Dinos' 1st Outing to Changi Airport

Since The Dinos have been taking 1 nap on weekends, it's easier for us to bring them out for outings.

This holiday, we had an impromptu playdate with Bestie and her family at Airport. Was initially scheduled to go Bestie house and plans got shelved and we decided to go airport and Bestie decided to join us there. Haha.

The Dinos woke up at 3pm and we fed them milk and left house at 4pm, armed with a truckload of things for them.

I've cooked their porridge with the thermal pot and packed their things while Papa napped with them. Mothers - we get to rest the least. Gonna shoot those who kept telling me that I can rest when the kids nap. Bullshit. Haha I'm in fact busiest when they sleep cause need rush to finish the tasks.

Enough of complaints. 

Enroute to Airport

So we reached the Airport at 4.30pm. Exactly the time I planned. Parked at T2 and made our way to the viewing gallery. But it was a disappointment. It's a pretty small area with quite a crowd and also only able to have view of 1 parking area. I.e. 6 parking spaces for airplanes. There's no other places to watch already. 

Papa preparing them 

Ready to explore

Them pointing to the Big Birds

I remembered there used to a long stretch of viewing gallery where we can see alot of airplanes taking off and landing and then parking to the gates.

We then decide to go to T1 as there's advertisement that T1 vieiwng gallery is kids friendly.

Big Dino, afraid of the see though glass

Then the copy cat Small Dino also expressed fear

Run baby, run

Turns out, it's only a tad better than T2 only. There's a mini playground which is over crowded and also some kiddy rides and a colouring station.

We let the Dinos roam freely at an open area. Though there's some crowd but there's still enough space for the kiddos to run about. Just have to be careful on the other kids running around too. 

So happy to be running freely

Tried to steer them look at the Big Birds (which is our main objective to come here) but they weren't interested. Further more, the passage way near viewing window were see through to ground level and it freaks the Dinos out. 

I did not expect them to understand the design but Big Dino totally wouldn't stand on it and kept telling us he's scared. Small Dino tried to go for a while before running away. 

Decided to let them just do what they want. 

They then got interested in some lighting structure inside the departure lounge and spent quite some time looking at it through the glass.

Bestie reached at 5pm and her boys immediately ran off to play after exchanging greetings. We didn't have time to chat as were all busy looking after the kids.

Big Dino then steered me to the play ground as he wanna explore it seeing so many kids there. So much for me keeping him away.

Cheers!

Meantime, Papa brought Small Dino to the colouring station and spent quite sometime there.

We have never brought the Dinos to playground except for the indoor 1 which they both literally had the whole play ground to themselves when we visited at super off peak hours.


Hence my Dinos did know the concept of queuing up for their turn.

Big Dino actually hog the whole slide to himself, wanting to climb up the reverse way after sliding down. The problem is there are other kids waiting to slide down behind him. I had to carried him away and then up the stairs again to let him have another go.

But this stubborn mule wanted to do things his way and ended up having a meltdown for not getting his way.

Took him to a corner to let him finish crying before explaining / reprimanding him. Nothing will go in when he's crying.

Not sure whether he understands or he is just being angry, he didn't go to the slide anymore after that.

Bestie on the other hand was impressed with his loud voice. Haha. Now then you know.

Colouring station

We then let them play with the kiddy rides but did not put monies in for it to move. Firstly, I did not want to expose them to the moving rides and secondly they will be afraid.

Let them be contented with sitting on the immobile rides and pretend play will do.

My handsome Godson

On their favourite - Bus

Getting down to go another ride

Left for T2 again at 6pm to go for dinner and the boys had another meltdown as they did not want to leave. We forcefully removed them and baby wear them and move on quickly.

Luckily had some snacks with me and they calm down after that.

Swensens (where we are having dinner) had a long queue and luckily I had brought home cooked porridge. I actually contemplated not to initially and wanted to let them have kids meal there. But somehow managed to convince myself to go through the hassle of cooking, packing and then carrying.

Turns out to be a wise move as the Dinos were hungry and the queue is long. Fed them while they run about outside waiting.

Lusting after Chio Bin's biscuits while he is actually having dinner

Small Dino was super funny. He was interested to eat Chio bin's Biscuit while I fed him porridge and kept hovering around the stroller. But thank god he did  not snatch, just stood there looking intently.

Had it been his brother who is eating, he would have snatched and run. So I guess he is still not so bad after all.

Kor, issit yummy?

We were ushered to our place after 20min of queuing and the Dinos are already finishing their dinner. But these 2 bottomless pit can still eat our fries and then ice cream later on. Big Dino even insist that he wants the mint flavour would not take others.


Managed to chat a bit amidst the feeding / eating session and we ended the night by changing all young kids' diaper before calling it a day.

Group photo

It's been a short but fulfilling outing and I looked forward to more of such play dates. The Dinos were so tired that they K.O on the way home.

But during bed time, both were excitedly making aeroplane sound complete with the flying action and then a string of their baby words as if to tell me what they saw/ experienced. Took a longer time than usual to let them sleep. 

