Home sweet home

This entry is a little overdue since we've been living in Spottiswoode for a while now. But it was only end of last year that we started furnishing it properly, and earlier this month that the finishing touches were added. And now I can call it home sweet home.

What was the last finishing touch? The makeover of Nutty's room of course! What used to be a study/guestroom/dumping ground made way for Nutty when she first arrived, however the walls were a sickly blue and everything was mismatched. It was only earlier this month that I could get down to re-painting and re-arranging it when Nick went to Taipei for a couple of days. He felt that the room was fine and refused to help me paint.

So on 2nd April, as soon as he was out the door, me and Mummy brought out the paint and started slapping it on the walls! I had bought slate green and lilac paints to match a set of flower posters purchased from Ikea a couple of years ago and to further dress up the walls, I added floral wall decals. The result is a soothing pink and green room that's girly but not too kiddy. And now my dear mother just keeps buying pink and green floral bedsheets!

As for the rest of the house - while I love everything about it having been involved in the material and colour selections - my two favourite rooms are the guest bathroom which features a blue and white theme, and my purple dressing room which houses all my clothes, bags, make up and accessories. The clothes are arranged by colour and already I'm running out of space.

Gonna be on leave the next two days, time to spring clean the closet! Joanne, you know what that means right? More clothes for you!

Nutty's officially a Catholic

Natalie was finally baptised on Saturday in a private ceremony at Christ the King on Saturday, 12 April 2008. Father Stephen Yim conducted the rites and it was a very personal session. The little munchkin slept throughout the whole ceremony, not even waking up when water was poured on her head. Some babies would scream, but Nutty much preferred to continue sleeping...I think she gets that from me!

Godma Wendy personalised her white bib and Nutty wore a white gown sent over by cousin Sharm. There was a matching hat, and she looked like a little Amish girl when I put that on!

After the ceremony, all of us split up to run respective errands before the party we held at home. Kavi, Swana and me headed to the east to collect some grout Swana needed for work. It had started to rain heavily en route to Katong and some areas were flooded, felt like Singapore in the 60s!

After Katong, we headed to Tampines to collect the customised cupcakes I had ordered for the party. The colour theme was pink, purple and green and the designs had Natalie's name, her initials, a handbag and flowers. One of the flavours was Nutella, in honour of her nickname! The other flavour was orange with chocolate.

When we got home, some earlybirds had already arrived. There was no time to relax after that because more people started streaming in, in all I think we had over 80 people drop by...it was pretty packed at some points!

Nutty was reunited with Cameron, who arrived in his stylish Lulu Guinness/Maclaren 'I Love You' stroller. And of course I had to get a shot of the two of them in their respective designer strollers!

That afternoon, Nutty also received her "first kiss". My friend Rena's son, Gabriel, pecked her on the cheek several times! She had so many suitors at the party, there were lots of little boys running around!

Midway through the party, I brought out a surprise cake for Nick. I had secretly ordered a football-themed cupcake set for him and we made him blow out a candle. These cupcakes were Oreo-flavoured, they were quite yums.

During the course of the party we noticed Natalie's left eye had an infection. Luckily Monica was there and we got the contact of her pediatrician who was open on Sunday, KK would have been too crowded. Brought Nat to the pediatrician yesterday, the doctor was so nice and patient with her and 1 day later, her eye is almost back to normal! Although you can imagine how kancheong the MIL has been, calling every now and then, and dispensing advice about wiping her face and eye etc!

All in, I think the party was a success. I don't think we want to repeat anymore home parties for a while, too much work! Nutty's first birthday will have to be held somewhere else!

Happy Birthday Nickypoo

Yesterday was Nick's birthday and for his present I made him vouchers entitling him to a soccer jersey and football boots of his choice. His boots were recently stolen from outside our house but I didn't know he had already replaced them. Oh well, he could do with another pair anyway.

For dinner, I made reservations for both of us at The Buffet at M Hotel. He had mentioned in passing wanting to try the steamboat there one day so I thought of surprising him on his birthday. Just after I had made the reservation yesterday morning, he sent me an sms saying he felt like eating some hotel buffet. Such coincidental timing!

Anyway, the buffet was pretty good. I had felt like steamboat for some time but was picky about location and cleanliness. Didn't want some coffeeshop type. The spread was pretty good and there was even live drunken prawns and chicken rice. The durian pengat in the dessert section was also yummy - as good as, if not better than the one at Ellenborough Market at Merchant Court. Methinks me shall be going back there soon!

