan Tock Seng Hospital..

A gentle reminder : Do not mess with a breastfeeding mother when it's time....

Dear Sir/Madame,

I am writing this with diffidence and considerable regrets. It would be discourteous of me not to give clear indications on why I am writing this feedback but it would be impossible for me to do so without seemingly causing offence.

On the 9th November 2005 at 1700hrs, I accompanied my father-in-law and his wife to your A&E Dept as he was having intense giddiness. His wife is a discharged cancer patient of yours and she is not physically healthy, thus that is the reason for why I have to accompany both of them with my 15 month old baby.

Though I was advised by several friends that it is not suitable for babies to be in the hospital for long hours due to many reasons but I have to take this responsibility as my husband was working at that time and no one was available to see my father-in-law to the A&E. He was put on observation for several hours and was later discharged at midnight.

Sir/Madame, this feedback is nothing about complaining long waiting hours but the attitude of one of your attendants working during that time.

I am a breastfeeding mother to my baby, and I do understand there are no nursing rooms in the A&E and I don't have any problems nursing in public. But, that eventful evening, my baby was so active that he tended to skip his nursing times due to the active movements of people in that area and I need to seclude him for a moment to breastfeed. Upon going around and couldn't find a secluded area, I asked one of your friendly cleaners if there is any discreet or secluded area so I can nurse my baby 5 minutes. He allowed me to use the staff pantry, though initially I can see he was hesitant or maybe afraid to allow me to use the staff area. Appreciative of his kindness, I entered the staff pantry to have a quick feed for my baby, and yes I was truly aware that area was out-of-bounds to public, and I decided to leave as soon as my baby had quenched his thirst.

The moment I entered and was about to lift up my blouse, a male attendant barged in and raised his voice asking me what was my doing in there. Of course he did startle me and my baby, but I told him that I have asked permission from one of the staff. To my surprise, his response was that, "He was only A CLEANER!" Now my question is, what did he meant by saying I got permission from only a cleaner? Was working as cleaner in TTSH a low-life job that an attendant was allowed to insult him just like that?

Controlling my disappointments, I told that attendant, I just need to nurse my baby, but I was already ready to leave after given such a treatment, although in the end he gave in and allow me to nurse for 5 minutes and I saw him scolding the cleaner after that. I did apologise to that considerate and thoughtful cleaner for risking his job and allowed me to use the staff pantry.

With all due respect Sir/Madame, it might be my mistake for crossing the staff's boundary, but I have no choice to make, my baby needed to breastfeed and I just need that 5 minutes. But the way I was treated by that attendant and the way he insulted a TTSH cleaner was totally unacceptable.

I was previously so impressed by the positive attitudes of your staff since I have been to the A&E several times noticing the hot drinks served by your nurses to the waiting patients and their relatives but that incident totally changed my perspectives. Nobody was so approachable that eventful evening, but when I found one, he was in returned insulted and in fact scolded, in public, an act of inhumanity.

I am not taking these matters any further, but I hope you can advise your attendants to behave professionally in public eyes to uphold and maintain the service quality of your hospital.
Thank you for taking your precious time in attending to this feedback.

Sincerely,
Aminah Azirah Azmi
(S 7581778 I)

Eventful Day..

