A Short Holiday

Deanaling spent a lovely weekend in Batam, at a resort called Tempat Senang. It is a small resort with only 5 suites, each decorated with a different theme. I understand that the resort just opened about six months back. It is well maintained, and though small, has all that we need to wind down, to relax, to take a step back from our hectic schedules in Singapore. We liked the idea that it is nestled on a hill next to a golf course with plenty of greenery. It was nice waking up to the sound of running water and crickets.

The owners are really friendly, easy people. It was a pleasure staying with them. They have a dog and a parrot who supposedly has an amazing vocabulary!

We enjoyed the 3-hour long spa treatments. I think the spa and accommodation packages are value-for-money. There is an ongoing Citibank promotion that gives you about $50 off the rates published on the website.

Just a 40 minute ferry ride away from Harbourfront Ferry Terminal... time to pack your bags and go!

Pain in the butt!

I can't quite remember when the pain started. When I change positions... like from sitting down to standing up, or lying down to standing up, I get this pain in my right butt. A few weeks back, I decided to vacuum and mop the entire house. Bad decision! After the job was done, the pain was excruciating. Good thing it went back to 'normal' (i.e. bearable) after a few days.

Was wondering if it is a normal occurrence for pregnant ladies, or if there were other causes for concern. So I did a google, and found that they actually have a name for what I'm suffering from - Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Now, I'm wondering if there is a remedy for PGP. I shall ask Dr Thong at my next appointment.

Two plus baby makes three

Yes! We are expecting our first child this September.
















Dean & I first found out on 22 Jan, but we didn't tell our parents till 3 Feb, after our first visit to the obstetrician.

Initial reactions
Ling's > Yay!
Dean's > So fast?!
Thereafter, a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

It has been a pretty good first trimester. Morning sickness sets in in the evenings (which is good since I'd most likely be home from work by then), and I threw up less than 10 times the whole 3 months. So thankful cos I absolutely hate feeling nauseous.

I hear that I'll feel a whole lot better in the second trimester. :) Got to get myself out of the house and keep up with regular exercise. The doctor says that swimming is good and it'll help strengthen my back muscles for delivery.

Praying that our baby will grow strong and healthy, and that God will prepare us for our journey ahead as parents.

Firsts

1998...

first held hands...








first kiss...


first love...














10 years on...
first anniversary

"to have and to hold... to love and to cherish..."


Thanks for 10 years of good lovin! You've been a blessing.

I look at the past 10 years that we've shared and I am so thankful. I'm so glad that God brought you into my life... for having someone like you to walk this journey with me. The last 10 years were filled with many changes... graduating from college, we went different ways - you went to army, and I started my undergraduate studies. Until then, our lives have been pretty much mapped out for us by the education system. Subsequently, we entered the working world and had to deal with struggles of a different kind. Then came our plans to marry, which brought along a host of issues that we got to work thru. Our hopes, our dreams... Practical issues such as buying a house, thinking thru finances, career plans, sharing ideas about how to bring up our children in future...

And now, here we stand - at the end of our first year as husband and wife. Looking back at the year that has just gone by, I remember feeling really overwhelmed at the start. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to be a good wife. I didn't really know how things will be after the wedding. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to cope with being a good daughter, daughter-in-law, wife... I didn't know how I would be able to juggle work, keeping the house clean, doing the laundry, preparing dinner... I wasn't sure if I'd do a good job of managing the household. I wasn't sure if I'd be a good mom when we have children of our own. It was just so overwhelming. I remember coming home after the wedding rehearsal in tears. That was when I prayed and asked God to teach me how to be a good wife, helper, mother... all the roles that I'd have to play. Proverbs 31 paints such a beautiful picture of a perfect wife. I'm far from perfect, but that's what I'm trying to be - a perfect wife & mother (in future).

Proverbs 31:10-31

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Thanks for all your love & companionship all these years; for all your patience as you watched me struggle with all the 'house wifey' stuff; for being the husband that you are.

I look forward to many more 'firsts' in the years to come.

First time parents...


First steps...


First words...


First birthdays...


Indeed, two are better than one!

Thanks love!