Not long after we got home, we had a surprise visit from the babes and dopes i.e. Kavi, Siva, Kevin and Swana. They were like birthday carollers, standing at the gate singing 'Happy Birthday' before we opened the door. Actually, they had an ulterior motive in coming over. Our combined Old Navy purchases had arrived yesterday afternoon and they couldn't wait to see their things. Am so tempted to order more!

Last Sunday, we celebrated his birthday in advance with his family. The MIL bought cake and Ben and Wendy came over for dinner. On the eve of his birthday, we had dinner again, this time with Swana, Kevin and Ma at Jack's Place, Great World City. The MIL popped by that afternoon so she joined us for dinner too.

I went back to work this week, feels like I never left! There was not that much to handover and the boss was away most of this week so I took leave today to prepare for tomorrow's party. Still have 14 days maternity leave to clear...

Goodbye Ms Tan, Hello Mrs Elawadi

After months of preparation, THE wedding of the year in my social calendar finally took place yesterday. The bride was radiant, the groom was dashing and I couldn't be happier for the two of them.

I got to Sentosa with about 90mins to go before the ROM started. Joanne was just about to have her hair and make-up done and the 3 bridesmaids hung around in her room to help her get ready. Soon the photographer and videographer arrived and I too snapped away. It got quite chaotic as 4pm approached, Joanne was adamant about starting on time, but you know how these things are. People start schmoozing and mingling and some people come late so it was about 4.15pm before we could make our way to the Glass Pavillion of Amara Sanctuary.

But then, the buggy which was supposed to bring us from the room to the wedding venue was delayed so after a couple of minutes, we decided to walk. When the buggy finally showed, me and Karen hopped onto the back and nearly fell off when the driver accelerated before we could hold on to a railing. That amused the bride and she started laughing her usual hyena laugh. And she continued squeaking when we realised the buggy only drove us something like 20 metres! We could have just walked!!

There was not much time to compose ourselves, the walk-in music started playing and we had to hustle. I tried very hard not to laugh as we walked because a silly fly had landed on my shoulder and I had to prevent myself from swatting it away. It followed me all the way in and continued to 'bug' me througout the ceremony...pun intended!

The ceremony itself was simple but meaningful. There were a couple of readings, followed by the exchange of marriage vows and rings. The couple had prepared their own personal vows and I couldn't help tearing when Tarek read the vows he had written. It was a poem and it rhymed and it was really, really sweet.

Next came the signing of the certificate and then it was all over! Confetti was thrown, bubbles were blown followed by lots and lots of phototaking. By this point, Joanne had had one too many drinks and made a lot of funny faces and talked very loudly while the photos were being taken. I don't think she was completely drunk, but just very happy high. It was quite amusing!

When all the necessary shots had been taken, I followed the couple as they went for their photoshoot around the resort.

Thereafter, it was time to get ready for dinner and I had to brief the DJ on the dinner music sequence. Once that was done, I could relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. Only needed to help Joanne change into her evening gown, her brother took care of the dinner coordination...and I must say he did an excellent job.

Dinner was a lively affair, the guests danced freely, there was belly dancing and a very big Yam Seng. Joanne's dad overcame his nerves and made a speech, he was so cute. Tarek's speech was funny too, he pulled up an email Joanne had written him months ago, reminding him to thank her in his wedding speech about how she almost single-handedly organised the whole wedding. She was so embarrassed about that, and I think literally crawled under the table!

I didn't stay till the end though, we had to get home to Nutty who was being looked after by Swana and Kevin. All in, it was a memorable wedding, one that I was proud to be a part of. I didn't have to make a speech, but if I did, it would be something like this:

I first met Joanne about 10 years ago when we both worked for Singapore Exhibition Services. Seated next to each other in the office, we soon became good friends and with her being 2 years my junior, I soon referred to her as the little sister I never had. You know the kind - irritating but lovable?

Joanne was quite naive and innocent then, and some would say 'suaku' or sheltered. There were many things she had never tried, she was not as independent and at times immature. But she has come a long way since.

We share a common passion for pink and purple and all things glittery. Little Miss Chilli Padi is like a breath of sunshine to any dull day. Constantly entertaining, highly amusing and always there for you. One of the things I love about her is her laugh. When she squeals and snorts, you can't help but laugh along, even if you didn't catch the joke. She's one of the few people who has made me laugh to the point of almost peeing in my pants and I hope her laugh never changes, although I can't imagine her doing it at 70!