After learning that my FIL was having giddiness and terrible headache since last night, I got myself ready to join them at Tan Tock Seng Hospital today. Aaqil and I arrived there by cab at 4pm and I straight away called my FIL on his mobile asking his whereabouts. Before that, I was told by a friend not to bring Aaqil to the hospital as you never know what are the diseases people are carrying there. I totally have a mix feeling whether to be there or not, initially. At A&E (Accident n Emergency) Department, I met my weak FIL and his wife. His wife whom I called Aunt Aida is a filipino. She is a nice person who can play piano well and likes to entertain me and aaqil with food. Unfortunately, she is not somebody who is strong when it comes to problem. She totally freaked out today fearing that something terrible could happen to my FIL and she has no where else to turn to. Without wasting my time, I helped my FIL with the registration. I saw the fees on the board...I told myself .."waliaauuu so expensive...registration 70 sgd...how about those who does not have money and in emergency" Anyway, my FIL is a civil servant and he definately doesn't have to pay hospital fees, just like in Malaysia.Time showed 5.10pm and I knew I would have to wait real long. Always the typical expectations for semi-government hospital. It is impossible for me to leave a freaked out lady. So with an almost 10 kg hyper-cranky baby, I was trying my best to make Aaqil feel accomodating in the hospital. Aunt Aida had been with my FIL most of the time and I was in the waiting room doing nothing. Every 10 mins I would see an ambulance bringing in a patient. I was having goose bumps most of the time seeing blood and body fractures. As time went by, Aaqil was craving for my milk. He had been lifting up my shirt to get his milk. I looked around...Oh No, I did not see any sign of baby room. Well then, Aaqil's mommy would have to breastfeed in public. But then I decided to ask a malay cleaner lady whether I can use any discreet room for me to nurse for 10 mins. She did offer me her store room. I should not have complained but then it was cramped and strong disinfectant smell came from there made Aaqil so uncomfortable and refused to nurse...So I went out. I was searching for a best seat to breastfeed in public but the crowd made me so uncomfortable with horrible sights of sick patient. There was one group of Tamil gangsters who were involved in a fight and 3 of them were bleeding. Closed one eye, I tried to latch on but Aaqil got so distracted by the noisy environment and keep pulling his head away from my breast that made me so uncomfortable and of course I had already attracted some ppl to ogle me. I am sure they could not see my breast but they kept ogling. I then approached one indonesian looking cleaner who was smiling at me. I told him I need to nurse my son in indonesian dialect. Without any hesitation, he asked me to use an empty pantry room right in the end of one corner. Thanking him, I straight away went there as Aaqil already made so much noise asking for my milk. When I was about to close the pantry sliding door, one big built man suddenly appeared and asked me in a high pitch voice " What are you doing here? Dont you see the signboard saying it is for staff only" . Panicked and totally surprised, I said " I did ask one of the hospital staff. I just need to nurse my son for a few minutes while waiting for my FIL in oberservation. We have been here hours already!!!" I tried to explain to him courteously. He then said, "You were asking a cleaner. He does not know anything". I stared at him, now not because I couldn't breastfeed my son, but because I was furious he insulted 'a cleaner'. At that time he was wearing normal clothes and I did not know what is his position. I told myself, this arrogant bastard will get it. I then carried Aaqil and wanted to leave the room, I stared at him again and he said finally " ok..only 5 minutes" Putting my furious ego aside, I stayed back and nursed Aaqil. Immediately after I was done, I went to look for the nice cleaner-guy (well I am sure he will be blamed by his colleague for letting me to nurse in a staff room).

Fortunately, Omar arrived in the hospital so I can take a breather. I just could not wait to tell Omar what had happened to me. Upon telling Omar, he asked me to point out which one. I finally saw him again, but now with a uniform. He is only a hospital attendant doing general duities. Omar then went near him, bent down his head to have a close look at his name. I was sure that he noticed my conversation with Omar. He did not even bother to approach us and explain so we definately will proceed with the complaint to the hospital.

I may sound telling people that it is troublesome breastfeeding in public but nursing is a beauty art on its own. You can do it perfectly if you are at the right place at the right time.

Aaqil had been cranky and hyperactive. I was exhausted catching him running here and there. He also seemed to be not afraid with strangers. In a way it is good but still I have to teach him on how to behave.

My FIL has been finally discharged from the observation room. Time striked midnight and we took a cab home.

3rd Syawal Every Year !

3rd Syawal 1422H- Solemnized

I believe I am among the few women in this world who has never and never will receive a flower from their husband. Everytime I see woman happily holding a bouquet of flowers in her hands with her facial expression full of excitement and love, I will look at Omar's face and give him my sour look. Hell, he knows why I do that everytime and he will give me the same answer. " You will never get it till I die". After 4 years of marriage, I am already used to the fact that my husband will never give me any flowers for he says life is NEVER bed of roses, if there is one, then that's not life.

There was one time I got scolded by my aunt for calling his name "Omaqqqqqq". Let me tell you, a Kedahan gal, like me, speaks quite horribly in the ears of other soft spoken tribes perhaps, in kedahan terms they call it 'loqlaq' or rude. Well, something that I cannot change when he refused to be called 'abang, darling, honey, sweetie...and the list goes on..' as he prefers to be called by his own name. So if he does not hear me, I will scream "Omaaaqqqqqqqqqqqqq come here" . Some elderly cannot accept the way we communicate with each other. Besides using 80% english and 20% malay words, they probably think we are friends rather than a husband and a wife.

4th Annivessary-3rd Syawal 1426 H

It takes a strong will to follow him and reside in Singapore. It was not easy at first and I thank God for giving me strength and determination to be his wife.

To my husband: I thank you for your patience all these years.. May this marriage be blessed by God. Aameen!

Our product & Gift from GOD - 15 months old

Eid Mubarak...

I am taking this opportunity to wish 'Eid Mubarak' to whoever you are wherever you are...