As Brandon was sick before we left for our travels, his sleeping and eating routine was off. The traveling also threw those two things. When we returned, Brandon started sleeping a little better and eating like crazy! Steven said that when he was younger, he didn't like to eat when he was outside of the comforts of his own home and his mom's cooking. It seems that little Brandon takes after Daddy here...
We took it easy on Monday. Jo, Jessie, and Jake stopped by in the afternoon for a short play. Brandon was so excited to play with other children! Since he had been sick and we had been gone, he hadn't been able to play with kids for two weeks. Oh, no! :)
An extremely busy rest of the week. We took a walk along the quays with Jo and went with friends to the Hollandse Club, Royce, Fidgets, and the Forum. Our friends, Arch and Arya, also came over for a play.
Brandon enjoyed wearing Daniel's hat at our Friday playgroup at the Forum. So cool!
We also spent quite a bit of time at the pool this week. Brandon is getting better about not walking and running around the pool. I took some toys down to the pool (sand pail, shovel, cup, ball, etc.), and he actually sat and played on the side of the pool by the steps. At least Mommy could have a rest IN the water next to Brandon.
On Saturday morning, Steven, Brandon, and I took a walk along the quays and had a nice lunch at Brewerkz. As the climate here in Singapore is hot, humid, and conducive to so many bugs, they spray regularly for pests. I have mixed feelings about this... Not sure I would want to live here if they didn't spray. However, something just doesn't seem right about the amount of pesticides they use.
You can tell when a building has been sprayed for pests. It is covered in a cloud of thick smoke!
They spray for pests about once a month at our apartment building. Ughhh!
Saturday night we went to Tammy, Phil, and Jimmy's house for a BBQ. We had an amazing time! Phil is from Australia, and Tammy is from South Africa. They were quite the hosts, grilling up steak, chicken, sausage, and shish kabobs (maybe lamb?). Tammy made a salad and a fabulous potato and pesto casserole. I must get that recipe! We sat outside on their large deck for several hours. Brandon and Jimmy played happily together the whole time. We kept Brandon up too late that night, but what a memorable night! Comfortable outside with a breeze and great company.
On Sunday morning, we made a trip to the zoo. We realized that we should have also bought Steven an individual membership to the zoo. He has also been the zoo several times now.
Sunday night, we ate dinner at a Thai restaurant on the river at Clarke Quay. I had a nice massaman curry. Steven had a way to spicy beef and basil. I'm impressed he could even eat it. I tried a bite, and I don't think I could have handled the heat.
I have been CRAVING curries lately. Japanese curry, Thai curry, Indian curry. I just can't get enough! So flavorful with a little kick. I am also craving sweets. Do I really have to get on the scale at the doctor's office next week?
This past Monday morning our playgroup met at Fidgets. That evening, I watched Jessie and Jake so that Jo could attend a school function. So happy that I could finally pay back the favor! Later that same evening, one of Steven's colleagues came over for a bit. She is also from the Chicago office and was here on a short term committment. She is leaving to go back to Chicago this week.
On Tuesday we joined the mom and tots group at the Hollandse Club again.
Big news of the week - We have a new nephew! Jacob Daniel Ayala was born on August 24th. 21 inches long, 7 lbs and 12 oz. Thick head of dark hair.
So weird not to be there with the birth of this new family member. I was there for both of my nieces' births, and for this one I am about as far away as I can get. Can't wait to meet and hold our new little Jacob.
Some new happenings with Brandon -
He was sitting next to me on the couch one day last week. He lifted my shirt, put his head on my belly, and said, "Ahhh ahhhh, baby." Then, he gave my belly a kiss, put my shirt back down, and said, "Bye bye". So sweet. He "knows" that there is a baby in Mommy's belly, but he doesn't really get it. He has also pointed out that there are babies in Daddy's belly and his belly. So funny.
Brandon has started to take more of an interest in Legos. He'll put a couple together and pull them apart.
If you ask Brandon to "show me night night", he will say "night night" and scrunch his eyes closed as hard as he can.
When talking to Daddy on the phone this week, Brandon kissed the phone receiver. :)
Brandon is becoming more humorous. He has a funny forced laugh that he does. I think he does it to make others laugh. He is becoming more expressive. One of his favorite things to say now is "Oh, my!" Brandon likes to make faces at himself and talk to himself in the mirror. He is also learning how to fuss and fake cry. Very funny little man. I am loving his personality!
Lots of new words - "bubble" and "broke" to name a couple.
Brandon sort of skips now when he runs. Funny to watch. For a fraction of a second, he is airborne with each step. Happy little skipper!
One of Brandon's new activities is coloring. He is actually coloring with the crayons now instead of eating them. On Tuesday, he made his first picture on his own. Our little Jackson Pollock!