I was sad when she moved to Vietnam but I am glad she met Tarek. She's had her fair share of ups and downs and he came into her life at a point where she might have been disillusioned about love. He has been a positive influence in her life and I know he can make her happy. She might nag and grumble about the fact he doesn't spend as much time as she would like with her, but get used to it girl! All these men woo you and romance you and as soon as they have you, they don't make the effort anymore. I'm speaking from experience...right Nickypoo?

To Tarek, please take care of Joanne. I know you love her and would never do anything to intentionally hurt her. But if you do, you'll have me to contend with, I'm watching you...

In the meantime, good luck with the burping, snorting and farting and treasure each other always. Congratulations and welcome to the club! Now, faster faster make a playmate for Nutty!

Little Miss Tai Tai

Natalie turned 2 months yesterday and I resolved to buy her a present on the 4th of every month for the first year, ha ha. So yesterday while at Vivo, I bought her a cardigan and shirt from Zara, on sale at only $11.90 each.

After Vivo, I headed to Amara Sanctuary for Joanne's wedding rehearsal and then back to Spottiswoode to pick mummy and the rugrat before making our way to KK for Natalie's follow-up check up with the pediatrician.

In the evening, I brought Natalie to a 'girls night out' dinner at the Conrad hotel with some cousins and friends...her training in tai-tai-dom has officially begun! Nick was on his way back from Taiwan and it was Ma's evening off. As I did not want to miss out on the buffet dinner and lovely company, the munchkin came along. Her Aunty Nana carried her most of the time while I pigged out on a delectable spread of lobster, yabbies, crayfish and more! She was pretty well-behaved, didn't throw any tantrums and more importantly, didn't poop!

When we got home, there was a pressie waiting for her, from Nick's travel agent in Taiwan. The tai-tai lifestyle continued as the gift was from none other than Tiffany's. Inside was a sterling silver crescent moon rattle...which is gonna get her saliva all over it! Little Miss Tai Tai indeed!

Today is Joanne's wedding to Tarek, now that's a tai-tai if you ask me! Time to get ready...

The future Beckham?

Nutty has a tendency to kick her legs every now and then, especially her right leg. Could we be having a future Beckham in our midst? Am sure Nick will enrol her in a soccer school as soon as she can walk!

Meanwhile, this mummy might be going overboard on the pink. Check out Ms Pinkness below, can hardly spot her in all that pink!

The bride wore orange

Last Saturday was the Hen's Party of my dear friend Joanne. As Matron of Honour for the upcoming wedding, it was my duty to give her a memorable bachelorette party. Together with fellow bridesmaids Jamie and Karen, we plotted behind her back and booked a room at Swissotel the Stamford (thanks Jane!) to serve as a gathering point and venue for a bridal shower. The guests wore pink and the bride wore orange, both wedding theme colours.

Joanne's friends and relatives started streaming in from 7.30 pm onwards and we all got hooked onto a horror movie being screened on HBO. Once the movie ended, the festivities could begin. I had prepared some games to be played, including a quiz on how well people knew Joanne, how well Joanne knew Tarek and even a wedding dress design competition, which almost made the bride-to-be pee in her pants! There were kinky gifts to be opened and even a strip act...although that was a little disappointing if you ask me. The dancer was a little scrawny!

I made a big boo-boo that night. I had brought along a 3/4 bottle of Absolut Peach only to realise towards the end that it was filled with water and not vodka! I had grabbed it from my bar counter not knowing that someone had left it there after taking it out from the fridge where it had been used as a water bottle! Duh!

So, when we adjourned to Clarke Quay, we had to make up for lost time and get the bride high fast. We landed up at Attica and ordered a bottle of Smirnoff Black. The manager gave us a discount and even a free bucket of fruity vodka shooters. Joanne needed the alcohol for courage to complete the tasklist we had prepared for her. Dressed with tiara, veil and feather boa, she set out to complete her tasks as fast as she could. It wasn't too difficult, men approached her most of the time to find out what was going on and she ambushed them to help her out. As the night progressed, she started getting a little drunk and was soon shouting for the cute men to come to her and at one point tried to get a man to kiss her armpit, ha ha!

I hope the bride had fun, I know we all did at her expense! Can't wait for the wedding this Saturday!