Cooking again

So we brought a electric pressure cooker to kick start my cooking career again.

Reason being, we are sending the Dinos to childcare come Jan and I would want them to still have homecook dinner whenever possible.

With the short amount of time I have after work, need help of every imaginable cook appliances you can think of.

After getting my cooker, the 1st dish I tried with it is my personal favourite - Sesame Oil Chicken - 麻油鸡.

So before I forget how to cook again, gotta record it down here for future reference.

Ingredients :

Chicken breast - 300g
Boneless chicken thighs -200g
Ginger cut into strips
1 small can of button mushrooms

Seasoning: 

 
1tbsp of light soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp of dark soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp of sesame oil
1 tbsp of hua diao jiu
200ml water
1tbsp of corn starch

Steps.

1). In bake mode, heat up 2 tbsp of sesame oil and fry the ginger till fragrant.

2). Put in chicken pieces and continue frying

3). Add in seasoning and button mushrooms and make sure the chicken pieces are well coated with the seasoning

4). Switch to chicken mode and kpt for 10min.

5). Release vent slowly and ready to serve.

Because of personal preference, I actually used much more sesame oil. I.e for frying can use normal cooking oil. And cause I want some gravy for the Dinos, add in more water.

These can be adjusted accordingly to individual's preference.

Dinos' 1st birthday

Mr Love and I are somehow lazy parents for we skipped Dinos' full month celebrations back then since they are born premmies and doctor caution us about exposing them to public before 3rd month.

We are also lazy to clean up if the party is to be held in our house which have ample space since there is a big common area outside. Already going crazy dealing with the Dinos, did not want extra job.

For their first birthday, we actually planned the same. No big celebrations since the Dinos will not appreciate it too. Wanted a small affair at home with our immediate family members only.

That being said, I also wanted to decorate a bit and take some pictures for keep sake. So its off to Taobao to buy the items. Haha

Xiao Jiu Jiu hard at work

Brought some balloons and party supplies and my brothers came over early in the morning of the celebration to help decorate my living room.

Thank god for them else I will have to leave it bare.

Main photo corner

Full view of photo corner

Ceiling

The balloons were cheap! Most of it costs less than a dollar, you will not get anywhere near this price in SG. And the theme of the party is Cars since this is the only thing Dinos know thanks to taking car to Granny's house everyday.

I actually wanted a 3D cake since were are saving a lot on not having a full party but the costs is insanely high! At least 300bucks for 1cake though its' 2kg. But we will no be able to finish it given not many of the family like cakes.

I went through all cake shops here to find 1 that does Cars design cake and only Begawansolo has the rights to it. For a 1kg cake with Black forest filling it costs 45 bucks only. Well within the cheapo parents budget! Haha

The cake I found

I happily ordered it since we only need a cake for blowing candles. The Dinos will not appreciate the design at this point.

I also did up a DIY photo board of the past 11 months photos of the Dinos. Printed it out on Polaroids and got my Piggy brother to help print out some pictures to decorate it.

Am pretty happy with the end product hehe. It took me many 3nights and a half day to complete it.

!

My master piece

I also brought a set of 周抓 items for the Dinos to pick up during the celebration. Each item is suppose to have a meaning to it and would symbolised the Dinos' future prospect.

I actually don't really believe but just wanna try for fun since the Kids on The Return of Superman did so for their 1 year birthday celebrations.

The items they used were different from Chinese though. Haha But the idea is the same.

周抓items

We started with Big Dino who was too cautious to pick up 1 item out of the many. He kept studying the items and staring at it.

Then Small Dino came and any how grab the most shiny one that caught his eyes.

Not a very successful session but more for the fun of it.

Making his pick

My mil made some puddings which fit in just nice om the cupcake display plates I brought. I actually wanted to order some cup cakes to place on the plates but since there's puddings already, I did not want to over buy the food.

Main table

Cake blowing/Photo area

The idea is to have a high tea party as its not possible to find caterer for lunch for such small crowd.

Ordered Durian puffs, pastries from Swiss bake and along with the cake and puddings.

Food was too much since everyone was not a big eater and the parents got no time to eat running around. Luckily we did not have a full scale party, I would be dead beat.

Big Dino was cranky and sleepy by the time we wanna cut the cake and we rushed through the photo taking sessions and then let him go catch a nap.

With 爷爷 & 奶奶

With 外公 & 外婆

Of course must have 1 with parents

干妈 & Uncle JM



大伯 & Family



The Lees

The Tans

While we were singing birthday song, Big Dino was already crying and I had to pacify him to go through the whole song and then quickly bring him into the room.

Trying to get him smile for the camera



Crying already

To be very frank, even though it was a small celebration with 2 families I am already tired out by the planning and getting things ready. And we noticed the Dinos were not able to understand the birthday concept though Small Dino is happy with the extra companionship.

Big Dino just wanna get on with his usual routine and cannot care less about the happenings.

