Steven while in London - GMT
Grandparents - EST
Chicago Family and Friends - CST
Uncle Ryan - NZST (previously, MST)
Who is on what time? And, what is the date? Who is ahead of us? Who is behind us? So confusing these last weeks! We Skyped with Steven on Sunday. Very weird to have Steven on a different day from us.
Wow. Not much more time here in SG. Can't believe how fast time is moving now. I am ready to get back to Chicago, but I am also anxious. After this experience, what will I think of Chicago? Will the newness of being back in Chicago wear off? Will we long for more adventures? We miss our family and friends back home so much. I'm sure that in the next few weeks, we will all go through a range of emotions!
Looking back over the last six months, I remind myself that it wasn't easy. The first month was exciting. Everything was new. The experience was exhilarating. The middle few months here were much more difficult. Feelings of homesickness. Morning sickness all day long. We had family visit, and we had some amazing holidays in Southeast Asia to break up our time here. However, it was still very difficult. I look back at all six months very fondly. But, again I must remember that it was hard. It took us about five to six months to really settle in with home and friends. And, now we leave. I respect the strength and memories that these past few months have given us.
So, as I write these last blogs from Singapore, I do so with an inner ache. A feeling of relief and excitement. A feeling of great sadness. I will miss many parts of our life here.
On Monday, we went to our weekly playgroup. In the afternoon, we did some shopping. Trying to shop for some items from Singapore before we leave!
Best part of the week - When we came home from shopping on Monday night, Steven was home! He was suppose to return from London on Tuesday morning, but he took an early flight and surprised us! Actually, he scared me. When we came home from shopping, I thought I heard someone inside the apartment, but as it was still locked and the lights were out I thought that I was hearing things. Imagine how spooked I was to see Steven hiding in Brandon's dark bedroom! Oh, my! Great to have Steven home.
The rest of the week involved more shopping and playing with friends.
Brandon loved having his friend Tabitha over for a playdate. He cuddled her, and Laura and I found them kissing in the kitchen! Oh, my! Not yet!
We also started packing this week. Blah! I hate packing and moving. So hard to know where to start!
Friday morning, we finally had my 20 week ultrasound. Just over 21 weeks! I've gained about 4 kg (over 8 pounds). The baby looks healthy and was very active during the scan. Steven didn't get to enjoy the ultrasound as much as he would have liked. We took Brandon with us to this appointment. What was really neat about the ultrasound was that the doctor put on a microphone and talked through the entire scan. He recorded the whole ultrasound onto a DVD for us. We have a short clip of one of Brandon's ultrasounds, but this little baby has received some extra attention here in SG. We not only have this long "movie", but we also have tons of ultrasounds pictures from every visit. It was strange to know that for my next doctor's appointment I will be seeing my doctor back in Chicago. And, it will be right at the start of the third trimester. Wow!
On Friday afternoon, Christine and I visited Chinatown with the kids. We walked around more of the streets than I had been to before. Cute little nicknack shops. We also admired this artwork as we strolled through a park.
We came across this temple. Brandon and Lily chatted from the strollers as we took some pictures.
I also finally had the chance to visit the Maxwell food hawker center in Chinatown. Anthony Bourdain, a well known American author and chef, has a television show called "No Reservations". In one episode, Chef Bourdain visited Singapore and recommended the local chicken rice dish from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Food stall #10 at Maxwell.
Notice that Tian Tian boasts of Bourdain's recommendation on a sign. Also, notice that Tian Tian has been given a rating of "B". The food stalls at the hawkers centers here are given ratings from "A" through "D" - "A" being the best. I think that the ratings are based on food taste and cleanliness. Not sure though.
Of all the food stalls at the hawker center, Tian Tian was the only one with a line! Some local people and some tourists. Mommy and Brandon waited in line for the tasty chicken rice with soy, chili, and ginger sauces. The sauced make the dish!
On Saturday, we took a family trip to the bird park. Steven hadn't been to the bird park yet. While it was my third trip to the bird park, it was my first time in the Lory Loft. The Jurong Bird Park's Lory Loft is the world's largest walk-in flight aviary for Lories and Lorikeets. It is about 3,ooo square meters and 9 stories high.
The highlight was feeding the beautiful birds and getting up close and personal!
We visited the African rainforest in the bird park.
We went for a swim on Saturday afternoon. I love having our pool available. We don't take advantage of it nearly as much as we should, but it's nice to know it's there!
Brandon took a bubble bath after his swim.
Saturday evening, we went down to Boat Quay. Brandon was fascinated with this Salvador Dali sculpture.
We met Liam, Christine, and Lily for dinner on the river. Brandon and Lily screamed in excitement when they saw each other. The two of them have really connected in such a short period of time, as have their two mommies.
Christine and I had a rest while the men let the kids run around for a bit before bringing them to the restaurant.
This is how the daddies do it...
This is how the daddies do it...
We had a lovely dinner at Sukhothai - right on the river. The weather cooled, and we stayed until after it was dark. It's rare we are out that late. Even though I felt a little run down and overdone later that night, it was a wonderful evening!
On Sunday morning, Brandon and Daddy watched a few minutes of some basketball videos. Brandon had to hold his ball while he watched. He was mesmerized just like his daddy. Oh, no!
We did some shopping on Sunday, and we made a trip QB House for Steven's last SG haircut.
This week -
Tooth #15 popped this week. Brandon got his bottom left canine.
Brandon said, "Please, bubbles" when he wanted to take a bath one day.
Brandon said, "Please, bubbles" when he wanted to take a bath one day.
He has also started to scream and yell. Most of the time it is out of pure excitement.
Can't believe we only have one more full week here in Singapore...
