September!

I really can't believe it is already September! August flew by!



This week we spent some time at the Forum, Royce, the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, and some friends' apartments for playdates. We have met so many great people here, and they are what I will miss most about Singapore.



A few struggles this week with Brandon -



For some reason he is having trouble sleeping, especially on this own. I'm not sure if it's because he was sick, and then we went to Cambodia. Or, it could be due to teething. No new teeth yet, but I can tell that the other three canine teeth are working their way out. We've had to do a little sleep training at night again. We've also had to do some of this for Brandon's nap. I usually hold Brandon and sing him to sleep for his naps. This is something that I enjoy doing. But, lately, the second that I lay Brandon down, he wakes up and screams. One day, he cried for 45 minutes before falling back asleep. And then, he only took a 30 minute nap. Long day for both of us. The next day, he cried for 20 minutes. The third day it was just under 20 minutes. It's been getting better each day. Ahhhhh! When we get back to Chicago, I really want to work on getting Brandon to fall asleep on his own for naps. I think that my life will be much easier if he can do this by the time our new baby arrives.



We are also really having to work on the concept of sharing. Brandon is starting to go through a possessive stage. He thinks that he owns all toys - his or not his toys. Some days Brandon is better than other days. He also interacts with other kids differently. Some kids he is more likely to "fight" with. Some kids he just meshes nicely with. We are trying to show Brandon acceptable habits - for example, pushing/hitting is just not acceptable.



This past Friday night, I had my first girls' night out since being in SG. I borrowed a dress from a friend so I wouldn't have to buy one. I just didn't bring many clothes to SG, and I didn't want to wear one of the same things I wear everyday for my night out. My clothes are getting tight, and they don't look quite right on now. I think my baby bump has popped out this past week!



For girls' night out, we met at the Raffles Hotel. The Raffles Hotel was named for Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffles. It is the oldest hotel in SG. We ordered some Singapore Sling's at the Long Bar. This drink was invented at this bar in about 1915. It was quite yummy, but very sweet. Some gin, dry cherry brandy, and benedictine, just to name a few of the ingredients. Great experience. I guess it better be for the SGD$30 it costs for one SG sling!



After Raffles Hotel, we went to Chijmes. Interesting place. Chijmes use to be a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ). Now, the complex is a series of bars and restaurants. Strange to be sitting at a bar and looking up at a beautiful church.



I stayed at the bar for a while but then headed home. I was the first of the eight to leave. (In my defense, I was one of the first ones there.) Hard for me to stay up late when I really need extra sleep right now, and our little man still gets up early even when Mommy goes out. :)



We had a really nice weekend.



I think Brandon is trying to tell us that he needs a little car. He has turned his ball popper into his car. He sits on it and rides around. I think Brandon will be excited to have his cars back in Chicago.





































































































































Unfortunately, we weren't able to go to a first birthday party on Saturday. Brandon had a cold, and we just weren't comfortable having him around the kids at the party. He was still feeling great, and we were still able to go out. Just didn't want him coughing and snotting all over the toys and kids.



We visited Chinatown this weekend. We went into one of the temples there.











































































































































Brandon took a break on the steps outside the temple.





































































































We also treated Steven to the fish spa. Steven said that having all the little fish "eat" his hands and feet tickled at first, and then it felt like little suction cups. Strange feeling, he said. Didn't hurt at all. I'll take his word for it. :)

The weekend also consisted of some shopping. I bought a couple of maternity items.

We also did a Sunday brunch with Liam, Christine, and Lily at the Ritz Carlton. Amazing! Meat, seafood, sushi, cheese, salads, sides... Beautiful desserts, champagne, all you can drink... Everything! Only downside - it was really expensive. At least Brandon and Lily were free! :)

Steven and Brandon had some good time together this weekend. Mommy was busy cleaning and cooking for Monday's playgroup. This week it's our turn to host!

New things with Brandon -

As I mentioned, he loves to color. He always wants to color. He says "color" over and over. It sounds like "olor". Another favorite word - "broke". For example, the crayon is "broke". Oh, and he colored (made a boo boo) on the wall. Oh, the joys of crayons!

Brandon still thinks that Daddy is in the bedroom all of the time. Even when he sees Steven leave for work, he'll often want to look in our bedroom in the afternoon. Just in case Daddy is still in bed!?

One of the cutest things I've ever seen - Brandon has some stuffed animals in his crib. He has never taken an extreme interest in these, but I leave them there. On Sunday, Brandon's nap was so long that I had to go in to wake him up. When I walked into his room, I found him curled up on his belly holding his doggy tightly in one arm. My heart melted. Brandon and his doggy. :)