Pressies and ang baos

1 proper photo

Blowing out candles

Perhaps when they are more aware of what is a birthday celebration, then I would throw them a party.
But that will be a few years down the road and when they have friends to invite instead of their parents' friends only. Haha

Happy birthday my Dinos. May you both be healthy, cheerful and happy.

CNY 2017

So, this is the first year that Dinos celebrate Chinese New Year though they are born before last CNY but were too young then to celebrate and I was still in confinement then.

At Yeye's house during CNY Eve

Happily playing while we prepare for dinner

I brought their CNY clothes last year when we went Taipei in May and luckily it still fits. On top of it, my boss, Dinos' both side uncles and my mum's friend also brought them outfits. So we have more than enough to parade them. Haha Who says having boys are boring? Not when the mum loves playing dress up!

Day 1 outfit

We still need to cook porridge for them this year be it during reunion or 1st day of CNY but I reckon they would be able to join us for our food on the next CNY:).

Baby wearing Small Dino as he got sleepy

Nap wise, they are able to sleep on me when I baby wear them which makes house visiting easier. Only thing is, my mil needs to help out with the other one since Mr Love is driving. Luckily the Dinos are taken care by her and they have no problem letting her carry while I carried 1 sleeping.

Big Dino Solo

Small Dino Solo

Failed Welfie 1

Failed welfie 2

Playing with their cousins

Or rather Small Dino bullying his cousins

Papa with Big Dino

Us in our 1st day CNY clothes

My parents in law have a habit of taking family photo every year during 1st day of CNY and we missed it last year due to my confinement. Am very happy to see the family growing with 2 additional Dinos this year.

The Lees 2017

With Mr Love's cousin's wife and youngest daughter

Day 2 was spent going to Grandma house and also out for our annual buffet. I didn't want to stop the yearly event and thought the Dinos are big enough to last us through the buffet since they can eat some adult food now.

But the preparation was quite intense. Haha

I woke up early to prepare our "field pack" and also steam some buns to bring along in case they want to eat something along the day.

Preparation to go out for CNY Day 2

The Dinos and their Papa slept in late today cause all had a long day yesterday. This gives me enough time to prepare the things I needed.

Big Dino 2nd day solo shot

2 cheeky boys

The Ah Beng Small Dino

Selfie while waiting for Papa



With Big Dino

With grandparents at Grandma's house

This year, we had our buffet at Parkroyal @ Kitchener Road and I had to say it's a disappointment.

Out of the 3 Parkroyal hotels, this is the only 1 we had not patronised before and therefore decided to try.

Our seats

Fruits corner

We took a 6pax table for us with the Dinos seated between us at each side.

Drinks corner

Sad to say, the selection of food here isn't fantastic and leans more to Indian cuisine which my parents do not really fancy. Also the speed of food top up is non existence.

Since there are quite a handful of elderly Chinese here, the Chinese selection of food finishes quite fast given the limited amount.

Food Selection


But they did not top up the food during my 1and half hour stay there despite me keep going round to check if I can still get some more food for my mummy who is busy looking after Small Dino.

In the end gotta make do with what's left there and my mummy did not have much to eat though it is a buffet lunch.

The Dinos got cranky towards end of the lunch and we had to baby wear them to let them sleep on us. Since Mr Love needs to drive, my mummy and I each wear one. Am lucky I got both grandmothers to help out on each day.

We then made our way to the temple to pay respect to my grandparents. It had always been a ritual for us since I got married. The Dinos were again tired out when we reached home at 5pm.

Took a early dinner and went to bed.

2 K.O Dinos

We were pretty much left on our own on Day 3 and I did not bother to make plans since next day is a working day.

But since we got nothing better do, decided to dress them up again and went out to Jurong Point for some window shopping.

Small Dino wanna eat the oranges

We did nothing much except wanna let them wear new clothes and parade. The parents did even bother dressing themselves up.

Give me!

The good thing about going out is, it tires them out and they took a really long nice nap after the trip to mall. Haha

Happy with their trades

Then the last celebration is on 9th day where the Tan's take our reunion dinner together. Since I'm married out and my elder brother usually goes back Malaysia for reunion dinner with my aunties, we have to have a late reunion dinner every year.

Dress the Dinos up in the Polo tees that grandma's friend brought for them and they look so grown up.

We tried to take some photos as tasked by grandma to show her friend but the Dinos refused to cooperate with us.

End up gotta bribed them with their favourite puff and they will sit straight as long as they are eating. When they finished eating, the magic runs out and they will slide down or not stay still for photos. 

Magic runs out

 I lost count of how many puffs we fed to get the photos but Papa commented that they are like those coined car we see outside. Once the credit runs out, they would stop or required more credits to make them work again.

Eating the puffs

A more decent one among the lot

The Dinos were cooperating enough to let us finish dinner though we need fed them on and off. But they were cranky during waiting time for a table. Guess they take after their grandpa for being impatient. Grandpa was cranky throughout the wait too.

The Tan's 2017

This concludes our CNY celebrations this year and hopefully they will get to enjoy the food next year and be able to appreciate CNY more too:)