Little Explorer

Upon checking into the hotel rooms/ resorts, Cavan would first explore the room and test out the equipments...

Checking out Mt Sorak Resort room and phone












Checking out the phone and heater at Pacific Hotel room.

Surviving the Korea trip

Really thank God that Cavan enjoyed himself so much throughout the trip. It was beyond my expectation.

Flight to Korea
Our flight was 1am and it was way past Cavan's bedtime. He was excited about this new experience and was wide awake. Plus Aunt Judy and family were here to see us off, so he couldn't get much sleep before that. It was only when the plane was on the runway that he fell asleep... He didn't have much complain about the air pressure, probably thanks to the pacifier. He did shuffle a few times, as he was unable to stretch out and sleep. Nevertheless, he did not complain.

Korea
He pretty did what everyone did. When people napped on the coach, he napped. When people got off to sightsee, he did (although there were times we wanted to stay in the coach so he could sleep longer). When people ate, he ate. His routine was hay-wired but he was not fussy. He was a good baby travellor. Clem and I were so inspired to bring him on another trip.

I think Cavan enjoyed Waterpia the most. He loved swimming and spent a splashing great time. Other than this, he was just happy to be out everyday.

Korea is family-centric. The parks that we went had strollers for rent. Koreans also love kids. Cavan always had someone coming up to him, to play and talk with him.

So what did Cavan eat?
We were kiasu parents. Brought loads of milk powder, 2 types of cereals (1 for milk feed, 1 for direct feed), biscuits, bread, even Singapore-boiled water. Cavan was able to eat most of the local food- rice, udon, soup, chicken, veg (not kimchi). We had to bring back the cereal. Water-wise, it was safe as long as we boiled. I tried not to give him mineral water.

Although Cavan only paid infant fare (flight plus airport tax only), he was given a share of every meal we had. He had his own bibimbap, ginseng chicken (yes, the whole chicken) with glutinous rice etc. Of course, it was his daddy who downed everything eventually. He got double portion, that lucky guy.

On flight, Cavan was served Gerber's mashed chicken n veg, mashed green beans, banana n custard pudding and applesauce. Clem and I tried some. Yucks and double yucks. Do they really expect babies to eat these?

Cavan was very adaptable. He ate whatever we ate altho we had so much more. I think we put on weight during the time. Cavan, on the other hand, seemed to have lost weight...

The weather was really cold. Was below 5 deg then. 

"Is this really going to be my lunch?" 

With mommy 

Doesn't Cavan look like he's from Shaolin? 

Pic taken at Nami Island, supposedly made famous by Korean Drama "Winter Sonata".

Cavan's fav grandaunt Judy sent us off at the airport with her family. Gave Cavan a red packet as this was his 1st trip by air. She was going to miss him so much!  

Cavan was so excited about the trip! Here he was looking out from the coach's window.

So blessed!

Cavan is so blessed. Knowing that this is his 1st trip by air and the weather is going to be cold, there are so many favours done for him.

My director's PA went specially to buy him 2 sets of thermal wear upon finding out that I couldn't get his size. Not only that, she went back to wash them so they can dry in time for the trip! I was so touched...

Hiro, Clem's brother bought him a cute Winnie the Pooh pullover. It was sooooo cute!

Preparing for Korea trip

Can't imagine there's so much to pack for a little guy! Had wanted this vacation so much after a busy 1st quarter. But this seems to be more work.

Will I get to enjoy myself, or spend time watching over Cavan instead?

Will I get to enjoy the rides, or spend time carrying him instead?

Not forgetting several what ifs:
- what if Cavan cries on the plane and annoy everyone else?
- what if he starts to poo during the flight, or during the journey as we travel to places?
- what if he can't get adjusted to the time and climate? The temperature is about 4-18 degrees C.
- what if the water is not safe for him to drink? And I'm not keen to feed him on mineral water yet.

I checked on the price of items in Korea. A loaf of bread cost 1600 won. A can of beer costs 1500 won. It's cheaper to let Cavan drink beer than to eat bread...

Spotted!

Cavan was due for his MMR in May 06. Meanwhile, we had a few scares.

During Chinese New Year in end Jan, he developed a fever up to 39.4 deg C. His eyes seemed a bit puffy. And spots started appearing all over his body. Measles? Chicken pox? No, false measles. The doc told us.

In end Mar, he had mild fever. Again spots all over his body. What was it? German measles, or rubella, or 3-day measles.

Clearing out clothes

Never have I thought this would be such an emotional activity.

Every quarter (or is it 2 months?), I would clear out Cavan clothes. Those that don't fit him anymore.

As I unfold the pieces, I would remember the little body of my baby boy. He's grown! On occasion, I would freeze at moments of nostalgia...

That day, Dar was clearing the clothes together with me. I don't think guys would share such sentiments, I thought. Maybe it only happens to mommies.

