To fly or not?

Our last overseas trip with Iden was to Perth in September last year. Having had the experience of travelling overseas with a child, ipapa and I decide that it is time we venture farther. Also, we wanted to get away from Singapore before Ilis is out as we know we may not be able to travel for a while. It was a tough decision to decide on the destination. Our aim for this trip is for us to relax and enjoy our time as a family. After thinking hard and the irresitible offer of airfare, we choose to visit Darmstadt in Germany. Ipapa stayed in Darmstadt for a while before and he has friends there. So, this trip will be easy since we already know the place well. Tickets have been booked and other arrangements will be made subsequently. The IT family looks forward to our next overseas trip from 13 to 21 April 2006! Yeah!!

Work out at the Botanic Gardens

At last, ipapa finished his Retention Training, so need not wake up early on a Sunday morning to report to the camp. The IT family decided to do something different on a nice beautiful Sunday morning.

As usual, Iden woke us up early with his constant nagging of milk. After that, ipapa prepared some ham and cheese sandwiches (hmm... imama's favourite!) and after some packing, we set off to the Botanic Gardens.

We reached the Gardens at about 9 am and it was not crowded as yet. We found a nice spot, by the pond, to sit down and have a picnic.

It was the first visit to Botanic Gardens for Iden. He was so excited and was busy walking around to feel the wet grass on his feet and smell the nice morning dew. Iden enjoyed himself so much - walking up and down the slopes, playing with balls and other kids, staring at the dogs, or simply sat at the mat and ate his biscuits!

After an hour of non-stop action, it was obvious that he was tired but contended. By the time we reached home and took his shower, Iden could not fight the zzzz monster and had a good long afternoon nap. Think he must be having a sweet dream, thinking about his next trip to the Botanic Gardens again.

Red spots

We noticed some red spots on Iden's face when we woke up this morning. 15 spots, to be exact. With the rise in HFMD cases in Singapore lately, we are kind of worried. I keep telling ipapa that Iden is not down with HFMD as the spots are mainly on his cheeks and not on his hands or feet. Also, he does not have ulcers in his mouth, so should not be HFMD.

We then begin to speculate what could be the causes of the spots. Finally, we decide to blame it on either mosquitoes, bed bugs or ants. Well, we can't do much except to apply aloe vera gel for him every night.

Poor Iden, his once smooth and clear face is now 'destroyed' by ugly red spots! Oh, how I wish the spots disappear soon.....

Iden's sister

Iden is going to have a little sister come August. To follow the family tradition, we have decided to name her Ilis. And of course, to be fair, ipapa has created a blog for her too! Here's the address:

http://www.ichliebeichschoen.blogspot.com/

Feel free to take a look (though it may not be so nice now)!

Book worm

It was a normal Saturday morning. Trying to do something different, the IT family went to the National Library at Toa Payoh Central to apply a membership for Iden. The procedure was fast and easy. We even got a free tote bag when we borrowed 4 books as a start!

You see, Iden seems to like reading (or rather, looking at the pictures) nowadays. He will point to the pictures and signal to either of us to read to him. That's where he learnt a few new terms like star and ball.

Knowing that his other interest is on cars and wheels, we borrowed a book on trucks for him. Tell you, he loves that book so much that he is flipping through the pages at every opportunity! What a little book worm we have in the family.

A happy family

It has been quite a while since the IT family dress up and have a family picture taken. Well, we did have a chance on Valentine's Day. It was my sister's wedding day, that's why we were all dressed up for that occasion.

For your information, the vest that Iden is wearing is hand-knitted by imama. It fits him just nice! :-)