Getting to Know Singapore

Brandon and I have been exploring Singapore again today. I was feeling pretty homesick this morning, so it was nice to again walk Steven to the MRT station and get out of the house.

Orchard Road really is like Michigan Avenue. Shops, shops, shops. Malls, malls, malls. While there are many shops here that we don't have back home, so many of them are familiar to me. Starbucks, McDonald's, California Pizza Kitchen, the Gap, BCBG, etc. I don't think that all of Singapore is like this. I am curious to explore neighborhoods other than our own soon.

The American Embassy here has a women's association, so after leaving Steven we walked there for more information. I am waiting to hear back from the woman in charge of children's playgroups. If there are playgroups offered for Brandon, then I will probably join.

I was on a mission today to meet other moms. It is really hard and exhausting to make the effort, especially on two hours of sleep. However, I know that this adventure will be what I make of it, and I also know that I could be very miserable if I'm not proactive. These first three days have been hard. I don't want to do six months of the same.

As I said, Orchard Road has many of the same stores we have in America. So, I was hopeful that Brandon would enjoy playing in the children's book section of Singapore's Borders as much as he likes the one at home. When we walked into the children's section, I had to chuckle to myself. The carpet was the same exact carpet at our home Borders. That made me feel a little better.

I met a nice mom at Borders whose son is 10 months old. She was so nice, and we exchanged contact info. We are planning to do a playdate over at her house on Monday afternoon with some of her friends. So nice! It also relieved me to see Brandon playing with other kids. He is so social, and I know he really misses his friends at home. Brandon gave his new friend, Federico, a big hug before we left. :)

Later in the afternoon, we walked to another mall. We were told that there were places for kids to play there. It was just okay. There was one Gymboree type place there. They have classes for the kids and some open play time. The only problem I am finding is that things are soooo expensive here! Based on the prices I've been looking at in stores, items that we can get in the U.S. are almost 3 times more expensive here. So much for buying Brandon quite a few toys here... I do need some indoor play activities for Brandon. It is very hot outside. Today was the hottest day since we've been here. Not sure what the temperature was. Don't think I even want to know.

I am talking to many people that I see with kids on the streets. Most of them are expats. I am amazed at how many people have come so far to live here for work and at how long they stay. Many people I have talked to have been here for years or are staying for years. I also met a family today who has been here for four weeks for the birth of their child. They are from Holland, live in Vietnam, and came to Singapore to have their second baby. The medical care here is much better than that of surrounding countries.

Brandon and I had a really nice ending to our day. I took him to the pool and to see the tennis courts in our building. Three older boys were playing tennis, and I knew that Brandon would be thrilled to see "balls". The boy's mother was there with them, and she was so friendly. They just moved here from Tokyo, and they will be here for three years. The mother loved Brandon and gave him their beach ball. He was in Heaven! I am so thankful to have met some nice people today. This particular woman even called me this evening to ask me if I need anything since she was making a trip to the grocery. How wonderful!

New things from Brandon - His new word is "more". He also told me "Ma Ba" today. He wanted me to play pass with his ball. Brandon is also enjoying the furniture we have here. The couches are a little lower than our couches at home, and Brandon is able to climb up onto the couch all by himself. Now, we have to worry about him falling off of the couch. We've had to place pillows on the ground to cushion him when he climbs/falls off. Brandon is also pushing the kitchen table chairs around.

Brandon just went to bed, so I think I'm off to bed in a few minutes. I am doing so much walking, talking, and thinking, and I am exhausted! Until next time!