To my surprise, he remarked as he was unfolding a piece, "Do you remember how small Bebe was at this age? So cute!"

At least I know I'm not the only one...

Rear in

Poor Cavan. Instead of celebrating his birthday, the thing we did was to bring him to the doc's.

He had been having fever over Chinese New Year. 39.4 deg C. We brought him to a GP on New Year's Eve. His PD was not open so we had no choice but to visit the clinic.

After CNY, his fever hadn't subsided so we brought him to the PD. If paracetanol and sponging still didn't work, we would have to administer Voren suppository if his temperature continued to rise. It was a little white waxy bullet-shaped thingy.

Dar and I tried to insert into Cavan's anus. Hmm, that boy didn't protest nor cry but he did try to escape. Hey! Wait that little bullet got expelled out of his butt! So hubby grabbed him and I tried again. I pushed it in. Cavan pushed it out. The thing went in and out, in and out. Finally, I gave up. So Cavan got released and quickly scurried off.

How are we supposed to keep it in? Did we do it the right way? I tried surfing the net for more info and instruction. Apparently, there wasn't much info on this.

Later, I found out from my mom that we are supposed to press it in for approx. 5 sec. The wax will melt in the body heat and won't stand the chance of being expelled.

Ah, this thing should come with an instruction, or step-by-step guide. But spare the illustration pls.

Cavan wearing Bernstein's New Year outfit. Bernstein is now 16 years old...

Happy New Year!

Cavan's grandparents were so excited this CNY. Last year, we were in confinement so couldn't go out. This year, they were raring to bring their "prized" grandson around for visits.

Chinese New Year with Yeye and Ah Ngin

Hari Raya Yee Family

Presents

This has got to be one of my fav activities- opening presents! But of course I had to respect the owner of the pressies and leave it to Cavan to carefully tear the wrappers. Come on baby, I can't wait!








A month ago... the same delighted baby opening Christmas presents...

I wish...

Cavan's 1st birthday. With his blueberry and chewy chocolate ice cream cake. So yummy!

A collage of Cavan

Cavan loves doing actions! Here he was, practising "gongxi gongxi" although it's still a month away from CNY.

Cavan's dedication on Christmas Day 2005

Me & Mummy

Milestones

Here are several of Cavan's development milestones that we'd like to remember:'

2 weeks old
- reaches out for objects
- showed interest in books, newspapers, PDA. Got excited by kicking and waving arms when these are shown to him. Can maintain eye contact with these objects for a long while, as if reading contents.
- smiles...

5 weeks old
- same trademark expression when excited: waves arms and kicks legs. When overly excited, straighten arms and legs

7 weeks old
- reaches out for objects and wants to grab them.

8 weeks old (2 months)
- Lifts head when lying on stomach

9 weeks old
- babbles and 'talks' in vocab like "yea", "lah lah". Shrieks when excited

12 weeks old (3 months)
- grabs things. Able to hold own bottle.
- Laughs loudly
- smiles at anyone, even newscaster on TV

15 weeks
- turns from back to stomach
- neck stablilises but still jerky. Can carry upright without needing to support his head.

20 weeks old (4 months)
- flips several times. Head and neck more firm.
- sits with support
- likes to tap on things, on people and kick things

5 months old
- sits in baby chair

5 and half months old
- sings with good tempo and tune "Dada..."
- eats baby biscuits (1st solids)

6 months old
- eats porridge
- starts to scream loudly
- starts to discriminate against strangers
- object permanence
- makes funny faces

Examining the soccerball...

Cavan's 1st trip out of Singapore

We brought Cavan to Grace Retreat at K.L., Malaysia, 13-17 June 2005. Drove as a group and TC & family. Thank God, Cavan did not fuss as we put him in his car seat. Watching the trees pass by and the big blue sky, he got drowsier and drowsier and finally, fell asleep!

After the 4-hour ride (or so), we finally reached Sheraton Hotel.

Cavan had enjoyed his 1st swim at the pool during the retreat. He also had a wonderful time with his friend, Faith, although they had quite an enounter...

Faith: Hey, there's Cavan!
Cavan: La la la la la...












Faith: Hmmm... Is anyone looking?
Cavan: Hm?











Faith: Muaaaarck!
Cavan: *Gasp!*










Cavan: Will mommy scold me?

Passport Photo

This was taken when Cavan was 13 weeks old. We needed a photo for his passport so we looked for one that showed his features clearly. This seemed ok except that the background has to be white. So we did a bit of touch-up.








We also cut off his hair that was sticking out. After changing the properties to suit ICA's specs, we sent the softcopy to apply for his passport. Yep! It went through!

7 weeks old

Instruction:

To stick out tongue, press cheek firmly.

Looking up

5 weeks old